Quick Answer: The PRC released the 2026 board exam schedule through Resolution No. 2113, covering 70+ professions from January through December. Major exams include NLE (Feb 26-27, Aug 29-30), LET (Mar 15, Sep 20), CPALE (May 24-26, Oct 24-26), and PLE (Mar 23-24 & 30-31, Oct 3-4 & 10-11).
Introduction
The Professional Regulation Commission released the complete 2026 schedule of licensure examinations on November 17, 2025, through Resolution No. 2113. The calendar covers more than 70 professions — from nursing and teaching to engineering, medicine, architecture, and beyond.
Knowing the exact dates is critical for planning your review timeline, filing your application before the deadline, and coordinating with your review center. Missing the application window means waiting another six months or more for the next exam.
This guide organizes the 2026 PRC board exam schedule by month, so you can quickly find your exam and build your preparation calendar.
January 2026
| Exam | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Consultants Revalida | January 12-14 | Practical exam |
| Architects Licensure Exam (ALE) | January 20, 22 | First offering |
February 2026
| Exam | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Criminologists Licensure Exam (CLE) | February 4, 5, 6 | First offering |
| Mechanical Engineers Licensure Exam (MELE) | February 11-13 | First offering |
| Philippine Nurses Licensure Exam (PNLE/NLE) | February 26-27 | First offering |
March 2026
| Exam | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Technologists Licensure Exam (MTLE) | March 5-6 | First offering |
| Licensure Exam for Teachers (LET) | March 15 | First offering (Sunday) |
| Physicians Licensure Exam (PLE) | March 23-24, 30-31 | First offering (4 days) |
| Civil Engineering Licensure Exam (CELE) | March 26-27 | First offering |
April 2026
| Exam | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midwives Licensure Exam | April 14-15 | |
| Pharmacists Licensure Exam | April 18-19 | |
| Registered Electrical Engineers Exam (REE) | April 21-22 |
May 2026
| Exam | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dentists Licensure Exam (Written) | May 4-6 | |
| Dentists Licensure Exam (Practical) | May 11-18 | Extended practical |
| Certified Public Accountants Licensure Exam (CPALE) | May 24, 25, 26 | First offering (3 days) |
June 2026
| Exam | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapists Licensure Exam | June 2-3 | |
| Occupational Therapists Licensure Exam | June 4 | |
| Architects Licensure Exam (ALE) | June 8, 10 | Second offering |
July 2026
Mid-year transition period. Check PRC website for smaller exams scheduled in this month.
August 2026
| Exam | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Criminologists Licensure Exam (CLE) | August 1, 2, 3 | Second offering |
| Mechanical Engineers Licensure Exam (MELE) | August 7-9 | Second offering |
| Medical Technologists Licensure Exam (MTLE) | August 15-16 | Second offering |
| Psychologists/Psychometricians Exam | August 19-20 | |
| Philippine Nurses Licensure Exam (PNLE/NLE) | August 29-30 | Second offering |
September 2026
| Exam | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Social Workers Licensure Exam (SWLE) | September 9-11 | |
| Licensure Exam for Teachers (LET) | September 20 | Second offering (Sunday) |
| Civil Engineering Licensure Exam (CELE) | September 26-27 | Second offering |
October 2026
| Exam | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians Licensure Exam (PLE) | October 3-4, 10-11 | Second offering (4 days) |
| Optometrists Licensure Exam (Practical) | October 5-9, 12 | |
| Chemists Licensure Exam | October 13-14 | |
| Electronics Engineers Licensure Exam (ECE) | October 17-18 | |
| Certified Public Accountants Licensure Exam (CPALE) | October 24, 25, 26 | Second offering (3 days) |
November 2026
| Exam | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Medicine Licensure Exam | November 4-6 |
December 2026
| Exam | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculturists Licensure Exam (LEA) | December 1-3 | |
| Occupational Therapists Licensure Exam | December 4 | Second offering |
| Radiologic Technologists Licensure Exam | December 10-11 |
How to Apply for PRC Board Exams
The application process is the same for all PRC-administered exams:
Step 1: Create a PRC LERIS Account
Register at the PRC LERIS (Licensure Examination and Registration Information System) online portal. Complete your personal information and upload required documents.
Step 2: File Your Application Online
During the published application period, log into LERIS and submit your exam application. Select your preferred testing center.
Step 3: Submit Physical Documents
Visit a PRC Regional Office or Offsite Service Center to submit original documents for verification. Bring:
- NSO/PSA Birth Certificate
- Transcript of Records with Special Order
- Diploma (certified true copy)
- Passport-sized photos
- Valid government ID
- Payment of examination fee
Step 4: Receive Your Notice of Admission
Once approved, your Notice of Admission will be available online. Print it and bring it to the exam.
Key Reminders for 2026 Board Exam Takers
Apply Early
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Testing centers in major cities (Manila, Cebu, Davao) fill up fast. Do not wait until the last week of the application period.
Check for Schedule Changes
The PRC occasionally revises exam dates due to holidays, natural disasters, or policy changes. Monitor the official PRC website (www.prc.gov.ph) and your LERIS account for announcements.
Plan Your Review Timeline
Count backward from your exam date. Most board exams require 3-6 months of structured review. For the CPALE, plan at least 6 months. For the CSE, 4-6 weeks may suffice.
Prepare for Testing Center Rules
All PRC exams prohibit electronic devices, programmable calculators, smart watches, and unauthorized materials in the testing room. Bring only what is listed in your Notice of Admission.
Know the Conditional Passing Rules
Some exams (like the CPALE) have conditional credit provisions. Others (like the NLE) do not — you either pass or retake everything. Know your exam's specific passing criteria before test day.
Major Exams at a Glance
| Profession | First Offering | Second Offering | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurses (NLE) | Feb 26-27 | Aug 29-30 | 2 |
| Teachers (LET) | Mar 15 | Sep 20 | 1 |
| CPAs (CPALE) | May 24-26 | Oct 24-26 | 3 |
| Physicians (PLE) | Mar 23-31 | Oct 3-11 | 4 |
| Civil Engineers | Mar 26-27 | Sep 26-27 | 2 |
| Criminologists | Feb 4-6 | Aug 1-3 | 3 |
| Mechanical Engineers | Feb 11-13 | Aug 7-9 | 3 |
| Med Techs | Mar 5-6 | Aug 15-16 | 2 |
| Architects | Jan 20, 22 | Jun 8, 10 | 2 |
| Electrical Engineers | Apr 21-22 | — | 2 |
| Pharmacists | Apr 18-19 | — | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the official PRC exam schedule?
The official schedule is posted at www.prc.gov.ph under "Schedule of Examinations." It was released through PRC Resolution No. 2113.
Can I take two different board exams in 2026?
Yes, as long as the exam dates do not overlap and you meet the requirements for both professions.
What if I miss the application deadline?
You will need to wait for the next offering. Most major exams are offered twice a year (first and second semester).
Are exam dates the same nationwide?
Yes. PRC exams are administered simultaneously across all authorized testing centers on the same dates.
How soon are results released?
It varies by exam. The NLE and LET typically release results within 5-40 working days. The CPALE releases within 5-6 working days.
Is the PRC exam schedule subject to change?
Yes. The PRC reserves the right to adjust dates. Always verify the current schedule on the official PRC website before making travel or accommodation plans.
Do I need to be a Filipino citizen to take PRC board exams?
Most exams require Filipino citizenship. Some exceptions exist for foreign nationals under specific laws or treaties. Check the requirements for your specific exam.
Where are the testing centers located?
Testing centers are distributed across the Philippines, typically in NCR, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, Tacloban, Tuguegarao, and other cities. The available centers vary by exam.
Plan Your Board Exam Journey
With the full 2026 calendar in hand, you have no excuse to miss a deadline. Mark your exam dates, count backward to set your review start date, and file your application early.
Looking for the right school or review center to prepare? SchoolFinderPH lets you compare programs, passing rates, and locations in one place.