Thinking of taking the Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE)?
This guide has everything you need—exam dates, subject coverage, study resources, mock tests, and application steps—all in one place!
CLE Additional Details:
- Given by: Board of Criminology
- Conducted by: Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)
- Frequency: Typically twice a year
- Application Process: Online registration via the PRC Licensure Examination & Registration Information System
- Eligibility: Graduates of a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology
CLE Schedule and Important Dates
When is the CLE Exam?
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has officially announced the schedule for the upcoming Criminologist Licensure Exam (CLE).
The application period for the first exam of the year will run from August 11, 2025, to October 10, 2025. Meanwhile, the second exam’s application period will be open from March 26, 2025, to May 27, 2025.
The first set of exams is scheduled to take place on November 10, 11, and 12, 2025. The second set will be held earlier in the year, on August 1, 2, and 3, 2025.
As for the results, the PRC expects to release them on November 19, 2025, for the first exam and on September 16, 2025, for the second exam.
Where are the exam venues for the CLE?
The Criminologist Licensure Exam (CLE) is conducted in various PRC testing centers nationwide, including NCR, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Zamboanga, and more.
Criminologist Licensure Examination Coverage
What are the subjects covered in the Criminologist Licensure Exam?
This outline below helps students like you to review fundamental concepts and practices, ensuring a solid understanding of the critical areas needed for the exam. The subjects include:
Subjects:
- Criminal Law and Jurisprudence
- Law Enforcement Administration
- Crime Detection and Investigation
- Forensic Science
- Correctional Administration
- Criminology
Coverage Review Outline:
- Criminal Law and Jurisprudence
- Introduction to Philippine Criminal Justice System (CLJ 1)
- Human Rights Education (CLJ 2)
- Criminal Law (Book 1) (CLJ 3)
- Criminal Law(Book 2) (CLJ 4)
- Criminal Evidence (CLJ 5)
- Criminal Procedure and Court Testimony (CLJ 6)
- Law Enforcement Administration
- Law Enforcement Organization and Administration(Inter-Agency Approach)
- Comparative Models in Policing
- Introduction to Industrial Security Concepts
- Law Enforcement Operations and Planning with Crime Mapping
- Character Formation1 – Nationalism and Patriotism
- Character Formation 2 – Leadership
- Decision Making
- Management and Administration
- Crime Detection and Investigation
- Fundamentals of Criminal Investigation and Intelligence
- Specialized Crime Investigation 1 with Legal Medicine
- Specialized Crime Investigation 2 with Interview and Interrogation
- Traffic Management and Accident Investigation with Driving
- Fire Protection and Arson Investigation
- Vice and Drug Education and Control
- Technical Writing 1 and 2 (Legal forms and Police Report writing)
- Introduction to Cybercrime and Environmental Laws
- Forensic Science
- Personal Identification Techniques
- Forensic Photography
- Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology
- Questioned Documents Examination
- Lie Detection Techniques
- Forensic Ballistics
- Forensic Report Writing and Laboratory Safety
- Correctional Administration
- Institutional Correction
- Non-Institutional Correction
- Therapeutic Modalities
- Criminology
- Introduction to Criminology
- Theories of Crime Causation
- Human Behavior and Victimology
- Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards
- Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice
- Dispute Resolution and Crisis/Incident Management
- Criminological Research 1 and 2
This Coverage Review Outline serves as a study guide for students preparing for exams in criminology.
This covers key subjects, including Criminal Law and Jurisprudence, Law Enforcement Administration, Crime Detection and Investigation, Forensic Science, Correctional Administration, Criminology
Each subjects breaks down essential topics, from Criminal Law and Jurisprudence to Criminology Research 1 and 2.
CLE Study Materials & Recommended Resources
Are there free online reviewers for the Criminologists Board Exam?
Well, to prepare effectively for the CLE, it is essential to have the right study materials. Below are some useful resources:
- Textbooks & References:
- Criminology Board Exam Reviewer
- Non-Institutional Corrections (2025 Edition)
- Criminological Research and Statistics I: Textbook for Criminology Student (2023 Edition)
- Introduction to Criminology (2020 Edition) Paper Bound
- The Revised Penal Code of the Philippines (2023 Edition)
- Online Resources:
- PRC and Criminology Board Promulgation of the Syllabi of Subjects in the Criminologist Licensure Examination
- Criminology research journals and government publications
- Online review courses and webinars
- Review Centers:
- List of accredited review centers offering CLE preparation
- Tips for self-study and time management
Check out our Helpful Tips Page for expert advice, study hacks, and essential resources to help you succeed.
CLE Mock Tests
Practicing with mock tests is an effective way to measure your readiness for the CLE.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Free Mock Tests:
- Real Exam Feel
- Timed mock exams for each subject area
- Paid Mock Tests:
- Real Exam Feel
- Timed mock exams for each subject area
- Answer keys and explanations
Mock tests show you which topics you’ve mastered and which ones need more attention.
CLE Board Exam Application & Requirements
To sit for the CLE, you must complete the PRC application process. Here’s an overview guide:
Application Steps:
- Online Registration: Sign up on PRC’s online portal.
- Document Submission: Upload the required documents, including:
- PSA Birth Certificate
- Transcript of Records (with Special Order number if applicable)
- Valid ID
- Certificate of Good Moral Character
- Payment of Fees: Pay the examination fee via PRC payment channels.
- Appointment Scheduling: Select a schedule for in-person validation.
- Exam Day Reminders: Arrive early with a valid ID and printed Notice of Admission.
Need a Complete Guide?
Check out our CLE Step-by-Step Guide for a smooth and stress-free application process!
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FAQs About Criminologist Licensure Examination
What is the CLE?
The Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE) is a board exam conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to assess the qualifications of aspiring criminologists in the Philippines.
What are the general instructions for the CLE?
To ensure a smooth exam day experience, follow these general instructions set by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC):
- School and Building Assignments: Check your designated school/building assignment on the PRC website (www.prc.gov.ph) or on the Notices/Announcements posted at PRC offices 2 to 3 working days before the exam.
- Reporting Time: Arrive at your assigned testing center before 5:30 A.M. on the first day to verify your room and seat number. Late examinees will not be allowed to take the exam.
- Proper Attire: Examinees must wear the prescribed dress code:
- Male: Tucked-in white polo shirt with collar (no seal, logo, or mark), and decent pants or slacks.
- Female: Tucked-in white blouse or shirt with collar (no seal, logo, or mark), and decent pants, slacks, or skirt. If you have long hair, it must be tied in a ponytail.
What should I bring on exam day?
Make sure to bring the following items to the examination venue:
- Notice of Admission (NOA)
- Official Receipt (from PRC application)
- Two (2) or more No. 2 pencils
- Pens with BLACK ink only
- One (1) piece Long Brown Envelope
- One (1) piece Long Transparent (non-colored) Plastic Envelope (for storing valuables and allowed items)
- Horseshoe Microscope or Magnifying Glass
What items are NOT allowed inside the exam room?
The following items are strictly prohibited inside the examination premises:
- Books, notes, review materials, or any printed materials containing formulas or coded data
- All kinds of calculators
- Smartwatches, mobile phones, earplugs, Bluetooth devices, portable computers, or any electronic gadgets that can store or transmit information
- Bags of any kind (all documents should be placed inside a transparent plastic envelope)
- Other examination aides not officially listed by PRC
What is the passing score for the CLE?
You need to score at least 75% overall, with no subject below 50%, to pass the exam.
What happens if I fail the CLE?
If you don’t pass, you can retake the exam in the next scheduled CLE. Use the time to review and improve weak areas.
How long does it take for the results to be released?
The PRC typically releases the CLE results within 20-30 working days after the last exam day. You can check the results on PRC’s website or in our Result Page.