Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination (PNLE) 2023

In the Philippines, nursing plays an essential part in society—nurses are one of the critical upholders of a community’s well-being and health, and the scope of their role is immense. Their work can involve varied settings, and choosing Nursing as a career opens a diverse career opportunity. However, before one can professionally practice nursing in the country, one should be able to pass the nursing licensure exam.  

Years of studying nursing, and it all comes down to an exam to determine whether your capabilities are fitting for a licensed nursing professional. It is the culmination of your schooling and of taking countless practical or otherwise exams. In addition, the nurse licensure exam gauges aspiring nurses’ knowledge and abilities to ensure they can provide clients with care safely. 

What is the PNLE?

The Philippine Nurse Licensure Exam, or PNLE, is the licensure exam administered and managed by the Philippine Board of Nursing and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), respectively. In addition, the exam consists of 500-item multiple-choice questions. It measures your basic nursing level competency—such as basic nursing knowledge, skills, and attitude in different areas of nursing.

PNLE Schedule

The Philippine Nurse Licensure Exam (PNLE) is held twice annually across various schools nationwide. This year, the highly anticipated exam for incoming nurses will occur in May and November. Below are the specific dates you can take note of regarding the exam, according to the PRC official website:  

Coverage of the Exam

The PNLE covers five main subjects in nursing that aim to assess your capabilities as a nurse and to determine if you demonstrate the core competencies expected of a nurse. It includes Fundamentals of Nursing, Maternal and Child Nursing, Community Health and Infectious Disease Nursing, Nursing of Adolescents, Adults, and Aged, and Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health.  

Below are the following subjects covered in the exam:

1. Nursing Practice I – Community Health Nursing

2. Nursing Practice II – Care of Healthy/At risk Mother and Child

3. Nursing Practice III – Care of Clients with Physiologic and Psychosocial Alterations (Part A)

4. Nursing Practice IV – Care of Clients with Physiologic and Psychosocial Alterations (Part B)

5. Nursing Practice V – Care of Clients with Physiologic and Psychosocial Alterations (Part C)

The Passing Rate

Passing the PNLE requires you to score a general rating of at least 75% and a rating of not below 60% on each of the five subjects covered in the exam. However, say, for instance, if you scored higher than the general average but scored below 60% in any of the five subjects, then you must retake that subject only. 

Summing-up

The Philippine Nurse Licensure Exam (PNLE) is the most vital exam a nurse aspirant would need to take to practice nursing professionally in the country. It is a significant stepping stone for all aspiring nurses when building their careers and future. Thus, good luck to all PNLE takers on the 28th and 29th, and God bless all of us from IPASS Processing!