The Requirements and Experience of PLE Examination Day

 

The Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), commonly known as the Board Examination for Teachers, is an annual affair with many eager examinees, all vying to become certified professional educators in the Philippines. However, for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) seeking to take the Special Professional Licensure Examination (SPLE), this process carries unique challenges and opportunities. This article delves into the requirements and experiences of those who embarked on the 2023 SPLE journey, highlighting the unwavering determination and resilience exhibited by individuals striving to achieve their professional dreams.

 

SPLE 2023: A Once-a-Year Opportunity for OFWs:

The 2023 SPLE was conducted in various disciplines and testing centers in the Middle East, providing a remarkable chance for OFWs to secure their professional licenses without returning to the Philippines. This annual event is made possible by Executive Order No. 835, s 2009, which directs the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and relevant government agencies to conduct SPLE Board Examinations in select Middle Eastern countries, including Kuwait, to benefit qualified overseas Filipino workers.

 

The Application Process:

To embark on the SPLE journey, all examinees must complete an online application through the PRC’s Licensure Examination and Registration Information System (LERIS). Personal details and necessary information such as mobile number, email address, digital ID picture, and academic background are required for registration.

 

Steps to Register for the SPLE Exam:

• Visit the PRC’s official website (prc.gov.ph) and create an account.
• Agree to the terms and begin filling out the registration form.
• Provide essential information like name, gender, civil status, date of birth, and create an email and password.
• Sign in using your email and password.

For those with existing accounts, the process is more straightforward. Using your login credentials, access your profile, fill out the required information, and make the necessary payments through platforms like GCash.

 

The SPLE Application Fee:

The SPLE application fee for the exam is approximately 2,200 pesos, and applicants can choose their preferred payment methods. Once payment is confirmed, the application form is ready for printing, and a thumbprint and signature must be affixed.

 

Gathering Required Documents:

All required documents, including academic transcripts, certificates, and government-issued identification, must be prepared and submitted through the designated process. OFWs, especially domestic helpers like the author, face additional challenges, such as obtaining permission from employers to participate in the examination.

 

Membership in the Teachers/Specialists Organization in Kuwait (TSOK):

As part of the process, individuals become members of the Teachers/Specialists Organization in Kuwait (TSOK) and pay incidental and membership fees. This organization is pivotal in supporting and guiding OFWs through the SPLE process.

 

The Permission Letter:

To seek employer approval and permission, OFWs may request a letter from the Philippine Professional Organization President, such as Miss Nova Fructuoso Mationg. This letter is a formal request and helps applicants secure the opportunity to take the examination.

 

Notice of Admission (NOA):

After submitting the application and necessary documents, the PRC issues a Notice of Admission (NOA), confirming the approval of the applicant’s board exam application.

 

Preparation for the Examination:

With the NOA in hand, examinees begin an intensive review process. Balancing work and studies becomes a significant challenge, especially for those observing Ramadan, a period marked by long and exhausting working hours.

 

Online Review and Drills:

To enhance their chances of success, some OFWs opt for online reviews and drills. The author participated in an online study led by Sir Melvin Osable Buracho, facilitated by Miss Reymma R. Grande, the TSOK treasurer.

 

The Examination Day:

As the examination day approaches, nervousness and stress take hold. However, with unwavering determination and prayers, examinees remain resolute. They gather the required items, including their NOA, pencils, pens, and sharpeners, and ensure they wear the TSOK uniform and a red polo shirt, as needed.

 

Verification of Documents:

A few days before the exam, examinees go to the embassy for the verification or validation of documents, ensuring everything is for the big day. This process usually runs smoothly, thanks to the support of the PRC personnel.

 

Claiming the Certificate and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID:

After successfully passing the board exam, the next step is to proclaim the certificate of passing and the PRC ID, a critical document for professionals. This process involves complying with the requirements and procedures set by the PRC.

 

Becoming a licensed professional teacher through the SPLE is difficult, particularly for OFWs who face various challenges, including securing employer permissions, balancing work and studies, and navigating complex administrative procedures. However, the unwavering determination, resilience, and belief in one’s capabilities make this journey possible. The story of the SPLE 2023 exemplifies the dedication and spirit of those striving to achieve their professional dreams while working abroad.