An All-In Guide To The Pharmacist Licensure Exam 2019

9 min read

Mar 06, 2019

Didn’t get the chance to take the Pharmacist Licensure Exam this March 6 and 7? There’s another one coming up on August 3 and 4 you can still catch. We’ve got everything you need to know about the exam from application to review to taking the actual thing! Applying for the Pharmacist Licensure Exam has a lot of steps but it’s worth it in the end.

What is the Pharmacist Licensure Exam?

The Pharmacist Licensure Exam is a prerequisite to becoming a licensed pharmacist in the Philippines. The Professional Regulatory Board of Pharmacy and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) hold this test every year. To become a registered pharmacist, you must have an undergraduate degree in BS Pharmacy as well as pass this exam. Pharmacists need licenses to ensure quality control and ethics. You can see the passing rates below.

What is Pharmacy all about, anyway? It’s a branch of healthcare that deals with medication, its study, and helping patients get better through prescription drugs. In order to get through your undergraduate studies, you must accomplish an internship program. This is one of your requirements as well for your licensure application. 

Here’s everything you need to apply for the Pharmacist Licensure Exam

Before anything else, have all your documents at the ready. Mark your planners and calendars for important dates such as application deadlines, your appointment date with PRC, and the examination date.

For 2019, don’t forget these dates and application deadlines!

Start of Online Processing Application Deadline Examination Date Place
Nov. 6, 2018 Feb. 4, 2019 Mar. 6-7, 2019 (Wed & Thu) Manila, Baguio, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Tuguegarao, and Zamboanga
Apr. 4, 2019 Jul. 4, 2019 Aug. 3-4, 2019 (Sat & Sun) Manila, Baguio, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Tuguegarao, and Zamboanga

Now here’s everything you’ll need for your application.

  • Valid ID
  • 2 x 2 picture with white background (for print and digital applications)
  • BS in Pharmacy
  • Certified transcript of records
  • Certificate of internship (signed by dean or program head)
    • Include daily time record and summary of internship details
  • NSO / PSA Birth Certificate
  • NSO / PSA marriage contract (if applicable for married female applicants)
  • Good Moral Character Certificate from any of the following: barangay / school of pharmacy / church / employer
    • Tip: a cedula will do
  • Valid NBI clearance
  • Payment of PHP 900.00
  • PRC Documentary Stamp (PHP 21.00, acquired on appointment date)

How do I register for the PRC pharmacist licensure exam?

Head over to the Professional Regulation Committee’s online registration portal (LERIS). Afterward, follow the instructions on the page and use the details reflected on your birth certificate or valid ID. Check all info before proceeding to the next steps!

  1. Prepare all your requirements (see above).
  2. Register and set up an account on the PRC Online Services (LERIS) website.
  3. Select Pharmacist Licensure on the Examination tab.
  4. Schedule a date and choose a venue for filing your PRC application.
  5. Settle your application fee (PHP 900.00) via PRC Cashier (over-the counter on the day of your appointment), Landbank (online payment), or UCPB.
  6. Print your accomplished application form.
  7. Proceed to PRC on your appointment date in order to submit your requirements.
  8. Receive your Notice of Admission (NOA) together with your Program of Examination.

Here’s a list of PRC regional offices and service centers (in malls and establishments) for when you schedule your application appointment! The system automatically generates a date and time for your appointment, so it’s best to block off that time immediately. You can only reschedule your time slot once per transaction. PRC also has a no same-day appointment policy, meaning you need to apply and schedule way ahead and in advance.

Don’t forget your PRC account after the exam. You’ll still need it to access other services on the website, like processing and renewing your professional license!

Also, keep yourself updated because PRC announces room assignments days before your exam.

What should I review for the Pharmacist Licensure Exam?

The Pharmacist Licensure Exam takes place over 2 days and consists of 6 modules (600 total items in multiple choice). To pass, exam takers should get a grade of 75% or higher with no ratings of 50% in more than 2 modules. Here’s the breakdown of each module and what you can expect from the exam.

Module Coverage Percentage
1. Pharmaceutical Chemistry Inorganic Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry 

Organic Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry

Qualitative Pharmaceutical Chemistry

20%
2. Pharmacognosy Plant Chemistry 

Biochemistry

15%
3. Practice of Pharmacy Compounding and Dispensing Pharmacy 

Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy

Pharmaceutical Calculations

17.5%
4. Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics Toxicology 

Incompatibilities and Adverse Drug Reactions

15%
5. Pharmaceutics Manufacturing Pharmacy 

Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms

Physical Pharmacy

Jurisprudence and Ethics

17.5%
6. Quality Assurance & Quality Control Microbiology and Public Health 

Qualitative Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Drug Testing with Instrumentation

15%

Any review tips I need to survive the licensure exam?

For one, familiarize yourself with the Periodic Table and the medicinal uses of the elements. Module 1 is the heaviest, in terms of overall score—it’s 20% of your exam grade—as well as information to retain. One thing to note, in particular, is you need to be aware of recent and hot medical issues. Recently released drugs or news about the pharmaceutical industry may pop up in your exam.

By all means, you can enroll yourself at a review center since these subjects are very information-heavy. There are two Pharmacy review centers you can look into, namely, Manor Review Center and Brex Pharmacy Review. But don’t stop there! Self-reviewing and doing extra research also does wonders. Pick up a review book from your nearby bookstore, compile your notes and readings from college, and set yourself up with some super study sessions before the exam.

What do I do on the day of my examination?!

Calm down, kid! Easy does it. Take a deep breath. Drink water and also eat something before you go.

Know your room assignment beforehand and get there early on the day of!

PRC announces the room assignments days before each licensure examination. Make sure to check their website regularly the week before your exam date.

Save yourself the headache and get there 1 hour and 30 minutes before your exam time. So, if it starts at 8:00am be there at 6:30am. That way, you can find your room and seat. Latecomers won’t be let in.

Dress Code: What do I wear?

For girls, come in a plain white blouse or collared shirt. The shirt needs to be plain, no logos, marks, or prints. You may wear either slacks or a skirt.

Meanwhile, for guys, wear a plain white polo with a collar. No logos or marks as well. Match it with slacks or decent pants.

Requirements: What should I bring?

Here’s a list of stuff you have to bring according to PRC. Note that talking or borrowing stuff during the exam is strictly prohibited.

  • Notice of Admission (NOA)
  • Official Receipt
  • No. 1 or 2 pencils
  • Black ballpens
  • Metered-Stamped Window Mailing Envelope
  • Long Brown Envelope
  • Long Plastic Envelope

Bonus: You’re allowed to bring food (thank you lord?!) as long as it’s in a transparent bag.

Prohibitions: What can’t I have with me inside the exam room?

Obviously, cheating during the Pharmacist Licensure Exam is a huge offense and can get you kicked out of the room. This will, of course, disqualify your entire application. So here’s what’s not allowed on exam day.

  • Books, notes, review materials, anything with information/coded data/formulas
  • Again, for emphasis, no kodigo allowed
  • Programmable calculators
  • Mobile phones, gadgets, tablets, smart watches, and any communication device
  • Bags of any kind

Results usually come out within the week of your exam. It takes around 2-3 working days for PRC to release exam results on its website.

Be sure to check the PRC official website or the online verification portal to know how you did. Fingers crossed for ya!

What careers can I look forward to as a registered pharmacist?

Some entry-level jobs—or, in other words, jobs requiring little to some experience—include work as a Pharmaceutical Sales or Medical Representative or a Community or Hospital Pharmacist. If you enjoy dealing with people and ensuring their health through the proper prescription of medication, this is the path for you. There’s also work in Clinical or Medical Research.

For those looking ahead into mid-level to advanced positions, you might see yourself in Pharmacy Management, as a Pharmacologist, or in Drug Manufacturing and Research!

You up for the challenge of acing the Pharmacist Licensure Exam? Get started on your career goals even before your road begins. We’ve got an all-new Job Hunting section on the Edukasyon.ph blog! See ya there. 

 

Written By:

Belle O. Mapa

As a child, Belle O. Mapa fell in love with books and fairytales. So she pursued a BFA in Creative Writing at the Ateneo de Manila University. Belle now lives out her passion: writing stories, hosting creative journaling workshops, and advocating for mental health awareness. You can find her chasing productivity tips on Edukasyon PH—or geeking out at your local craft store.

Take care of your mental health

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