Everything You Need To Know

About The Nursing Board Exam

April 11, 2019 Angel Cruz
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Tbh, being a nurse is a challenging profession—but it’s undeniably a noble one.
Growing up in a country where healthcare remains a pressing issue, it’s no surprise that the ever-
increasing demand for nurses shapes the education choices of today’s youth. Did you grow up
wanting to be a nurse, too? (Remember those drawings about your childhood dreams…)
Whether you consider nursing as your dream profession or it’s a tough call you’re still
determined to pursue anyway, we encourage you to read this comprehensive guide on the
Nursing Board Exam. Just in case you decide to embrace the RN life! (We promise you’ll need it
somewhere along the way.)
 

What is the Nursing Board Exam?

The Philippine Nursing Licensure Exam is a standardized test conducted by the Philippine
Regulatory Commission (PRC) to regulate the professional practice of nursing in the country as
provided in the Republic Act No. 7164 a.k.a. the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002. Simply put,
this is the ultimate nurse’s handbook in the country.
If you’re an aspiring nurse, passing the exam is a must before you pursue this profession!
 

What is the coverage of the Nursing Board Exam?

Being a registered nurse requires extensive skills and knowledge in healthcare. Based on the
PRC Board of Nursing, here are the general subject areas that will be included in the licensure
exam:
Subject Exam Percenta

Foundations of Nursing Practice Including Professional Adjustment 20%

Maternal and Child Health Nursing 20%

Community Health Nursing and Communicable Disease Nursing 20%

Nursing Care of Adolescents, Adults, and Aged 20%

Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing 20%

Don’t you go into full panic mode and get lost in a gazillion topics to review just yet! Keep calm
and check out this cheat sheet on the specific topics included in each subject area. (You can
thank us later!)
 

What is the passing rate for the Nursing Board Exam?

To be a registered nurse, your exam rating should be at least 75% with a 60% minimum grade
for each subtest. However, should you make the overall mark but score less than the required
grade in any subject, you’ll need to retake only that given subtest and get a 75% to pass. So give
it your best shot on your first try!
Ever wonder how our aspiring nurses are faring in the exams? Here’s the trend of the Nursing
Board Exam passing rates over the last three years:
Exam Date No. of Passers Total No. of Examinees Passing Ra

November 2018 4,811 12,033 39.99%

June 2018 4,326 9,873 43.82%

November 2017 5,875 12,869 45.65%

June 2017 3,882 11,176 34.73%

November 2016 6,836 14,322 47.73%

June 2016 6,183 14,184 43.59%