The Professional Regulatory Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy conducts the Occupational Therapists Licensure Examination in various cities across the Philippines. This examination evaluates candidates on a range of topics, including Basic Sciences, General Medical and Surgical Conditions, Occupational Therapy Applications, Programs, Organization, Psychosocial Dysfunction, and Physical Disabilities. In this article, we’ll provide essential information and guidelines for candidates appearing in the December 1 and 2, 2023 examination.
Examination Breakdown
The examination is divided into four main categories, each contributing a specific percentage to the total score:
- Basic Sciences (20%)
- General Medical and Surgical Condition (20%)
- Occupational Therapy Applications, Programs, Organization, and Psychosocial Dysfunction (20%)
- Physical Disabilities (60%)
Candidates should focus their preparation according to these weightings.
Important Instructions
To ensure a smooth examination process, candidates must adhere to the following guidelines:
1. Verification of School/Building Assignments
- Check your school/building assignments on the official PRC website (www.prc.gov.ph) or through posted Notices/Announcements at the PRC premises. This information will be available two (2) to three (3) working days before the examination.
- Bring your NOTICE OF ADMISSION when verifying your school/building assignment.
- Visit your assigned school/building before the examination day.
2. Arrival and Verification
- Report to the school/building assignment no later than 5:30 a.m. on the first day of the examination to verify your room and seat number.
- Punctuality is crucial; late examinees will not be admitted.
- Examinees are required to wear their school uniforms.
3. Necessary Items
On examination day, bring the following:
- Notice of Admission
- Official Receipt
- Two (2) or more pencils (No. 2)
- Ball pens with BLACK ink only
- One (1) piece long brown envelope
- One (1) piece long transparent/plastic envelope (for valuables and allowed items)
- Negative RT-PCR Test Results, if applicable, or Certificate of Quarantine, or copy of Vaccination Card (for fully vaccinated examinees)
4. Prohibited Items
The following items are strictly prohibited inside the examination premises/rooms:
- Books, notes, review materials, and other printed materials containing coded data/information/formula
- CALCULATORS with programmable or embedded functions (especially CASIO FX991ES and CASIO FX-991ES plus)
- APPLE, SAMSUNG, AND OTHER SMART WATCHES, CELLULAR PHONES, EAR PLUGS, TRANSMITTERS, PORTABLE COMPUTERS, BLUETOOTH, AND OTHER ELECTRONIC GADGETS/DEVICES which may be used to retrieve data/information and/or to communicate for whatever purposes.
- Bags of any kind (ladies bag, shoulder bags, attaché case, backpacks, etc)
- Other examination aides not stated in this program.
5. Personal Belongings
All personal belongings must be surrendered to the proctor and securely stored within the examination room.
6. Precautionary Measures and Protocols
Examinees and examination personnel must adhere to the precautionary measures and protocols outlined in Joint Administrative Order No. 01 (s. 2022). These include:
- Limiting travel to a semi-bubble set up of home-testing venue-home
- Observing physical distancing of at least one (1) meter
- Restricting examinees to their assigned seat
- Wearing a well-fitted face mask at all times
- Bringing 70% ethyl alcohol for hand disinfection
- Avoiding close contacts, handshakes, and similar activities
- Avoiding touching one’s eyes, nose, and mouth
- Observing cough and respiratory etiquette
- Avoiding spitting in public areas
7. Additional Requirements
Examinees must also submit proof of full vaccination, RT-PCR test results (for those not fully vaccinated), or Certificate of Completion of Isolation as applicable.
8. Recent COVID-19 Cases
If an examinee has recently contracted COVID-19, they must submit a Certificate of Completion of Isolation signed by a duly licensed Physician, Municipal Health Officer, Provincial Health Officer, City Health Officer, or designated Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERTs) Officer or Barangay Health Worker.
9. International Examinees
Examinees coming from other countries must adhere to the latest quarantine and isolation protocols and guidelines around the time of examination.
Candidates are advised to carefully read and follow the instructions provided in their NOTICE OF ADMISSION and EXAMINEES GUIDE. It is important to note that personal belongings brought by an examinee are their own responsibility, and PRC will not be held liable for any lost items during the examination.
By adhering to these guidelines, candidates can ensure a smooth and successful examination process. Good luck to all examinees!