Once upon a time, I applied for the Architect's Professional Board Exams at the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) down at Maynila. It was terrible. Traffic, waiting in line, etcetera etcetera. I know y'all feel for me my fellow pros. This time, when I went back to PRC to take another board exam, I found that it was super super easy to apply na.
It took me less than 30 minutes to get my Notice of Admission (the final paper you have in order to take the exams). Lucky, lucky you, because I am going to share with you what my experience was. Haha.
[1] Apply online at www.prc.gov.ph. Before, they will let you submit a printed application, but online application is now mandatory at PRC. If you go to PRC and you have not applied online, your application will not be accepted. There are online stations on the opposite side of the street fronting the PRC office, but for security reasons, I recommend you to apply online on your own. Besides, it's super easy. You just need to input your information and follow the directions.
Make sure though that you have your Community Tax Certificate (cedula) information handy because the online application requires you to put those in.
[2] Complete your documents before going to PRC. The documents required are listed as you go through the online application.
Here are some tips:
a. Transcript of Records (TOR). The length of time to get this usually depends on your school. If it is your first time getting your TOR, it takes longer. If you already have a copy of your transcript, you need to make sure that you have your photo printed on it, as well as the words "FOR BOARD EXAMINATION PURPOSES ONLY". I know that in UP, you can just give them your old transcript and a photo, and they will scan it and print the photo on your old transcript in less than 2 minutes. Easy peasy.
b. NSO-issued birth certificate and marriage certificate (for married females). These are the easiest to get. No problem here. You all know the drill.
c. NBI Clearance. I guess it depends if your profession requires this. I suggest you get this one at least a month in advance. If your name hits a match in their system, it would take at least 2 weeks before you get clearance. You can apply online for this too. You will get a final orange paper, half of which will be given to the PRC when you apply.
d. Photocopy all your documents in advance. They're going to get the copies except for the NBI Clearance. But of course, bring the originals because they will cross check them.
e. Make sure all your names in your documents are the SAME to prevent the hassle of going to the Legal Department or not being able to take the test.
[3] Go to PRC. PRC is located at
P. Paredes Street corner Morayta Street,
Sampaloc, Manila
Tel. (632) 314-0026 / Telefax (632) 735-4476
It is very easy to locate as it is very near Espana. I suggest you either commute or bring a driver with you because parking space is not adequate. I went there around 2pm and the volume of people applying was not that bad. Don't go during breaks (12nn or 3pm) as some windows will be closed. That's just how it is.
Now this is important. Bring your own pen, stamp pad and glue.
[4] Buy the Documentary Stamp and Metered Envelope near the entrance. The documentary stamp window is located near the stamp pad area. The one behind the counter will give you a receipt, and it's only P21. Buy it when you enter the complex so that you don't have to go out the main building and lose your position in the queue. The metered envelope can be bought in another window, and it's also P21. You can buy this now, or later, it doesn't matter. Although, you might forget later when you have your NOA already.
[5] Proceed to the main building. It is located at the far end of the complex, opposite the window where you got the documentary stamp. You want to go to the right side where it says "Application Division".
[6] Submit your picture at Window 8 (or wherever they tell you to). You'll need one (1) passport size photo with white background, and your name tag. There's a small makeshift box in front of Window 8 where you will drop your photo. Yes, just drop it there.
[7] Proceed to the Pre-Assessment / Processing area (Windows 5-7). You will submit your documents to the person behind the window. They will check if you have your completed documents, and give you a printed copy of your online application. All you can do is cross your fingers they can access the internet when you get there.
[8] Pay the fee at the cashier.
[9] Get your Notice of Admission from Window 9 or 10.
Yay! That's it. You just check the website or call PRC to confirm the place and time of your exam. They will post it a few days before the actual exam. Good luck!
