Complete Guide to Passing the Criminology Licensure Examination (CLE)
The Criminology Licensure Examination (CLE) is one of the most challenging professional board exams in the Philippines. Administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Board of Criminology, this comprehensive exam tests your mastery of six major criminology areas over three consecutive days. With a passing rate that has ranged from 30-50% in recent years, proper preparation is essential for success.
This guide provides a proven 90-day preparation strategy, subject-specific study techniques, and exam day tips that have helped thousands of criminology graduates achieve their dream of becoming licensed criminologists.
2025 CLE Quick Facts
Exam Dates: Typically March, August, November
Duration: 3 days (6 subjects)
Format: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Passing Score: 75% overall average
Per Subject: Minimum 50% each
Total Items: 500+ questions
Understanding the CLE Exam Structure
The CLE is conducted over three days, with two subjects per day. Understanding the exam structure helps you allocate your study time effectively and prepare mentally for the examination marathon.
| Day | Morning Subject | Afternoon Subject | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Criminal Law | Law Enforcement Administration | RPC, Special Laws, PNP Organization |
| Day 2 | Crime Detection & Investigation | Criminalistics | Investigation, Forensics, Ballistics |
| Day 3 | Correctional Administration | Criminology (Sociology of Crimes) | Corrections, Theories, Research |
Important Note:
You must pass each subject with at least 50% to avoid conditional failure. Even with a high overall average, failing any single subject below 50% means failing the entire exam.
90-Day CLE Preparation Strategy
This proven study plan divides your preparation into three phases, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all subjects while building confidence through progressive practice tests.
Phase 1: Foundation Building (Days 1-30)
Focus: Master the fundamentals of each subject area
Week 1-2: Criminal Law Foundation
- • Read RPC Book I completely (General Principles)
- • Create summary notes on felonies, penalties, and circumstances
- • Study at least 20 landmark SC decisions on criminal law
- • Practice 30 questions daily on criminal law basics
Week 3-4: Law Enforcement & Crime Detection
- • Study PNP organizational structure and NAPOLCOM functions
- • Learn RA 8551 (PNP Reform Act) and RA 6975
- • Master investigation fundamentals and evidence handling
- • Review traffic management and accident investigation
Phase 2: Deep Dive & Integration (Days 31-60)
Focus: Advanced concepts and subject interconnections
Week 5-6: Criminalistics Mastery
- • Study forensic science: fingerprints (dactyloscopy), DNA analysis
- • Master ballistics: internal, external, and terminal ballistics
- • Learn questioned documents examination techniques
- • Review legal medicine and toxicology fundamentals
Week 7-8: Corrections & Criminology Theory
- • Study BuCor and BJMP organizational structures
- • Learn probation and parole laws (PD 968, RA 4103)
- • Master classical, positivist, and sociological theories
- • Understand juvenile delinquency and RA 9344
Phase 3: Review & Mock Exams (Days 61-90)
Focus: Intensive practice and confidence building
Week 9-10: Comprehensive Review
- • Review all summary notes and flashcards
- • Take full-length mock exams (simulate 3-day format)
- • Identify weak areas and allocate extra review time
- • Practice 100+ questions daily across all subjects
Week 11-12: Final Push
- • Focus on high-yield topics and frequently tested items
- • Review RPC Book II (Crimes and Penalties) key articles
- • Light review only in final 3 days - avoid cramming
- • Prepare exam materials and logistics
Daily Study Schedule Recommendation
Morning (2-3 hours): New material/concepts
Afternoon (2-3 hours): Practice questions
Evening (1-2 hours): Review and summarize
Weekly: Full mock exam (Sundays)
Subject-by-Subject Winning Strategies
⚖️ Criminal Law (20% of exam)
The backbone of criminology - master this subject first.
High-Yield Topics:
- • RPC Articles 1-20: General principles, application, interpretation
- • Felonies (Art. 3-10): Classification, stages, circumstances
- • Penalties (Art. 21-45): Duration, application, computation
- • Crimes against persons: Homicide, murder, parricide distinctions
- • Crimes against property: Robbery, theft, estafa elements
- • Special Laws: RA 9165 (Drugs), RA 10175 (Cybercrime), RA 9262 (VAWC)
Pro Tip: Memorize exact article numbers - they are frequently tested!
👮 Law Enforcement Administration (15% of exam)
Focus on organizational structures and relevant laws.
High-Yield Topics:
- • PNP Organization: Chain of command, ranks, units
- • RA 6975: DILG Act (creation of PNP)
- • RA 8551: PNP Reform and Reorganization Act
- • NAPOLCOM functions: Administrative control vs operational supervision
- • Police Operations: Patrol, investigation, traffic management
- • Community Relations: COPS, barangay coordination
Pro Tip: Create organizational charts for visual memorization!
🔍 Crime Detection & Investigation (15% of exam)
Practical application of investigative techniques.
High-Yield Topics:
- • Crime Scene: Preservation, documentation, collection
- • Physical Evidence: Types, chain of custody, handling
- • Interview vs Interrogation: Techniques, legal considerations
- • Traffic Investigation: Accident reconstruction, hit-and-run
- • Special Crimes: Homicide, robbery, kidnapping investigation
- • Modus Operandi: Criminal patterns and profiling
Pro Tip: Understand the step-by-step process for each type of investigation!
🔬 Criminalistics (20% of exam)
Scientific methods in criminal investigation - highly technical.
High-Yield Topics:
- • Fingerprints: Classifications (loop, whorl, arch), AFIS system
- • Ballistics: Internal, external, terminal; rifling, caliber
- • Questioned Documents: Handwriting analysis, forgery detection
- • Legal Medicine: Death investigation, autopsy findings
- • Toxicology: Poisons, drug analysis, specimen collection
- • DNA Analysis: PCR, STR, paternity testing
Pro Tip: Focus on fingerprint patterns - they appear in almost every exam!
🏛️ Correctional Administration (15% of exam)
Institutional and non-institutional corrections in the Philippines.
High-Yield Topics:
- • BuCor: Organization, national penitentiaries, functions
- • BJMP: Provincial/city jails, detainee management
- • Probation (PD 968): Conditions, revocation, discharge
- • Parole (RA 4103): Eligibility, board, conditions
- • Good Conduct Time Allowance: Computation, forfeiture
- • Rehabilitation Programs: Therapeutic community, livelihood
Pro Tip: Know the exact requirements for probation and parole eligibility!
📚 Criminology / Sociology of Crimes (15% of exam)
Theoretical foundations and research methods.
High-Yield Topics:
- • Classical School: Beccaria, Bentham, free will, deterrence
- • Positivist School: Lombroso, Ferri, Garofalo, born criminal
- • Sociological Theories: Strain, social disorganization, labeling
- • Psychological Theories: Psychoanalytic, behavioral, cognitive
- • Juvenile Delinquency: RA 9344 (JJWC), diversion, intervention
- • Research Methods: Survey, case study, experimental design
Pro Tip: Associate each theorist with their key contribution!
Exam Day Survival Guide
📋 Before Exam Day
- ✓Prepare exam permits, valid IDs, and pencils (at least 3)
- ✓Know your testing center location - visit beforehand if possible
- ✓Prepare comfortable clothing - testing rooms may be cold
- ✓Get 7-8 hours of sleep - avoid last-minute cramming
- ✓Eat a proper breakfast - brain needs fuel for 6+ hours
🎯 During the Exam
- →Read each question twice before answering
- →Eliminate obviously wrong choices first
- →Watch for absolute words (always, never, all, none)
- →Answer easy questions first, mark difficult ones
- →Trust your first instinct - don't change unless certain
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Don't leave blanks: Guess if you must - no negative marking
- • Don't spend too long on one item: Mark and move on
- • Don't change answers repeatedly: First instinct is usually correct
- • Don't panic: Everyone finds some questions difficult
- • Don't discuss answers between subjects: Focus on the next exam
Time Management During the Exam
Each subject typically has 80-100 questions to be answered in 2-3 hours. Effective time management can mean the difference between passing and failing.
| Time Block | Activity | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| First 5 minutes | Scan entire exam | Note easy vs difficult sections |
| First hour | Answer 40% of items | Focus on easy/moderate questions |
| Second hour | Answer next 40% | Tackle moderate/difficult questions |
| Last 30-60 mins | Review and complete | Return to marked items, verify answers |
Quick Math for Pacing:
If you have 100 questions in 180 minutes = 1.8 minutes per question. Aim to spend maximum 1.5 minutes per question to leave buffer time for review.
You Can Pass the CLE!
Thousands of criminology graduates pass the board exam every year using these same strategies. The key is consistent preparation, strategic studying, and maintaining confidence throughout the examination process.
Remember: The CLE is not about being the smartest in the room - it's about being the most prepared. With 90 days of focused study and the right techniques, you WILL join the ranks of licensed criminologists in the Philippines.
Your Future as a Licensed Criminologist Awaits
Start your 90-day journey today. Practice with our free quiz above and track your progress!