LAST Sept. 22, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) released the results of the 2026 Psychometricians Licensure Exam (PMLE), with SBCA achieving an 81.25 percent rate, 13 passers out of 16 examinees.

The exam was originally scheduled from Aug. 19 to 20 and was moved to Sept. 1 to 2 due to heavy rainfall warnings. The national passing rate was recorded at 91.72 percent, with 14,146 of 15,423 examinees passing across 17 testing centers. 

The PMLE covered 40 percent Psychological Assessment, 20 percent Developmental Psychology, 20 percent Abnormal Psychology, and 20 percent Industrial Psychology. 

Reactions to the Results

Of the 16 SBCA examinees, 15 were first-time takers, and one was a repeater. All 13 passers were first-timers, putting the first-time passing rate at 86.67 percent. Compared to the 2025 PMLE, 40 out of 44 examinees passed, with 39 first-time takers and one repeater, resulting SBCA a 90.91 percent overall passing rate. 

Among the 2026 Bedan Registered Psychometricians (RPm’s) are Jan Margaret Carandang, Mary Angelica Castillo, Ana Lourdes Espinosa, Jeremie Raiza Francisco, Anntoni Ina Milan Francisco, Ron Cedric Franco, Kristel Kate Gotico, Mary Rose Je-anne Hernandez, Janelle Ricaela Ilao, Aronne Jamellah Malabuen, Marchel Joi Mendoza, Angel Marjorie Revuelta, and Anissa Marie Viguilla. 

In an interview with THE BEDAN HERALD, Mendoza, admitted her drill scores during review were low, describing the moment of seeing her name on the list as "super relieving and overwhelming,” with the expectation of not passing.

Viguilla and Jeremie Raiza "Rai" Francisco spent the entire release day at work, unable to quiet her "what ifs." When Viguilla finally saw that she had passed, her first thought was: "Thank You, Lord. RPm na ako!"

Malabuen was confident while waiting but began to doubt on release day when the PRC website was down for maintenance. Her family, friends, and partner were the first to send screenshots of her name on the list.

Hernandez spent the day unable to eat or focus. When she saw her name before clocking out, she called her mother and cried.

Meanwhile, Espinosa was both happy and shocked, her confidence in one subject was low going in, making the result a surprise.

A Plan Postponed

Taking the board exam right after graduation was not the plan for most of them. Espinosa took it a year after graduating, while Mendoza had always planned to take the exam, however, the pandemic led her straight into corporate HR. After four years of working, she took the leap of faith to see whether psychology was still her path before committing to a Master's degree. 

Just like Mendoza, Ilao also prioritized work after graduating until her colleagues, who were already RPms, urged her to take the exam in 2026. 

Viguilla started working immediately but could not let go of the thought of continuing in psychology.

Hernandez, Francisco, and Malabuen said taking the exam was always part of their plan. Francisco became interested when she learned about the licensure exam in college, while Malabuen intentionally prepared for it because she wants a career in the clinical field.

Challenges and Strategies

Their review periods ranged from a month and a half to four months, with most of them balancing review with full-time jobs.

Their strategies varied as well. Carandang spent half her time on practice drills, while Mendoza learned more from reading two hours a day. Francisco particularly used the Feynman technique, and Hernandez used the Pomodoro technique as a study technique to retain the information leading up to the exam.

When asked what the hardest subject on the exam was, most of them answered it was Developmental Psychology. Malabuen struggled most with Industrial Psychology, while Carandang found Psychological Assessment hardest—but it was her highest-scoring subject.

What's Next for Bedans, RPm

Psychology Department Chair, Prof. Michelle Macahilig, said only three examinees did not pass. The small number of takers this year affected the percentage, and the overall rate dipped because the lone repeater did not pass a second time. Last year's batch was larger, reaching more than 40.

The newly passed RPM’s credited Prof. Macahilig, Prof. Ivana Maron, and Prof. Rizalia “RAC” General for their guidance. Espinosa said Ms. Macahilig sent practice drills during review season.

Mendoza shared that passing the PMLE confirmed her path in psychology, while Malabuen plans to pursue the clinical field and Viguilla hopes to help people struggling with their mental health. 

Despite delayed exam dates, long waits for results, and demanding work schedules, 13 Bedans earned their licenses. As the new RPms start their careers, they leave a message for future examinees: start early, find a review method that works, and trust the preparation.