Board Topnotcher vs. "Just" a Board Passer

I am a board topnotcher myself, but it never really went in my head. What I don't understand is how not being a topnotcher gets in other people's heads...

The bar exams results are out and my old friend from high school days passed. Congratulations to him and to all the rest who did as well. I am not sure if he topped the bar exams, and if yes, then it's a good thing. But if not, then it does not matter in the long run actually.

Just to note, I have a friend who topped the board exam for Chemistry years ago, yet, sad but true, she still fell victim to the economic recession and job cuts in her company.

I just stumbled upon this article about bar exams and topnotchers (Bar Exam: Take It, Pass It and Move On - Carlo Osi). Basically his message is that he wants to tone down the celebration for topnotchers and just celebrate passing the bar exams as it is.

I somewhat agree; the bar exams is no joke and I know people (from schools in the province) who take it, and fail year after year. And I think passing any major exam, be it an entrance exam for a prestigious university, or a licensure exam, or an aptitude exam for future employment, is in itself a major achievement.

However, why does it matter to somebody that other people are celebrating for their own achievements? Is it classic crab mentality? Or envy of what other people have? Understanding this, I guess, requires a higher level of awareness that I do not have right now. I would like to think that my friends were genuinely happy for me when I celebrated my achievement years ago...

How about you guys? Tell me what you think about it.

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More RP board exams abroad considered

by Veronica Uy
INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Despite the dismal performance of first overseas Philippine nursing licensure exam in Hong Kong, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) is considering more such exams abroad, INQUIRER.net learned Tuesday.

“PRC says it is currently engaged in other ‘offshore’ licensure exams,” PRC’s Board of Nursing member Dean Marco Sto. Tomas told INQUIRER.net.

The results of the first overseas exam held in Hong Kong were released Monday. And only two of 90 examinees of the test held in Hong Kong last December 12 and 13 passed. The two successful examinees are Edgardo De Sesto Estrada and Jorlyn Boyayot Gagatam.

Malacanang had instructed the PRC to administer the first overseas Philippine nursing licensure exam in Hong Kong on the requests of Filipino under-board nursing graduates working in the former British crown colony, Sto. Tomas said.

Most of those who requested for the Hong Kong exam were not working as nurses there, Sto. Tomas.

“(The examinees’) work right now does not totally jibe with the expected competencies of beginning nurse practitioners,” the board member said, explaining the very poor results of the exam.

“While PRC through the Board of Nursing prepared well for this maiden exams, the sadly ‘low’ performance may be due to lack of appropriate preparation considering the years of ‘zero’ practice of these nursing graduates,” he added.

To raise the passing rate in future overseas licensure exams, Sto. Tomas proposed that examinees first undergo a diagnostic test for their preparedness in taking the test.

Then, instead of taking review classes, those who are not prepared may be trained by a competent agency like the Philippine Nursing Education Academy, the attached training academy of the Association of Deans of Philippine Colleges of Nursing, he said.

“Better preparation must be made so as not to waste the hard-earned resources of these aspiring examinees,” he added.

The Philippine nursing licensure exam in Hong Kong was conducted a couple of weeks after the November 2009 board exam for nursing graduates in the Philippines.

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Apply for the ECE Board Exam

Here is the process and list of requirements if you want to apply for the ECE Board Exam.

Pre-qualifications for Examination. In order to be admitted to the electronics and communications engineering examination, an applicant must, at the time of the filing of his application therefor, establish to the satisfaction of the Board that:

He is at least twenty-one years of age;
He is a citizen of the Philippines or of a foreign country qualified to take the examination under Section twenty-three of this Act;
He is of good moral character;
He is a holder of the degree of Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering, or such equivalent engineering course from any school, institute, college, or university recognized by the Government or the State where it is established, after completing a resident collegiate course of not less than four years: Provided, That within three years after the approval of this Act, holders of a certificate of Associate in Electronics and Communications Engineering or any allied engineering course or holder of a valid first class radio telegraphy or radiotelephony commercial operator license with at least five years active practice in electronics, communications, or related fields shall be qualified to take the electronics and communications engineering examination.

Educational Qualification / Training / Experience:
B.S. in Electronics & Communication Engineering or its equivalent

Scope of Examination. The examination for the practice of electronics and communications engineering in the Philippines shall consist of written tests which shall cover such subjects as the Board may prescribe.

Ratings in the Examination. To pass the examination, a candidate must obtain an average of seventy percent, with no rating below fifty per cent in any subject: Provided, That an applicant who fails to obtain a passing average but who obtained at least seventy per cent in each of at least one-half of the total subjects given in the examination, may be permitted to take within two years from the date of his examination, another examination on the subjects in which he obtained a grade below seventy percent. Should the examinee fail in the set of subjects repeated in the second examination, he shall be required to take all the subjects in the next examination.

Foreign Reciprocity. No foreigner shall be admitted to an examination or registration as electronics and communications engineer under this Act unless he proves in the manner as provided by the Board that, by specific provisions of law, the country, state or province of which he is a citizen, subject, or national admits Filipino citizens to the practice of electronics and communications engineering after an examination on terms of strict and absolute equality with the citizens, subjects, or national of said country, including the unconditional recognition of prerequisite degrees issued by institutions of learning duly recognized by the Government of the Philippines.1

Penal Provisions. The following shall be punished by a fine of not less than two thousand pesos nor more than five thousand pesos, or by imprisonment for not less than six months nor more than six years, or both, in the discretion of the Court:

• Any person who shall give any false or fraudulent statement to the Board to obtain a certificate of registration as electronics and communications engineer;
• Any person who shall present or use as his own a certificate of registration issued to another under this Act;
• Any person who shall present or use a revoked or suspended certificate of registration as electronics and communications engineer;
• Any person who shall assume, use, or advertise as electronics and communications engineer, or append to his name, letters, or words tending to convey the impression that he is a registered electronics and communications engineer when in fact he is not duly registered with the Board as such;
• Any electronics and communications engineer, or any person on his behalf, who shall stamp or seal any document with his seal as such after his certificate of registration has expired or has been suspended or revoked;
• Any electronics and communications engineer who shall sign his name, affix his seal, or use any other method of signature on plans, technical descriptions, or other documents prepared by or under another electronics and communications engineerÕs supervision, unless the same is prepared in such manner as to clearly indicate the part or parts of such work actually performed by the former;
• Any person, except the electronics and communications engineer in charge, who shall sign for any branch of the electronics and communications engineering work, or any function or engineering practice not actually performed by him;
• Any person holding a certificate of registration who shall engage in illegal wire-tapping and/or theemployment of electronics devices in violation of the privacy of another or in disregard of the privilege of private communications or maintain an unlicensed and/or unregistered communications system or device;

http://www.prc.gov.ph/portal_articles.asp?pid=46&sid=168&aid=1695
photo credit, odinhg

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Apply For The CE Board Exam

Qualifications for Examination. - Any person applying for admission to the civil engineering examination as herein provided shall, prior to the date of the examination, establish to the satisfaction of the Board that he has the following qualifications:

Be at least twenty-one years of age;
Be a citizen of the Philippines;
Be of good reputation and moral character; and
Be a graduate of a four-year course in civil engineering from a school, institute, college or university recognized by the Government or the State wherein it is established.

Seal and Use of Seal. - All registered civil engineers shall obtain a seal of such design as the Board shall authorize and direct: Provided, however, That the serial number of the certificate issued by the Board shall be included in the design of the seal. Plans and specifications prepared by, or under the direct supervision of a registered civil engineer shall be stamped with said seal during the life of the registrant's certificate, and it shall be unlawful for any one to stamp or seal any documents with said seal after the certificate of registrant named thereon has expired or has been revoked, unless said certificate shall have been renewed or re-issued.

http://www.prc.gov.ph/portal_articles.asp?pid=41&sid=129&aid=2285

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Civil Engineering Board Exam Scope

These are the subjects covered by the Architecture Licensure Examination in the Philippines. If you are preparing for the Architecture Boards, make sure you cover all of these in your review:

Unless otherwise indicated, the topics of the subjects shall be effective in the May 1993 Licensure Examinations. The Syllabi shall be fully effective starting on the May 1994 examinations.

A. MATHEMATICS AND SURVEYING

Mathematics

1.0 Algebra
1.1 Set Theory*
1.2 Real Numbers
1.3 Algebraic Expressions and Operations
1.4 Equations and Inequalities
1.5 Roots and Powers
1.6 Linear, Quadratic and Polynomial Functions
1.7 Factoring
1.8 Roots of Algebraic Equations
1.9 System of Equations
1.10Logarithmic and Exponential Functions
1.11Arithmetic and Geometric Progressions
2.0 Trigonometry
2.1 Circular (Trigonometric) Functions
2.2 Trigonometric Identities and Equations
2.3 Solution of Triangles
2.4 Hyperbolic Functions
3.0 Analytic Geometry
3.1 Cartesian Coordinate System
3.2 Functions and Relations
3.3 Functions and their Graphs
3.4 Straight lines
3.5 Conic Sections
3.6 Polar Coordinates
3.7 Transformation of Coordinates
3.8 Parametric Equations
4.0 Calculus
4.1 Differential Equations
4.1.1 Limits and Continuity
4.1.2 Derivatives and Differentiation
4.1.3 Application of Derivatives
4.1.4 The Differential
4.1.5 Partial Derivatives
4.2 Integral Calculus
4.2.1 Theory of Integrals
4.2.2 Integration Methods
4.2.3 Definite Integrals and Applications
4.2.4 Line and Surface Integrals
4.2.5 Multiple Integrals
5.0 Differential Equations
5.1 First Order Differential Equation
5.1.1 Exact Differential Equation
5.1.2 Integrating Factors**
5.1.3 Separable Variables
5.1.4 Homogeneous Differential Equations
5.1.5 Linear Differential Equations
5.1.6 Applications
5.2 Higher Order Differential Equations
6.0 Other Topics
6.1 Infinite Series
6.1.1 Molaurin Series
6.1.2 Taylor Series
6.1.3 Fourier Series
6.2 Complex Variables**
6.3 Vector Analysis
6.4 Matrices*
6.5 Determinants*
6.6 Probability and Statistics
7.0 Engineering Economy
7.1 Present Economy Study
7.2 Time-Value Relations
7.3 Selection Among Alternatives
7.3.1 Present Worth Method
7.3.2 Annual Worth Method
7.3.3 Future Worth Method
7.3.4 Internal Rate of Return Method
7.3.5 External Rate of Return Method


Surveying

1.0 Surveying Concepts
1.1 Uses of Surveys
1.2 Operations in Surveying
1.3 Measurement and Adjustments
1.4 Field and Office Work
1.5 Surveying Instruments
2.0 Basic Surveying Measurements
2.1 Distance Measurements
2.1.1 Pacing
2.1.2 Distance Measurement with Tape
2.2 Vertical Distance Measurement; Leveling
2.3 Angle and Direction Measurement
2.3.1 Location of Points
2.3.2 Meridians
2.3.3 Bearing and Azimuth
2.3.4 Magnetic Declination
2.3.5 Instruments Used
2.3.5.1 Engineers Transit
2.3.5.2 Theodolite
2.4 Stadia and Tacheometry
2.4.1 Principles of Stadia
2.4.2 Plane Table and Alidade
3.0 Survey Operations
3.1 Traverse
3.1.1 Deflection Angle Traverse
3.1.2 Interior Angle Traverse
3.1.3 Traverse by Angle to the Right
3.1.4 Azimuth Traverse
3.1.5 Compass Traverse
3.1.6 Stadia Traverse
3.1.7 Plane Table Traverse
3.2 Calculation of Areas of Land
3.2.1 Area by Triangle
3.2.2 Area by Coordinates
3.2.3 Area by Double Meridian Distance (DMD) and Latitude
3.2.4 Irregular Boundaries (Simpson’s and Trapezoidal Rules)
3.3 Triangulation and Trilateralization
3.3.1 Horizontal Control System
3.3.2 Triangulation Figures and Procedures
3.3.3 Error Propagation
3.3.4 Trilateralization
3.4 Astronomical Observation
3.4.1 Celestial Sphere
3.4.2 Equator System
3.4.3 The PZS Triangle
3.4.4 Aximuth and Hour Angle at Elongation
3.4.5 Time
3.4.6 Solar Observation
3.4.7 Stellar Observation
4.0 Engineering Surveys
4.1 Topographic Survey
4.1.1 Horizontal Control
4.1.2 Vertical Control (contours)
4.1.3 Location of Details
4.2 Route Surveying
4.2.1 Horizontal Curves
4.2.1.1 Simple Curves
4.2.1.2 Compound Curves
4.2.1.3 Superelations
4.2.1.4 Spiral Curves
4.2.2 Vertical Curves
4.2.3 Earthwork Operations
4.2.3.1 Methods of Determining Earthwork Volumes
4.2.3.2 Borrow Pits
4.3 Hydrographic Surveys
4.3.1 Datum
4.3.2 Soundings

B. HYDRAULICS

1.0 Fluid Mechanics
1.1 Properties of Fluids
1.2 Fluid Statics
1.3 Fluid Flow Concepts and Basic Equations
1.4 Dimensionally Analysis and Dynamic Similitude
1.5 Viscous Flow and Fluid Resistance
1.6 Ideal Fluid Flow
1.7 Steady Flow in Closed Conduits
1.8 Steady Flow in Open Channels
2.0 Hydrology
2.1 Hydrologic Cycle
2.1.1 Precipitation
2.1.2 Streamflow
2.1.3 Evaporations
2.1.4 Transpiration
2.2 Hydrograph Analysis
2.2.1 Runoff
2.2.2 Storage Routing
2.3 Groundwater
3.0 Hydraulics, System and Structure
3.1 Reservoirs
3.2 Dams
3.3 Spillways, Gates, and Outlet Works
3.4 Open Channels
3.5 Pressure Conduits
3.6 Hydraulics Machinery
4.0 Irrigation, Flood Control and Drainage
4.1 Irrigation
4.1.1 Water Requirement
4.1.2 Soil-Water Relation
4.1.3 Water Quality
4.1.4 Methods
4.1.5 Structures
4.2 Flood Control
4.2.1 Design Flood
4.2.2 Flood Control Structures
4.3 Drainage
4.3.1 Estimate of Flow
4.3.2 Storm Drainage
4.3.3 Land and Highway Drainage
4.3.4 Culvets and Bridges
4.3.5 Drainage Structures
5.0 Water Supply and Sewerage
5.1 Fundamental Concept
5.1.1 Mathematics of Growth (Population Forecasting)
5.1.2 Environmental Chemistry
5.1.3 Mass and Energy Transfer
5.2 Water Supply and Treatment
5.2.1 Components of Water Supply System
5.2.1.1 Water Reservoir and Storage
5.2.1.2 Water Distribution System
5.2.1.3 Water Containment Structures
5.2.2 Water Consumptions Periods of Design
5.2.3 Pre-treatment Methods
5.2.4 Principles of Sedimentation
5.2.5 Sedimentation Tank Design
5.2.6 Coagulation-Sedimentation
5.2.7 Slow Sand Filtration
5.2.8 Rapid Sand Filtration
5.2.9 The Rapid Sand Filter
5.2.10 Underdrain System
5.2.11 Wash Troughs
5.2.12 The Washing Process
5.2.13 Clear Well and Plant Capacity
5.2.14 Water Disinfection
5.3 Waste Water Treatment
5.3.1 Quantity
5.3.2 Methods
5.3.3 Theory of Activated Sludge
5.3.4 Aration Tank
5.3.5 Biokinetic Parameters*
5.3.6 Clarifiers

C. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

1.0 Statics of Rigid Bodies
1.1 Force System
1.1.1 Concurrent and Non-current Force System
1.1.2 Parallel and Non-parallel Force System
1.1.3 Planar and Three Dimentional Force System
1.1.4 Distributed Forces
1.1.5 Frictional Forces

1.2 Equilibrium of Forces
1.2.1 Reactions
1.2.2 Free Body Diagram
1.2.3 Two Force Bodies
1.2.4 Three Force Bodies
1.3 Truss Analysis
1.3.1 Method of Joints
1.3.2 Method of Sections
1.3.3 Graphical Methods
1.4 Beams and Frames
1.4.1 Reactions
1.4.2 Shear Diagrams
1.4.3 Bending Moment Diagrams
1.5 Related Topics
1.5.1 Moment of Lines and Areas
1.5.2 Centroids
1.5.3 Moments of Inertia
1.5.4 Center of Mass
1.5.5 Center of Forces
2.0 Dynamics of Rigid Bodies
2.1 Kinematics of Particles
2.1.1 Rectilinear Motion
2.1.2 Curvilinear Motion
2.2 Kinetics of Particles
2.2.1 NewtonÕs Second Law
2.2.2 Dynamic Equilibrium
2.2.3 Work and Energy Principle
2.2.4 Kinetic and Potential Energy
2.2.5 Impulse and Momentum Principle
2.3 Kinematics of Rigid Bodies
2.3.1 Translation
2.3.2 Rotation
2.3.3 General Plane Motion
2.4 Kinetics of Rigid Bodies
2.4.1 DÕLambertÕs Principle
2.4.2 Work and Energy Principle
2.4.3 Impulse and Momentum Principle
3.0 Mechanics
3.1 Stresses and Strains
3.2 Material Properties
3.3 Axially Loaded Members
3.4 Thin Walled Pressure Vessels
3.5 Torsional Stresses
3.6 Internal Forces and Stresses in Beams
3.6.1 Flexural Stress
3.6.2 Shear Stress
3.6.3 Combined Stresses
3.6.4 Principal Stresses
3.6.5 Unsysmetrical Banding
3.7 Deflections
3.7.1 Double Integration Methods
3.7.2 Area Moment Method
3.7.3 Conjugate Beam Method
3.8 Statistically Indetermine Beams
3.9 Shear Center
3.10 Curved Beams
3.11 Nonhomogenous Beams
3.12 Impact Loading
3.13 Stress Concentration
3.14 Repeated Loading
3.15 Elastic Instability (Buckling)
3.16 Analysis of Connections
3.16.1 Riveted and Bolted Connections
3.16.2 Welded
4.0 Structural Analysis
4.1 Loadings
4.1.1 Verical Loads (dead and live loads)
4.1.2 Lateral Loads (Wind and Earthquake Loads)
4.1.3 Impact Loads
4.2 Energy Methods for Deformation Analysis
4.2.1 CastiglianoÕs Theorem
4.2.2 Virtual Work Method (Unit Load)
4.3 Influence Lines
4.4 Frame Analysis
4.4.1 Approximate Methods
4.4.2 Exact Methods*
4.4.3 Moment Distribution
4.5 Stiffness and Flexibility Methods of Analysis**
4.5.1 Trusses
4.5.2 Beams
4.5.3 Frames
5.0 Design of Timber Structures
5.1 Properties of Wood
5.2 Design of Tension Member
5.3 Design of Bending Members
5.3.1 Laterally Supported Beams
5.3.2 Laterally Unsupported Beams
5.4 Design of Compression Members
5.4.1 Short Columns
5.4.2 Slender Columns
5.4.3 Spaced Columns
5.5 Timber Connections
6.0 Design of Steel Structures
6.1 General
6.1.1 Properties of Structural Steel
6.1.2 Design Philosophy
6.1.2.1 Allowable Stress Design
6.1.2.2 Load and Resistance Factor Design
6.2 Tension Members
6.3 Connections
6.3.1 Bolted
6.3.2 Welded
6.4 Compression Members
6.5 Beams
6.5.1 Compact Sections
6.5.2 Non-compact Sections
6.6 Beam Columns
6.7 Plastic Analysis and Limit Design*
6.8 Composite Steel and Concrete
7.0 Reinforced Concrete Structures
7.1 General
7.1.1 Properties of Concrete Materials
7.1.2 Design Philosophies and Procedures
7.2 Flexural Analysis and Design
7.3 Shear and Diagonal Tension
7.4 Bond, Anchorage Development Lengths
7.5 Serviceability Requirements
7.5.1 Crack Control
7.5.2 Deflections
7.6 Columns
7.6.1 Short Columns
7.6.2 Slender Columns
7.7 Slabs
7.8 Footings
7.9 Retaining Wall
7.10 Prestressed Concrete
8.0 Soil Mechanics and Foundation
8.1 Soil Properties
8.2 Soil Classification
8.3 Flow of Water in Soils
8.3.1 Permeability
8.3.2 Seepage
8.3.3 Effective and Porewater Pressure
8.4 Soil Strength
8.4.1 Shear Strength
8.4.2 Bearing Capacity
8.5 Compressibility of Soils
8.5.1 Elastic Settlement
8.5.2 Consolidation Settlement
8.6 Soil Improvement
8.6.1 Compaction
8.6.2 Soil Stabilization
8.7 Earth Pressures and Retaining Wall
8.8 Slope Stability Analysis
9.0 Design of Civil Engineering Structures and Systems
9.1 Transportation Engineering**
9.1.1 Highway and Urban Transportation Planning and Economics**
9.1.2 Driver, Vehicle, Traffic and Road Characteristics**
9.1.3 Highway Design
9.1.4 Traffic Engineering and Highway Operations**
9.1.5 Road and Pavement Design
9.2 Airport Engineering**
9.3 Ports and Harbors
9.4 Containment Structures (Tanks, soils, storage tanks)
9.5 Bridges
10.0 Construction and Management
10.1 Engineering Relations and Ethics**
10.2 Contracts & Specifications
10.3 Construction Project Organization
10.4 Planning and Scheduling (PERT/CPM)
10.5 Construction Estimates
10.6 Construction Methods & Operations
10.7 Construction Equipment Operations and Maintenance

You can read more of the detailed guidelines on the Architecture Board published Syllabi.

http://www.prc.gov.ph/portal_articles.asp?pid=41&sid=123



photo credit, wili_hybrid

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Apply For The Architecture Board Exam

Qualifications of Applicants for Examination. - Any person applying for examination and for a certificate of registration as architect shall, prior to admission to examination, establish to the satisfaction of the Board:

1. That he is at least twenty-one years of age;
2. That he is of good reputation and moral character;
3. That he has completed the high school course or its equivalent;
4. That he is a graduate of a four-year course in architecture or its equivalent of a school, college, academy, or institute duly recognized by the Government and in addition has a specific record of at least two years of diversified experience as architectural draftsman, clerk-of-work, specification writer or superintendent: Provided, however, That an applicant holding a Master's degree in Architecture from a school, college, university or institute recognized by the Government or the state in which it is established, shall be credited one year in his practical experience.

Educational Qualification / Training / Experience:

• B.S. in Architecture or its equivalent

1. Two (2) years of diversified experience
2. Logbook of diversified experience.
3. Affidavit of Experience signed by a registered Architect. (FTB)

• Masters’ degree in Architecture with one (1) year practical experience

Subjects of Examination. - The subjects in which applicants for architect’s certificate shall be examined are:

1. Architectural Design.
2. History and Theory of Architecture.
3. Architectural Engineering (Structural Design, Mechanical and Electrical equipment, Plumbing)
4. Architectural Practice and Materials (Building Laws, legal and ethical knowledge and responsibilities, Business and professional functions of the architect, Specifications)
5. Building Materials and Methods of Construction.

Reexamination. - An applicant who for the third time fails to pass the examination for the same grade shall not be allowed to take another until at least one year has elapsed after his last examination.

Seal and Use of Seal. -

1. Each registrant hereunder shall, upon registration, obtain a seal of such design as the examining body shall authorize and direct. Plans and specifications prepared by, or under the direct supervision of a registered architect shall be stamped with said seal during the life of the registrant’s certificate, and it shall be unlawful for any one to stamp or seal any documents with said seal after the certificate of the registrant named thereon has expired or has been revoked, unless said certificate shall have been renewed or reissued.
2. No officer or employee of this Republic, chartered cities; provinces and municipalities, now or hereafter charged with the enforcement of laws, ordinances or regulations relating to the construction or alteration of buildings, shall accept or approve any plans or specifications which have not been prepared and submitted in full accord with all the provisions of this Act. Nor shall any payment be approved by any such officer for any work, the plans and specifications for which have not been so prepared and signed and sealed by the author.
3. Signing of plans specifications and other documents. It shall be unlawful for any architect to sign his name, affix his seal, or use any other method of signature on plans, specifications or other documents made under another architect’s supervision, unless the same is made in such manner as to clearly indicate the part or parts of such work actually performed by the former; and it shall be unlawful for any person, except the architect in charge, to sign for any branch of the work, or any function or architectural practice, not actually performed by him. The architect in charge, shall be fully responsible for all plans, specifications, and other documents issued under his seal or authorized signature. The Board shall make all necessary rules and regulations relating to signing and sealing of drawings, specifications, reports, and other documents registered by architects.
4. Drawings and specifications duly signed, stamped or sealed, as instruments of service, are the property and documents of the Architect, whether the object for which they are made is executed or not. It shall be unlawful for any person, without the written consent of the architect or author of said documents, to duplicate or to make copies of said documents for use in the repetition of and for other projects or buildings, whether executed partly or in whole.

Suspension and Revocation of Certificates. - The Board shall have the power, upon notice and hearing, to suspend and revoke any certificate of registration of any registrant for any cause specified in the preceding section, or for the use or perpetration of any fraud or deceit in obtaining a certificate of registration, or for gross negligence or incompetency or for unprofessional or dishonorable conduct; Provided, however, That such action of the Board shall be subject to appeal to the Secretary of Public Works and Communications31 whose decision shall be final. It shall be sufficient ground for the revocation of a certificate issued to a person under this Act for unprofessional or dishonorable conduct, if:

1. He has signed, and affixed or permitted to be signed or affixed his name or seal on any plans, designs, specifications, drawings, technical reports, valuation, estimate, or other similar documents or work not prepared by him, or not executed under his immediate supervision, or
2. Has paid money except the regular fees provided for, to secure a certificate of registration; or
3. Has falsely impersonated a practitioner, or former practitioner of a like or different name, or has practiced under an assumed, fictitious or corporate name other than that of the registered;
4. Has aided or abetted in the practice of architecture any person not duly authorized to practice architecture in the Philippines.

Corporations Cannot Register.- The practice of architecture is a professional service, admission to which shall be determined upon the basis of individual, personal qualifications. No firm, company, partnership, association or corporation may be registered or licensed as such for the practice of architecture: Provided, however, That persons properly registered and licensed as architects may, among themselves or with a person or persons properly registered and licensed as civil engineers, form, and obtain registration of, a firm, partnership or association using the term “Architects” or “Architects and Engineers,” but, nobody shall be a member or partner of such firm, partnership or association unless he is a duly registered and licensed architect or civil engineer, and the members who are architects shall only render work and services proper for an architect as defined in this Act, and members who are civil engineers shall also only render work and services which are proper for a civil engineer as defined under the law regulating the practice of civil engineering;3 individual members of such firm, partnership or association shall be responsible for their respective acts.

Reciprocity Requirements.- No person who is not a citizen of the Philippines at the time he applies to take the examination shall be allowed to take it unless he can prove in the manner provided by the Rules of Court that, by specific provision of law, the country of which he is a citizen, subject, or national either admits citizens of the Philippines to the practice of the same profession without restriction or allows them to practice it after an examination on terms of strict and absolute equality with citizens, subjects, or nationals of the country concerned, including the unconditional recognition of degrees issued by institution of learning duly recognized for the purpose by the Government of the Philippines: Provided, That if he is not a citizen of the Philippines, and was admitted to the practice of a profession in the Philippines after December 8, 1941, his active practice in that profession either in the Philippines or in the state or country where he was practicing his profession, shall not have been interrupted for a period of two years or more prior to July 4, 1946, and that the country or state from which he comes allows the citizens of the Philippines by specific provision of law, to practice the same profession without restriction or on terms of strict and absolute equality with citizens, subjects or nationals of the country or state concerned.

http://www.prc.gov.ph/portal_articles.asp?pid=10&sid=20&aid=2074

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Architecture Board Exam Scope

These are the subjects covered by the Architecture Licensure Examination in the Philippines. If you are preparing for the Architecture Boards, make sure you cover all of these in your review:

Promulgation of the Syllabi for the Subjects in the Architecture Licensure Examination

PREAMBLE

1. The following syllabi are intended to guide prospective candidates in preparation for the Architecture Licensure Examination. In general, they cover areas in which examinees are expected to have knowledge, understanding, and competencies when they start to practice the architectural profession.

2. The general coverage of the examination is divided into three major areas with their corresponding weights as follows:
a. History and theory of architecture; principles of planning; architectural practice (30%)
b. Structural design; building materials and construction; utilities (30%)
c. Architectural design and site planning (40%)

3. Each major area is subdivided into specific sub areas or concerns, as well as their corresponding rationale and description.

4. These syllabi shall be made available to all recognized schools of architecture in the country, the United Architects of the Philippines, and other concerned entities.

You can read more of the detailed guidelines on the Architecture Board published Syllabi.

http://www.prc.gov.ph/portal_articles.asp?pid=10&sid=74

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Apply For The CPA Board Exam

Admission Requirements for Examinations. No person shall be admitted to the examination unless he is:

• a citizen of the Philippines;
• of good moral character;
• is a holder of the degree of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy conferred by a school, college, academy or institute duly recognized and/or accredited by the CHED or other authorized government offices; and
• has not been convicted of any criminal offense involving moral turpitude.

Educational Qualification / Training / Experience:

• B.S. in Accountancy or its equivalent
• BSC, BBA, BSBA graduates as of Dec. 1994 with certificate of units earned.

Scope of Examination. The examinations shall be in writing and shall cover the following subjects with the corresponding weight in units unless otherwise modified by the Board upon approval of the Professional Regulation Commission.

Subjects	Weight in Units	Minimum Hours
Theory of Accounts	2	3
Business Law and Taxation	2	3
Management Services	2	3
Auditing Theory	2	3
Auditing Problems	2	3
Practical Accounting Problems I	2	3
Practical Accounting Problems II	2	3
TOTAL	14	21

The contents and coverage of these subjects shall be in accordance with the outline or syllabus prepared and issued by the Board of Accountancy containing the following:

Theory of Accounts - Accounting terminology, accounting principles and procedures, classification of accounts, valuation of assets and liabilities, income determination, developments in the science of accountancy, etc.

Business Law and Taxation - One-half on the subject of business law covering obligation and contracts, partnerships and corporations, negotiable instruments and other phases of the legal framework of business, and the other half on taxation dealing on income tax, business taxes, transfer taxes, and other taxes affecting accounting practice.

Management Services Ð Principles and procedures, methods, and techniques involved in management consulting services that may be rendered by Certified Public Accountants in areas such as managerial accounting, planning and control operations, design and appraisal of accounting systems, and financial -management related services.

Auditing Theory - Auditing concepts, auditing standards, internal control, auditing procedures and techniques, and the short-form audit report.

Auditing Problems - Problems on the application of auditing standards, techniques and procedures, preparation of working papers, completion of the audit, and preparation of audit report.

Practical Accounting I - Problems concerning financial statements and accounting for assets, liabilities and stockholder’s equity.

Practical Accounting II - Problems pertaining to partnership, joint ventures, fire insurance on the insured’s books, consignments, installment sales, agencies and branches, business combinations, cost accounting, financial analysis, and government accounting.

Examination Rating. - A candidate for the examination obtaining a general weighted average of seventy-five percent and above shall be entitled to registration as certified public accountant and as such shall receive a certificate of registration from the Board of Accountancy; Provided, That in no case should the rating on any subject be less than sixty-five percent. In the event a candidate obtains the rating of seventy-five percent and above in at least four (4) subjects having a combined weight of eight (8) units as provided for in this Act, he shall receive a conditional credit for the subjects passed; Provided, However, That such candidates shall take an examination in the remaining subjects within two years from the preceding examination; Provided further, That if the candidate fails to obtain at least a general weighted average of seventy-five percent and a rating of at least sixty-five percent in each of the subjects reexamined, he shall be considered as failed in the entire examination.

Failing candidates to take refresher course. Any candidate who fails in two complete Certified Public Accountant board examinations shall be disqualified from taking another set of examination unless he submits evidence to the satisfaction of the Board of Accountancy that he has enrolled in and completed at least twenty-four units of subjects given in Certified Public Accountant Examinations.

For purposes of this Law, the examinations in which the candidate was conditioned together with the removal examination on the subject in which he failed shall be counted as one complete examination.

Limitations on the Practice of Public Accountancy. Single practitioners and partnerships for the practice of public accountancy shall be registered certified public accountants in the Philippines: Provided, That from the effectivity of this Act, a certificate of accreditation shall be issued to certified public accountants in public practice only upon showing, in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the Board and approved by the Commission, that such registrant has acquired a minimum of three (3) years meaningful experience in any of the areas of public practice including taxation: Provided, further, That this requirement shall not apply to those already granted a certificate of accreditation prior to the effectivity of this Act. The Securities and Exchange Commission shall not register any corporation organized for the practice of public accountancy.

http://www.prc.gov.ph/portal_articles.asp?pid=34&sid=82&aid=2287

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How To Prepare For The Board Exam

After applying for the board exam, you need to make sure you prepare all things necessary to be successful come examination day. Take note of the exam date and venue. Remember what you need to bring with you. Also, try to find out how the board exam process flow will be. Try to learn in advance how to fill-up the examinee information sheets to minimize careless mistakes. And of course, make sure you study all the subjects in the scope of examination. If you think you need to enroll in a review center, then do so.

Take note of the following posts below for the other preparations needed.

• After Filing your Application
• Examination Day Preparation
• Board Exam General Instructions
• Board Exam Allowable Calculators
• Board Exam Answer Sheets
• Prohibited Acts Inside The Examination Room

Good luck in your upcoming board examinations! It will not be easy, but you can do it if you are well prepared.

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After Filing your Application

Secure a copy of the Program of Examination from the Application Division or Customer Service Center. (This is FREE)

Your school / building assignment will be posted one or two days before the first day of the examination.

Visit your school/building assignment for environment and transport familiarization.

source: http://www.prc.gov.ph/articles.asp?sid=31&aid=960

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Examination Day Preparation

What to Bring on Examination Days?

• Notice of Admission
• Application Stub
• PRC Official Receipt
• Two or more pencils (No.2)
• Ballpens with BLACK INK ONLY
• One (1) piece Metered-Stamp Window Envelope
• One (1) piece Long Brown Envelope
• One (1) piece Long Transparent (non -colored) Plastic Envelope (to keep above items)

What to Wear on Examination Days

• MALE - school uniform/white polo shirt or T-shirt (tucked-in)
• FEMALE – school uniform / white blouse or T-shirt
• For Marine Deck and Engineer Officers – prescribed Merchant Marine uniform with appropriate shoulder board.

source: http://www.prc.gov.ph/articles.asp?sid=31&aid=967

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Board Exam General Instructions

General Instructions To Examinees
Report to the Test Center before 6:30 a.m. on the first day of examination to verify your room and seat numbers.

Late examinees will not be admitted.

Attend to your personal needs before the start of examination in every subject. No examinee will be allowed to go out of the examination room while the examination is in progress.

Always put your answer sheet on top of the armchair while taking the examination.

Stop answering the test questions at the end of the time alloted for the subject. Arrange your test papers as follows:

1. Notice of Admission;
2. Answer Sheet; and
3. Test Questionnaire

Do not leave the room until

1. your answer sheet and test question set are received by the room watchers,
2. you have signed, indicated the time and set ( A or B ) on the Examinees Record of Attendance, and
3. the lower portion of your Notice of Admission (Certification on the Receipt of Test Papers) is signed by the Room Watchers and returned to you.

source: http://www.prc.gov.ph/articles.asp?sid=31&aid=966

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Board Exam Allowable Calculators

This is an updated post.

If your exam requires the use of calculators, remember that not all calculators are created equal. Here is the list of Board Exam Allowable Calculators.

UPDATED LIST OF NON-PROGRAMMABLE CALCULATORS ALLOWED TO BE USED IN LICENSURE EXAMINATIONS

The Commission issued Memorandum Circular No. 2004-06 dated March 4, 2004 listing the brands and models of non-programmable calculators that are allowed to be used in licensure examinations.
It has been observed during the conduct of examinations that there are still other brands and models that are non-programmable that are not included in the list of those allowed to be used.

In order to properly guide the examinees and examination personnel, the following is the Updated List of Non-Programmable Calculators that shall be allowed to be used in the examinations after verifications with the distributors and identification of knowledgeable persons.

Accordingly, the examinees shall be allowed to bring in and use ONLY any of the following calculators that were identified as non-programmable.

I. CASIO STANDARD/DESKTOP/SCIENTIFIC CALCULATORS

530	DS-208H	fx-500A	fx-82SX	J-120TE	MS-10TV	NS-10T
20V	DS-20TV	fx-500ES	fx-82TL	JF-120TV	MS-10V	NS-20T
470LA	DS-2TV	fx-506G	fx-85B	JF-200TV	MS-10VC	NS-310TM
D-100V	DS-3V	fx-506M	fx-85ES	JS-10LA	MS-115	O-40M
D-120TE	DS-881	fx-509D	fx-85ES PLUS	JS-10TV	MS-120TE	SL-100L
D-120TV	DW120TV	fx-509G	fx-85MS	JS-110TV	MS-120TV	SL-100VC
D-208H	fx-95ES PLUS	fx-520G	fx-85S	JS-120TV	MS-170LA	SL-1000TV
D-20L	fx-100D	fx-531GH	fx-85SA	JS-140V	MS-170T	SL-1100
D-20M	fx-100MS	fx-546D	fx-901	JS-20LA	MS-20TV	SL-200TE
D-40L	fx-100S	fx-570AD	fx-911W	JS-20TV	MS-20V	SL-210TE
D-60L	fx-100W	fx-570ES	fx-95	JS-40LA	MS-240T	SL-220TE
D-60M	fx-115D	fx-570ES PLUS	fx-95MS	JS-40V	MS-270LA	SL-300LV
DF100	fx-115MS	fx-570MS	fx-991ES	JS-SC	MS-270T	SL-300TV
DF120TM	fx-115S	fx-570S	fx-991ES PLUS	JW120TV	MS-310TM	SL-305TE
DF120TV	fx-122S	fx-570W	fx-991H	JW200	MS-350	SL-315TV
DF-240LB	fx-220	fx-580	fx-991MS	LC-1000T	MS-373	SL-320TV
DF-320TM	fx-250HC	fx-580D	fx-991N	LC-1000T/TV	MS-470	SL-320V
DJ-120T	fx-260	fx-65	fx-991S	LC-160LV	MS-470LA	SL-340VA
DJ-220	fx-300SA	fx-75	fx-991W	LC-401B	MS-470LB	SL-760LB
DJ-240	fx-300W	fx-82	fx-992S	LC-401L/LV	MS-5VC	SL-787LT
DM-1200T	fx-350D	fx-820MS	fx-992VB	LC-403LD	MS-7T	SL-797LT
DM-1200TEV	fx-350ES	fx-824	HC100	LC-403LD/TV	MS-808V	SL-910TM
DM-1400TV	fx-350ES PLUS	fx-825X	HL-100LB	M-7LB	MS-80TE	SX-100
DM-1600	fx-350HA	fx-82C	HL-1221	MJ-100	MS-80TV	SX-220
DM-1600TV	fx-350MS	fx-82ES	HL-4	MJ-100T	MS-812TV	SX-300
DN-858A	fx-350TL	fx-82ES PLUS	HL-815L	MJ-120T	MS-8T	SX-300P
DS-10TV	fx-350TLG	fx-82LB	HL-820LV	MS-1002	MS-8TV	SX-320P
DS-120TV	fx-350W	fx-82LP	HL-820V	MS-100TE	MW-5V	WD-220T
DS-1800S	fx-401	fx-82MS	HL-821	MS-100TV	MW-8V	WM-200T
DS-1TV	fx-451M	fx-82Super	HS-8LE	MS-10TE	MX8V	WM-220T

II. CANON STANDARD/DESKTOP/SCIENTIFIC CALCULATORS

AD-11	HS-1200 TV	LC-500H B	LS-1200T	LS-12TC	LS-88Hi	TS-120 TL
BS-1200TS	HS-1200RS	LC-500H G	LS-120H	LS-12TU	LS-88Hi II	TS-1200TG
CC-55	HS-1200TS	LS-10 DT	LS-120Hi	LS-153TS	LS-88HV B	TS-120TL
F-502	HS-1200TSV	LS-100 TSV	LS-120Hi II	LS-154H	LS-88HV G	TS-120TS
F-502G	HS-1210TC	LS-100DT	LS-120L	LS-154TG	LS-88HV Y	TS-121TC
F-604	HS-20 TG	LS-100TC	LS-120RS	LS-22TC	LS-88V	TX-1210 E
F-710	KC-20	LS-100TS	LS-120TSG	LS-270H	LS-88V II	TX-1210Hi
F-715S	KS-1200TS	LS-100TSV	LS-120TU	LS-270V II	LS-QT	TX-1210Hi II
F-720	LC-210 Hi II	LS-101H	LS-120V	LS-330H	MP-120LTS	TX-12H
F-720i	LC-210HI	LS-102Z	LS-120V II	LS-355TS	MP-1211LTS	WS-112H
F-760S	LC-210Hi B	LS-103TC	LS-120V-B	LS-39H	MP-121DTS	WS-1200TV
F-788DX	LC-210Hi G	LS-10DT	LS-120V-G	LS-566H	MP-1411LTS	WS-1210Hi
FC-45S	LC-210Hi II G	LS-120 Hi	LS-120V-P	LS-63TG	P1-DTS II	WS-1210Hi II
FC-4S	LC-210Hi II GR	LS-120 RS	LS-121TC	LS-82Z	P23-DTS II	WS-1210T
HS-1000TG	LC-210Hi II PB	LS-120 TU	LS-122R	LS-83TC	P3420-DL	WS-1410 T
HS-1200 T	LC-210Hi Y	LS120 V	LS-123TC	LS-88 L	TS-10TS	WS-1610 T

III. SHARP STANDARD/DESKTOP/SCIENTIFIC CALCULATORS

CH-312	EL-231L	EL-331A	EL-500M	EL-509G	EL-520W	EL-6750
CH-412	EL-240S	EL-334F	EL-501 (BK)	EL-509R	EL-531GH	EL-6810
CH-612	EL-242M	EL-337C	EL-501V	EL-509V	EL-531RH	EL-6850
EL=124A	EL-243S	EL-338F	EL-501W	EL-509V/531W	EL-531VH	EL-771C
EL-144A	EL-250S	EL-339H	EL-506P	EL-510R	EL-531W	EL-M332
EL-125A	EL-310A	EL-376S	EL-506R	EL-520G	EL-546L	EL-M711G
EL-145A	EL-310A-GR	EL-378S	EL-506V	EL-520V	EL-546VA	EL-W211G
EL-2125	EL-327S	EL-379S	EL-506W	EL-520V (BK)	EL-556G	EL-W531
EL-233S	EL-330A	EL-421M	EL-509D	EL-520VA	EL-6053	-

IV. HEWLETT-PACKARD STANDARD/DESKTOP/SCIENTIFIC CALCULATORS

HP 9S	HP30S	HP Office Calc 100	HP Office Calc 300	HP Quickcalc Lifestyle
HP 10S	HP Smartcalc 300S	HP Office Calc 200	HP Easycalc 100	HP Quickcalc Lifestyle

V. CITIZEN STANDARD/DESKTOP/SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

CT-580	SDC-84407E	SDC-8610	SDC-8620A	SLD-7008	STL-795	W-11S
ET-210	SDC-8560	SDC-8610A	SDC-8975	SLD-742N	TL-780	-

VI. AURORA STANDARD/DESKTOP/SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

2512	DT210	DT-394	HC115	HC193	HL-125	SC-120
DB453B	DT303	EB-964	HC133	HC205	MS-270LA	SC582
DT120Vplus	DT-393	HC106	-	-	-	-

VII. OLYMPIA STANDARD/DESKTOP/SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

ARCUS 1	HL-88L	LCD-612ST	SD-100HW	SD-805M	SD-828
HL-110	LCD-186	SD-100H	SD-100V	SD-81H	SD-835

VIII. OTHER BANDS

CEBAR CD402	TL 30XS	KARCE KC 539	PORPO YH-106	TAKSUN TS-217
DAL 506X	KARCE-833	TEXAS TI 30	TIME BIRD SJC-122	TAKSUN TS-128B
LIFELONG	KARCE KC 250	PORPO YH-105	TAKSUN TS-128	-

Other brands of desktop calculators may be allowed to be used in the CPA licensure examination subject to inspection by the room watchers.

Concerned units are hereby directed to update the Examinee’s Kit/Guide and poster on the List of Allowed Calculators.

This Memorandum Circular supersedes Memorandum Circular No. 2004-06 dated March 4, 2004.

Please be guided accordingly.

(orig. signed)
NICOLAS P. LAPEÑA, JR.
Chairperson

source: http://www.prc.gov.ph/articles.asp?sid=31&aid=3390

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