CLE Coverage 2026: Complete Subject Breakdown for the Criminology Board Exam

The first question most CLE reviewees have is: what exactly does the exam cover? PRC does not publish a granular item breakdown per subject, but we know the six major subject areas, the general topics within each, and which areas historically carry the most exam items based on the experience of CLE passers across multiple cycles.

This page is your complete study map. It links to the deep-dive reviewer for every subject on LisensyaPrep.

CLE Overview

To pass the CLE you need: A general weighted average of at least 75 percent, with no individual subject falling below 60 percent. Passing five subjects with high scores but failing one below 60 percent means you did not pass even if your overall average is above 75.

The Six CLE Subject Areas

1. Criminal Jurisprudence and Procedure

The law-heavy foundation of the CLE. Covers the Revised Penal Code, Rules of Court on criminal procedure, and major special penal laws. Historically carries significant exam weight.

Major topics: RPC Book One (felonies, circumstances affecting liability, stages of execution, conspiracy), RPC Book Two (crimes against persons, property, chastity), criminal procedure (complaint, warrant, bail, arraignment, trial), special laws (RA 9165, RA 9262, RA 10591, PD 1829).

2. Law Enforcement Administration

Covers PNP organizational structure, laws that govern it, and operational procedures that define police work.

Major topics: RA 6975 (PNP creation, civilian character, mandate), RA 8551 (PNP Reform Act, NAPOLCOM powers, retirement), PNP organizational structure, NAPOLCOM composition and powers, lawful and warrantless arrest, Miranda rights, search and seizure.

3. Crime Detection and Investigation (Criminalistics)

Covers scientific methods used to detect, document, and investigate crimes. Dactyloscopy is the most consistently tested topic.

Major topics: Dactyloscopy (pattern types, fingerprint classification, minutiae), forensic ballistics, questioned documents examination, crime scene investigation procedures, chain of custody.

4. Correctional Administration

Covers what happens after conviction: theories of punishment, the Philippine prison system, corrections laws, and rehabilitation programs.

Major topics: Five theories of penology, BuCor, BJMP, provincial jails, PPA, RA 10575, BuCor facilities (NBP, CIW, Davao, Iwahig), prisoner classification by security level, probation under PD 968.

5. Juvenile Delinquency and Crime Prevention

Covers theories of juvenile delinquency, the Philippine legal framework for juvenile offenders, and crime prevention strategies.

Major topics: Strain Theory, Social Learning Theory, Social Control Theory, Labeling Theory, Broken Windows Theory, RA 9344 as amended by RA 10630, CICL, minimum age of criminal responsibility (15), discernment, diversion levels, JJWC, BCPC, DSWD, primary secondary and tertiary prevention.

6. Criminal Sociology and Ethics

The most theory-heavy subject. Covers schools of criminological thought, specific theories of crime causation, and professional ethics for licensed criminologists.

Major topics: Classical School (Beccaria, Bentham), Positivist School (Lombroso, born criminal theory), Chicago School (Social Disorganization), Anomie (Durkheim, Merton), Differential Association (Sutherland), Conflict Theory (Marx, Vold), Routine Activities (Cohen, Felson), professional ethics, RA 6506.

How to Use This Study Map

Week 1: Take a diagnostic practice quiz at LisensyaPrep for each of the six subjects. See immediately which ones need the most attention.

Weeks 2 to 5: Read the full reviewer for each subject starting with your weakest. After each reviewer, practice questions for that subject at LisensyaPrep to test comprehension.

Weeks 6 to 8: Take full mixed-subject practice sessions to simulate actual exam conditions.

Final 2 weeks: Focus only on weak spots identified from practice. Rest and protect your sleep.

CLE Quick Facts 2026

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