What is the CLE? Complete Guide to the Criminologist Licensure Examination 2026
If you are a criminology graduate or current student in the Philippines, you have probably encountered the term CLE many times. But what does it stand for, what does it test, and how do you take it?
This guide answers every question about the CLE in one place.
What Does CLE Stand For?
CLE stands for Criminologist Licensure Examination.
It is the official board examination administered by the Philippine Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Board of Criminology. Passing the CLE is the legal requirement to practice as a Registered Criminologist (RCrim) in the Philippines.
The CLE is sometimes referred to as the Criminology Board Exam in everyday conversation. Both terms refer to the same exam.
Who Takes the CLE?
The CLE is taken by graduates of a Bachelor of Science in Criminology (BSCrim) degree from a CHED-recognized university or college in the Philippines.
You must have completed your BSCrim degree before applying for the CLE. Graduates of related fields like criminal justice, forensic science, or police administration may not be eligible unless their degree specifically meets PRC requirements.
When is the CLE Held?
The CLE is administered twice a year, typically in April and October (sometimes adjusted between February and August depending on the cycle).
For the latest schedule visit our Complete PRC Board Exam Schedule 2026 guide.
Always verify exact dates at prc.gov.ph as schedules can shift.
What Subjects Does the CLE Cover?
The CLE has six major subject areas that all examinees must answer.
1. Criminal Jurisprudence and Procedure (Heaviest Subject)
This is the largest subject in the CLE. It covers:
- The Revised Penal Code (Books 1 and 2)
- Criminal procedure under the Revised Rules of Court
- Special penal laws including RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act), RA 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Children), RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act), and others
- Constitutional rights of the accused
- Rules on evidence
2. Law Enforcement Administration
Covers police administration in the Philippines including:
- RA 6975 (Department of the Interior and Local Government Act)
- RA 8551 (PNP Reform and Reorganization Act)
- PNP organizational structure
- NAPOLCOM powers and functions
- Police operations and patrol
3. Criminalistics and Dactyloscopy
Covers forensic science and identification including:
- Fingerprint patterns (loops, whorls, arches) and minutiae
- Dactyloscopy (the science of fingerprint identification)
- Forensic ballistics
- Document examination
- Polygraphy
4. Correctional Administration
Covers the Philippine correctional system including:
- Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) under RA 10575
- Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)
- Provincial jails
- Probation and parole
- Rehabilitation programs
5. Juvenile Delinquency and Crime Prevention
Covers RA 9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act) including:
- Diversion programs and intervention levels
- Discernment determination
- Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL)
- Crime prevention strategies and theories
6. Criminal Sociology and Ethics
Covers:
- Major criminological theories (Classical, Positivist, Sociological, Psychological)
- Theory proponents (Beccaria, Lombroso, Sutherland, Merton, etc.)
- Code of Ethics for Criminologists
- Professional conduct and accountability
For deeper coverage of each subject visit our CLE Coverage 2026 guide.
What is the CLE Passing Score?
To pass the CLE you need to meet two requirements simultaneously:
Requirement 1: A general weighted average of at least 75 percent across all six subjects.
Requirement 2: No subject score below 60 percent.
This means a strong overall average is not enough. If even one subject falls below 60, you do not pass the entire exam.
For more on results visit our CLE Passing Rate and Results 2026 guide.
What Are the Requirements to Take the CLE?
To apply for the CLE you need:
- PSA Birth Certificate (PSA-authenticated copy)
- Official Transcript of Records (OTR) from your criminology school
- Certificate of Graduation or Diploma
- Certificate of Good Moral Character
- 2x2 ID Photos (white background, formal attire, taken within 3 months)
- Valid Government-Issued ID
For the complete application process visit our CLE Application Guide 2026.
What is the CLE Passing Rate?
The CLE passing rate has historically ranged from approximately 30 to 50 percent, varying significantly between cycles. Fresh graduates from top-performing schools often achieve passing rates well above the national average, while overall examinee pools (including repeat takers) typically fall in the 35 to 45 percent range.
This means roughly half of all examinees do not pass on their first attempt, but with proper preparation and consistent practice, your individual chances are much higher than the national average.
What Comes After Passing the CLE?
1. Oath Taking Ceremony. Register through your LERIS account and attend the formal oath-taking event where you officially become a Registered Criminologist (RCrim).
2. Initial Registration. Apply for your PRC Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card through LERIS.
3. Begin Practice. With your RCrim license you can pursue careers in:
- Philippine National Police (after passing additional NAPOLCOM and PNP requirements)
- Bureau of Jail Management and Penology
- Bureau of Corrections
- National Bureau of Investigation
- Bureau of Fire Protection
- Customs, immigration, and other law enforcement agencies
- Private security and investigation firms
- Criminology teaching positions
How Should You Prepare for the CLE?
The most effective CLE preparation combines deep reading of the laws themselves with consistent practice questions. Memorizing summaries is not enough because the CLE often tests specific provisions of laws that summaries miss.
LisensyaPrep offers free practice questions for all six CLE subjects with no registration required.
Start Your CLE Practice Quiz at LisensyaPrep
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CLE the same as the criminology board exam?
Yes. CLE and criminology board exam refer to the same examination. CLE is the official name; criminology board exam is the more common term.
Can I retake the CLE if I do not pass?
Yes. There is no limit on the number of times you can retake the CLE. You can take it again in the next available cycle.
How long should I review for the CLE?
For full-time reviewers, 3 months (12 weeks) is the typical recommendation. For working examinees, 4 to 5 months. For graduates with a long gap since graduation, allow 5 to 6 months.
What is the most heavily weighted subject in the CLE?
Criminal Jurisprudence and Procedure is the largest and most heavily weighted subject. Most successful examinees give this subject the most review time.
Do I need a review center to pass the CLE?
No. Many examinees pass through self-review using free online resources, the actual texts of relevant laws, and practice question banks. Self-review works especially well for disciplined criminology graduates because the subject matter rewards systematic study.
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