Don’t know how to start your criminology board exam review? If you are looking for proven, battle-tested criminology licensure exam review tips to claim your license this year, you are exactly in the right place.
I am Engr. Rucel Britanico Virata, the author of Outsmart the Board Exam. I have been researching board exam patterns since 2016. I have interviewed thousands of takers for my research.
Whether you are currently struggling with Crime Detection and Investigation, a severe lack of structured study direction, or paralyzing test anxiety, this post will serve as your definitive first steps. Let’s go!
💡 Note: The strategies shared in this guide represent a 5% preview of the core frameworks found in the bestselling book, Outsmart the Board Exam.
6 Steps to Starting your Board Exam Review
Di alam kung san magsisimula? Hindi pwedeng “bahala na!”
Failing to create a review plan is planning to fail. Decide on these important questions early for a smooth review process.
Step 1: Know your Review Timeline
Know your target exam date. Checkout our Board Exam Countdown which is based from the official PRC website calendar. View the days before your target board exam. This gives you a clear time frame. No guessing.
Date of Exam: ________________________
Days Left: ________________________Tip: View the Board Exam Countdown here
Step 2: Decide your Review Schedule
Decide when you will attend review classes and when will you do self-study. If you don’t decide on this, you won’t create a consistent daily routine.
When you don’t have a routine, chances are you will delay, procrastinate, and not progress. This is dangerous.
Set a consistent routine—whether it’s attending review classes in the morning and self-studying in the afternoon and evening, or the other way around. Imagine yourself already in the situation then decide.
Preference: Morning, afternoon, evening, or during weekends only? Choose:
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Step 3: Decide your Review Location
Choose your study base early. Is it in your house, dorm, boarding house, or perhaps the library.
Pick the place where you can focus best and stay consistent.
Preferred Study Location:
________________________
Step 4: Decide whether Solo or Group Review
Decide whether you will study alone or with peers. Each has advantages, but choose the setup where you learn faster and stay disciplined.
Solo or group review:
________________________
Step 5: Decide whether face-to-face, online, or hybrid review?
Pick the review mode that fits your learning style: online, face-to-face, or hybrid. This determines your daily routine, schedule, and energy management.
Choose one: Online, F2F, or Hybrid setup
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Step 6: Enroll in a Review Center
Choose which review center you will join. Here are some considerations:
- Credibility
- Location
- Teaching style
- Schedule
- Feedback from previous takers (Important!)
Decide early so you can align your entire review plan with their program.
Review Center:
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Top Review Centers for Criminology (2026)
F2F Review Centers in the Philippines 2026
- Amici Review Center (50+ branches across the Philippines)
- Quadro Alas Review Center (multiple branches)
- WJRC Criminology Review Center
- Trio Alas Crim Review
Online & Hybrid Review Centers 2026
Criminology Board Exam Subjects & Passing Criteria
| Testing Level/Branch | Core Subject Area Breakdowns & Topics | Relative Weight (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Law, Jurisprudence and Procedure | Introduction to Philippine Criminal Justice System, Human Rights Education, Criminal Law Book 1, Criminal Law Book 2, Evidence, Criminal Procedure and Court Testimony, Related Special Penal Laws | 20% |
| Law Enforcement Administration | Comparative Models in Policing, Introduction to Industrial Security Concepts, Law Enforcement Operations and Planning with Crime Mapping, Police Organization and Administration | 15% |
| Crime Detection and Investigation | Fundamentals of Criminal Investigation and Intelligence, Specialized Crime Investigation with Legal Medicine, Traffic Management, Arson Investigation, Vice and Drug Education, Cybercrime and Environmental Laws | 20% |
| Forensic Science | Forensic Photography, Personal Identification Techniques, Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology, Questioned Documents Examination, Lie Detection Techniques, Forensic Ballistics | 15% |
| Criminology | Introduction to Criminology, Theories of Crime Causation, Human Behavior and Victimology, Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards, Juvenile Delinquency, Criminological Research and Statistics | 20% |
| Correctional Administration | Institutional Corrections, Non-Institutional Corrections (Probation, Parole, Executive Clemency), Therapeutic Modalities | 10% |
Official Passing Regulations & Scoring Criteria
- General Weighted Average (GWA): You must achieve an overall average rating of at least 75% computed seamlessly across all core testing branches combined.
- Individual Component Floor Limits: You must not score lower than 60% in any single testing category block.
- Conditional/Re-take Status parameters: Based on the updated structural parameters of RA 11131, the Board of Criminology does not issue any partial conditional status or removal exams; any individual grade below 60% automatically nullifies the whole batch and requires a full, unmitigated retake of all six major course blocks.
Board Exam Preparation = Mountain Climbing
I want you to think of your board exam preparation as climbing a mountain. Madali lang kasi i-visualize kung ganito.
The more topics you study, the higher you climb the mountain.
The higher you climb, the higher your chances of passing.
💡Throughout this guide, I will use a study technique known as visualization. Simply explained, you can vividly remember ideas when presented visually and through stories.
3X your Chances of Passing the Board Exam: The 3 Pillars of Preparation
To reach the peak of Mount Preparation, you must secure three fundamental pillars.
I call these the 3 Pillars of Passing the Board Exam.
These are:
- Pillar 1: Guidance
- Pillar 2: Materials
- Pillar 3: Strategy
Board Exam Pillar #1: Having a Reliable Guide
Wag kang aakyat na mag-isa.
Why? Energy conservation.
Instead of unnecessarily reinventing the wheel, just follow what works. Andami na nakaakyat na nauna. Let people qualified guide you so that you’ll conserve your energy for the climb.
A review center acts as your specialized mountain guide, keeping you updated on the latest exam trends and syllabus changes. Let them guide you.
A common mistake board exam takers make is doing pure self-review. This is to start from scratch, to study the trends, find the sources of questions, to figure out the topics that might come out in the exam.
This is the process that review centers are doing. They have researchers. They have the manpower.
Don’t do it alone. Let them do the research.
What if I don’t have funds to enroll in a review center?
If you have no funds to enroll in a review center, I suggest that you get the latest review materials or handouts from review centers. Gawin mo itong basis ng review mo.
Board Exam Pillar #2: High-Quality Review Materials
You have limited time for review. You need materials that are up-to-date to reflect the current trends.
Relying on outdated materials will cause you to study the wrong things entirely.
Dapat wais ka para mabilis ang progress.
Organize your Materials
Gather everything in one place. Collect all your textbooks, reviewers, handouts, e-books, and digital notes from college. Arrange them neatly per subject so that everything is easy to access once review starts.
Kapag organized, mas madali. Organizing early prevents wasted time searching for files and materials that should have been within reach.
Essential Review Materials: Compile the following
- College Notes
- Textbooks: Deep explanation of concepts. Builds strong foundations. Teaches you why things work.
- Reviewers: Board exam oriented. Lots of practice questions and problems. Highly compressed and selected lessons.
- Review Center Handouts: If you are a retaker, you will have these from your past review.
Other Study Materials
- Pens and pencils
- Bond papers
- Highlighters
- Large notebooks (you will need this for the Notebook Summary Technique discussed in Outsmart the Board Exam)
- Whiteboard and marker
- Calculator (optional)
- Printer (very handy and useful for online reviewees)
- Other tools: eraser, sharpener, calendar, sticky notes, paper clips, stapler, staples, etc
Board Exam Pillar 3: Strategy
Strategy matters. It determines how fast your climb will be.
You can pay for the most expensive review center (Pillar 1) and stack your desk with the thickest textbooks (Pillar 2) and latest gadgets, but without a solid strategy, you run the risk of ruining your review.
I like you to imagine yourself again as a hiker. Who do you think will climb faster?
- Student A (The Unprepared Hiker): Basic gear lang. Naka-tsinelas. Walang dalang pagkain at tubig. Simpleng t-shirt at shorts ang gamit, kinagat na ng limatik sa daan. Similarly, sila yung reviewee na subsob sa pagbabasa gabi-gabi pero walang proper study habits. Mabagal magbasa, madaling makalimot, madaling mawalan ng motivation.
- Student B (The Smart Hiker): May proper hiking gear. Naka-hiking shoes. May fleece pants at jacket. May baon na pagkain at tubig. Sila yung reviewees na mabilis mag-aral, may solid study habits, marunong gumamit ng learning and memory techniques.
Outsmart the Board Exam is your proper hiking gear.
Kenneth Olbita Dela Torre, RCrim
| Licensure Exam | Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE) |
| School | Naga College Foundation |
| Category | Topnotcher |
Criminology Licensure Exam Review Tips: Quick Summary Q&A
Q: What was your initial experience before starting your review properly?
A: “This book was my wake-up call. Back when I was just starting my review, I had no plan at all. I was very unorganized.”
Q: How did unexpected hurdles or delays change your board exam outlook?
A: “Yung nadelay po yung pagtake ko ng exam, ay nabago rin po yung style ko sa pag-answer ng questions and my study habits, yung motivation and mindset sa review. Lahat po yun nag-improve and I am very thankful to God na para siyang nag-iwan ng message sa akin: ‘Wag ka na muna magtake, idelay muna natin yung lisensya para meron kang bonus after.’”
Q: What specific benefits did you gain from using the Outsmart the Board Exam framework?
A: “From time management, mga technique sa pagrereview, motivation, nakuha ko yan lahat dahil po sa libro ninyo.”
Q: Can you guarantee results if someone strictly applies the techniques written inside?
A: “If you’re going to apply what’s in the book, I can guarantee that you will also pass.”
“This book was my wake-up call. Back when I was just starting my review, I had no plan at all. I was very unorganized.”
Full Testimonial & Journey
This book was my wake-up call. Back when I was just starting my review, I had no plan at all. I was very unorganized. My girlfriend then told me read the book Outsmart the Board Exam. Doon ko na recognize yung mga mali ko sa pag rereview and it’s exactly what I needed that time.
From time management, mga technique sa pagrereview, motivation, nakuha ko yan lahat dahil po sa libro ninyo. Kaya maraming salamat po, napakalaki po ng naitulong samin, ngayon pareho kaming nakapasa and lisensyado na kaming dalawa. If you’re going to apply what’s in the book, I can guarantee that you will also pass.
Verified Proof & Media
Renier Adrian Barbacena Togño, RCrim
| Licensure Exam | Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE) |
| School | Naga College Foundation |
| Category | Topnotcher |
Criminology Licensure Exam Review Tips: Quick Summary Q&A
Q: What should you do if you are a reviewee and do not know what strategies will help you ace the board exam?
A: “At first, when I was a reviewee, I did not know what to do or what strategies might help me to ace the board. I heard the story of the top 1 CLE in April 2023 that he bought this book which helped him to become a topnotcher.”
Q: Is it possible to self-review and top the board exam by following the experiences of past topnotchers?
A: “Because of this, his words encouraged me to buy this book as well and the miracle happened. I placed second in rank in the criminologists licensure examination last August 2024.”
“Because of this, his words encouraged me to buy this book as well and the miracle happened. I placed second in rank in the criminologists licensure examination last August 2024.”
Full Testimonial & Journey
Good day, Sir. I saw your platform again while scrolling through the Shopee app. I want to thank you for sharing your wisdom about how to outsmart the board exam.
At first, when I was a reviewee, I did not know what to do or what strategies might help me to ace the board.
I heard the story of the top 1 CLE in April 2023 that he bought this book which helped him to become a topnotcher.
Because of this, his words encouraged me to buy this book as well and the miracle happened. I placed second in rank in the criminologists licensure examination last August 2024.
Verified Proof & Media
Jenny-Hazel A. Steuernagel, RCrim
| Licensure Exam | Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE) |
| School | Cavite State University |
| Category | First-Time Passer |
Criminology Licensure Exam Review Tips: Quick Summary Q&A
Q: Is the Outsmart the Board Exam book exclusive or applicable only to engineering courses?
A: “Ang ganda po ng laman nya nung una akala ko po pang engineering na kurso lang po. Nung nabasa ko, natuwa po ako kasi talagang binubuksan nito ang isip mo kung papano mo haharapin ang board exam!”
Q: What influenced your decision to purchase the book for your Criminologist Licensure Exam prep?
A: “Nakita ko po itong libro nyo one time dito sa Facebook at nakita ko din po na ginamit ito noon ng isang naging topnotcher din po sa Criminologist Licensure Exam at napabili po ako.”
Q: What is your official status now after utilizing the review principles?
A: “Registered Criminologist na po ako”
“Nung nabasa ko, natuwa po ako kasi talagang binubuksan nito ang isip mo kung papano mo haharapin ang board exam!”
Full Testimonial & Journey
Registered Criminologist na po ako. Nakita ko po itong libro nyo one time dito sa Facebook at nakita ko din po na ginamit ito noon ng isang naging topnotcher din po sa Criminologist Licensure Exam at napabili po ako.
Ang ganda po ng laman nya nung una akala ko po pang engineering na kurso lang po. Nung nabasa ko, natuwa po ako kasi talagang binubuksan nito ang isip mo kung papano mo haharapin ang board exam!
Verified Proof & Media
Allyssa Acode, RCrim
| Licensure Exam | Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE) |
| School | Phinma Araullo University |
| Category | First-Time Passer |
Criminology Licensure Exam Review Tips: Quick Summary Q&A
Q: How do you build confidence and prepare effectively for the Criminologist Licensure Examination?
A: “The lessons, tips, and motivation inside helped me build confidence and sharpen my knowledge. Because of this, I am now officially a Board Passer in CLE.”
Q: Can the Outsmart the Board Exam book help clear a path toward your professional goals?
A: “Your book has been a huge part of my journey, and it truly guided me in preparing well for the Criminologist Licensure Examination.”
Q: What is your review feedback regarding the effectiveness of Outsmart the Board Exam?
A: “Maraming salamat for being one of the tools that turned my dream into reality!”
“Maraming salamat for being one of the tools that turned my dream into reality!”
Full Testimonial & Journey
I want to express my deepest gratitude to Outsmart the Board Exam. Your book has been a huge part of my journey, and it truly guided me in preparing well for the Criminologist Licensure Examination.
The lessons, tips, and motivation inside helped me build confidence and sharpen my knowledge. Because of this, I am now officially a Board Passer in CLE. Maraming salamat for being one of the tools that turned my dream into reality!
Verified Proof & Media
Dexter Guzman Santiago II, RCrim
| Licensure Exam | Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE) |
| School | |
| Category | First-Time Passer |
Criminology Licensure Exam Review Tips: Quick Summary Q&A
Q: What mindset is necessary when dedicating time and energy to board exam review?
A: “Over-invest in your efforts to make sure you don’t under-perform in your results”
Q: How do you handle procrastination and self-doubt during the preparation period?
A: “Do it now, or regret it later Stop doubting yourself! Work hard and make it happen”
Q: What is your closing message after successfully clearing the CLE?
A: “SALAMAT PO SIR, Registered Criminologist na po ako!”
“Over-invest in your efforts to make sure you don’t under-perform in your results”
Full Testimonial & Journey
Over-invest in your efforts to make sure you don’t under-perform in your results. Do it now, or regret it later. Stop doubting yourself! Work hard and make it happen.
SALAMAT PO SIR, Registered Criminologist na po ako!
Verified Proof & Media
Mark Joseph Borraska, RCrim
| Licensure Exam | Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE) |
| School | Salazar Colleges of Science and Institute of Technology |
| Category | First-Time Passer |
Criminology Licensure Exam Review Tips: Quick Summary Q&A
Q: Hindi ako mahilig magbasa ng libro. Pwede ba to sa akin kahit hindi ako ganun kasipag mag-aral?
A: “Solid nag study smarter ako dahil sa libro nato. Kahit hindi ganun ka sipag mag aral. Inapply ko lng mga tips ng book nato!”
Q: Ano ang naging epekto ng Outsmart the Board Exam sa paghahanda mo sa CLE?
A: “Solid nag study smarter ako dahil sa libro nato.”
“Solid nag study smarter ako dahil sa libro nato. Kahit hindi ganun ka sipag mag aral. Inapply ko lng mga tips ng book nato!”
Full Testimonial & Journey
Thank you Outsmart The Board Exam! Criminology board exam passer here. Nakabili at nabasa ko ang libro nato. Solid nag study smarter ako dahil sa libro nato. Kahit hindi ganun ka sipag mag aral. Inapply ko lng mga tips ng book nato! Thank you po! Solid 💯
Verified Proof & Media
Mary Jane Burce
| Licensure Exam | Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE), NAPOLCOM Exam |
| School | PLT College of Guinobatan, Inc. |
| Category | First-Time Passer |
Criminology Licensure Exam Review Tips: Quick Summary Q&A
Q: What is a good graduation gift or board exam preparation book for college students introduced during their early years?
A: “I was in 2nd year college when this book was introduced to me by our Dean, Eisenhower A. Adaggan, and it helped me a lot in navigating the long rigorous road towards a great milestone in my life.”
Q: How can students build the framework needed to pass both the NAPOLCOM and Criminologist Licensure Exams?
A: “pass the recently concluded Napolcom Exam and Criminologist Licensure Examination, with the help of the strategies and inspiring wisdom that I got from this book.”
Q: What will you say to the author of Outsmart the Board Exam regarding its impact on your academic career?
A: “Just want to say thank you so much for crafting such a masterpiece — the book “Outsmart the Board Exam”.”
“Hindi man po ako pinalad ma-hit ang goal na maging Topnotcher, but I was able to graduate Cum Laude at PLT College of Guinobatan, Inc. and pass the recently concluded Napolcom Exam and Criminologist Licensure Examination…”
Full Testimonial & Journey
Hello po! Just want to say thank you so much for crafting such a masterpiece — the book “Outsmart the Board Exam”. I was in 2nd year college when this book was introduced to me by our Dean, Eisenhower A. Adaggan, and it helped me a lot in navigating the long rigorous road towards a great milestone in my life.
Hindi man po ako pinalad ma-hit ang goal na maging Topnotcher, but I was able to graduate Cum Laude at PLT College of Guinobatan, Inc. and pass the recently concluded Napolcom Exam and Criminologist Licensure Examination, with the help of the strategies and inspiring wisdom that I got from this book. Thank you so much po ulit at sana marami pa po kayong matulungan katulad ko. 🥰
Verified Proof & Media
Luigi Karlo Jose Daan, RCrim
| Licensure Exam | Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE) |
| School | ICCT Colleges Foundation Inc. |
| Category | First-Time Passer |
Criminology Licensure Exam Review Tips: Quick Summary Q&A
Q: Is Outsmart the Board Exam effective even if you are not an engineering student?
A: “di man po ako Engineer pero RCrim na po ako ❤️😁”
Q: How much does this book help a reviewee during their intensive preparation days?
A: “ang laki tulong po nya sakin during review day”
“Goodmorning po, gusto ko lang po mag thank you sa Book nyo ang laki tulong po nya sakin during review day…”
Full Testimonial & Journey
Goodmorning po, gusto ko lang po mag thank you sa Book nyo ang laki tulong po nya sakin during review day, di man po ako Engineer pero RCrim na po ako ❤️😁
Verified Proof & Media
Gener Santiago Calimag, RCrim
| Licensure Exam | Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE) |
| School | |
| Category | First-Time Passer |
Criminology Licensure Exam Review Tips: Quick Summary Q&A
Q: Can the strategies in Outsmart the Board Exam help non-engineering students fix their study habits?
A: “hindi man po ako engineering this book can change your study habit , perspective in life”
Q: What is the main takeaway you learned in a short period from reading the book?
A: “Maraming maraming salamat po study ethics na itinuro nyo po saamin in short time thru this book 🙏😁”
“this book can change your study habit , perspective in life”
Full Testimonial & Journey
Maraming maraming salamat po study ethics na itinuro nyo po saamin in short time thru this book 🙏😁 hindi man po ako engineering this book can change your study habit , perspective in life maraming salamat po
Verified Proof & Media
