Trends in Criminologist Licensure Examination Performance: A Study of Criminology Graduates from Capiz State University

Abstract

The Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE) marked a significant milestone as the first conducted under the new Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Order (CMO) for Criminology and Republic Act No. 11131. This pioneering batch consisted primarily of K-12 program graduates, many of whom experienced online learning due to the global pandemic. Against this backdrop, the college’s institutional performance in the CLE has shown a declining trend in recent years, raising concerns about the preparedness of its graduates and its overall standing. This study aimed to assess the college’s CLE performance over the past six years, spanning twelve examination periods, and to analyze examinees' results across the six major criminology subject areas. Using the Documentary and Archival Inquiry Research Method, institutional performance data from April 2016 to December 2022 were obtained from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) website, while individual subject performance data were collected directly from examinees. Descriptive statistical tools, including frequency counts, mean scores, and percentages, were employed for data analysis. Findings revealed that the college exceeded the national passing percentage in only three out of twelve examinations (25%). Among the six major subject areas, "Correctional Administration" recorded the highest mean score (82.22%), whereas "Criminology" had the lowest (75.88%). These results underscore the need for targeted interventions to address performance gaps and enhance the overall quality of criminology education. This study provides valuable insights into institutional trends and key areas for improvement, offering a foundation for strategic reforms in criminology education and licensure preparation.