Inside this page

• Video encouragements
• Gentle steps and tips for starting again
• Refresher course information
• Application steps for Medical Laboratory Technician registration

Pray for Acceptance

Failing the board exam is painful. Many months of effort, sacrifice, and hope are tied to this moment. If you are reading this page after receiving disappointing results, please know that your grief is not small, and you are not alone.

The Bible reminds us in Romans 8:28:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

This verse reminds believers that even when things do not go the way we hoped, God is still at work. Setbacks, disappointments, and delays are never beyond His ability to use for good.

For those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, this truth becomes a source of comfort, strength, and direction. Even in failure, God remains faithful.

If you have not yet placed your faith in Him, know that His invitation is open to you. The Lord calls people to come to Him, and in Him there is real hope and peace even in difficult seasons.

Message #1

A recorded message for MTLE retakers who are trying to move forward after disappointment.

Mental Health Talk for Board Exam Takers

Below is a mental health talk from Doc Joan, our consultant psychiatrist, for board exam takers who are coping with failure and preparing to begin again.

Muli: A Mental Health Talk for Board Exam Takers
“Coping Up With Failures and Starting Again”

1. Give yourself time to process what happened

Failing a licensure exam can be deeply painful. Many months of effort, sacrifice, and prayer were connected to this result. It is normal to feel disappointment, grief, or confusion.

Allow yourself time to rest, pray, and process before making major decisions. A short pause does not mean giving up. Sometimes rest is part of preparing wisely for what comes next.

Bring your concerns honestly before the Lord. Scripture says, “Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

2. Try to understand what made the last attempt difficult

When you feel ready, it may help to reflect honestly on your previous preparation. This is not about blaming yourself. It is about understanding what may need to change next time.

• Were there subjects that remained weak even near the exam date?
• Did you have enough practice with board-style questions?
• Did you understand the concepts well, or mostly try to memorize information?
• Was your review schedule consistent and realistic?
• Did stress, health concerns, work, or family responsibilities affect your preparation?
• Did you struggle with time management during the exam itself?

Sometimes the issue is not effort, but strategy. Many students work very hard but later realize that their study approach was not aligned with the demands of the board exam.

3. Check your MTLE rating breakdown carefully

When your MTLE rating becomes available, it may be helpful to review it carefully before deciding what to do next.

• Some students discover that their overall score was very close to the passing mark.
• Others notice that only one or two subjects pulled their rating down.
• Sometimes the rating reveals clearly which subjects need the most attention.

Looking at your rating can remove guesswork and help you understand where improvement may be needed if you decide to take the MTLE again.

4. Ask what kind of support may help you this time

If you choose to prepare again, it may help to ask what kind of support would make your next review cycle stronger. Different students need different kinds of help.

• Clearer study structure
• Stronger foundation in difficult subjects
• More board-style practice questions
• Better time management strategies
• Guidance, accountability, or coaching
• Time to recover from burnout and rebuild steadily

It can be helpful to ask not only, “Should I review again?” but also, “What kind of preparation will truly help me grow this time?”

5. Consider the paths that may be available to you right now

There is no single path that fits everyone. Depending on your situation, you may consider one of the following:

• Start another MTLE review cycle if you are ready to prepare again with a clearer strategy and stronger preparation.
• Take a refresher course if this is already required in your case.
• If your MTLE general average falls within the 70–74% range, you may be eligible to apply for registration as a Medical Laboratory Technician (RMLT). This is a separate PRC license with its own oath taking. You may read more about this in the MLT section below.
• Strengthen your academic foundation first if you feel that core subjects still need deeper understanding before another review cycle.
• Explore the ASCPi pathway. The ASCP Board of Certification offers an international credential for medical laboratory professionals. In many cases, the ASCPi exam does not require a Philippine PRC license depending on the eligibility route. You may read more about ASCPi and other international exams here: ABOUT THE EXAMS

6. Focus on one clear next step

• Rest and pray before making rushed decisions
• Write down subjects that need improvement
• Review your previous materials
• Check refresher or MLT options
• Learn about other possible paths such as ASCPi
• Seek guidance from trusted mentors or instructors

7. Move forward prayerfully and one step at a time

If you need wisdom for what comes next, ask the Lord for it. Scripture says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach.” (James 1:5)

You do not need to solve everything today. One thoughtful and prayerful step at a time is still progress.

Schools previously shared by students/readers

• CENTRO ESCOLAR UNIVERSITY
• DE OCAMPO MEMORIAL COLLEGE
• PHILIPPINE WOMEN’S UNIVERSITY
• NOTRE DAME OF MARBEL UNIVERSITY
• TRINITY UNIVERSITY OF ASIA
• ILIGAN MEDICAL CENTER COLLEGE
• SAN JUAN DE DIOS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC.

Steps in Filing Application for Registration Without Examination

Please fill out the application form together with the required documents for pre-evaluation to the Application Division (4th Floor, Annex Bldg.) at the PRC Central Office and the Regional Offices processing counters.

1. Fill out the application form together with the required documents
2. Go to the Legal Division (2nd Floor, Main Bldg.) for notarization
3. Go to the cashier for payment of fees (Ground Flr., Main Bldg.)
4. Go to the Customer Service Center for documentary stamp (Ground Flr., Annex Bldg.)
5. Submit the duly accomplished application form to the Application Division
6. After three (3) months, verify the status of the application at Tel. No. (02) 736-2252

Requirements

• Report of Rating (optional)
• Original NBI Clearance
• Original and Photocopy of Marriage Certificate NSO (for married female)

Medical Technician / Lab Tech E-Oath / Application Instructions

Note: The steps below are according to a previous student who applied for MLT license. For more updated information, please call PRC directly.

1. Fill out the form
2. Have it notarized at a law firm
3. Bring all documents to the PRC office, then pay the fees
4. The regional office will send the documents to the main office for approval
5. Once approved, you will be informed, or if there is no call yet, you may follow up and ask for an update
6. You may proceed with e-oath once approved

Guidelines on the Registration of Medical Laboratory Technician

You may also download the PRC guideline below:

Download PRC Resolution No. 11, Series of 2011

Special thanks to the students and readers who previously shared information about refresher schools and the steps for MLT license application. Your contributions helped make this page more helpful for others.