Hey there! I'm back after a year of not typing a single word on this blog. No, I haven't gone to some fancy beach or burger house again; there's too much going on in my professional life, what with me graduating and all. Oh yeah, now I am a full-fledged teacher!
Speaking of graduation, most new teachers apply immediately for the licensure exam for teachers (LET, or the official name BLEPT - Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers). To do so, we have to go personally to the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) and submit documentary proof that we are eligible to take the exam. Sounds easy in theory - walk in, pass it, and go. Right? Nope.
Before going to PRC, I searched the internet for steps on how to apply for the LET. Some of the procedures were outdated, given that PRC had a few changes in application procedures in the last year. These steps were nonetheless helpful since I knew what to expect upon stepping foot in the PRC compound.
So, I would like to share to you guys how PRC does things this time around. Um... I applied at the Central Office in Morayta, so these steps will apply there, but other offices will probably follow the same flow.
Before anything else, check that you have your requirements:
1. Your TOR, with picture and remark that it is "for Board/LET purposes only". The remark is important, because PRC wouldn't accept the TOR with a wrong remark, or none at all. Photocopy it.
2. Your NSO/PSA birth certificate. Photocopy it as well. Some were saying that PRC won't accept ineligible birth certificates, so to be safe make sure your copies are as clear as possible.
3. Your passport size photos with name tag, collared shirt, white background, and visible ears. Optionally, get a 2x2 photo as well for your online profile. You'll need at least 2.
4. Your community tax certificate, the one we know as "cedula"
5. Your application form from online
Don't forget it, okay?
Now, the steps!
1. Log in to www.prc-online.com to create your online profile and transactions. PRC doesn't accept walk-ins anymore, nor do they give out application forms; everything must be done online. The procedures are in their website, and if I write it here I won't probably finish typing this post until September 24. Prepare your 900 pesos, and if you'll opt to pay via DragonPay (their online payment provider) shell out an additional Php 45. And, if you pay via Bayad Center, add another 35 (so that's 970. What? Seriously? "Yes," said my friend who paid via BC). And make sure you select a date and time that will suit you.
2. Make sure you print your application form! Once you're paid, you can download and print it by logging in to www.prc-online.com and going to the "Existing Transactions" menu. Make sure everything is correct. Never mind the texts that went beyond their borders, PRC won't mind that (it's their system that did it anyway; they won't complain). Affix your right thumbmark and signature, but you can do it at the PRC office anyway. You can print it in either short or long bond paper. PRC didn't specify, I printed mine in long, and I saw applicants passing the form in short bond, so it's totally fine.
3. On your appointment date, go to PRC Central Office, inform the guard that you are an exam applicant (show your form) and look for the documentary stamp counter. It's in the left side once you enter. Buy one stamp for Php 25 and let them attach it to your application form. And while you're at it, go to the PRC photocopying center (you can see it from the exit gate, near the cashier and you won't have to go inside the building) and buy a metered envelope for Php 30. You'll know it's the one when you can see the printed PRC name and a window (you know, the one where you can see the address in Globe and PLDT billing statements). Don't bother buying from outside because PRC won't accept it (they know).
4. Go to the 3rd floor in the main building, to the Application Section (stairs are beside customer service counters and the elevator will stop in front of the Application Section). Look for "Processing" counters (they have Step 1 written). Pass the originals and photocopies of your documents EXCEPT the cedula, and ONLY ONE ID picture. The originals will be returned to you. You'll be asked for your digital signature, then be given a card to fill out. Your application form will be returned as well with your documents stapled with it.
5. Fill out everything on the card (I forgot what it's called, sorry), and you have to paste another ID picture, affix your signature and thumbmark (stamp pad and paste readily available at the tables).
6. Pass your documents and the card on the "Issuance" counter (Step 2). When asked for the metered envelope, give it. Your Notice of Admission will be given to you along with the metered envelope.
And, congrats! You are now a successful applicant! Room assignments will be given 1-2 days before the actual exam, so review well until then!
PS. Sorry, I don't have any picture. I'm not sure whether I'm allowed to take photos, and I'd rather not risk it.
PPS. Need directions to PRC-Morayta? From the south (via Lawton), ride a jeep with signboards that say: Quiapo, Morayta-UST-Espana, Project 6-SM North-Trinoma, Pantranco-Delta. From the north, maybe you can go to Trinoma and ride a jeep going to Quiapo. Buses plying the Quiapo-Fairview route all pass through Morayta as well (you can ride from either Lawton or Philcoa depending on where you came from), as do UV Express vans plying Buendia-Fairview. PRC is on the FEU side (cross Espana via the footbridge if coming from the north), look for Greenwich and walk along the small street that leads from it. If you can see a lot of ballpen/envelope vendors, notary publics, and review center tarpaulins, you're on the right track.
