Test results in 2 subjects of civil engineering exam voided

The Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) has nullified the test results in two subjects of the licensure examination for civil engineers last Nov. 17 and 18 after discovering irregularities in these subjects.

The two subjects were hydraulics and geodetical engineering, and structural engineering and construction.

A total of 4,782 examinees took the licensure exam in eight test centers in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, and Tacloban. 

“After an evaluation of the examination results in the (two) subjects, the PRC found (them) to be ‘statistically improbable’ considering the unusually high grade/rating obtained by the examinees,” a PRC statement signed by PRC chairman Leonor Rosero and Commissioners Ruth Padilla and Nilo Rosas, said.

According to Rosero, in the subject of structural engineering and construction, “two examinees were caught in possession of mobile phones,” which were confiscated by an agent of the National Bureau of Investigation and turned over to the PRC.

The PRC discovered that the mobile phones contained answers to 30 test questions, 21 of which were correct.

“The PRC reported the irregularities and its decision to Arturo Brion of the Department of Labor and Employment who lauded the swift and decisive action of the PRC,” Rosero said.

The commission has asked the NBI to investigate the incident and unmask those behind it.

The PRC said it is giving a new exam on the two subjects on Jan. 12 next year without the examinees paying an exam fee.

“The PRC wishes to emphasize that the examinees shall no longer take the subjects of mathematics, surveying, and transportation engineering.

PRC said details on the new school and room assignments for the Jan. 12 exam will be posted at its central and regional offices and on its website.