By Dr. Rex Casiple
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Professional Regulatory Board of Mechanical Engineering (PRBME) announced that 1,144 out of 3,484 examinees, or 32.84%, passed the August 2024 Mechanical Engineers Licensure Examination conducted in Baguio, the National Capital Region (NCR), Cebu, and Davao. Jerson Daliva Amongo of Capiz State University (CAPSU) ranked third in the exam.
On the regional level, four schools in the region out of 16, or 25%, exceeded the national passing rate: Colegio de Sta. Ana de Victorias (CSAV) with a 100% passing rate (five out of five examinees), Central Philippines State University (CPSU), TUP Visayas, and CAPSU.
The region produced 85 passers out of 266 examinees, or a 31.95% passing rate. Among them, 175 were first-time takers and nine were repeaters. The passing rate for first-time takers was 41.71%, while the repeaters’ passing rate was 13.19%.
Meanwhile, the PRC announced that 56 out of 113 examinees, or 49.56%, passed the Certified Plant Mechanics (CPM) Licensure Examination, also held in Baguio, NCR, Cebu, and Davao in August 2024. A total of 95 first-time takers and 18 repeaters participated in the exam. The passing rate for first-time takers was 52.63%, while repeaters had a 33% passing rate.
On the regional level, three schools out of five, or 60%, surpassed the national average: Capiz State University, University of Iloilo, and Western Institute of Technology. The region produced four passers out of seven takers, or a 57.14% passing rate. Six of the examinees were first-time takers, while one was a repeater. First-time takers had a 50% passing rate, and the repeater achieved a 100% passing rate.
Republic Act 8495, also known as the “Mechanical Engineering Law,” categorizes licensed professionals as Certified Plant Mechanics (CPM), Registered Mechanical Engineers (RME), and Professional Mechanical Engineers (PME).
According to Section 16 of RA 8495, applicants for the CPM board exam must meet the following criteria: (1) No conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude; (2) Graduation from a vocational or trade school recognized by the government, completing a course of at least two years in stationary or power plant engineering or mechanical plant operation; and (3) At least one year of active practice in mechanical plant operation, verified by a registered Professional Mechanical Engineer.
Licensed CPMs are required for operating power plants, industrial plants, and establishments such as hospitals, malls, ice plants, schools, hotels, or restaurants that consume power between 100 kW and 300 kW. As stipulated in Section 33.d of Article IV (Practice of the Profession) of RA 8495, “It shall be unlawful for any person, unless authorized under this Act, to operate, tend or maintain, or be in charge of the operation, tending, or maintenance of any mechanical works, projects, or plant of 100 kW or more but not exceeding 300 kW, unless he is a duly licensed Professional Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, or Certified Plant Mechanic.”
Certified Plant Mechanics are considered Civil Service passers with eligibility equivalent to first-grade eligibility.
