INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XI November 2025
standards. For instance, in the Philippines, research shows a fluctuation in passing rates between cohorts, with
the performance of repeaters often impacting the overall success of engineering programs (Micor et al., 2023).
A study by Ng and Lojo (2023) further elaborates on the challenges faced by graduates of engineering programs,
highlighting that despite technological advancements and curriculum reforms, certain cohorts continue to
underperform, suggesting a need for more targeted educational strategies. Additionally, recent analyses by
Veroya (2024) demonstrated that while licensure examinations offer a standardized measure of competency,
they do not always reflect the effectiveness of specific teaching methods, suggesting that localized research is
crucial to understanding performance trends.
Subject-Specific Weaknesses
Subject-specific weaknesses have been a common issue for Civil Engineering graduates in licensure exams.
Performance gaps are particularly noticeable in areas such as Mathematics, Structural Design, and Geotechnical
Engineering. For example, studies have identified that many engineering graduates, particularly in the
Philippines, perform poorly in subjects that require higher-order problem-solving skills, such as Structural
Design (Rawboon, 2020). This has been attributed to gaps in practical knowledge, insufficient training in real-
world application, and inadequate instructional materials (Micor et al., 2023).
Furthermore, Hydraulics and Geotechnical Engineering, which are critical areas of civil engineering, have also
been reported as weak points for graduates in various national studies (Ng & Lojo, 2023). In some cases,
performance is impacted by outdated curricula that fail to incorporate the latest industry practices (Rawboon,
2020). A recent study by Paradise (2022) also emphasized the importance of hands-on learning experiences to
reinforce theoretical knowledge and bridge these gaps.
Institutional Strategies for Improving Performance
Institutional strategies are critical for improving licensure exam performance, particularly in institutions with
lower passing rates. Effective interventions, such as faculty development programs, targeted review sessions,
and improvements in curriculum design, have been shown to positively influence student outcomes in licensure
exams. Micor et al. (2023) highlighted the effectiveness of curriculum reforms and faculty training in improving
student performance, noting that programs that incorporate practical assessments and industry-based projects
yield better results in licensure exams.
Rawboon (2020) proposed that creating a structured support system for students, such as mentoring programs,
counseling services, and peer-assisted learning opportunities, could help address the academic and emotional
challenges that students face leading up to the exams. Similarly, Ng and Lojo (2023) found that institutions that
introduced intensive pre-board review programs saw a marked improvement in licensure exam results,
underscoring the importance of timely and focused review sessions.
Relationship Between Curriculum and Licensure Outcomes
The relationship between curriculum design and licensure exam performance is well-documented in the
literature. Outcome-based education (OBE) frameworks, which focus on measuring student competencies rather
than simply course completion, have been identified as effective in preparing students for licensure exams.
According to Veroya (2024), engineering programs that align their curricula with licensure exam content and
integrate experiential learning experiences produce graduates who are better equipped for professional practice.
Moreover, research suggests that curriculum updates, especially those that incorporate emerging technologies
and practices in civil engineering, contribute significantly to improved student performance in licensure exams.
A study by Paradise (2022) demonstrated that institutions that continually update their teaching materials to
reflect the latest engineering developments show higher pass rates in licensure exams.
Conclusion of Literature Review
The existing literature indicates that licensure exam performance is influenced by various factors, including
curriculum design, subject-specific knowledge gaps, and institutional strategies. While national trends provide
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