The LIBRARIANS LICENSURE EXAM (LLE)

The Librarians Licensure Exam will be held on November 23-24 in Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Davao & Legazpi, and the deadline for filing of exam applications is Nov. 3, 2011. View details on How to apply (download application form online), examination day preparations, general instructions to examinees, and what to do after filing application at this site: http://www.prc.gov.ph/licensure/?id=24

Important Notice:

• No application shall be accepted after the deadline. • Please do not apply if you are not qualified; your payment will be forfeited. • Applications whose entries with respect to name, date of birth and sex differ from entries in the birth certificate, transcript of records (TOR), and other required documents will not be accepted. • Affidavit of discrepancies will not be accepted.

Qualifications for LLE:

• He/She is a citizen of the Philippines or a foreign citizen whose country has reciprocity with the Philippines as regards the practice of librarianship; • He/She is in good health and good moral character; • He/She is a graduate of Bachelors degree in Library Science and Information Science or a holder of a master's degree in Library and Information Science examination:

The Board shall require any person applying for examination to submit the following supporting documents with an accomplished prescribed application form:

• Original and photocopies of Transcript of Records with Special Order and Date of Graduation with SCANNED PICTURES AND WITH REMARKS "FOR BOARD EXAMINATION PURPOSES ONLY". (Graduates of government schools and institutions/programs accredited by recognized accredited agencies under the FAAP are exempted from SO [B]). Graduates of New Schools/Degree Programs must submit School Recognition and/or Permit to Operate. • Original and photocopy of NSO-issued Birth Certificate (if NSO copy is not clear, bring copy from the Local Civil Registrar). • Original and photocopies of NSO-issued Marriage Contract (for married female only; if NSO copy is not clear, bring copy from Local Civil Registrar). • Four (4) passport size colored pictures in white background with complete name tag. • Current Community Tax Certificate (Cedula) • Other specific requirements as required by the Commission or the Professional Regulatory Board.

EXAM TIPS (from FILIPINO LIBRARIAN)

SOURCE: http://filipinolibrarian.blogspot.com/2005/08/librarians-licensure-examination-2005.html

If you are going to take the licensure exam this year—or know someone who will—the following are what I learned from my experience:

1. It's never too early to start the application process. Getting copies of some of the required documents will take several weeks.

2. Check out the "Instructions to Examinees," print it out, read everything carefully, and make sure you understand and follow all the instructions.

3. Prepare your documents and make sure that your birth certificate is from the National Statistics Office. (Note: You may obtain a copy of your birth certificate at the PRC office in Manila, the Census Serbilis Centers, or online). If the birth certificate you have is printed on NSO paper but signed by someone from City Hall, it will not be honored.

4. If you are able to get the right birth certificate but there are discrepancies between your birth certificate and other documents (e.g., name, date of birth, sex), you will either have to obtain further documentation, have the other documents changed to reflect the details in your birth certificate, or go to court to officially change what needs to be changed.

5. Finally, let me just repeat: It's never too early to start the application process. As Murphy has stated so eloquently, "If anything can go wrong, it will."

APPLYING IN PERSON (SOURCE: http://filipinolibrarian.blogspot.com/2005/09/lle-2005-applying-in-person.html)

I don't know if it's possible to have a proxy file an application for the Librarians' Licensure Examination, but because applicants are screened at the gate, companions (e.g., parents, friends, fixers) are not allowed inside, and an applicant's signature is required on many forms, it is still best that an individual apply in person.

WHAT YOU NEED. Bring a black ballpen, pencil, paste, money (600 pesos for the examination fee, plus lunch, snacks, etc.) and coins. These are the minimum; if you want to bring extra ballpens, pencils, erasers, pencil sharpeners, they will probably make your life easier. And make sure you have all the documents listed ABOVE.

NOTE: Secure Application Form from the PRC Customer Service Center (CSC) and accomplish the same. Once you have all the required documents, you're ready to file your application.

GETTING THERE. Consult the location map or the list of regional offices to determine where you will file your application. If you will be filing at the central office and are coming from EDSA, the easiest way is to get off at Quezon Avenue and take an FX headed for Manila. You will pass by Welcome (or Mabuhay) Rotonda and University of Santo Tomas (UST) on España. After UST, there is an overpass; McDonald's and KFC are on the right. Get off here and cross over to the other side, where you will see Chowking and Greenwich. Turn left at Greenwich and—voila!—you're there.

GOING IN. If you are at the gate before 8 am, and your documents are all in order, it is very likely that you will be finished before 12 noon. Line up at the gate where the guard will make sure that you are an applicant before passing you on to the checker who will look at your documents and give you the required forms.

FILLING UP THE FORMS. Check out the lines; sometimes you can actually fill up the forms while waiting in line. Before filling up any form, make sure that you read all the instructions. Follow the instructions. There are forms where you need to use a ballpen; others, a pencil. You need to paste your photo on the forms; staples are not allowed. School, course and zip codes will be required for certain forms; these are available near the post office (if you can't find them, ask the checker). Make sure you've filled up all the blanks. Write "not applicable" where applicable)

NOTE (From PRC website): Secure the following from the processor upon approval of your application:

• Permanent Examination and Registration Record card (PERRC) Download sample PERRC • Notice of Admission (NOA)

PAYMENTS. You will need to pay for the examination fee (900 pesos) and for documentary stamps for your application and documentary stamps for the mailing envelope (Note: The stamps are for two different things). It's better if you have coins for the metered stamps. Finally, receipts will be issued for all the official requirements you need to pay for, so make sure that you are dealing with the right people by always asking for a receipt.

From PRC website:

Keep the Notice of Admission and Official Receipt. Bring these with you on the first day of the examination. For further information, read the General Instructions at the back page of the NOA, Program of Examination, Examinee's Kit and Self-Instruction Sheet.

Bring your NOA when you verify with the PRC your school/building assignment which will be posted at the PRC premises two (2) or three (3) working days before the examination date.

Download the Application Flowchart from this link: http://www.prc.gov.ph/page.aspx?id=2

What To Do After Filing an Application for Examination

Secure a copy of the Program of Examination from the Application Division or Customer Service Center (this is FREE).

Get your room assignment which will be posted at the PRC webpage one or two days before the first day of examination.

Visit your school/building assignment for environment and transport familiarization.

STUDYING FOR THE EXAM (SOURCE: http://filipinolibrarian.blogspot.com/2005/09/lle-2005-studying-for-exam.html)

The most important fact that those taking the Librarians' Licensure Examination (LLE) need to remember is that it is an exam. No amount of experience, impressive credentials, or years of service will change the fact that if you cannot answer enough questions correctly, then you will not pass the exam. If you don't know what to expect, check out "What not to expect in the LLE," where Peachy Limpin writes about what you can expect and shares what Perla Garcia, chair of the Board for Librarians, told her here: http://peachydownunder.blogspot.com/2005/10/what-not-to-expect-in-lle.html

Join a review class. It may seem expensive but the discipline of going to classes, not to mention the guilt you'll feel if you're absent, will help prepare you to take the exam not just intellectually, but also psychologically. In case you didn't enroll in one of the once-a-week review classes, you can still sign up for daily review classes at UP's Institute of Library and Information Science.

Take mock exams seriously. Make sure you have a complete set of questionnaires and answer keys. If you aren't attending a review class, photocopy the mock exams of someone who's enrolled in one. Or you can try and look in bookstores for The Complete Reviewer for Librarian's Licensure Examination, vol. 3, ed. Juan Buenrostro (Quezon City: 2002). The questions, from 1998 and 1999 review classes, are a bit dated, but still helpful. Just be aware that not all the answers provided in the answer key are correct.

Use an answer sheet for mock exams. Don't write on the questionnaires. Why? So you can use them again. While you're answering the mock exam, mark answers that you're not sure of. When you check your answers, highlight the answers that you got right by guessing and try to understand how you got them right. Highlight your wrong answers using a different color and analyze why you got them wrong.

After a few days or weeks, take the mock exams all over again. Compare the results. Look at the the number of guesses you're making. Are they increasing or decreasing? Are you making mistakes on questions you answered correctly before? Or

are you still making the same mistakes? If you did better the second time around, then you're on the right track. If you did worse, then you're doing something wrong. If you have time, take them again.

Time yourself. The amount of time given for a test will vary depending on the subject, but 100 questions will be asked for each subject. If on the third try, you're answering all the questions in less than 30 minutes, then you're ready for the exams. But looking for other mock exams to answer would still be a good idea.

One of the most useful tips I got from last year's review classes was from Sharon Esposo: If the test is constructed fairly, you should be able to eliminate two of the four choices easily. Try doing this with the mock exams.

Relax. What's important is that you get used to answering multiple choice questions. Don't try to memorize everything you get your hands on. But be sure you know how call numbers are assigned for LC and DDC. Being familiar with the subjects from A-Z and 0-990 will be helpful. Again, no need to memorize. What's important is that given four choices, you can eliminate two right away because you know that they belong to the wrong letter or number.

Don't fight the exam. It exists. There is a law that says we cannot practice our profession legally unless we pass the exam. If you would like to change the law, you may opt not to take the exam and wait until the law is replaced with one you like (but be prepared to wait a loooong time). Or you can take the exam, pass it and then work to have the law changed for the benefit of future librarians.

GETTING READY FOR D-DAY (SOURCE: http://filipinolibrarian.blogspot.com/2005/10/lle-2005-preparing-for-d-day.html)

If you have not yet begun reviewing for the exam, you still have a few weeks. It's also time to start preparing for the day itself.

Pay attention. The deadline for submission of applications is November 3, 2011. You should have all the necessary papers by now. Make sure you read, understand and follow all of the instructions.

Plan ahead. If you can go on leave from work during the week of the exams, do so. If you can pass on your household responsibilities to your husband/wife, parents, children, or friends during that week, start making arrangements now. It will be much better if you are not worrying about other things a few days before or, worse, during the exam. And if you can afford to celebrate after the exam, start making plans to go out of town for a few days.

Getting there. The venue will be announced just a few days before the exam. Make sure you are able to find out as soon as possible. Visit the venue before the first day of the exam. Figure out how to get there and how long it will take. If you plan to take public transportation, find out all the possible routes you can take. If you're bringing a

car, look around to see where you can park. If you want someone to drive for you, let them know now. Finally, assume that something will go wrong, so prepare backup plans in case your car won't start, there's a rally somewhere, or you wake up late.

Stay healthy. Remember to eat. Not just on the exam days, but also while you're studying. It's very hard to think on an empty stomach. And get some exercise. Studying for many hours without stopping will be counter-productive. Get up after an hour and walk around a little. Better yet, play badminton, go to an aerobics class or swim every other day. Are you the type who gets sick when something important is coming? You better visit a doctor soon.

TAKING THE EXAM (SOURCE: http://filipinolibrarian.blogspot.com/2005/10/lle-2005- taking-exam.html

You should also go over all the requirements and instructions for the exam days. Bring only what you're supposed to bring, wear what you're told to wear, and try to get a good night's sleep before the exam.

What to Bring on Examination Day (From PRC website)

• Notice of Admission • Application Stub • PRC Official Receipt • Two or more pencils (No. 2) • Ballpens with BLACK INK ONLY • One (1) piece Metered-Stamp Window Envelope • One (1) piece Long Brown Envelope • One (1) piece Long Transparent (non -colored) Plastic Envelope (to keep above items)

What to Wear on Examination Day (From PRC website)

• MALE - school uniform/white polo shirt or T-shirt (tucked-in) • FEMALE – school uniform/white blouse or T-shirt

General Instructions To Examinees (From PRC website)

• Report to the Test Center before 6:30am on the first day of examination to verify your room and seat number.

• Late examinees will not be admitted.

• Attend to your personal needs before the start of examination in every subject. No examinee will be allowed to go out of the examination room while the examination is in progress.

• Always put your answer sheet on top of the armchair while taking the examination.

• Stop answering the test questions at the end of the time alloted for the subject.

• Arrange your test papers as follows: Notice of Admission; Answer Sheet; and Test Questionnaire

• Do not leave the room until

1. your answer sheet and test question set are received by the room watchers, 2. you have signed, indicated the time and set (A or B) on the Examinees Record of

Attendance, and 3. the lower portion of your Notice of Admission (Certification on the Receipt of

Test Papers) is signed by the Room Watchers and returned to you.

For other details such as How to Mark Your Examinee Identification Sheet/Answer Sheets and Prohibited acts inside the examination room, check the PRC website: http://www.prc.gov.ph/licensure/?id=24

And finally, here's what you need to remember while taking the exam:

1. Pay attention. Read, understand and follow all of the instructions. Listen to the proctor. No matter how unlikeable s/he may be, you're stuck with your proctor. Some will be very kind, while others will terrorize you. Don't let them affect you. Life is not fair. Get over it.

2. Be careful. Once you get the answer sheets, check that you have all of them in the proper order, make sure you understand what you're supposed to write before you start writing, and think like the professional that you aspire to be.

3. Systematize. Will you encircle your choices on the questionnaire first and mark your answer sheet later? Or will you mark your answer sheet after every question? Whatever you decide, remember that you can write on the questionnaire and that the number of the question you are answering should match the number on the answer sheet. Last year, I first answered all the questions I was confident about and marked those that I wasn't sure of—but always making sure that the numbers on the questionnaire and answer sheets matched. After the first pass, I went back to the ones I skipped and spent more time on the questions to which I didn't know the answer or which I thought were tricky.

4. Pace yourself. When you receive the questionnaire for a particular test, take some time to look at all the pages first so that you have an idea of the kinds of questions you'll be encountering. Make sure you're done with your first pass at half-time. If not, then you're taking too long. Your objective is to answer all the easy questions first, then go back to the hard ones. Stop answering questions during the last five minutes, and start filling in the blank spaces on your answer sheet. Why? If you leave a space blank, you will definitely get a zero for that

question. But if you guess blindly, then you will at least have a 25 percent chance of getting one more point.

5. Don't fight the questions. Some questions will not make sense, but try to make sense out of them anyway. There will be occasions where a word seems to be missing (e.g., not) from the question; see if the choices support your hypothesis and act accordingly. If the question really does not make any sense, focus on the choices and play "spot the difference." You can prepare for these kinds of questions by going back to your mock exams and "playing" with the questions. If you change one word in the question, what will the answer be? If you disregard the questions, can you guess the correct answer just based on the choices?

6. Finally, focus. This is the moment of truth. It doesn't matter anymore how much or how little time you spent preparing for this exam. This is not the time to torture yourself about the things you should or should not have done before the exam. After each test, try not to discuss the questions and/or answers with other examinees; this practice will only serve to distract you from the next test.

Good luck!