QuestionsQuestions (PRC BOARD OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Resolution NO. 30)
Under C.A. No. 294 (as amended by R.A. No. 5336 and P.D. No. 223), the law does not specifically state the passing grade. However, P.D. No. 223, Section 6(g), authorizes the Board—subject to Commission approval—to determine the appropriate passing general rating if not provided for in the law.
Section 7 of the Rules and Regulations of the Board.
The candidate had to obtain a general average of at least 75% and should have not less than 60% in any subject in order to pass.
The candidate must obtain a general passing average rating of at least 70% with no less than 50% in any subject.
Under Section 7 as amended, an applicant who thrice fails to pass the examination for the same grade shall not be allowed to take another until at least one (1) year has lapsed after the last examination.
The Resolution stated that equity, propriety, and uniformity suggested adopting the general passing average of 70% used in other engineering licensure examinations, which the Board regarded as consistent with the technical aspect and degree of difficulty of the exam.
It stated that the Board adopted the general passing average of 70% with no grade less than 50% in any subject for the April 1991 Mechanical Engineering Licensure Examination.
It was adopted on 21 October 1991. Signatories from the Board included Armand C. Pascual (Chairman), Jesus M. Redelosa (Member), and Alfredo Y. Po (Member).
Resolution No. 30 was approved by the PRC Commission Chairman and members: Julio B. Francia, Jr. (Commission Chairman) and Mariano A. Mendieta and Hermogenes P. Pobre (Commission Members). Commission approval is required because the Board’s authority to set passing ratings is “subject to approval by the Commission.”
It was intended to be enforceable and applicable in the October 1991 and subsequent Mechanical Engineering Licensure Examinations.
It sets the publication-based commencement of effectivity: the Resolution becomes legally effective 15 days after the required publication is completed.
It ensures both overall competence (via the general average) and baseline competency across all subjects (via the minimum percentage in any subject). The Resolution changed both thresholds from 75%/60% to 70%/50%.
It explicitly invoked “equity, propriety, and uniformity” and aligned the Mechanical Engineering passing thresholds with the general passing average used in other engineering licensure examinations (70% with no subject below 50%).
After a third failure for the same grade, the applicant cannot take another examination for at least one year. The waiting period is counted from the last examination date (“after the last examination”).
No. The Resolution reasons that while CA 294 (as amended) does not specify the passing grade, P.D. 223, Section 6(g) authorizes the Board, subject to Commission approval, to determine the passing general rating when the law regulating the profession is silent.