Benefits of Computerization
- Credible, qualitative, and effective licensure exams enhancing public trust.
- Faster release of examination results.
- Adequate time for the Board to exercise regulatory functions.
Implementation Mandate and Compliance
- Compliance with PRC Commission Directive (Res. No. 265, Series of 1993) for full computerization by 1994 for professions with fewer than 1,000 examinees.
- Computerization includes question selection from a databank and automated arrangement.
Legal Authority to Adopt Measures
- Board’s powers under Republic Act No. 6239 and Presidential Decree No. 223 to improve technical, ethical, and moral standards.
- Reservation of the power to adopt innovative policies for profession preservation.
Guidelines for Question Development and Evaluation
- Board Members and Area Specialists to formulate or modify exam questions.
- Questions are appraised for objectivity, validity, reliability, clarity, and singular correct answer.
- Balanced difficulty levels (easy, average, hard) and appropriate knowledge levels.
- Inclusion of subjective (problem, drawing, essay) and objective (multiple choice with at least 4 items) questions.
- Weighting ratio for mixed question subjects: 55% objective, 45% subjective.
Question Bank Management
- Initial input of no less than 500 questions per subject; each subsequent exam requires an additional 300 questions.
- Target of building at least 3,000 questions per subject.
- Questions remain current with economic, technological, and professional developments.
- Questions in the databank become Commission intellectual property.
- Outgoing Board Members lose rights over created questions.
- Incoming or reassigned Members must review, reword, delete, or add questions.
Examination Question Randomization and Security Measures
- Random extraction of questions per subject to create at least two distinct exam sets.
- Strict confidentiality rules during extraction, printing, and packaging; no authorized person can leave the secure room within one hour of exam start.
- Presence of NBI agents, security officers, and observers to ensure integrity.
Computer Program and Data Security
- Use of tamper-proof computer programs with multiple password protection.
- Three key officials designated to manage program and file access and control.
Correction and Rating Methodology
- Objective questions corrected using Optical Mark Reader (OMR) machines.
- Subjective questions may be corrected manually or by OMR when applicable.
Effectivity and Dissemination
- Resolution becomes effective 15 days after publication in an official Gazette or widely circulated newspaper.
- Dissemination to all forestry schools, colleges, and universities for awareness.
Adoption and Approval
- Resolution adopted on April 13, 1994.
- Signed by the Board Chairman and Member, and approved by the PRC Commissioner and Associate Commissioner.