General Principle of Equality Among Examinees
- All examinees, including persons with disabilities (PWDs), shall generally be treated equally as ordinary examinees.
Recognition of Persons with Disabilities in Licensure Examinations
- Accommodates individuals with hearing and vision impairments (deaf and blind), physical disabilities (polio victims, wheelchair users), and speech impairments (mute).
- Ensures PWDs are allowed to take various licensure examinations.
Mandatory Notification of PWD Examinees
- Application divisions/units in both Central and Regional Offices must promptly inform the Commission and Examination Division about PWD applicants.
Special Provisions for Blind Examinees
- Blind examinees are to be assigned in designated rooms close to supervisors.
- A Room Watcher, appointed by the Chairperson or Regional Directors, shall assist blind examinees:
- Assists in filling out identification sheets based on examinee’s oral information.
- Reads each test question twice aloud.
- Marks the answers on behalf of the examinee.
- Records the entire examination proceedings on tapes supplied by the examinee.
- Recorded tapes submitted to the Rating Division for safekeeping and future reference.
- The Room Watcher issues a certification confirming that marked answers correspond to the examinee’s responses as per recorded proceedings.
Provisions for Other Vision-Impaired Examinees
- Those with low vision who can read test questions sit near windows or well-lit areas.
- Treated similarly to ordinary examinees.
Accommodations for Physically Handicapped Examinees
- Examined on the ground floor or lowest floor of the test center.
- Positioned alongside other ordinary examinees.
Treatment of Deaf and/or Mute Examinees
- Provided with written instructions for completing examination forms.
- Assignment of sign language interpreters is explicitly prohibited.
Flexibility for Other Disabilities
- The Commission may adopt applicable examination procedures for PWDs with disabilities not specifically addressed, ensuring the integrity of the examination is maintained.
Effectivity
- Resolution takes effect 15 days following publication in the Official Gazette or a widely circulated newspaper.
Official Adoption
- Resolution adopted on 13 May 2004 by the Chairperson and Commissioners of the Commission.