The Forester Licensure Exam (FLE) is one of the most important professional examinations conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission in the Philippines. It serves as the gateway for forestry graduates to officially practice their profession and contribute to the country’s environmental management, conservation, and forest sustainability. Over the years, the FLE has not only assessed technical knowledge but also reflected the evolving standards of forestry education across the nation.
Historical Overview of Results (2013 to Present )
| Name of the Examination | Year | Month | Passers | Total No of Candidates | Pass Percentage |
| Forester Licensure Examination | 2010 | july | 151 | 359 | 42.06128 |
| Forester Licensure Examination | 2011 | July | 163 | 374 | 43.58289 |
| Forester Licensure Examination | 2012 | july | 166 | 440 | 37.72727 |
| Forester Licensure Examination | 2013 | july | 189 | 638 | 29.62382 |
| Forester Licensure Examination | 2014 | july | 345 | 856 | 40.30374 |
| Forester Licensure Examination | 2015 | August | 461 | 961 | 47.97086 |
| Forester Licensure Examination | 2017 | september | 721 | 1,482 | 48.65047 |
| Forester Licensure Examination | 2019 | september | 1082 | 1,934 | 55.94623 |
| Forester Licensure Examination | 2022 | october | 1,116 | 2,034 | 54.86726 |
| Forester Licensure Examination | 2024 | october | 928 | 1,574 | 58.95807 |
| Forester Licensure Examination | 2025 | october | 1,471 | 2,054 | 71.61636 |
The Board of Foresters, currently chaired by Neria A. Andin, with members Jose A. Lorenzo and Gerardo T. Cabreros, oversees the exam process, ensuring it remains relevant to modern forestry practices. The test covers key areas such as Forest Ecosystem, Forest Governance and Social Forestry, Forest Utilization Engineering, and Forest Production Management, all vital for sustainable forestry operations.
Forester Licensure Exam Coverage and Frequency
Traditionally, the FLE is conducted once a year, usually in September or October, in testing centers across major Philippine cities including Manila, Baguio, Davao, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Iloilo. The exam typically spans two days and includes both theoretical and applied forestry topics.
Through the years, the PRC has continuously refined the exam’s structure to adapt to new environmental challenges, technology integration, and forestry laws. This evolution mirrors the country’s growing commitment to sustainable forest management and climate resilience.
Notable Trends and Observations
Steady Growth in Examinee Numbers:-
The FLE has seen a steady increase in participation since 2013. This reflects the growing interest in forestry as a viable and impactful profession, particularly as environmental issues become more central to national development.
Improving Pass Rates:-
The upward trend in pass rates suggests that forestry schools have enhanced their curriculum and review programs. Institutions like University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), Mindanao State University (MSU), and Visayas State University (VSU) consistently produce top performing students.
UPLB as a Top Performing School
UPLB continues to dominate the FLE, often achieving passing rates above 95%. In the October 2024 FLE, UPLB recorded a 97.22% performance, reaffirming its reputation as the country’s premier institution for forestry education.
Topnotchers Reflecting Regional Diversity
Recent years have seen topnotchers coming from various regions, not only from Luzon but also from Visayas and Mindanao. For instance, in 2024, the top scorer was Nena Rose Arnaiz Corpin from Biliran Province State University with a 92.60% rating. This diversity shows that high quality forestry education is spreading across the Philippines.
