Factors and Challenges Influencing the Criminologist Licensure Examination Performance in Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Sipocot, Camarines Sur
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study examined the factors and challenges associated with the Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE) performance of Bachelor of Science in Criminology graduates of Central Bicol State University of Agriculture–Sipocot Campus from 2021 to 2024. Guided by an Input–Process–Output perspective and Self-Regulated Learning, the study employed descriptive-survey and correlational research designs. From a population of 480 criminology graduates, 181 respondents were selected through simple random sampling. Data were gathered using a validated questionnaire supplemented by unstructured interviews and documentary analysis and were analyzed using percentage, weighted mean, Pearson’s product-moment correlation, and coefficient of determination. CLE performance remained generally below the national passing rate from 2021 to 2023 but improved substantially in 2024, when institutional passing rates reached 53.06% and 55.10% in the two examination periods. Among the perceived success factors, study and review practices obtained the highest mean (3.40), followed by academic preparedness (3.35) and institutional support (3.28). Social pressure was the most frequently encountered challenge (3.19), followed by home environment (2.87) and lack of preparedness (2.82). Academic preparedness showed a very strong positive and statistically significant relationship with CLE performance (r = .979, p = .021), whereas lack of preparedness demonstrated a very strong negative and statistically significant relationship (r = −.983, p = .017). Study and review practices, institutional support, social pressure, and home environment were not significantly related to CLE performance. The findings emphasize the importance of strengthening academic readiness and addressing preparation gaps through curriculum review, diagnostic and mock examinations, structured review activities, academic monitoring, mentoring, and student support under the proposed Empowering Criminology Graduates Through Strategic Review Excellence program. The study supports Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Quality Education by promoting competency development and professional readiness and contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions by supporting the preparation of competent future criminology professionals. Its sustainability impact lies in strengthening evidence-based academic systems, continuous institutional quality improvement, and the long-term development of qualified professionals for public safety and justice institutions.
Author: Mayene N. Sevilla
Institution: Naga College Foundation, Inc.
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7212433753