Can Retakers Top the Board Exam? Here's What Every Nursing Graduate Should Know
For many aspiring nurses in the Philippines, the path to licensure is not always a straight line. Some pass on their first try. Others — for reasons beyond preparation or ability — find themselves facing the board exam a second or even third time.
Naturally, a question often arises among these hopeful repeaters:
“Can I still become a topnotcher even if I’ve already taken the board exam before?”
It’s a question filled with ambition, self-reflection, and the desire for redemption. But what does the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) say?
The Official Answer: What the PRC Guidelines Say
According to PRC Resolution No. 2010-547, which outlines the rules on ranking top-performing examinees:
"Only those examinees taking the examination for the first time in the same profession who garnered a general average of not less than eighty percent (80%) shall be included in the list of topnotchers to be released..."
This means that regardless of how high a repeater's score may be — even if they outperform others — they will not be included in the official Top 10 list published by the PRC.
In short:
Only first-time takers are eligible to become official topnotchers.
Retakers, even with excellent scores, are excluded from the ranking.
But the Goal Is Still the Same: Passing with Excellence
While the formal recognition of being a topnotcher may not apply to repeaters, this should not limit their ambition or potential. In reality, many second-timers go on to:
Score well above the 80% mark,
Pass with full confidence,
And land fulfilling careers in healthcare — in the Philippines and abroad.
Your value as a nurse is not defined by the number of times you took the exam, but by how well you rise, adapt, and finish.
Redefining “Topping” the Exam with 1NURSE APP
In today’s digital age, the tools you use can make all the difference — especially if you're preparing for your final and most determined attempt.
This is where the 1NURSE APP steps in as a game-changer for repeaters.
What Makes 1NURSE Ideal for Retakers?
Board Exam Mode
Practice under pressure with timed, full-length simulations — designed to match the actual PNLE experience.
Topic-Based Mastery Quizzes
Thousands of questions with rationales to strengthen your weakest subjects — whether it’s MS, CHN, Funda, or OB.
Exclusive Coaching Videos
Learn directly from experienced mentors and recent topnotchers through in-depth lectures and tips updated for May 2025.
Progress Tracking
Stay motivated with a dashboard that tracks your performance and helps you review smarter, not harder.
Special Limited-Time Offer for Repeaters
To empower those giving it one more try, 1NURSE is offering a 50% discount on its 6-month FULL ACCESS subscription.
What’s included?
Unlimited access to coaching video content
Full-featured board exam tools
Weekly updates and strategy sessions
Tailored resources for the May 2025 PNLE
This offer is designed especially for retakers — because your success story is still in the making.
It’s Not Just About the Rank, It’s About the Comeback
You may not be listed in the Top 10, but that doesn’t mean you can’t:
Master the content,
Pass with excellence,
And build a successful nursing career that uplifts patients, families, and communities.
What matters most is passing — for good — and moving forward with confidence and pride.
With the right mindset and the right tools, this time, it can be your last retake — and your best one yet.
📲 Download the 1NURSE APP today.
Get 50% OFF for 6-months full access by messaging our Facebook Page
Let’s make this attempt your strongest yet.
