The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), through the Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing, has released the Enhanced Table of Specifications (TOS) that will guide the Nurses Licensure Examination (NLE) starting with the November 2025 exam.
This updated framework is designed to keep the exam relevant to today’s nursing practice and help future nurses focus their preparation on the right areas.
Why the update matters
The Enhanced TOS is more than just a syllabus. It is aligned with the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF), ensuring that the exam measures not only knowledge but also skills, values, and readiness for independent nursing practice. It also applies Bloom’s Taxonomy, which organizes exam questions by levels of difficulty such as remembering, applying, analyzing, and evaluating.
This update replaces older frameworks from 2006 and 2017, signaling a shift toward competency-based, practice-oriented assessment. Nursing educators, including the Association of Deans of Philippine Colleges of Nursing (ADPCN), were consulted in building the new design, ensuring it reflects both classroom learning and professional standards.
What examinees can expect
The Enhanced TOS outlines the structure of the exam to make it clearer for board takers. Questions will focus on real-life nursing responsibilities rather than rote memorization.
Part A of the exam, which carries the largest weight, focuses on patient care scenarios, family and community health, and public health nursing. Part B integrates program outcomes such as ethical practice, communication, leadership, teamwork, and technology in nursing care.
Quick overview
Issued by: Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing (PRC)
Document: Resolution No. 10, series of 2025 – Enhanced Table of Specifications
Effective: November 2025 NLE and future schedules
Replaces: Resolution Nos. 18 (2006) and 11 (2017)
Aligned with: Philippine Qualifications Framework and Bloom’s Taxonomy
Purpose: Competency-based and practice-oriented exam coverage
Why this matters for nursing students
This new TOS gives examinees a clearer path for review. By understanding which areas carry the most weight, students can plan their study time more effectively. The framework also emphasizes practical nursing skills like communication, leadership, ethics, and evidence-based care—reminding future nurses that their profession goes beyond clinical techniques.
The Bottom Line
The Enhanced TOS marks a progressive change in the way the Nurses Licensure Exam is designed. It highlights what truly matters in nursing practice: safe care, critical thinking, ethical responsibility, and readiness to serve the community.
For nursing graduates, this is both a guide and a challenge to study smarter and prepare holistically for life as a professional nurse. With the right preparation tools, success is within reach.
This is where 1NURSE can help.
By providing structured review programs, access to final coaching, and guidance from topnotchers, giving board takers the confidence and strategies they need to excel in the November 2025 NLE and beyond.
