What Is the CELE (Civil Engineer Licensure Examination)?
The Civil Engineer Licensure Examination (CELE) is one of the largest PRC board exams in the Philippines, with approximately 15,000–18,000 examinees per cycle. PRC administers it twice a year, typically in March/April and September/November, across 19 testing centers nationwide.
The CELE is governed by RA 544 (Civil Engineering Law) and administered by the PRC Board of Civil Engineering. A valid PRC license is required to practice civil engineering in the Philippines — including consultation, design, supervision of construction, and related services for buildings, roads, bridges, flood control systems, water supply, and other civil works. See the full PRC Board Exam Schedule 2026 for all exam dates.
CELE Exam Structure: 3 Subjects Over 2 Days
The CELE is a 2-day exam covering 3 subject groups. Each subject runs approximately 5 hours with 50–60 problem-solving items:
| Day | Subject Group | Weight | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Mathematics, Surveying & Transportation Engineering (MSTE) | 35% | Algebra, calculus, differential equations, probability & statistics, plane and geodetic surveying, route and highway design, transportation planning |
| Day 2 (AM) | Hydraulics & Geotechnical Engineering (HGE) | 30% | Fluid mechanics, open channel flow, water supply, soil mechanics, foundations, geotechnical investigation, dams & retaining structures |
| Day 2 (PM) | Structural Engineering & Construction (SEC) | 35% | Strength of materials, structural analysis, reinforced concrete design (NSCP), steel design, timber design, construction methods & project management |
CELE Passing Criteria
To pass the CELE, you must meet both conditions:
- Weighted average of at least 70% across all 3 subjects (weighted 35-30-35)
- No subject score below 50% — one subject below 50% fails you regardless of your average
Unlike the CPALE, there is no conditional passing or removal exam system for the CELE. If you don’t meet the criteria, you retake all 3 subjects in the next cycle.
September 2026 CELE Results: When to Expect
The September 2026 CELE is scheduled for September 26–27, 2026. Based on recent patterns, results are expected within 4–5 working days after the last exam day — making it one of the fastest PRC exams to release results.
| CELE Cycle | Exam Dates | Results Released | Working Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2026 | March 26–27, 2026 | April 7, 2026 | 5 days |
| November 2025 | November 22–23, 2025 | November 28, 2025 | 5 days |
| April 2025 | April 2025 | April 2025 | 5 days |
| Nov–Dec 2024 | November 2024 | December 2024 | 5 days |
| April 2024 | April 2024 | April 2024 | 4 days |
Expect results by early October 2026. Where PRC announces first: the official PRC Facebook page typically posts before the website. You can also search your name using our PRC Board Exam Results Checker once we load the passers list. For all checking methods, see our How to Check PRC Board Exam Results guide.
How to Check Your CELE Results (5 Methods)
1. PRC Board Exam Results Checker (prcleris.ph)
Go to our Results Checker tool, select the CELE exam, type your surname, and get an instant result. No account needed.
2. PRC Official Website (prc.gov.ph)
PRC publishes the full passers list as a PDF on prc.gov.ph under Board Exam Results.
3. Verification of Rating on LERIS
The only way to see your per-subject scores. Go to verification.prc.gov.ph, select “Civil Engineer,” enter your details. Ratings load 1–3 days after the announcement. Both passers and non-passers can check.
4. PRC Official Facebook Page
Follow facebook.com/PRCphl for early announcements.
5. PRC Regional Offices
Printed lists are posted at regional office bulletin boards.
CELE Passing Rate History (2023–2026)
| Exam Cycle | Examinees | Passers | Passing Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2026 | 18,370 | 6,438 | 35.05% |
| November 2025 | 14,043 | 4,268 | 30.39% |
| April 2025 | 16,913 | 4,940 | 29.21% |
| Nov–Dec 2024 | 18,436 | 6,835 | 37.07% |
| April 2024 | 17,010 | 6,680 | 39.27% |
| November 2023 | 18,582 | 6,180 | 33.26% |
The CELE passing rate fluctuates between 29–39% — roughly 3 out of 10 examinees pass in a typical cycle. The April 2024 cycle had the highest recent rate at 39.27%. There’s no consistent pattern of one cycle being easier than the other.
March 2026 CELE Topnotchers
| Rank | Name | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Francis Charles Pepito Lauta | University of Cebu | 93.25% |
| 2 | Josh Andrew Medina Martija | University of the Philippines – Diliman | 92.50% |
Full top 10 list will be updated when the September 2026 CELE results are released.
Top Performing School (March 2026): University of the Philippines Diliman — 93.18% passing rate. UP Diliman has consistently topped the CELE for multiple consecutive cycles.
You Passed the CELE — What to Do Next
1. Verify your rating. Go to Verification of Rating on LERIS and check your per-subject scores. Screenshot the results — employers and construction firms ask for these.
2. File Initial Registration on LERIS. This is how you get your CE license number, Certificate of Registration, and PRC ID. Our Initial Registration guide covers every step.
3. Complete Oath Taking. Required before your PRC ID is released. PRC offers office oath, mass ceremony, and e-Oath options. Check our Oath Taking guide.
4. Get your PRC ID. After registration and oath taking, your PRC ID is released — your official proof of CE licensure.
5. Start tracking CPD units. Your CPD compliance period begins as a newly licensed civil engineer.
6. Consider your career path. Licensed civil engineers can work in construction management, structural design, geotechnical engineering, transportation planning, government infrastructure (DPWH, LGUs), or private consulting firms. Your PRC license is also required for signing structural plans and engineering documents.
You Didn’t Pass — Your Options
Check your actual scores. Use Verification of Rating on LERIS to see where you fell short. A 68% weighted average means you’re close — know exactly which subject pulled your score down.
Watch for the 50% floor. Some examinees hit the overall 70% average but fail because one subject dropped below 50%. Your Verification of Rating shows if this happened to you.
File as a Repeater for the next CELE. Use the same LERIS account. The next CELE after September 2026 will be around March/April 2027. See our Board Exam Application guide.
There is no conditional passing for CELE. Unlike the CPA exam, if you don’t meet the passing criteria you must retake all 3 subjects. Focus your review on your weakest subject — that’s where your score improvement will have the biggest impact.
Tips for Passing the CELE
Master the fundamentals of mathematics first. MSTE carries 35% weight and underpins every other subject. Algebra, calculus, differential equations, and probability are guaranteed items. If your math foundation is weak, no amount of formula memorization saves you.
Know your NSCP code. Structural Engineering questions reference the National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP). Make sure you’re reviewing the latest edition — outdated code provisions lead to wrong answers on design problems.
Don’t underestimate Hydraulics & Geotechnical Engineering. At 30% weight it looks like the “lightest” subject, but many examinees fail the 50% floor here because they over-allocate time to MSTE and SEC. Soil mechanics and fluid mechanics problems require practice, not just theory.
Practice problem-solving under timed conditions. The CELE is a calculation-heavy exam — each subject runs ~5 hours with 50–60 problems. Speed and accuracy both matter. Simulate actual exam conditions at least 3–4 times before exam day.
Use your calculator efficiently. Know every shortcut on your scientific calculator for the functions you’ll use most — statistics, matrix operations, equation solving. Seconds saved per problem add up over 5 hours.
Review past board exam problems. PRC-style problems have a distinct format. Practice with actual past CELE questions — the pattern of what gets tested is remarkably consistent across cycles.
Visit your testing center before exam day. The CELE is held at 19 testing centers. Know exactly where yours is, how long it takes to get there, and where your assigned room is. Arrive at least 1 hour early — late examinees are not admitted.
Start your review 4–5 months out. The CELE covers 3 years of CE coursework compressed into 3 exams. Most passers start structured review at least 4 months before — cramming rarely works for calculation-heavy board exams.
CELE Testing Centers (2026)
PRC administers the CELE across 19 testing centers: NCR (Metro Manila), Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Calapan, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Koronadal, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Palawan, Pampanga, Rosales, Tacloban, Tuguegarao, Zamboanga, and Ilocos Sur.
Other Board Exam Results
Check these dedicated pages for other PRC board exam results:
- LET Results — Licensure Examination for Teachers
- CLE Results — Criminologist Licensure Examination
- NLE Results — Nursing Licensure Examination
- CPALE Results — CPA Licensure Examination
- How to Check PRC Board Exam Results (All Methods)
- PRC Board Exam Results Checker Tool
FAQs
When will the September 2026 CELE results be released?
Based on recent patterns, expect results within 4–5 working days after the last exam day (September 27, 2026). That puts the expected release around early October 2026.
How to check civil engineer board exam results online?
Use our Results Checker tool for instant name search, check prc.gov.ph for the official PDF, or use Verification of Rating on LERIS for your per-subject scores.
What is the passing score for the CELE?
You need a weighted average of at least 70% across all 3 subjects (weighted 35-30-35), with no individual subject score below 50%.
What subjects are covered in the civil engineering board exam?
Three subjects: Mathematics, Surveying & Transportation Engineering (MSTE) at 35%; Hydraulics & Geotechnical Engineering (HGE) at 30%; and Structural Engineering & Construction (SEC) at 35%. The exam runs over 2 days.
What is the CELE passing rate?
The passing rate typically ranges from 29–39%. The March 2026 CELE had a 35.05% passing rate (6,438 out of 18,370).
Is there a conditional pass for the civil engineering board exam?
No. Unlike the CPA exam, the CELE does not have a conditional passing system or removal exams. If you don’t meet the passing criteria, you must retake all 3 subjects.
Can I check my CE rating if I didn’t pass?
Yes. Both passers and non-passers can view their per-subject scores through Verification of Rating on LERIS.
When is the next civil engineering board exam after September 2026?
The next CELE is expected around March/April 2027. PRC announces exact dates and application schedules 2–3 months before the exam.
How many times can I retake the CELE?
There is no lifetime limit on retakes. However, check for any refresher course requirements that may apply after multiple failed attempts.
How do I apply as a Repeater for the CELE?
Log into your existing LERIS account, file a new exam application, and select “Repeater” as your examinee type. Follow our Board Exam Application guide.
What should I bring on CELE exam day?
Your Notice of Admission (NOA), one valid government-issued ID, multiple black ballpoint pens, and a non-programmable scientific calculator. No electronic devices, bags, or unauthorized materials. Arrive at least 1 hour before the reporting time.
Which school has the highest CELE passing rate?
University of the Philippines Diliman has consistently topped the CELE for multiple cycles, posting passing rates above 93%. In March 2026, UP Diliman achieved a 93.18% passing rate.
Is the CELE harder than the CPALE?
Both have similar passing rates (30–39% for CELE vs 30–34% for CPALE). The CELE is calculation-heavy with problem-solving items, while the CPALE is MCQ-based. Difficulty depends on your strengths — but both require 4+ months of structured review to pass.