Last reviewed: October 4, 2026 by the NBI Clearance Online Editorial Team
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) lists a valid NBI clearance among the documentary requirements for licensure (board) examination applicants. If you’re filing for a board exam, get your clearance early so a HIT or a full schedule doesn’t delay your application.
Here’s how to time it, what to watch for, and how to avoid last-minute problems.
We’re here to help you every step of the way. NBI Clearance Online is an independent guide, not the NBI or any government agency. Applications are made only through the official websites and offices named on this page.
NBI clearance for the board exam at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Required by | Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), for licensure examination applicants |
| What the PRC asks for | A valid NBI clearance, along with documents such as your PSA birth certificate and transcript of records |
| How recent | It must be valid when you file; some boards set a stricter minimum, so check your board’s list |
| Fee | ₱130 plus an e-payment charge |
| When to apply | At least two to three weeks before filing, to allow for a HIT |
Why the PRC asks for it
Licensure is a public trust, so the PRC checks that applicants have no disqualifying criminal record. The NBI clearance is the standard nationwide record check used for this.
When to get it
- Not too early: the NBI clearance validity period is one year, and it needs to be valid on your filing date.
- Not too late: if your name gets a HIT, release can take 5 to 10 working days.
- Best timing: about two to three weeks before your planned filing date.
Step by step
- Check your board’s requirements on the PRC website, including any rule on how recent the NBI clearance must be.
- Book your NBI appointment and pay online.
- Visit the branch with two valid IDs and get your clearance.
- Check the details: your name must match your PSA birth certificate and transcript.
- File with the PRC, bringing the original clearance with your other documents.
Repeaters and first-timers
The PRC asks for a valid NBI clearance from both first-time takers and repeaters. If your old clearance has expired or won’t be valid on your filing date, get a new one; an online NBI clearance renewal may save you a branch visit if you qualify.
First-time jobseekers may get their NBI clearance free under RA 11261. Whether that applies to your board exam depends on your barangay’s certification, so ask your barangay first.
Common problems
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Clearance expires before filing | Check the date of issue and get a new one if needed. |
| HIT delays the release | Apply two to three weeks early so you still make your filing date. |
| Name doesn’t match your PSA documents | Fix your details with the NBI before filing with the PRC. |
| Lost the original | Get a new clearance; the PRC usually asks for the original. |
FAQs about NBI clearance for the board exam
Is an NBI clearance required for the board exam?
Yes. The PRC lists a valid NBI clearance among the documentary requirements for licensure examination applicants.
How recent should it be?
It must be valid when you file. Some boards set a stricter rule, so check your board’s requirements on the PRC website.
Can I use a police clearance instead?
The PRC asks specifically for an NBI clearance, and the NBI clearance vs police clearance are different documents.
What if I get a HIT?
An NBI clearance HIT usually means release takes 5 to 10 working days, at no extra cost.
Spotted something that changed?
Rules and fees can change. If anything here no longer matches what you saw, please let us know and we’ll check it. Every guide follows our editorial policy and is checked against official sources.