A Qualitative Study on Challenges and Institutional Impact in Enhancing Criminology Licensure Examination Success Through Strengthened Review Program Initiatives

Abstract

Criminology deals at criminal activity in society and seeks to figure out why people commit crimes. Since the founding of the first criminology programs in the Philippines, criminology education has expanded dramatically, and graduates' performance on the Criminology Licensure Examination has proven to be a crucial indicator of both academic quality and institutional efficacy. In order to improve licensure exam performance at the University of Cagayan Valley, this study evaluated the institutional impact and challenges of strengthening review program activities. In particular, it looked at the challenges faced by criminology graduates in their training, analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of current review programs, and determined the administrative, budgetary, and logistical needs required to improve these programs. To describe experiences of stakeholders, a qualitative case study method was employed. University administrators, a representative of a review provider, and forty-seven (47) purposely selected participants participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data, which was then examined to find recurring themes. The results showed that during their preparation, both passers and non-passers faced financial, personal, and academic difficulties. Passers, on the other hand, demonstrated more effective study techniques, resiliency, and utilization of the existing support networks. The study emphasizes that in addition to individual effort, successful institutional support, organized review programs, and dedicated faculty mentoring are also necessary for passing the licensing exam.