What is the passing grade for the REE board exam?

According to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), a candidate must achieve a weighted general average of at least 70%, with no grade lower than 50% in any of the three subject areas: Mathematics, Engineering Sciences and Allied Subjects (ESAS), and Electrical Engineering Professional Subjects.

How many times a year is the REE exam conducted?

The REE licensure examination is typically conducted twice a year by the PRC, usually in April and September. Candidates should check the official PRC schedule of examinations for the exact dates and application deadlines.

What are the eligibility requirements for the REE exam?

Applicants must be citizens of the Philippines (or a foreign citizen with a reciprocity agreement), at least 21 years of age, of good reputation and moral character, and a holder of a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) degree from a university or college recognized by the Philippine government.

How long does it take to prepare for the REE exam?

Most successful candidates dedicate three to six months of intensive study. This usually involves a combination of attending a review center and self-directed practice. A minimum of 500 study hours is recommended to cover the vast syllabus across all three major subjects.

Can I use any calculator during the REE board exam?

No, the PRC maintains a strict list of allowed non-programmable calculators. Popular choices include the Casio fx-991ES Plus (if still allowed) or the fx-991EX. Candidates must verify the current 'Allowed Calculators' list on the PRC website before the exam day.

What happens if I fail the REE board exam?

Candidates who fail the exam can retake it in the next scheduled session. There is no limit to the number of retakes, but those who fail three times may be required to complete a refresher course before being allowed to take the exam again, depending on current Board of Electrical Engineering policies.

Registered Electrical Engineer (REE) Philippines Certification Guide

The Path to Becoming a Registered Electrical Engineer

In the Philippines, the title of Registered Electrical Engineer (REE) is more than just a professional designation; it is a legal requirement for anyone wishing to practice electrical engineering at a professional level. Governed by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Board of Electrical Engineering (BEE), the REE license is established under Republic Act No. 7920, also known as the New Electrical Engineering Law. This legislation ensures that only qualified individuals handle the complexities of electrical systems, power generation, and distribution across the archipelago.

The REE credential serves as the middle tier of the Licensed Electrical Practitioner (LEP - Philippines) hierarchy, sitting between the Registered Master Electrician (RME) and the Professional Electrical Engineer (PEE). While an RME focuses on installation and maintenance of systems up to 600 volts, the REE is authorized to design, install, and manage much larger systems, though they still require the seal of a PEE for certain high-voltage or complex design documents. For those looking to start at the technician level, the Registered Master Electrician (RME - Philippines) is often the first step.

Earning the REE license requires passing a rigorous multi-day board examination that tests a candidate's mastery of mathematics, engineering sciences, and professional electrical engineering subjects. This guide provides a deep dive into everything you need to know to navigate this challenging milestone.

Eligibility and the PRC Application Process

Before you can sit for the REE board exam, you must meet specific criteria set by the PRC. The primary requirement is the completion of a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from a college or university recognized by the Philippine government. Unlike some international certifications like the Achievement Measurement 2 (AM2), which focuses heavily on practical installation skills, the REE is an academic and theoretical licensure path.

Core Requirements

Citizenship: You must be a citizen of the Philippines. Foreigners may apply only if their country has a documented reciprocity agreement with the Philippines regarding engineering practice.
Age: Candidates must be at least 21 years of age at the time of the exam.
Moral Character: You must be of good reputation and moral character, with no record of moral turpitude.
Education: A valid BSEE degree is mandatory.

Documentary Requirements

When applying through the PRC's LERIS (Licensure Examination and Registration Information System) portal, you will typically need to provide:

Transcript of Records (TOR) with the scanned picture and the remarks 'For Board Examination Purposes'.
PSA Birth Certificate.
PSA Marriage Contract (for married female applicants).
NBI Clearance.
Payment of the examination fee (usually around 900 PHP).

It is crucial to verify these requirements on the official PRC website, as policies regarding document validity and filing deadlines can change without prior notice.

The REE Exam Blueprint: A Deep Dive

The REE board exam is a two-day marathon. It is divided into three major subject areas, each with its own weight and focus. Understanding the distribution of these topics is the first step in creating an effective study plan.

Subject Area	Weight	Day	Time Allotted
Mathematics	25%	Day 1 (Morning)	5 Hours
Engineering Sciences and Allied Subjects (ESAS)	30%	Day 1 (Afternoon)	4 Hours
Electrical Engineering Professional Subjects	45%	Day 2 (Morning)	6 Hours

The exam consists of 300 multiple-choice questions (100 per subject). To pass, you need a weighted average of 70%, and you must not score below 50% in any single subject. This means that even if you ace the Professional Subjects and ESAS, a failure in Mathematics (below 50%) will result in a total failure of the exam.

Mathematics: The Foundation and the Eliminator

Mathematics is often referred to by examinees as the 'eliminator.' Because it is the first subject on the first day, it sets the tone for the entire exam. The scope is vast, covering everything from high school algebra to advanced engineering mathematics.

Key Topics in Mathematics

Algebra: Progressions, permutations and combinations, binomial theorem, and complex numbers.
Trigonometry: Trigonometric identities, solution of triangles, and spherical trigonometry.
Geometry: Plane and solid geometry, and analytic geometry (conic sections).
Calculus: Differential calculus (limits, derivatives, optimization) and Integral calculus (integration techniques, areas, volumes of revolution).
Differential Equations: First-order DE, higher-order linear DE, and Laplace transforms.
Probability and Statistics: Mean, median, mode, standard deviation, and various probability distributions.

The challenge in Mathematics is not just the complexity of the problems, but the speed required. With 100 questions in 300 minutes, you have an average of 3 minutes per question. This includes reading, analyzing, solving, and shading the answer sheet.

Engineering Sciences and Allied Subjects (ESAS)

ESAS covers the broader engineering context. It tests your knowledge of the physical sciences and the administrative aspects of the profession. This subject is often seen as a 'memory' subject, though it contains significant computational elements in mechanics and thermodynamics.

Key Topics in ESAS

Physics: Mechanics, waves, sound, heat, light, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics.
Engineering Mechanics: Statics (force systems, equilibrium) and Dynamics (kinematics, kinetics).
Strength of Materials: Stress, strain, torsion, and bending moments.
Thermodynamics: Properties of pure substances, first and second laws of thermodynamics, and ideal gas cycles.
Engineering Economics: Time value of money, interest, annuities, depreciation, and break-even analysis.
Engineering Management: Planning, organizing, and project management principles.
Ethics and Law: RA 7920 (The Electrical Engineering Law) and the Code of Ethics for Electrical Engineers.

Candidates often neglect the 'Allied Subjects' like Economics and Ethics, but these questions are often the easiest to answer quickly, providing a necessary buffer for the more time-consuming mechanics problems.

Electrical Engineering Professional Subjects

This is the core of the exam, carrying the highest weight (45%). It tests your technical competence in the field you will actually practice. The questions here range from basic circuit theory to complex power system analysis.

Key Topics in EE Professional Subjects

Electrical Circuits: Ohm's Law, Kirchhoff's Laws, network theorems (Thevenin, Norton, Superposition), AC circuits, three-phase systems, and transients.
Electrical Machines: DC generators and motors, transformers, synchronous motors and generators, and induction motors.
Power Systems: Generation, transmission, and distribution. This includes fault analysis, protection, and power factor correction.
Electronics: Semiconductor devices, amplifiers, oscillators, and digital logic circuits.
Control Systems: Feedback loops, transfer functions, and stability analysis.
Philippine Electrical Code (PEC): Parts 1 and 2. This is perhaps the most critical sub-topic for practical application.

The Professional Subjects exam requires a deep understanding of how different components interact within a system. For instance, you might be asked to calculate the required size of a capacitor bank to improve the power factor of an industrial plant, or to determine the protective device rating for a specific motor branch circuit based on PEC standards.

The Role of the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC)

The PEC is the 'bible' for electrical practitioners in the Philippines. While other certifications like the BICSI RCDD focus on data and communications standards, the PEC is the primary safety standard for all electrical installations in the country.

In the REE exam, PEC questions usually focus on:

Branch Circuit Calculations: Determining wire sizes, conduit sizes, and overcurrent protection.
Grounding and Bonding: Requirements for system grounding and equipment grounding.
Hazardous Locations: Classifications and wiring methods for explosive or flammable environments.
Mandatory Clearances: Physical spacing requirements for electrical equipment.

Studying the PEC requires a different mindset than studying Math or Circuits. It is about understanding the 'why' behind the safety rules and being able to navigate the tables and articles of the code book efficiently. Many examinees find it helpful to tab their code books during review, although you cannot bring your own book into the actual exam.

Study Strategies and Timelines

Preparation for the REE board exam is typically a marathon, not a sprint. Most candidates follow one of two paths: attending a review center or self-study. Regardless of the path, a structured timeline is essential.

The Six-Month Timeline

Months 1-2: Foundation Building. Focus on Mathematics and basic Circuit Theory. Re-learn the fundamentals of calculus and differential equations.
Months 3-4: Subject Expansion. Dive into ESAS and Electrical Machines. Start reading the PEC for at least 30 minutes every day.
Month 5: Problem Solving. Solve as many 'past board' problems as possible. This is the time to refine your calculator techniques.
Month 6: Mock Exams and Refinement. Take timed practice exams to build endurance. Focus on your weakest areas identified during practice.

The 'Spiral' Approach

Instead of finishing one subject completely before moving to the next, the spiral approach involves studying a bit of Math, ESAS, and EE every week. This keeps all subjects fresh in your mind and prevents 'knowledge decay' in the subjects you studied early on.

The 'Error Log' and Reviewing Wrong Answers

One of the most common mistakes candidates make is solving hundreds of problems but never looking back at the ones they got wrong. To truly improve, you must maintain an 'Error Log.'

Whenever you miss a question during practice:

Identify the Root Cause: Was it a calculation error, a misunderstanding of the concept, or a failure to remember a specific PEC rule?
Re-solve the Problem: Don't just look at the solution. Write it out from scratch.
Categorize: If you keep missing 'Transformer' questions, you know you need to dedicate a full day to reviewing transformer theory.

Readiness benchmarks usually involve scoring consistently above 80% on mock exams. Since the actual board exam can be unpredictable, having a 10% buffer above the passing mark of 70% provides a necessary safety net.

Calculator Mastery

In the REE exam, your calculator is your best friend. The PRC allows specific non-programmable calculators, and mastering their functions can save you precious minutes. You should be able to perform the following tasks almost instinctively:

Complex Number Mode: Essential for AC circuit analysis and impedance calculations.
Equation Solver: For solving systems of linear equations or quadratic equations in Math and ESAS.
Statistical Functions: For quick mean and standard deviation calculations.
Unit Conversions: Many calculators have built-in constants and conversions that are invaluable for ESAS.

Always bring two identical, PRC-approved calculators to the exam. If one fails or runs out of battery, you don't want to be forced to use a backup model with a different button layout.

Exam Day Logistics and PRC Rules

The logistics of the exam day can be as stressful as the exam itself. Being prepared for the environment will help you stay focused on the questions.

What to Bring

Notice of Admission (NOA).
Two or more pencils (No. 2).
Black ballpens.
One long transparent plastic envelope.
PRC-approved calculators.
Food and water (placed inside a transparent bag).

Prohibited Items

Mobile phones, smartwatches, and any form of programmable electronics are strictly prohibited. Bringing these into the room can lead to immediate disqualification and a ban from future exams. Communication between examinees is also strictly forbidden.

The exam rooms are often in schools or hotels and may not be air-conditioned. Dress comfortably (usually in a white collared shirt or the prescribed uniform) and prepare for varying temperatures.

Career Outcomes and Professional Growth

Passing the REE board exam opens doors to a wide range of industries in the Philippines and abroad. Registered Electrical Engineers are found in:

Power Utilities: Working for companies like Meralco, NGCP, or various electric cooperatives.
Construction and Design: Designing electrical systems for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
Manufacturing: Managing the electrical infrastructure and automation of factories.
Renewable Energy: Designing and maintaining solar, wind, and hydroelectric power plants.
Government: Working for the Department of Energy (DOE) or local government units as electrical inspectors.

After gaining seven years of active practice, an REE can apply to become a Professional Electrical Engineer (PEE). This involves submitting a technical report and undergoing an interview with the Board. The PEE is the highest level of licensure, allowing the engineer to sign and seal electrical plans and specifications.

Is a Premium Practice Tool Worth It?

Many candidates wonder if investing in a premium practice tool is necessary when there are free resources available. Here is an honest assessment of how these tools fit into your preparation.

Pros

Simulated Environment: Premium tools often mimic the timing and pressure of the actual 100-question blocks, which is hard to replicate with just a textbook.
Focused Analytics: These tools can automatically track your performance across different topics (e.g., Math vs. EE), helping you identify your 'weak spots' faster than manual tracking.
Updated Question Banks: While 'past board' books are great, premium tools often include newer questions that reflect recent trends in the PRC exams.

Cons

Not a Replacement for Theory: A practice tool cannot teach you the 'why' behind a differential equation or the physics of a synchronous motor. You still need your college textbooks and review notes.
Cost: For students on a tight budget, the cost of multiple subscriptions can add up.

In summary, a premium tool is an excellent 'finishing' resource. It helps with speed, logic, and exam-day stamina, but it should be used alongside official materials and deep conceptual study. You can start with a free practice test to gauge your current level before committing to a full pricing plan.

Official Sources and Further Reading

To ensure you are following the most current regulations and schedules, always refer to the following official bodies:

Professional Regulation Commission (PRC): The ultimate authority on exam schedules, application requirements, and board resolutions.
Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE): The accredited professional organization (APO) for electrical engineers in the country. They provide continuing professional development (CPD) and networking opportunities.
Board of Electrical Engineering (BEE): The specific body within the PRC that crafts the exam questions and sets the standards for the profession.

Disclaimer: While this guide is based on current PRC standards and RA 7920, candidates should always confirm specific deadlines and allowed calculator models directly with the PRC before their examination date.