Getting to know PhiLSAT

1. What is the PhiLSAT?

PhiLSAT stands for Philippine Law School Admission Test. It is a nationwide uniform exam that an aspiring law student must take as a requirement for admission to any law school. It is administered by the Center for Educational Measurement, Inc. (CEM) under the control and supervision of the Legal Education Board (LEB).

2. Who may take the PhiLSAT?

An aspiring law student is qualified to take the test if he or she is:

a) a graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a duly recognized higher institution in the Philippines;

b) expecting to graduate from a 4-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a duly recognized higher institution in the Philippines at the end of the school year when the PhiLSAT will be administered; or

c) a graduate from a foreign higher education institution with a degree equivalent to a 4-year bachelor’s degree as certified by the Commission on Higher Education.

3. What is the coverage of the PhiLSAT?

The following topics are included in the PhiLSAT:

a) communication and language proficiency;

b) critical thinking skills;

c) verbal reasoning; and

d) quantitative reasoning.

4. How does an applicant register for the PhiLSAT?

An applicant is required to register online. Here are the steps:

a) Go to www.cem-inc.org.ph. Create an account.

b) Fill out the registration form, and accomplish the Student Information Questionnaire.

c) Choose the mode of payment (credit card or bank deposit).

d) Pay the testing fee of PHP1,000 thru the preferred mode of payment.

e) Wait for the email confirming registration and payment. The PhiLSAT ID form, which must be submitted on the day of the exam, will be included in the email.

5. What is the passing rate for the PhiLSAT?

The passing rate is 55% or such percentile score as may be prescribed by the LEB. (Last year, the passing rate was lowered to 45% as a form of consideration for the limited review materials available.) An examinee who passes the test will be given a Certificate of Eligibility. An examinee who fails will be given a Certificate of Grade.

6. Who is exempt from taking the PhiLSAT?

An applicant a) who graduated with honors; b) who was conferred professional civil service eligibility; and c) who is enrolling within 2 years from graduation is exempt from taking the test. Note that all three conditions must be satisfied in order to qualify for exemption.

An honor school graduate may likewise be exempt from taking the civil service exam.