Acing the licensure examination for professional teachers: Narratives from the repeaters

Passing the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers is a critical milestone in the teaching profession. However, some educators, referred to as repeaters, face the challenge of passing the examination after multiple attempts. This study explores the experiences of Social Studies educators who graduated from a state university in Bataan, Philippines, and eventually passed the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers after initially failing. The research addresses two key questions: (1) What are the realizations of repeaters in failing the licensure examination? and (2) What are the realizations of repeaters from passing the licensure examination after a previous failure? This narrative inquiry study engaged eight (8) participants selected through purposive sampling. The findings reveal that participants transformed their setbacks into valuable learning experiences and adopted comprehensive strategies to enhance their readiness for the examination. The study also emphasizes the significance of self-motivation, resilience, and personal accountability as critical factors in achieving success. The narratives of the repeaters highlight essential indicators for passing the licensure examination and provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by repeaters. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of adopting diverse and appropriate preparation strategies for all examinees aiming to excel in the teaching licensure examination.