May 2025 PNLE Results: Top Schools & Topnotchers

May 15, 2025

(Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes)

The wait is finally over for thousands of nursing graduates across the Philippines. The May 2025 PNLE results are in—bringing with them thousands of new names etched into the proud legacy of Filipino nursing. More than just a list of passers, these results mark a pivotal milestone in the journey of our future healthcare professionals.

Behind the names and numbers lies a deeper narrative—one of resilience, determination, and the vital role nurses play in shaping the country’s healthcare landscape. In this article, we explore the top-performing schools, celebrate this year’s topnotchers, and uncover key trends in the passing rates.

Key Statistics for the May 2025 PNLE Board Exam Results

In the May 2025 PNLE, a total of 10,769 nursing graduates took the examination nationwide. Of this number, 6,935 successfully passed, resulting in a national passing rate of 64.40%. This passing rate represents a 24.22% decrease compared to the November 2024 examination, which recorded a 84.99% passing rate.

First-time takers performed significantly better, with a 87.12% passing rate, while retakers achieved a 35.87% success rate. These figures indicate that while the examination remains challenging, the overall quality of nursing education and preparation strategies has shown improvement.

Schools with the Highest Passing Rates for the May 2025 PNLE

Several universities maintained their reputation for excellence in nursing education by achieving impressive passing rates in the May 2025 PNLE:

A. WITH 100 OR MORE EXAMINEES AND WITH AT LEAST 85% PASSING PERCENTAGE

Rank	School	Total Number of Examinees	Total Number of Passers	Percentage Passed
1	UNIVERSITY OF PANGASINAN	357	354	99.16%
2	SAINT PAUL UNIVERSITY-TUGUEGARAO	188	186	98.94%
3	GORDON COLLEGE (FOR.OLONGAPO CITY COLL.)	117	115	98.29%
4	FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY-NICANOR REYES MED.FOUND.	200	196	98.00%
5	HOLY TRINITY UNIV.(FOR HOLY TRINITY COLL.OF PUERTO PRINCESA)	146	140	95.89%
6	UNIVERSIDAD DE ZAMBOANGA (FOR.ZAEC)	119	112	94.12%
7	MEDICAL COLLEGE OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES	116	105	90.52%
8	LYCEUM NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY-DAGUPAN CITY	170	145	85.29%

B. WITH 50-99 EXAMINEES AND WITH AT LEAST 85% PASSING PERCENTAGE

Rank	School	Total Number of Examinees	Total Number of Passers	Percentage Passed
1	SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY-LUCBAN (SLPC) EASTERN SAMAR STATE UNIVERSITY-BORONGAN UNIVERSIDAD DE ZAMBOANGA-PAGADIAN (FOR MENDERO COLLEGE)	77 67 50	77 67 50	100.00%
2	MOUNTAIN VIEW COLLEGE	84	83	98.81%
3	UNIVERSITY OF MINDANAO-DAVAO CITY	69	68	98.55%
4	COLEGIO DE STA. LOURDES OF LEYTE FOUNDATION, INC	67	66	98.51%
5	ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES	57	56	98.25%
6	NORTHEASTERN COLLEGE	74	72	97.30%
7	CENTRAL PHILIPPINE ADVENTIST COLLEGE	55	53	96.36%
8	CEBU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY – UNIVERSITY	69	66	95.65%
9	UP ST. CABRINI SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES INC.	64	59	92.19%
10	CAGAYAN DE ORO COLLEGE	63	58	92.06%

These institutions have consistently demonstrated exceptional performance, attributable to their rigorous academic programs, comprehensive review processes, and high-quality clinical exposure for their students.

Top Performing Individuals for the May 2025 PNLE

The May 2025 PNLE produced a remarkable batch of topnotchers, with extraordinarily high scores that reflect exceptional preparation and aptitude:

MAY 2025 PHILIPPINE NURSING LICENSURE EXAMINATION TOPNOTCHERS
Rank	Name	School	Rating
1	ANGELICA FERRER DATOR	SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY-LUCBAN (SLPC)	90.0%
2	DORISSE ANN FLORES LAYGO	PHILIPPINE WOMEN’S UNIVERSITY-MANILA	89.8%
3	ARIELLE SABRINA ABORDO NATIVIDAD	SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY-LUCBAN (SLPC)	89.4%
4	JONNA EROSA ESPINA VILLANUEVA	ILOILO DOCTORS’ COLLEGE	89.2%
5	COREEN NICOLE VALERO BENITEZ JAIEN LEEWEN MARTINEZ DEL ROSARIO BEA DOMINIQUE TENORIO PILE KATE THERESE TENORIO TARON	SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY-LUCBAN (SLPC) UNIVERSITY OF PANGASINAN COLLEGE OF OUR LADY OF MT. CARMEL UNIVERSITY OF PANGASINAN	89%
6	JEMUEL KYLE BEJAR JAMELA IRISH CONCEPCION CASIS NIÑA GRACE SERA JASMIN	OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY-PAMPANGA, INC UNIVERSITY OF PANGASINAN FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY-NICANOR REYES MED.FOUND.	88.8%
7	Ernest Matthew Hernandez Alcantara Hannah Katrice Beduya Blastique Aliyah Sarmiento Briones Samantha Joy Calubaquib Eco Cruz Jonah Danica Aniciete Mangaban Kyla Mae Nano Narciza Julia Leri Mari Parulan Sausa Monette Jossa Asperin Villanueva	LPU-St. Cabrini School of Health Sciences Inc. De La Salle Medical & Health Sciences Inst. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila University of Pangasinan Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Araullo University Adventist University of the Philippines University of Pangasinan	88.6%
8	Juvely Bautista Danica Danielle Garino Bergantin Rose Sheilla Mae Duata Domingo Alyna Kyla Araojo See	University of Pangasinan Philippine Women’s University – Manila Urdaneta City University (CCU) University of Pangasinan	88.4%
9	Desiree Ann Caparanga Abejero Angelo Quibal Adaoag Martin Jorge Bernal Alcantara Princess Rania Asilo Ellyza Lagasca Cortez Neisshi Anne Racadio Gimeno Loren Mirador Mistica Cristina Paula Finuliar Samson Kaye Arriane Legaspi Tenorio	Our Lady of Fatima University – Antipolo City Araullo University Gordon College (for Olongapo City Coll.) Mountain View College Saint Paul University – Tuguegarao Sultan Kudarat State University – Tacurong Gordon College (for Olongapo City Coll.) University of Pangasinan Calamba Doctors’ College	88.2%
10	Ruela Princess Indig Abuana Maxine Rose Arambulo Agas Arnel Vallarta Bandahala Jr Warren Cabidog Dolor Janine Kate Nava Domantay Criszel Alcasin Navelgas Jan Mariene Burias Salva Marc Joshua Anega Saranillo Mary Grace Peliño Tamayo	Mati Doctors College Far Eastern University – Manila Far Eastern University – Nicanor Reyes Med. Found. Mountain View College University of Pangasinan University of Luzon (Luzon Coll.) Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Tech. University of Mindanao – Davao City Colegio de Sta. Lourdes of Leyte Foundation, Inc.	88%

Interestingly, this group stands out for its geographical diversity. Moreover, topnotchers come from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, reflecting a more balanced distribution of quality nursing education nationwide.

Comparative Analysis with Previous PNLE Results

Analyzing the PNLE results over the past five years reveals interesting trends:

PNLE PASSING RATE FOR THE PAST NINE YEARS
DATE OF EXAM	NUMBER OF TAKERS	NUMBER OF PASSERS	PASSING RATE
May 2025	10,769	6,935	64.40%
November 2024	34,534	29,349	84.99%
May 2024	11,116	7,749	69.72%
November 2023	32,203	25,761	80.00%
May 2023	14,364	10,764	74.93%
November 2022	24,903	18,529	74.40%
May 2022	9,729	6,616	68.00%
November 2021	11,828	6,086	51.45%
July 2021	7,746	5,008	64.65%
November 2019	13,816	7,627	55.20%
June 2019	9,691	5,059	52.20%
November 2018	12,033	4,811	39.98%
June 2018	9,873	4,326	43.82%
November 2017	12,869	4,511	45.65%

This data shows a general upward trajectory in passing rates, with some fluctuations between the May and November examinations. The consistent improvement suggests that both educational institutions and students are adapting effectively to the evolving standards and content of the examination.

Common Challenges Faced by Examinees in the May 2025 PNLE

Post-examination surveys and numerous online discussion forums revealed detailed insights about the challenges examinees faced during the May 2025 PNLE. Many nursing graduates shared their experiences openly. These candid discussions highlighted specific difficulties that test-takers encountered during the rigorous examination process.

1. Time management

Many examinees reported difficulty completing all questions within the allocated time. This was especially true in the Care of Clients with Physiologic and Psychosocial Alterations (NP III) section.

2. Situational judgment questions

The increased emphasis on scenario-based questions challenged many takers. These questions required critical thinking rather than simple factual recall. Moreover, many examinees were more accustomed to traditional examination formats.

3. Pharmacology content

Changes in drug protocols caught many examinees off guard. New medications included in the examination also presented unexpected challenges for many test-takers.

4. Mental health nursing questions

Several examinees noted the increased complexity of psychiatric nursing questions. The psychological care scenarios required deeper understanding than in previous exams.

5. Statistical concepts in research

Questions incorporating nursing research methodologies confused many. Statistical analysis components were frequently cited as particularly challenging.

In all the forums we checked, most takers struggled with NP II and NP III. Some even mentioned they thought they would ace the exam after going through NP I. However, when taking NP II and NP III, they were shocked by the difficulty level.

The most important tip is to ensure you’re truly ready for the nursing board exam. Also, if you find certain concepts challenging, don’t let yourself become overwhelmed. How you handle the exam will make or break your results. Always answer every question on the test.

If you’re unsure about an answer, some jokingly refer to using “the power of C.” If you don’t know the answer, always choose letter “C”. But seriously, choose what you believe is the best answer. It’s acceptable to make educated guesses when necessary. Finally, just ensure you apply your nursing knowledge to make the most informed choice possible.

Struggling with the PNLE? IPASS PNLE Review Academy Is Your Solution

The May 2025 PNLE results reveal significant challenges for many nursing graduates. Time management, situational judgment, pharmacology, mental health, and statistics proved difficult. Most examinees specifically struggled with NP II and NP III sections, finding themselves unprepared for the difficulty level despite feeling confident after NP I.

IPASS PNLE Review Academy offers comprehensive preparation programs specifically designed to address these common PNLE challenges:

Proven Track Record
An impressive 99% passing rate for first-time PNLE Review students in the May 2025 boards
Expert-Led Classes
Sessions taught by highly qualified educators who understand the exam’s complexities
Comprehensive Materials
Access to complete review materials and recordings
Targeted Preparation
Special focus on challenging sections like NP II and NP III

Interactive Learning Environment
Comfortable setting that promotes effective learning

Ready to join the ranks of successful nurses who conquered the PNLE on their first try? IPASS Processing offers you the proven path to licensure with our specialized review programs that have helped nursing graduates achieve their dreams. Don’t leave your professional future to chance when you can prepare with the review center that consistently delivers outstanding results.

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Celebrating Success and Supporting Future Nurses

Congratulations to all the successful examinees of the May 2025 Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination! Your hard work, dedication, and sacrifices have paid off, and we at IPASS Processing are incredibly proud of your achievement. To our IPASS graduates who contributed to our 99% passing rate, your success showcases the power of proper preparation and determination.

For those who didn’t pass this time, keep your heads high. Your journey isn’t over—it’s just taking a different route. The nursing profession has room for resilient individuals like you who persevere through challenges. Your efforts weren’t in vain, and the knowledge you’ve gained will strengthen your next attempt.

Whether you’re celebrating success today or preparing for tomorrow’s triumph, IPASS Processing stands with you. We remain committed to supporting aspiring Filipino nurses in their professional journey, and we look forward to celebrating many more successes in the future.

The path to becoming a nurse may have obstacles, but the destination is worth every step. We believe in you!

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