How long will you prepare for a licensure exam?: CLE Regional Top 10 from Natonin, Mt. Province shares journey

FEATURE

The moment she enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Criminology program at Ifugao State University in 2021, a baker’s daughter from Natonin had already begun preparing for the board examination—one she would successfully ace nearly five years later.

Yvonne Toquero, a cum laude graduate of IFSU, earned a 90.65% rating in the February Criminology Licensure Examination (CLE), placing among the Top 10 highest average scorers in the February 2026 CLE in the Cagayan Valley region.

Looking back on her journey to becoming a regional Top 10 passer, Toquero shared with GURU Press Cordillera that her preparation for the board exam began as early as her first year in college, when she treated her university studies as her initial review phase. This mindset, she said, was driven by her dream of becoming a topnotcher.

Throughout her four-year stay at IFSU, the 23-year-old absorbed knowledge from her instructors and approached examinations as if she were already taking the CLE. To further strengthen her foundation, she enrolled at the Carl E. Balita Review Center – Kalinga branch after graduating in June 2025.

“From my college days until my time at the review center, I always heard my instructors say: ‘Do not just aim to pass—you should aim to top the board exam.’ In that way, even if you do not top the board, you will surely pass. Indeed, this proved true. Though I did not become a national topnotcher, I ended up ranking 10th in Region II,” she shared.

Strengthened by a humble family background

While she remained focused on excelling in the board exam, Toquero—strengthened by her humble family background—also made time for small “buy-and-sell” ventures since college to help support her allowance, easing the burden on her father, a baker, and her mother, a housewife.

She added that her drive to overcome challenges during her preparation stemmed from her desire to give back to her parents, who supported her dreams and made sacrifices for her to achieve her aspirations.

“I am very grateful to my parents because I truly see and feel their effort and support for us siblings. A lot of people also showed their support, and I may not be able to mention them all. I am very thankful because I know that without them, I would not have achieved these things today,” she expressed.

Now a licensed criminologist and a regional topnotcher, Toquero hopes to secure a stable job and eventually become a review lecturer to help future graduates earn their licenses.

“Start preparing now”

As for her advice to future CLE takers, the 23-year-old encourages criminology students to begin preparing as early as possible.

“To the next CLE takers, I advise you to start preparing now. Once you enroll in your course in college, that already marks the beginning of your preparation for the board exam.

Preparation should not start only after graduation or upon enrolling in review centers—it should begin in your institution, where your foundation is formed. Also, remember to enjoy the process. As long as you love what you are doing, you will not feel the weight on your shoulders,” Toquero said.