Lived Experiences among Repeaters in the Criminologist Licensure Examination: A Phenomenological Study

This study focused on understanding the unique experiences of individuals who repeated the Criminologist Licensure Exam, shedding light on the challenges they faced and the strategies they employed to succeed. Using purposive sampling, seven board passers from Mindanao were selected. Data from interviews were analyzed using Moustakas’ methods to determine the participants’ profiles, strategies for passing the exam, challenges faced, and coping mechanisms. The findings revealed themes of academic pressure and performance anxiety, external distractions, time management issues, financial constraints, emotional struggles, and family expectations. Participants commonly experienced self-doubt, fear of failure, and the pressure to meet familial expectations, all of which affected their mental health and academic performance. External distractions, poor time management, and financial insecurities further hindered their preparation. Despite these challenges, participants drew strength from family support, which provided motivation and resilience. The study concluded that these challenges significantly impacted students’ well-being and academic success, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and holistic support strategies