EXPECTATION VS. REALITY [BLEPP 2016 VERSION TIPS]

"Mag-aral ng maaga nang hindi maabala!"

Ito ay isang mahalagang paalala. Dahil malayo pa ang board examination (sa August), marami sa mga nagrereview ang hindi pa ganoong kaseryoso.

Alam ko iyan, dumaan rin ako diyan! Yung tipong pakiramdam mo punong-puno ka ng motivation tapos once na nasa harapan ka ng reviewers mo nalilito ka na kung ano uunahin mo. Kasi alam mo yun? Parang parehas silang matimbang sa'yo. Charot! 💔

Malayo yung expectation sa reality ng pagrereview. Mahirap siyang gawin lalo na kung self-review ka. Kaya kung nag enroll ka sa review center, grab mo na yung opportunity na makinig kasi mayroon kang matututunan, alam mo iyon hindi ka makakauwi kaagad kahit kating-kati ka na kasi nagbayad ka! Mapipilitan ka mag-aral! 😤😂😂

Eh kapag sa self-review, ganito magiging scenario [inspired by true events 👻👻]:

Kapag nasa kwarto ka, tinatawag ka ng kama at unan mo na matulog ka na o humilata ka. Kapag sa sala ka naman, tatawagin ka ng TV para manood, o kaya naman kapag nasa kitchen ka, tatawagin ka ng mga plato at pagkain na naghuhumiyaw sa loob ng ref. 😂😁

1. Mag jot down kung nasa review center ka o kung wala man magsulat ka pa rin sa mga nababasa mo sa book. Mas maganda gumawa ka ng sarili mong reviewer kasi mas madali mo iyon maiintindihan.

2. Makipag-collaborate sa mga co-reviewees. Mas mataas ang retention kapag nagshe-share sa mga kasama. For sure, marami rin naman tayong matututunan mula sa mga kasamahan natin.

3. Mag-organize at magschedule ng mga babasahin. (Please kahit sa isang araw man lang may matutunan ka)

4. Siguraduhing susundin mo ang mga nakaschedule mo.

5. Kumain ng pagkain dahil mahalaga yan! 🐷🐷🐷

6. Magrelax pero wag naman masyadong relax (wag puro twerk twerk, werk werk werk rin)

7. Claim it! Attract good vibes!! 🌟🙏

Oh sya, kita-kits sa oath-taking ha! Claim it! <3 👏👌👊

Love lots,

RPm na nagtuturo. HAHAHA.

#lovepsych #Jedi

Now Available! PRC Online Application for Exam for First Timers and NCR-based

Good news to all those planning to take BLEPP 2016 here in Manila/NCR-based. Please note that PRC online application for exam is now available. Also the application is available only for first timers. Perhaps repeaters will be scheduled on a later time.

Follow these steps:

1) Log-in to your PRC online account ( https://www.prc-online.com/ )
(You must have created first your online PRC account - http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/2016/05/prc-online-application-for-examination.html )

2) Click Select transaction (orange block/square)

3) Click Examination and the menu below will appear

  

4) Click proceed and menu below will appear. Choose from the calendar your desired appointment date - starting tomorrow - 23 May 2016.

5) After choosing the date click payment mode - over the counter, online, mobile or Bayad Center. Below would be the transaction receipt which you can bring to your chosen payment mode/option. 

6) Below is the transaction instruction when paying using the Bayad Center through dragonpay.

7) Once you have paid, you can then bring your payment receipt to PRC together with your necessary documents to apply for examination. Below is the checklist of requirements for first timers.

Do give us a feedback on your experience for us to share with others.

For those living outside Manila, check your PRC regional office if application is already open and do let us know to share with others also. Let us wait for further advise for repeaters who will be taking BLEPP 2016 here in Manila and NCR. Share with us information on this regard.

For other information re BLEPP refer to this link -  http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/p/faq-madalas-na-ta.html

Good luck to all. 

Team Dynamics Quiz for BLEPP 2016

Image taken from the internet

Quiz 

1) Described as group of people with different functional expertise working toward a common goal. They come from different departments or units of an organization formed to share information, come up with solutions and address, such team is called 

A.  Virtual team 

B.  Task force team

C.  Cross-functional team 

D.  Self-managed work team

2) From among the choices, which of the following does not describe an effective team   

A.  smooth interpersonal relationship

B.  some degree of resolvable conflict 

C.  a degree of social loafing

D.  concrete team goals

3) How many members are considered the most effective size for teams?

A. Up to 5 members

B. Up to 7 members

C. Up to 9 members

D. Up to 15 members

4) In order, what are stages of team formation goes through according to Tuckman?

A.  Norming, storming, forming, performing, adjourning

B.  Forming, storming, norming, performing, adjourning

C.  Forming, staining, norming, performing, adjourning

D.  Founding, norming, storming, performing, adjourning

5) What is groupthink?

A. team pressure to think in a particular way   

B.  individual  compromise to fit within the group

C.  Group assembly to think and exchange ideas

D. Group solution by way of negotiation 

6) A group that is composed of individuals with voluntary membership status, having a low degree of authority, and requiring a high degree of management engagement is called 

A.  Quality circle 

B.  Virtual team

C.  Self-managed team

D.  Cross-functional team 

7) Magiliw Company  implemented team approach when it reorganized. Managers have now little involvement in directing the functioning of these teams that have some moderate authority to govern themselves with the most efficient and effective way they perform their  work.  The team is considered as 

A.  Advisory team 

B.  Cross-functional team

C. Self-managed work team

D.  Virtual team

8) One of characteristics of an effective team player that should not be on the list:

A.  collective leadership skills.

B.  good interpersonal skills.

C.  pursuit of self-initiative 

D. capacity to delegate and trust members

9) It is considered as the particular benefit of teamwork to the organization as a whole

A.  Higher and contagious motivation

B.  Skills and technical expertise are shared and transferred

C.  Sense of worth and fulfillment  

D.  Job enrichment

10) Who is considered as a Shaper in the Belbin Team Role

A.  Creative, imaginative, free-thinking, strength is of generating ideas and solving difficult problems

B.  Single-minded, self-starting, dedicated, reliable when it comes to providing  knowledge and skills 

C.  Challenging, dynamic, thrives on pressure, the driving force is courage to overcome obstacles

D.  Outgoing, enthusiastic, communicative, a networker who explores opportunities and other possibilities 

11. In the study of  Katzenbach and Smith (1993), what is the reason why it is difficult to achieve a high performance team 

A.  Turnover of high achievers who get promoted and transfered 

B.  People have their own individual goals to pusue 

C.  Different position in an organization prevents people to effectively perform in a team

D.  There is an involvement of higher levels of trust and commitment.

12. Recognizing the importance of team in your company which among the following should  not be included in recognizing team effort through monetary rewards?

A.  periodically assess or upgrade the system for rewards and compensation

B.  institutionalize a democratic system for members to develop rating system 

C.  allot time to reflect and execute changes in the reward system 

D.  devise an elaborate and complicated system for reward 

13. As a Quality Control Engineer you serve as the leader for a team composed of  members coming from your department, production, planning, and plant engineering. Your team can be considered as 

A.  self-managed work team

B.  problem-solving team

C.  task force

D. cross-functional team

14. Among the characteristics of an effective team are context, composition, work design and process. Identify which characteristic of a team that refers to presence of adequate resources, effective leadership, climate of trust, performance evaluation and reward.

A.  Process 

B.  Composition

C.  Work design

D.  Context

15. A team member that serves to coordinate and integrates the activities of team members.

A.  adviser 

B.  organizer

C.  linker 

D. maintainer

16. An important contribution of internet and communication technology is the ability of organizations to overcome boundaries and time and still achieve team goals.

A.  problem-solving teams

B.   task forces

C.  cross-functional teams

D.  virtual teams

Transfer your answers here:

Go to this Link - testmoz.com/736590

User name - enter your email address

Passcode - ganap

(You can take the quiz as many times as you want using the same user name and passcode to perfect the quiz. Only correct answers are being displayed.)

Related Links :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross-functional_team

http://humanresources.about.com/od/teambuildingfaqs/f/optimum-team-size.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Team_composition

Why take the Psychometrician Exam?

I have one question in mind tonight as I ponder on my career options. WHY TAKE THE PSYCHOMETRICIAN EXAM? This question is not limited to those who will be taking the exam this year.  In fact, this goes to everyone in the Philippine psychology community. And along with this question is a ripple of other questions.

I am a licensed psychometrician (RPm). I am currently working as a job order records clerk for the HR's office at a local hospital. At PhP 225.00 a day, I make my job worthwhile by telling myself I will have opportunities opened soon. After all, I am a psychometrician and a professional civil servant (took the exam way before RA 10029). Right? well, reality check? Not really. As my job would have it, I've had the chance to see nurses fresh from their licensure examinations get hired. Nurse 1, Salary grade 11, basic pay PhP 18,549. And thanks to the recent Senate Bill 2583, entry level nurses will soon be at salary grade 15, a relatively impressive PhP 24,887. Even job order medical technologists are at an advantage at PhP 295 a day. When they get hired as Med tech 1, they are on same level with our nurses at salary grade 11. The same goes with the rest of our professionals: radiology technologists, pharmacists, social workers, the list goes on. 

Even midwives who finish a 3-year course get hired at salary grade 6, PhP 12,921. No intention to downgrade the said professions, but there is some envy at work here. I couldn't help but feel for our profession. Consider this, when I took the exam one of my co-examinees had a bout of nausea. The proctors went on to aid him. And as things were clearing up and the test administrator was walking back to her post, I overheard her say and let me just translate it, "How could you faint with such an easy exam?" This is the onlooker's point of view. 

Not to be conceited, but of course, anyone who'd taken the test will attest to its difficulty. The point is, society's regard of our profession is low. And it's not just society, the provisions on the practice of psychometry is narrow and limited. In accordance with Sec. 3 (d), Article III of R.A. No. 10029, a psychometrician is authorized to do any of the activities specified in the section; Provided, that these activities shall at all times be conducted under the supervision of a licensed professional psychologist. Fine and well if you live in an urbanized area with a flow of psychologists to work with, but more often than not it is quite difficult to find work. Especially one that follows the salary standardization law. 

Hopes are high because, finally, psychological tests are gradually becoming in demand in government institutions such as in the hospital I work for. Imagine my excitement when the administration decided to open a psychological facility. But then again I checked the job opening and it was only for psychologists. Yes, i may be reassigned to the facility as a psychometrician (that is IF they find a psychologist in this remote island far away), but there is no such plantilla for that. Still, I'll be on a job order status. And by the way psychologist 1 is salary grade 11. Note that these are professionals with a master's degree or maybe a Ph.D. Someone must push for the standardization of this profession. This is the current reality of our profession, at least in my point of view. RN's can be nurses, RMT's can be Medical  Technologists and so on; duly registered professionals have all the opportunity to practice their craft. Here's to hoping someday we, as psychometricians, can level up to their status.         

As for me maybe I'd be on a job order basis for the rest of my career despite of all my sacrifices just to to take the exam. Unless I drift off to some other career other than psychometry. Maybe there others like me too. I am sharing this so that we can push for a standardization law for our profession, when we don't need to ask why we should take the exam, where RPm's can be psychometricians.

(Note: With permission from the letter sender we are sharing her message here in our blog on her predicament as RPm working in the government with the compensation she is receiving. We would like to get feedback from readers and your suggestion on what needs to be done to address this issue.)

(Image source - http://careersinpsychology.org)

PRC Online Application for Examination

Watch these videos and read through the slide for your guide on the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Online Application for Examination. Credit to PRC (https://www.prc-online.com/) and another author of the video - Teachers in PH.

Anyone can now register or create their online account at PRC. It will be a requirement to sign-up and fill the online form before you can file for the application for examination.

For those asking when to apply for examination - as observed in the PRC calendar here - http://www.prc.gov.ph/page.aspx?id=3071  the Psychologist/Psychometrician schedule is not yet in orange (color) meaning the link for the application is not yet active. So continue to monitor that link to know if the link is already live only then can you apply.

For now, as of posting 6 May 2016 the link is not yet live so you can not apply ahead or early on - just wait for the #tamangpanahon.

For your other queries and concerns visit and read these links to familiarize yourself with #BLEPP2016:

Brochure on Psychometrician by PRC
http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/p/psychometrics-is-specialized-field-and.html

Madalas na Tanong (FAQ)
http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/p/faq-madalas-na-ta.html

RA 10029 - Philippine Psychology Act of 2009
http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/p/ra-10029-or-philippine-psychology-act.html

PAP Official Statement on the Nature, Purpose, and Utility of Psychological Evaluation Reports

(Note - this statement was issued by the  Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) at the height of a controversy when an online news published to the public the result of psychological test of one of the presidential candidates for the 2016 May elections. This statement appeared and taken from this link: http://www.pap.org.ph/ and also posted at the FB page of PAP that appeared here - https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10153386008415388&id=148851815387 )



April 22, 2016


Statement of the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) on the Nature, Purpose, and Utility of Psychological Evaluation Reports

The Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) considers the recent reference of a psychological evaluation report regarding one of the candidates for the coming national elections as an opportunity for clarification about the nature and purpose of psychology as a scientific discipline and professional practice.  Underlying this humanistic science and practice is a fundamental valuing of the inherent dignity and rights of each individual.   

In giving this statement, the PAP wishes to explicitly declare its intention neither to endorse nor to oppose any specific political candidate.  We believe in the individual's right and capacity to form his/her own opinions and political convictions based on his/her experiences and reason. This statement defends this right and is not intended to push for any particular political persuasion.  It only wishes to clarify the nature, purpose, and utility of psychological practices, particularly the psychological evaluation report.  

The PAP wishes to inform the public of the following:  

Firstly, the PAP upholds the proper use of psychological evaluation results, ensuring that these are not utilized as a means of undermining the character of any person, private or public.  The PAP Code of Ethics for Psychologists (PAP, 2009) lists as its first guiding principle the "Respect for the dignity of persons."  In essence, any social science or profession engaged in human services aims to enhance the functioning and wellbeing of any person.  The intentional misuse of information derived from such a service (i.e., psychological evaluation) is a clear violation of this principle.   Using psychological evaluation reports for purposes other than their original intent fosters the stigmatization of people who try to gain access to mental health services and delivery of public health in general.

Secondly, the PAP upholds the individual's right for privacy and confidential communications.  Psychological practice necessitates the careful and secure handling of records and documents concerning clients, including assessment reports. Psychological evaluations or assessments are done for various purposes and in different contexts (e.g., industry, medical, educational, forensic, etc.), and will focus on relevant information that fulfills the goals of the assessment within each given context.  In the event that the psychological assessment report is to be submitted as part of the requirements for a legal procedure, such as, a court proceeding for the petition for the declaration of nullity of marriage, it then becomes a public document. However, this does not grant permission for anybody to use it for any purpose other than its original intent. Psychological assessments are designed and conducted based on the individual’s reason for undergoing one.  Hence, results of the assessment primarily address this reason, and cannot simply and easily be generalized to the person’s other intentions and behaviors.  

Thirdly, the PAP upholds the ethical practice of basing assessment decisions and recommendations on data and test results that are updated and relevant to the current purpose. Hence, we do not utilize outdated and possibly obsolete assessment results to describe and explain an individual’s current functioning.  Assessments done several years back may be valid then but may not be completely reflective of the person’s present functioning. We acknowledge that certain aspects of psychological functioning remain stable over a long period of time, but subsequent interventions or life experiences may likewise affect many aspects of one's psychological functioning.  

Lastly, the PAP would like to correct the common use of the term “psycho test” to refer to the process of psychological evaluations or assessment.  This process often entails the use of various methods, and standardized psychological tests are just one of the methods often employed.  The usage of the term is misleading in that it creates the impression that psychological tests are the only tools used in diagnosing mental illnesses and psychological disorders. The fact is mental health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, etc.) are the ones who diagnose with the use of various assessment methods, not solely on the basis of results from psychological tests. 

The PAP reiterates its mission to strengthen Philippine psychology's scientific base in support of a relevant and humanistic practice of its profession.  We seek to enhance a greater understanding of psychological truths that enhance the wellbeing of each individual, regardless of race, gender, age, education, political convictions, etc. We pray that this statement brings to light the fundamental principles and good practices that guide the profession, which other professions and the general public can appreciate and respect.     

Madalas na Tanong sa BLEPP 2016

MADALAS NA MGA TANONG

FAQ for #BLEPP2016

1) When is date of 2016 BLEPP?

Examination date will be on  August 30-31, 2016

2) When is the deadline of application?

Deadline of application is 10 August 2016

(Start of filing of application will be by July - check PRC website for announcement.)

3) Where will be the venues?

Luzon - Baguio, Manila, Lucena, Legaspi 

Visayas - Cebu, Iloilo, 

Mindanao - Cagayan de Oro, Davao,  

4) I failed the last time I took the BLEPP can I take again?

Yes you can. Read our post regarding requirements for repeaters here - 

Requirements for Repeaters for the Licensure Exam for Psychometrician 

http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/2015/04/requirements-for-repeaters-for.html

5) What is the passing rate?

In section 18 of RA 10029. "Ratings in the Examination. - To be qualified as having passed the licensure examination for psychologists and psychometricians, a candidate must have obtained a weighted general average of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for all subjects, with no grade lower than sixty percent (60%) in any given subject. So, to be safe you must have a score of 75% or better for all subjects." Many of test takers are failing their Psychological Testing which is equivalent to 40%,  so even if you get a high score in the three other subjects but below 60% in Psychological Testing then the rest of your high scores will be pulled down and so tendency of failing the licensure exam. So the safest is to at least get 75% in all the subjects and not lower.  

6) What is conditional?

In Section 18 of RA 11029 "An examine who obtains a weighted general average of seventy-five percent (75%) or higher but obtains a rating below sixty percent (60%) in any given subject may retake such subjects within the next two (2) years, and upon obtaining a rating of at least seventy-five percent (75%) in each such subject, shall then be deemed to have passed the licensure examination." A case scenario would be an examinee who scored high on all three subjects but got 58% or 59% in Psychological testing, even if the examinee is high on the three subjects (say 90%  in all 3 subjects) thus earning a passing mark but failed one of the subject then the examinee's case  will be conditional. So he can retake again  (and should pass) only the subject s/he failed.

7) I did not show up during the examination day for some unforeseen reason, am I considered a repeater?

Yes since you have been counted as an examinee for that particular day. So your application will be as a repeater since you already have your documents filed with PRC. 

8) Any suggestion on how I should prepare for BLEPP?

Check the image below. If you have other questions and concerns try to use the search button of our blog and typed in keywords of your query. You may also leave your comments and also check our FB page or send us private message (PM) here - https://www.facebook.com/psychometricianreviewer/?ref=bookmarks

9) I have other questions not covered here, where will I find answers? 

Check link here - http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/p/faq-madalas-na-ta.html