Grade Point Average as a Predictor of Criminologist Licensure Examination Performance: Evidence From a Philippine Criminal Justice Education Institution

Abstract

This study examined the Grade Point Average (GPA) of Bachelor of Science in Criminology graduates of Cagayan State University - Aparri Campus as a predictor to their performance in the Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE), covering School Years 2021 to 2022 up to 2023-2024. Utilizing the descriptive-correlational design, this study used documentary data gathered from a total of 293 graduates from three cohorts: Batch 2022 with 84 graduates, Batch 2023 with 96 graduates and Batch 2024 with 113 graduates. Data on the graduates’ academic performance were obtained from the Registrar’s Office and their board examination ratings were taken from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Findings reveal that there is a significant positive correlation between CLE performance and GPA among all batches based on the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Analysis. The dominant predictor of licensure examination performance for Batch 2022 is Crime Detection and Investigation based on the Multiple Regression Analysis and Criminology (CRIM) appeared to be the predictor of the same for Batch 2023 and Batch 2024. Regression models explained 28.1 percent to 39.2 percent of variation in licensure examination performance. These results verify that GPA is a reliable indicator of readiness in professional examinations, and it also emphasizes the big role of preparation in specific coursework in criminology towards the board examination. The study presents how the results may impact models of academic performance, alignment of the curriculum with the licensure examination competencies and the predictive value of GPA.