Written by Ms. Faith Pae R. Javier
The University of Baguio (UB), through its School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety (SCJPS) and criminology licensure examination preparation efforts, continues to support board examination retakers through Project R.E.C.L.A.I.M., or Retaker Empowerment through Criminology Licensure Academic Intensive Mentorship. Mr. Theodore N. Domoguen, a Top 6 placer in the February 2024 Criminologist Licensure Examination, leads the ongoing initiative, which is designed to address performance gaps identified among candidates preparing to take the examination again.
Project R.E.C.L.A.I.M. reflects a focused approach to licensure examination preparation: recognizing that retakers may have different academic needs, challenges, and areas requiring further reinforcement. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all review approach, the initiative centers on helping candidates identify the areas where additional learning and guided academic support are most needed.
A Focused Response to Past Performance Gaps
A previous board examination attempt can provide valuable information about the subject areas and competencies that require further attention. Project R.E.C.L.A.I.M. is designed to use that learning opportunity constructively by directing attention to past performance gaps and supporting candidates as they strengthen their understanding of criminology concepts and licensure examination coverage.
Through its academically intensive mentorship focus, the project aims to help retakers reinforce foundational knowledge, clarify difficult concepts, and approach their preparation with greater direction. The initiative recognizes that meaningful preparation involves more than reviewing content; it also requires understanding individual learning needs, building consistency in study efforts, and developing the confidence to face another examination attempt with a clearer plan.
Mentorship as an Ongoing Commitment
Project R.E.C.L.A.I.M. is an ongoing project for criminology licensure examination retakers. Its continuing implementation reflects the importance of sustained academic support throughout the preparation process, rather than treating assistance as a single activity or a short-term intervention. The project is intended to remain responsive to the needs of its participants as they work toward improving their readiness for the licensure examination.
Under the guidance of Mr. Theodore Domoguen, the initiative draws attention to the value of mentorship in board examination preparation. His achievement as a Top 6 placer in the February 2024 Criminologist Licensure Examination provides a relevant point of connection with candidates pursuing the same professional milestone. More importantly, the project places emphasis on helping retakers move forward through targeted academic support and a renewed commitment to preparation. The initiative also recognizes that retakers benefit from an environment that encourages persistence, focused learning, and constructive responses to areas for improvement.
Supporting Professional Readiness in Criminology
The Criminologist Licensure Examination represents an important step for graduates seeking to enter or advance in the criminology profession. Supporting retakers in their continued preparation is therefore connected not only to examination readiness but also to the broader goal of developing knowledgeable and competent future practitioners. Strong academic foundations contribute to professional formation, especially in a field connected to public safety, law enforcement, investigation, and the administration of justice.
For UB SCJPS, Project R.E.C.L.A.I.M. underscores the importance of responding to reviewees’ needs through purposeful academic support. As the project continues, its central focus remains clear: to empower retakers by addressing gaps in previous performance and helping them prepare more effectively for the licensure examination.
Sustainable Development Goal Alignment
Project R.E.C.L.A.I.M. aligns most directly with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, particularly the broader commitment to inclusive and equitable learning opportunities and lifelong learning. By supporting candidates who are continuing their examination preparation, the initiative emphasizes the value of continued learning, academic reinforcement, and responsive educational support.
The project is also relevant to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, as preparation for professional licensure can form part of an individual’s pathway toward employment and participation in the workforce. By helping retakers strengthen their academic readiness for the Criminologist Licensure Examination, the initiative supports their efforts to pursue professional opportunities in criminology and related fields.
Its longer-term relevance to SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions lies in the role of quality criminology education in preparing future professionals who may serve in justice, law enforcement, and public safety institutions. This connection reflects the project’s potential contribution to professional preparation, while its immediate purpose remains the academic support of licensure examination retakers.
Through Project R.E.C.L.A.I.M., the University of Baguio continues to recognize that a previous examination result need not define a candidate’s future. By focusing on performance gaps, intensive academic mentorship, and sustained preparation, the project offers retakers a structured opportunity to keep learning and work toward their professional goals. Its ongoing implementation reflects a commitment to empowering candidates not only to prepare for another examination attempt, but also to approach that opportunity with renewed purpose, resilience, and confidence. By treating previous performance as a guide for further preparation, Project R.E.C.L.A.I.M. aims to help candidates approach the next stage of their licensure journey with purpose and a stronger academic foundation.