25/07/2026
📢 BFP RECRUITMENT UPDATE: RA 11131 & SELECTION RULES
Clear guide for all applicants
⚖️ LEGAL BASIS: RA 11131
Under the Philippine Criminology Profession Act of 2018, Registered Criminologists (RCrims) are granted priority eligibility:
✅ EXEMPTED from taking the Fire Officer (FO) Qualifying / Digital Exam
✅ Granted automatic score of 75 for the examination component
ℹ️ Note: BFP personnel inform applicants of this rule beforehand, and this is also clearly stated on the BFP e-Hiring portal. If an RCrim wishes to take the exam voluntarily, they must submit a Letter of Intent and upload it to the BFP e-Hiring portal to be included in the list of examinees.
✅ Their Criminology License already satisfies the required eligibility for BFP appointment
📊 HOW SCORING & RANKING WORKS
🔹 For Non-RCrim Applicants: Required to take the digital exam. Scores can reach 85 and above, based on your actual performance.
🔹 All applicants are ranked from HIGHEST to LOWEST score:
→ Non-RCrims who earned 85+ will rank higher than RCrims with the automatic 75 points
→ RCrim status gives eligibility priority, but does not override merit-based ranking
🎯 BFP SELECTION POLICY: 2X THE QUOTA
Per official recruitment guidelines:
BFP selects TWICE the approved quota to proceed to the next phase (Physical Agility Test, Interview, Medical & Background Check).
ℹ️ Current quota is divided into three separate categories: Regular Quota, SRF, and EMS — each with its own required number of slots. When you visit the nearest fire station for application, personnel will explain this and may advise applying for SRF or EMS, as these divisions generally have fewer applicants and less competition compared to the Regular Quota which most candidates choose.
📌 Example:
If your region’s Regular Quota is 100 FO1 positions, 200 top-ranked applicants under this category will be shortlisted. The same 2x rule applies separately for SRF and EMS quotas.
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Is RA 11131 correct? I saw RA 1131 online.
A: The correct law is RA 11131 – Philippine Criminology Profession Act of 2018. RA 1131 is an old, unrelated law.
Q: Does being an RCrim guarantee I will pass and get hired?
A: No. It grants exam exemption and automatic 75 points, but ranking is still score-based. You must still compete and meet the cut-off, plus pass all succeeding screening phases.
Q: If I’m not an RCrim and I get 80, will I rank higher than an RCrim?
A: YES. All scores—automatic or earned—are ranked fairly from highest to lowest regardless of eligibility status.
Q: What happens if I fall within the 2x quota but not the final quota?
A: You proceed to the next screening phases (PAT, interview, etc.). Final selection for appointment will be based on your overall standing after all requirements are completed.
Q: Do RCrims still need to submit other documents or take medical/physical tests?
A: YES. Exemption applies only to the FO qualifying exam. All applicants—RCrim or not—must submit complete requirements and pass all subsequent assessment phases.
Q: Is it better to apply for Regular, SRF, or EMS quota?
A: Regular Quota receives the most applicants so competition is tighter. SRF and EMS usually have fewer candidates, which can improve your chances of making the cut — but all categories follow the same ranking and screening standards.
🤍 A MESSAGE FROM SOMEONE WHO’S BEEN THERE
I know exactly how every RCrim feels when you don’t make the cut — because I’ve walked that same road myself. I questioned the rules, asked for answers, and felt the same heartbreak and frustration. But I refused to let it break me; instead, I turned all that pain into fuel to become better, stronger, and more prepared.
Today, you are all far more fortunate: you get to start one step ahead, a privilege we did not have back then. In our time, everyone — RCrim or not — took the exact same FO Exam. Many of us would complain, feel frustrated, and voice our opinions only among ourselves… yet we never gave up. We would try again, and again, and again, pushing forward until we reached our goal — or until we reached the age limit.
Before you vent out your frustrations or post anything on social media, please think before you click. Do not get carried away by what everyone else is sharing or the hype you see online. Take time to read, understand the guidelines, ask the right questions, and see the actual recruitment process firsthand. I do not invalidate what you feel — your disappointment is valid — but do not let frustration cloud your judgment. Avoid doing or saying things that go beyond what is proper, because these might cause consequences that will stop you from applying again in the future.
Carry that same resilience. This advantage is a gift, but your grit and determination will be what truly brings you to success.
🎯 ADVICE FOR CURRENT CRIMINOLOGY STUDENTS
Don’t settle for just passing grades — aim for excellence:
✅ Strive for high grades while studying. Strong academic performance builds mastery and gives you the competitive edge you need early on.
✅ When you take the Licensure Exam, work hard to aim for top performance or even the Top Passers list.
✅ Never limit yourself to one eligibility. Secure CS Professional Eligibility as well — having dual qualifications opens more doors and keeps you ahead in any government recruitment.
Your RCrim status is a privilege, but your hard work and excellence are what will truly secure your place.
📌 KEY REMINDERS
✔️ RA 11131 grants exemption & automatic score, not automatic placement
✔️ High performance remains the biggest factor to advance
✔️ Quotas are separate for Regular, SRF, and EMS — choose wisely based on your preference and competition level
✔️ Final appointment follows the official quota and overall results across all phases
Reference: RA 11131 Section 35 | BFP Standard Recruitment Guidelines
💡 Share this to help other applicants and students understand the rules clearly!
Note: Credits to the rightful owner of the photo attached.
