Department of Accountancy - MSU Main

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Licensure Examination is widely regarded as one of the most difficult professional board exams in the Philippines. It ranks as the third hardest licensure examination in the country, next to the Bar Exam for aspiring lawyers and the Physician Licensure Exam for medical doctors. Every year, thousands of accountancy graduates take on this challenging test that demands not only technical mastery but also mental endurance and perseverance.

In the October 2025 CPA board exams, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) reported that out of 10,071 examinees, only 3,460 successfully passed. This translates to a national passing rate of just 34.02%, underscoring once again how tough the CPA exam remains through the years. Many examinees even describe the test as “a battle of the mind,” with questions covering complex topics such as auditing, taxation, financial accounting, and regulatory frameworks.

Because of the exam’s extreme difficulty, only one school managed to achieve a passing rate above 80%. That distinction went to Bicol University in Daraga, Albay, which recorded 56 passers out of its total examinees, resulting in an impressive 84.85% passing rate. The university’s performance was widely praised as a symbol of academic excellence in the Bicol region.

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) produced the highest number of passers nationwide with 150 successful examinees, achieving a 77.72% passing rate. UST has long been known for its strong accountancy program and consistently ranks among the top-performing schools in the country.

It was followed by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) with 136 passers, showing its continued strength as one of the nation’s premier public universities. Far Eastern University-Manila also delivered a solid performance with 96 passers, while Saint Louis University (Baguio City) produced 93 passers, maintaining its reputation as one of Northern Luzon’s best institutions for accountancy education.

From Mindanao, Mindanao State University-Marawi contributed 62 new CPAs, and the University of San Carlos in Cebu recorded 82 passers, further emphasizing the presence of strong accounting programs across the regions.

Several other schools also recorded notable results. De La Salle University-Manila and University of Saint Louis-Tuguegarao each had 60 passers. Batangas State University and Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University (DHVTSU) followed closely with 57 passers each. St. Paul School of Professional Studies produced 49 passers, while both Rizal Technological University and University of Mindanao (Davao City) had 46 passers each.

Meanwhile, Kingfisher School of Business and Finance registered 43 passers, proving its growing prominence among accountancy schools. University of the East-Manila had 38 passers, and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) had 35 passers. Ateneo de Davao University performed well with 40 passers, while Holy Name University (Tagbilaran City) produced 34 new CPAs.

Other schools with consistent showings included Ateneo de Naga University and Central Luzon State University, both with 33 passers. Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) contributed 30 passers, while University of San Jose–Recoletos and Ateneo de Zamboanga University each had 29 passers. UP Visayas-Tacloban and Tarlac State University also made the list, with 27 passers each.

In addition, St. Vincent College of Science and Technology, St. Mary’s University, Cagayan State University–Andrews Campus, Xavier School, and Divine Word College of Calapan all recorded 25 passers apiece.

Despite these achievements, 6,711 examinees failed to make the cut, reflecting the unforgiving nature of the CPA board exam. Many of these examinees are expected to retake the test in the next examination cycle, determined to earn the prestigious CPA title.

In the Topnotchers list, a total of 22 individuals stood out for their exceptional performance. Mike Ronnel Castro from Don Honorio Ventura State University claimed the Rank 1 spot nationwide, a proud moment for both the student and the institution. Interestingly, three of the topnotchers came from the Kingfisher School of Business and Finance, demonstrating the school’s ability to nurture excellence despite being relatively new to the field.

The topnotchers’ list was evenly balanced, with 11 male and 11 female achievers, a testament to equal excellence among aspiring accountants in the Philippines.

Their success stories serve as an inspiration to thousands of accountancy students and future CPA examinees, proving that with hard work, determination, and discipline, passing one of the hardest exams in the country is truly possible.

Congratulations to all new Certified Public Accountants of 2025!

📣 ANNOUNCEMENT: Mandatory Survey for the CPA Licensure Examination (October 2025 & May 2026) 📣

The Mindanao State University – Department of Accountancy is conducting a mandatory survey for all BS Accountancy alumni who are planning to take the Licensure Examination for CPA (LECPA) in October 2025 and May 2026.

This survey aims to identify and assess the number of alumni examinees for official submission to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in line with the Department’s pending application of Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC). Please be reminded that the reconciled list of names will be submitted to the PRC, and those not included will not be allowed to take the LECPA.

📝 Survey Link: https://forms.gle/o4dWrDcxkiFGd2bC6
📅 Deadline for submission: September 8, 2025

This survey is MANDATORY for all alumni concerned. Kindly accomplish the form and help disseminate this announcement to fellow alumni.

Your timely response is vital for proper documentation and coordination.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Survey for the Possible Takers of the Licensure Examination for CPA Confidentiality Statement: We are dedicated to safeguarding the accuracy, confidentiality, and security of your personally identifiable information ("Personal Information"). Any data you provide will be used solely for the purposes of this survey and handled in compliance with applicable privacy law...

In response to the directive of the MSU Top Management and following thorough deliberation with the faculty of the Department of Accountancy, the quota for freshmen admission into the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA) Program has been officially increased by 36 additional slots to accommodate more aspiring accountants.

We are pleased to announce that the following students—who obtained the next highest ratings in the BSA Qualifying Examination—are now deemed qualified for admission into the program.
This expansion reflects the university’s commitment to academic excellence and to widening access to one of its most competitive and in-demand programs.

Congratulations to the newly qualified students!
The additional qualifiers are advised to follow the following activities:
1. Interview - Aug 1 (Friday) at 8 AM, CBAA
2. Orientation (parents and freshmen) - Aug 1 (Friday) at 2 PM, CBAA

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐉𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐘 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐍 𝐈𝐒𝐊𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐑 𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐍 𝐁𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐖! As you prepare for the 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐀.𝐘. 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, let me guide you through the enrollment process at 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬 - 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐢. Watch our step-by-step enrollment flow video to ensure a smooth and hassle-free registration. From document submission to finalizing your schedule, we’ve got you covered! MSU is not just a university—it’s a home for dreamers and achievers. Let’s make your enrollment experience as seamless as possible. 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲! -𝐎𝐕𝐂𝐀𝐀 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 #MSUMarawi #FutureMSUans #Enrollment2025 #MSURises

In response to the directive of the MSU President and following thorough deliberation with the faculty of the Department of Accountancy, the quota for freshmen admission into the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA) Program has been officially increased by 36 additional slots to accommodate more aspiring accountants.

We are pleased to announce that the following students—who obtained the next highest ratings in the BSA Qualifying Examination—are now deemed qualified for admission into the program.

This expansion reflects the university’s commitment to academic excellence and to widening access to one of its most competitive and in-demand programs.

Congratulations to the newly qualified students!

The additional qualifiers are advised to follow the following activities:
1. Interview - July 30 AM at CBAA
2. Orientation (parents and freshmen) - July 30 PM at CBAA

Here is the Official List of Qualifiers of the 2025 BS Accountancy Qualifying Examination
Note: Qualifiers are instructed to proceed to the Accountancy Department for the interview on July 21, Monday 8:00 am.

The Department of Accountancy announces the Top Performing Examinees of the 2025 BS Accountancy Qualifying Examination

📢 WE ARE HIRING!

We are looking for 2 College Instructors to join our team!

✅Minimum Qualifications
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Preferably with a Master’s Degree in Accountancy or Allied Business Fields
• Preferably with at least 3 years of meaningful and relevant experience
• Preferably have taken at least 12 units of teaching course

📄Requirements
• Application Letter addressed to the MSU System President
• Personal Data Sheet
• Copy of Transcript of Records (TOR)
• Copy of CPA License
• Certificate/s of relevant trainings/seminars attended for rankings

📩 For qualified applicants:
Submit 5 hardcopies to the CBAA Dean’s Office and email a softcopy to:
Prof. Johara M. Marandacan, CPA, MM
Chairperson, Department of Accountancy
[email protected]

🗓 Deadline of application: JULY 31, 2025
Attorneys are also welcome to apply!