This article explains the practical and legal landscape for exam applicants whose PSA birth certificate shows an incorrect “sex” entry that is already under correction. It is written for the Philippine context and aims to help you plan your PRC application, exam day, and post-licensure updates. It is general information, not legal advice.

The short answer

Yes—you can typically proceed with your PRC board-exam application using the details that currently appear on your PSA birth certificate, even if a correction of the “sex” entry is pending. However:

The PRC will encode and print your exam records, Notice of Admission (NOA), and—if you pass—your initial license using the uncorrected PSA details on file at the time of processing.
Any discrepancy (name/sex/birth date) between your PSA record and your IDs/documents must be disclosed and explained. You may be asked for an affidavit and supporting papers from the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) or court.
After your PSA record is corrected, you can petition the PRC to update your professional records and license.

The safest path is to apply with the details as they appear on your latest PSA and bring proof that a correction is pending, then update PRC once the PSA issues an annotated/corrected record.

Legal backdrop you should know

1) Civil registration rules on “sex” entry

Republic Act No. 9048 lets the LCR/City/Municipal Civil Registrar correct clerical or typographical errors in the civil registry and allows change of first name.
Republic Act No. 10172 extended administrative correction to the day and month of birth and the “sex” entry only if the error is clerical/typographical—i.e., it must be evident from existing documents (e.g., medical records, school records, baptismal certificate) and does not involve a substantial change of civil status or identity.
If the issue is not clerical (e.g., you seek a change of sex marker related to gender transition or a contested fact), the change is generally pursued through a Rule 108 (judicial) petition in court. Outcomes depend on facts and jurisprudence.

Bottom line: Until your PSA record is administratively corrected (RA 10172) or changed by final court order (Rule 108) and the correction is transmitted to and reflected by PSA, government agencies—including PRC—will rely on your current PSA.

What the PRC usually looks for at each stage

Note: PRC processes and form names occasionally change; expect office-to-office variation. The constant is that PSA data controls until officially corrected.

A) Application & Document Evaluation

Primary identity/record reference: PSA birth certificate (SECPA).
Other IDs: Government IDs, Transcript of Records (with remarks “For Board Examination Purposes” where applicable), Certificate of Graduation, and supporting clearances.
If there’s a discrepancy (e.g., “sex” on ID vs. PSA): Expect to be asked for:
- Affidavit of Discrepancy/Explanation
- Certification from the LCR that a petition for correction (RA 10172) has been filed or that a case is pending (if under Rule 108), and
- Documentary proof supporting the intended correction (e.g., medical certificate/record, school and baptismal records).

PRC will encode your data as written on PSA. Your NOA and seating list will match that record.

B) Exam Day (Identity Verification)

Bring the same ID/NOA you used during application.
If facial/biometric checks or proctor logs surface a discrepancy, the affidavit and LCR/court certifications help avoid confusion.
Use the same name and sex marker during attendance signing as those on your NOA/PSA to keep the exam records consistent.

C) Initial Registration (After Passing)

When you register as a new professional, PRC prints your Professional Identification Card (PIC) and Certificate of Registration based on the PSA on file.
If your PSA has been corrected by this time and you hold an annotated/corrected PSA copy, bring it so the engravings reflect the corrected data.
If still pending, register with current details and update later (see below).

Can you wait until the correction is finished before applying?

You can, but consider:

Timing risk: RA 10172 administrative corrections can take weeks to months (LCR processing, civil registrar general review, PSA annotation). Rule 108 court petitions can take longer. You might miss exam deadlines.
Opportunity cost: If all other papers are ready, many applicants choose to sit the exam now under current PSA data and file a PRC update after PSA correction.

What to file after your PSA record is corrected

Once you have an annotated/corrected PSA birth certificate:

Secure supporting papers
- Corrected/annotated PSA birth certificate (SECPA)
- LCR certification confirming the correction and its basis
- If judicial: final court decision and Certificate of Finality, plus proof of transmittal to PSA
File a PRC petition to update records PRC has established processes for “Petition for Change/Correction in Registered Name/Date of Birth/Entry” (wording varies by PRC form). For “sex” entry corrections supported by RA 10172 or a final Rule 108 order, you typically submit:
- Duly accomplished PRC petition form
- Corrected PSA certificate + LCR certification (and court decision if applicable)
- Recent ID photos, valid ID, PTR/renewal papers (if already licensed), and fees
- Any affidavits PRC still requires
Outcomes
- Your PRC master record is updated, and subsequent PIC renewals will reflect the corrected entry.
- For an already issued Certificate of Registration (wall certificate), PRC may re-issue upon approval; procedures and fees vary.

Common scenarios and practical tips

Scenario 1: Clerical/Typographical error under RA 10172, petition already filed with LCR; PSA not yet annotated

Apply and take the exam using the PSA currently on file.
Bring to PRC:
- Affidavit of Discrepancy/Explanation
- LCR certification that an RA 10172 petition is pending
- Supporting documents (medical, school, baptismal records).
Post-exam/update: Once PSA releases the annotated certificate, file the PRC update petition.

Scenario 2: Judicial petition (Rule 108) pending in court

Apply and take the exam with current PSA.
Present: Affidavit + Certificate of Pending Case/court order for publication/case docket certificate as available.
After finality and PSA annotation, file the PRC update.

Scenario 3: Transgender applicant seeking a change of sex marker not covered by RA 10172

If your situation does not fit the “clerical/typographical” standard of RA 10172, you generally need a court process (Rule 108); outcomes depend on specific facts and medical evidence.
While the change is pending, PRC will rely on the current PSA. Proceed with the exam under existing details and update PRC after your PSA reflects the change.

Documentation checklist (before you file with PRC)

✅ Latest PSA birth certificate (even if uncorrected)
✅ Valid government ID(s) consistent with the PSA (if not, prepare an affidavit)
✅ Affidavit of Discrepancy/Explanation (detailing why the PSA entry is wrong, what the correct entry is, and that a correction is underway)
✅ LCR certification of RA 10172 petition or court-related certification (Rule 108)
✅ Supporting evidence: medical certificate/records, school records, baptismal certificate, or similar contemporaneous documents
✅ For initial registration: NOA, exam results printout (if provided), payment receipts, passport-size photos in PRC-prescribed format

Risks to plan for (and how to mitigate)

Identity mismatch at evaluation or exam day
- Mitigate: Bring the affidavit and LCR/court certifications. Use the same personal data across forms and the NOA/attendance sheets.
Delays if staff need to escalate
- Mitigate: Arrive early; organize documents in a single folder; bring photocopies and originals; be ready to explain the timeline of your correction.
License shows uncorrected sex entry
- Mitigate: As soon as the PSA issues an annotated record, file the PRC petition to update. Keep certified copies ready.
Renewal/PRC online account mismatch
- Mitigate: After PRC approves the correction petition, check that your online PRC profile matches the updated record before your next renewal or certification request.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Will PRC reject my application because my “sex” entry is under correction? A: Generally, no—if you submit the current PSA and explain the pending correction with proper supporting documents. PRC processes rely on the record as it exists, not as it will be.

Q: Can PRC encode the corrected sex entry if PSA annotation isn’t out yet? A: Typically no. PRC needs documentary basis from PSA (or a final court order already annotated by PSA). Until then, your file carries the existing PSA details.

Q: What if the PSA finishes the annotation between my exam and initial registration? A: Bring the annotated/corrected PSA copy during initial registration and ask PRC to reflect the corrected entry. Policies can vary by office; if the system has already generated items under the old data, PRC may process an update petition.

Q: How long will a PRC update take after PSA correction? A: Timelines vary by office, workload, and the completeness of your papers. Prepare all required originals and photocopies to avoid re-filing.

Q: Do I need a lawyer? A: For RA 10172 clerical correction, many applicants proceed directly with the LCR. For judicial petitions (Rule 108), legal counsel is advisable.

Step-by-step planning guide

Decide whether to sit the upcoming exam or wait. If deadlines are near, sitting now (with current PSA) and updating later is often practical.
Assemble documents: latest PSA, IDs, LCR/court certifications, affidavit, supporting records.
Apply with PRC using current PSA; disclose the discrepancy and submit your supporting papers if requested.
Take the exam; ensure your NOA and attendance details match your PSA.
Register (if you pass); if PSA is already annotated, present it; otherwise, complete registration under current details.
After PSA issues the correction, file the PRC petition to update your records and, if applicable, re-issue affected credentials.

Key takeaways

PSA rules the day. PRC will follow whatever is on your PSA at the time of processing.
Pending correction ≠ automatic bar. You can apply and take the exam while correction is pending, with proper disclosures.
Update later. Once your PSA is corrected, PRC has a petition route to align your license and records.
Be document-ready. Affidavits, LCR/court certifications, and contemporaneous records smooth the process.

If you want, I can draft a clean “Affidavit of Discrepancy/Explanation” template tailored to a pending RA 10172 or Rule 108 correction, and a checklist you can print for your PRC visit.