This study explored the experiences of criminology graduates of school years 2019-2021 of Biliran Province State University, Biliran, Philippines in their preparation for board examination during the global crisis brought by the Covid-19 pandemic. Specifically, the study investigated their positive and negative experiences, how they coped with the challenges encountered, and the impact of the crisis toward their preparation. This qualitative study utilized transcendental phenomenology as its research design. A researcher-made interview guide was employed to collect the necessary data through in-depth interviews and focused group discussions. The data was analyzed using Collaizi’s methodology, which involved translating the transcript and getting the significant statements, formulating core meanings, and subsequently analyzing them to develop clusters and emergent themes that described the phenomena under study. Based on the thematic analysis results, nine emergent themes were generated. Two emergent themes described the positive experiences: Strong Support System and Independence and Time Management, while three themes described their negative experiences: Mismanagement of the Review Centers, Internet and Technical Difficulties, and Mental Strain. To address the challenges encountered, two themes were elicited: Adaptability and Resilience, and Faith and Prayer. Furthermore, two themes described the impact of the crisis on the informants’ preparation: Uncertainty and Anxiety, and Insufficient Learning and Experience. The results of the study has led to the following recommendations: school administrators, CHED, PRC, and parents/guardians should continue exerting effort to provide support and implement intervention programs for criminology graduates who experienced learning gaps during the crisis, particularly those who have not yet passed the board examination.

Keywords: Criminologists Licensure Examination (CLE), Covid‐19 pandemic, board exam preparation, Phenomenology/Transcendental Phenomenology, coping mechanisms (adaptability, resilience, faith, prayer)