Unfolding The Success of The New Curriculum Criminology Licensure Examination Passers: An Appreciative Inquiry

The effort of an individual to pass an examination plays a pivotal role, especially in the success of the Criminology Licensure Examination. The qualitative research approach through Appreciative Inquiry design was used in this study. The researcher investigated the experiences of ten registered criminologists who graduated the new curriculum and who took the Criminology Licensure Examination conducted in December 2022. The participants who graduated Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Education from a Higher Education Institution in Zamboanga del Norte were chosen through purposive sampling. Interview guide questions were utilized to gather information from the participants. Through the 4D model AI Data analysis, the study revealed four core themes from the in-depth interviews conducted: discovering one's capabilities and preparation, exploring aspirations and desired impact, learning and development; and education evolution and reform. The participants' perspectives highlighted the importance of developing individual strengths such as motivation, resilience, self-discipline, and critical thinking, as well as providing students with effective preparation strategies such as study methods, time management, and resource utilization, and establishing strong support systems such as learning with peers, mentorship, and academic resources. Institutions may provide a holistic curriculum based on real-world application to embrace the destiny of future criminologists.