MANILA, Philippines – In an impressive feat, the topnotcher of the October 2024 Electronics Technicians board exam was also the topnotcher of the April 2024 Electronics Engineering Licensure Exam.
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| Niele Shem Geronimo Bañas is the topnotcher of both October 2024 Electronics Technicians Licensure Exam (ECTLE) and the April 2024 Electronics Engineering Licensure Exam (ECELE). Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Niele Shem Geronimo Bañas |
23-year-old Niele Shem Geronimo Bañas earned the praise of many when he aced not just one but two licensure exams. Bañas, who hails from La Carlota City Negros Occidental City, claimed the top spot of the April 2024 ECELE with a score of 91.80%. Six months later, he topped the October 2024 ECTLE with a rating of 93.00%.
When he earlier topped the ECELE, he was rewarded with Php 200,000 from his alma mater, the Technological University of the Philippines—Visayas. He graduated in 2023 as magna cum laude.
Bañas explained that, while passing the ECE licensure is sufficient to begin practicing, he wanted to ensure he covers all aspects of his field. He said it was his dream to complete both the engineering and technician licensure exams.
“Relieving, kasi free na from the pressure of staying on top. Tsaka nakaka-proud na din kasi ito talaga ang dream ko,” the topnotcher said.
As a self-confessed online gaming addict, Bañas admitted staying up late at night to play games. When the pandemic hit, he began feeling the stress, which made him realize that he needed to take a break from excessive online gaming. Since then, he played only when he had time between studying.
READ: Online gamer tops April 2024 ECE Board Exam
In an interview, the proud engineer said he only had 2 weeks to prepare for the October ECT board exams. However, the previous knowledge and preparation he made for the ECE board exam made him confident. The ECTLE felt more like a review for him because of the extensive studying he made earlier for the ECELE last April.
According to Bañas, it was important to have a good studying technique when preparing for a licensure exam. He said balance is important to avoid academic burnout.
He explained that when studying, he would focus on one specific subject for months before moving on to the next. This slower pace helped him gain mastery as well as have time for himself for other things. He also made his own notes, flashcards, and study guides, which helped him memorize concepts.
The future seems bright for the topnotcher engineer. He said he’s now ready to practice the profession he loves. He is also looking forward to earning Electrical Engineering units to further his career.
— Sally, The Summit Express
