FAQs on TESDA National Certificates

So you finally want to add more skills to your arsenal and have plans on taking a TESDA course!

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, or more commonly known as TESDA, is an entity that gives skilled workers the opportunity to improve their skills by going through assessments and certifications.

To assess individuals based on their skills, TESDA uses the Philippine TVET Competency Assessment and Certification System, which they use to determine the qualification of an individual and recognize how capable they are in a particular level.

TESDA courses have major advantages that can help individuals in their professional career. Upon being qualified, individuals are granted a National Certificate by TESDA. Having a National Certificate enables a TESDA graduate to apply for jobs that can grant them better opportunities than what they previously had.

A National Certificate serves as proof that you’ve enrolled, passed, and satisfied all the requirements needed under your chosen course. You can even present this document during your job applications.

But how do you get a National Certificate? It’s easy! We’ve gathered all the FAQs you’ll need in order for you to apply for one:

I’m about to apply for the first time. What do I need to do?

For new applicants, you’ll need to take an assessment exam.

But before you can go to the first assessment center you see, make sure to have three (3) pieces of colored and passport-sized ID photos with you. These photos must have you wearing a collared attire and must be taken with a white background.

Once you’re done, proceed to any TESDA-accredited Assessment Center, TESDA District or provincial office near you.

From there, fill out an application form and a self-assessment guide of your chosen qualification.

Pay the assessment fee at the cashier of the Assessment Center, then claim your official receipt and the admission slip. Your admission slip will indicate your scheduled date and venue of assessment so make sure to bring your admission slip on your testing date.

Afterwards, claim your Competency Assessment Results Summary from the Assessment Center.

Once you’ve passed your assessment, apply for certification at your designated TESDA District or Provincial Office, preferably where your assessment center is.

What’s the difference between a National Certificate (NC) and a Certificate of Competency (COC)?

While a Certificate of Competency is given to individuals who performed satisfactorily in a particular group of units, a National Certificate is issued to certify that a candidate has been deemed competent in all given units upon assessment.

What do I need to expect from the assessment?

Assessments are either done through any of the following: demonstrations, oral questions, portfolios, written exams, interviews, third party reports, or submission of work projects.

Who usually conducts the assessments?

Assessments are usually handled by TESDA-accredited competency assessors.

Can I apply as a student?

Yes! It doesn’t matter if you’re studying or working—you can apply for a National Certificate if you want to know your qualification level.

How long will it take before I can claim my National Certificate?

You can claim your National Certificate seven (7) working days after your application.

How long is the validity of the National Certificate?

The certificate is valid for five (5) years.

How can I renew my expired National Certificate?

Upon expiration, National Certificate holders can opt to take another competency assessment in the TESDA District or the Provincial Issuing Office of their present certificate and apply for renewal.

Don’t forget to bring the following requirements to spare you the trouble:

• Duly accomplished application form
• Original National Certificate or Certificate of Competency
• Three (3) passport-sized ID photos with plain white background. Make sure you’re wearing a collared attire at the time the photo was taken.
• Certificate of Employment (as proof that the skills you’ve acquired from TESDA are being used)
• Request Letter (specify why you’re renewing your National Certificate)

Once you’ve completed these requirements, submit them to the Assessment Center Cashier and pay their Renewal Fee so they can issue you an official receipt. Keep that official receipt.

You may then claim your National Certificate on the scheduled date indicated by TESDA.

In the event that you are unable to make it to your scheduled appointment, you may send in a representative that can claim your documents, provided that a Special Power of Attorney or a written authorization is also given.

The renewal of your National Certificate will only take effect after you’ve been reassessed and verified in the Registry of Certified Workers list.

What if I’ve lost my National Certificate?

In the event that you’ve lost your National Certificate or had it stolen, you may file for a replacement in the TESDA office you’ve had your National Certificate issued.

Make sure to prepare the following documents:

• Letter of Request
• Duly-notarized Affidavit of Loss
• One colored, passport-sized photo

Submit these requirements and claim your National Certificate on the date assigned to you by the TESDA issuing office.

If your National Certificate has been damaged, you may have it replaced doing the same procedure with the same requirements, except you need to bring your original National Certificate instead of an Affidavit of Loss.

There’s an erroneous entry in my certificate. Can I have it corrected?

Yes, you can! Have it corrected under the TESDA office that issued your National Certificate and apply for a Correction of Entry.

To do this, you need to prepare the following documents:

• Letter of Request
• Original copy of the National Certificate
• One colored, passport-sized photo
• Certified photocopy of your passport OR birth certificate

Hand in these documents and you will be able to claim your corrected National Certificate on the scheduled date given by TESDA.

How would I be able to know the validity of my National Certificate?

TESDA has an online copy of the Registry of Certified Workers, which can be accessed through their website. It contains vital information of the TESDA-registered workers around the country, which are sorted by name, certificate number, or what they are qualified for.

So are you thinking of taking TESDA courses? Learn more about the technical-vocational courses in the Philippines on Edukasyon.ph!