PRC Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Numerous fresh graduates and aspiring professionals in the Philippines have always had various questions about the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) whether it’s about applying for the licensure examinations or renewing their Professional Regulation Commission ID Card (PIC).

In this article, we will be tackling all the PRC FAQ or the frequently asked questions that you may have about the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). So that you’re easily guided on your next appointment with the commission.

What is the Professional Regulation Commission?

The Professional Regulation Commission, otherwise known as the PRC, is a three-man commission with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Its function is the regulation and supervision of the practice of professionals in the Philippines who constitute the country’s highly qualified workforce, excluding lawyers who are managed by the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

The PRC plays a critical role in establishing a technical body for manufacturing, business, government, and the environment, as the institution is responsible for licensing responsibility for the professionals.

Licensure Examinations

What are the licensure examination qualifications for application?

Listed below are the PRC frequently asked questions regarding the basic licensure examination qualifications:

1. Applicants must be Filipino citizens, are aged at least 18 to 21 years old, and are of good moral character.

2. Applicants must be graduates of holders of a degree of their respective profession from a recognized college or university in the Philippines.

3. Applicants must not have been convicted which involves moral turpitude with final judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Other qualifications or requirements may be included which would be specifically indicated by the concerned Professional Regulatory Boards.

What are the documentary requirements for the licensure examination applicants to submit upon application?

The PRC frequently asked questions regarding the basic documentary requirements for the licensure examination applicants to submit are:

• Transcript of records (TOR) with scanned picture and remarks “For Board Examination purposes only”.
• Birth Certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Security Paper.
• Marriage Certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for married women.
• 4 pcs. passport size picture with complete name-tag in white background
• Government Issued ID and/or any valid ID
• Documentary Stamps

Other documentary requirements may be included which would be specifically indicated by the concerned Professional Regulatory Boards.

Are foreigners permitted to take the local examinations for professional licensing?

The examinations can only be taken by foreigners if proof of reciprocity is established between the Philippines and the foreign country. (On submission of the Id Certificate from the Bureau of Immigration and the Certificate of Allegiance and Dual Citizen Certificate of Recognition as Filipino Citizen, Foreigners with Dual Citizenship or recognized Filipino Citizens shall be allowed to take the examination).

What is the process for submitting license examination applications?

The license exam application is made through the online PRC services – otherwise known as the PRC LERIS. The applicant shall submit the documentary requirements and issue the Notice of Admission (NOA) after the date of appointment is set, either at the Application Division, the 3rd floor of the PRC Annex Building, or in Robinsons Malls, Manila and Galleria. Applicants from other regions may also proceed to the PRC Regional Offices near them.

Are there any additional application requirements for those re-taking the licensure exam?

Online registration again shall apply again for conditional applicants and repeaters. After the date of appointment is selected, a printed application form shall be submitted along with proof of the previous examination, such as the Notice of Admission. Furthermore, as required by the professional regulatory laws, other documents shall also be submitted.

How much is the examination fee?

• Baccalaureate degree – P900.00
• Non-baccalaureate degree – P600.00
• Conditioned – P450.00
• For Dental Technician and Hygienist – P1,000.00
• For Ocular Pharmacology – P1,500.00

When is the deadline for filing applications?

You can use this guide as a reference for the start and deadline of online applications per licensure exam.

Where can examinees find their room assignments for the exam?

Two (2) days before or earlier the examination commencement, a listing of room assignments will be available on the PRC website and on the front wall of the PRC Office.

What time should examinees report to the testing centers?

Examinees must be present in the testing centers before 7 AM so they can accomplish all the examination forms and be given further instructions. Examinees who are late will no longer be admitted to take the examination unless a valid reason is provided.

What to bring during the licensure exam?

The examinees should always bring their Notice of Admission (NOA), mailing envelope, black ballpen, pencil, 1 long brown envelope, and 1 transparent plastic envelope.

Can an applicant who is in another country apply through a representative for a license examination?

Yes, given that special power of attorney appoints a representative to present the documentary requirements. However, the applicant will obtain the Notice of Admission (NOA) at least one (1) week prior to the first day of examination on a personal presentation at the Application Division.

When are the examination results released?

The results of the exam shall be disclosed a minimum of three days after the last day of examination. However, the reports are published at most 50 working days after exam day for the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).

How will the examinee find out their examination results?

The test findings can be found on the PRC website and will also be distributed in general circulation newspapers.

What to do next after passing the licensure exam?

Initial registration is carried out by successful examinees.

Application for registration without examination

How to file applications for initial registration?

The online services of the PRC apply for the initial application. Successful examinees will log in to the PRC LERIS. The registrant will then proceed to the place of appointment, after obtaining the printed oath document online, to make himself required and sign in the register of registered professionals.

What are the requirements for initial registration?

Applicants for registration are expected to submit the following:

1. Printed Oath form

2. Two (2) PRC passport size pictures in white background and full name tag

3. Two (2) documentary stamps

4. Community Tax Certificate (NOTE: Additional requirement may be required by the Professional Regulatory Board.)

How much is the registration fee?

The fees for initial registration are as follows:

1. For examinations requiring baccalaureate degrees:

Initial registration fee – P 600.00

Annual PRC renewal fee 450.00 Total P 1,050.00

2. For examinations requiring non-baccalaureate degrees:

Initial registration fee – P 450.00

Annual PRC renewal fee 420.00 Total P 870.00

3. For Medical Representative and Real Estate Salesperson:

Initial registration fee – P 300.00

Annual PRC renewal fee 150.00 Total P 450.00

4. For Ocular Pharmacology – P 1,200.00.

How long does it take for a professional to claim the Certificate of Registration (COR) and Professional Identification Card (PIC)?

During the scheduled mass oath-taking, the COR and PIC are released.

NOTE: No COR and PIC shall be given without examination to a successful examinee or candidate unless evidence of Oath of Professional has been submitted.

What is the procedure if the registrant fails to attend the scheduled mass oath-taking ceremony?

A registrant who has not participated or not been able to participate in the scheduled mass oath can request a special oath to the Board concerned. The petition must mention the grounds for not attending the mass oath-taking ceremony.

Do Professional Identification Cards expire?

For all professional occupations, Professional Identification Cards (PIC) has a term duration of 3 years and are renewable during the birth month of the professional.

Renewal of Professional Identification Card (PIC)

How can a professional renew their license?

The PRC LERIS Online Services can be used to request a renewal of the PIC. The applicant will proceed with the appointment date and place of submission of requirements after printing the application form.

What are the requirements to renew the Professional Identification Card (PIC)?

1. Downloaded application form

2. One (1) PRC passport size picture in white background with the full name tag

3. CPD units earned or you may contact prc.cpdsecretariat@gmail.com for more information.

4. Special Power of Attorney and valid ID if filed through an authorized representative.

NOTE: Additional requirements may be required by a particular Professional Regulatory Board.

***Good Standing Certificate PRC for the following Boards:

• Architect, Aeronautical Engineers
• Customs Broker
• Professional Electronics Engineers
• Electronics Engineer
• Electronics Technician
• Geodetic Engineer
• Guidance and Counseling
• Interior Design
• Landscape Architect
• Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer
• Registered Electrical Engineer
• Professional Electrical Engineer
• Registered Master Electrician
• Real Estate Broker
• Real Estate Consultant
• Real Estate Appraiser
• Salesperson
• Respiratory Therapist
• Psychologist
• Psychometrician
• Librarian
• Mechanical Engineer
• Professional Mechanical Engineer
• Certified Plant Mechanic
• Surety Bond for Real Estate Services

How much is the professional regulation commission ID PRC renewal fee?

For professions requiring a baccalaureate degree, the PRC renewal fee is ₱150.00 per year or a total of ₱450.00 for three (3) years.

For professions requiring a non-baccalaureate degree, the PRC renewal fee is ₱140.00 per year or a total of ₱420.00 for three (3) years.

A surcharge of ₱30.00 (baccalaureate degree) and ₱28.00 (non- baccalaureate degree) is added if PIC is renewed twenty (20) days after birth month.

How long will it take to claim the renewed PIC?

On the appointment date, a renewed professional identification card will be issued.

Changes of status due to marriage

Who may file?

Registered married women who wish to use their married name can file a marriage name change request.

Any representative with Special Power of Attorney and valid ID can, on behalf of the applicant, file a request form for a change of names on account of the marriage, providing that the professional has signed the application form.

What are the documentary requirements?

1. Duly accomplished and notarized Petition for Change of Name due to Marriage

2. Original and photocopy of the Certificate of Marriage duly issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority

3. Documentary Stamp

4. 2 pieces passport size ID picture in a white background will full name tag

5. Photocopy of PRC ID

6. A statutory fee of P225.00 on top of the renewal fee

What if the marriage was contracted abroad?

Respectfully request the Philippine Statistical Authority’s Report of Marriage abroad.

What is the standard turnaround time?

Two (2) months or 60 days after receipt of full documentation is the maximum processing period.

Are mailing services available for claiming IDs?

None. The professional or an authorized official, with a valid identification card and authorization letter, can collect the claim of IDs with changing status.

Where to claim the ID Cards?

Professional identification cards may be claimed at your selected appointment place.

Can we make a follow-up on the status of our petitions?

Yes. To be informed of the status of the petition you should call on phone number 736-2248.

Note: If an inconsistency occurs with the entries on the marriage certificate and the authentication, the Philippine Statistics Office will also need a copy of the Live Birth certificate in a piece of security paper.

Correction of data/entries

Who may file?

Licensed professionals wishing to amend their data (name and/or date of birth) to comply with the name and/or date of birth of the Statistical Authority of the Philippines. OR, if the professional has signed a form of a petition for correction of entries and records, any representative with a valid identity can file on behalf of the petitioner.

What are the documentary requirements?

1. Duly accomplished and notarized Petition Form for Correction of entries/data

2. Original and photocopy of the Certificate of Live Birth duly issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority for single female registered professional and male registered professional

3. Original and photocopy of the Certificate of Marriage duly issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority for married women professionals

4. Personal Affidavit

5. Documentary Stamp

6. 2 pieces passport size ID picture in white background with a full nametag

7. Photocopy of PRC ID

8. A statutory fee of P225.00 on top of the renewal fee

When can an applicant claim their card with the corrections?

Two (2) months or 60 days after receipt of full documentation is the maximum processing period.

Are mailing services available for claiming IDs?

None. The professional or an authorized official, with a valid identification card and authorization letter, can collect the claim of IDs with changing status.

Where to claim the ID Cards?

Professional identification cards may be claimed at your selected appointment place.

Can we make a follow-up on the status of our petitions?

Yes. To be informed of the status of the petition you should call on phone number 736-2248.

Reversion

Who may file?

A married registered professional woman who has received an annulment or divorce can file an application for reversion OR a widowed professional woman.

What are the documentary requirements?

1. Duly accomplished and notarized Petition Form for Correction of entries/data

2. Original and photocopy of the Certificate of Live Birth issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority

3. Original and photocopy of the Certificate of Marriage issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority

4. 2 pieces passport size ID picture in white background with a full nametag

5. Photocopy of PRC ID

6. A statutory fee of P225.00 on top of the renewal fee

7. Documentary Stamp Additional Requirement under Each Category:

For Annulment: Original and photocopy of the Certificate of Marriage issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority with annotation of annulment Certified true copy of the Court’s Decision on the granting of annulment Certified true copy of the Certificate of Finality on the grant of annulment

For Widowed Women: Original and photocopy of Certificate of Death issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

For Presumptive Death: Original and photocopy of Court’s Decision on presumptive death of husband issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Remarriage

Who may file?

Any licensed married woman, who once again married in spite of the death of a former Partner, marriage annulment, presumed death, or a final declaration acknowledging the international decision, and a divorce decree before the Court of Shar’jah or an agent gave that the applicant has already signed the form for the petition.

What are the requirements?

1. Duly accomplished and notarized Petition Form for Correction of entries/data

2. Original and photocopy of the Certificate of Live Birth issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority

3. Original and photocopy of the Certificate of Marriage issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority

4. 2 pieces passport size ID picture in white background with a full nametag

5. Photocopy of PRC ID

6. A statutory fee of P225.00 on top of the renewal fee

7. Documentary Stamp

Additional Requirement under Each Category:

Annulled Married Women: Original marriage certificate and photocopy with annotation of annulment provided by Philippine Statistics Authority. The Philippine Statistics Authority’s original certificate and photocopies of marriage (successive marriage) Certified copy of the ruling of the Court on the grant of annulment Certified true copy of the annulment grant Certificate of Finality.

Widowed Women: Original certificate and photocopy issued by the Statistics Authority of the Philippines Certificate of marriage given by the Philippine Statistical Authority, origin and photocopied (subsequent marriage).

For Presumptive Death: original and a photocopy of a Court decision of the Philippine Statistical Authority provided by Original and photocopy certificate of matrimony of the Philippine Statistical Authority on presumed death of the husband (Subsequent Marriage).

Replacement of Lost Professional Identification Card

What are the requirements for applying a duplicate copy of a lost or destroyed Certificate of Registration (Board Certificate)?

The requirements are:

1. Duly accomplished Action Sheet for Registration Certificate Replacement

2.  Affidavit of Loss/Damaged Certificate of Registration

3. Passport size picture with name tag in white background and application fee of P300.00

Where to file?

The application may be filed with the Registration Division of the Central Office and at Regional Offices of the PRC for a duplicate of the certificate of registration that is missing or damaged.

How long will it take to receive a duplicate copy of the Certificate of Registration (Board Certificate)?

After ten (10) working days, the duplicate registration certificate is issued once maximum specifications have been obtained.

Certifications and authentications

Are there any other documents that can be processed and obtained from the PRC? And what are their corresponding fees?

The other documents which the Commission may request and their associated payments are:

1. Good Standing/Rating/Placer/Underage Report Certification.

Requirements: Photocopies, documentary stamp, certificate fee of P75.00/copies (published after 3 working days) and P200.00/copy Technical identity card modified (released within the day for express lane).

2. Certified True Copy/Authentication of Report of Rating/Passing/Professional Identification Card/Certificate of Registration.

Requirements: Original and photocopy of the document to be authenticated, documentary stamp, Certification fee of P75.00/copy (released after 3 working days) and P200.00/copy (released within the day)

3. Certification of Institutional Performance and List of Examinees in Various Licensure Examinations – P75.00/page

Requirements:

• Duly accomplished form and signed by the Registrar/Dean/President.
• Duly accomplished action sheet for authentication PRC
• P75.00 for the certification fee
• P75.00 for the list and P50.00 for the succeeding pages

Certificate of ineligibility of a non-Filipino citizen to take the licensure examination

What are the requirements for application for the issuance of Certificate of Ineligibility of a Non-Filipino citizen to take the licensure examination?

1. Filled out the application form

2. Original or Certified True Copy Transcript of Records indicating the degree obtained

3. Photocopy of passport

What is the procedure?

1. PRC Regional Office assesses the completeness of the applications.

2. The International Affairs Office processes the application.

3. The Professional Regulatory Board concerned acts on the application and approves or denies the application.

4. PRC Regional Office releases the Certificate of Ineligibility to the applicant.

How much is the fee?

The application fee is Php 75.00

Stateboard verification/Validation of registration/license

What are the documentary requirements when filing Stateboard verification/Validation of registration/license?

The requirements for filing are:

1. Photocopy of updated Professional Identification card/license

2. Verification form coming from the requesting office/country

How to file Stateboard verification/Validation of registration/license?

Here is the step-by-step procedure for application:

1. Secure stateboard a verification slip at Window-C of Records Division (Ground Floor, PRC Annex Bldg.) and accomplish it.

2. Proceed to Legal Division (2nd Floor, PRC Main Bldg.) for clearance

3. Pay certification /processing fee of (P200.00/copy) at Cash Division (Ground Floor, PRC Main Bldg.)

4. Proceed to the Customer Service Center (CSC) near the public entrance gate and purchase a documentary stamp

5. Submit SBVS, Stateboard Verification documents, and PRC & CSC official receipts at Window-C of Records Division

For regional applicants, please proceed to the nearest PRC Regional Offices.

Can a representative of an applicant (in another country) apply for stateboard verification

Yes, if the approved official receives a letter of authority.

Is the representative/applicant allowed to mail personally the stateboard verification documents?

Mailing is exclusively a transaction between offices. The PRC is the authorized body to handle documentation requests and complete documents from countries.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

What are the documentary requirements for Continuing Professional Development?

For Local CPD Provider:

1. Individual/Sole Proprietorship

• A registered and licensed professional of good standing
• Non-conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude
• A registered entity with the Department of Trade and Industry and Bureau of Internal Revenue
• As may be required by the CPD Council

2. Firm/Partnership/Corporation

• A duly registered partnership, corporation, institution or organization
• The Articles of Incorporation/Partnership
• Duly registered with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Securities and Exchange Commission and/or other pertinent government bodies
• As may be required by the CPD Council

3. Government Institutions/Agencies

• Any government institution/agency with a mandate or program on CPD for professionals
• As may be required by the CPD Council For Foreign CPD Provider

4. Foreign Entity/Firm/Association

• A duly registered entity, firm, or association in the country/state of the applicant which intends to provide a CPD program
• Articles of Incorporation/Partnership/Creation or its equivalent
• Accredited CPD Provider of the country of origin
• Duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate/Legation in the country/state of the applicant and accompanied by an official English translation
• As may be required by the CPD Council

How long is the application processing time as a CPD Provider?

The submission is processed 30 days after full documents are sent.

How long is the CPD Provider’s validity of accreditation?

The validity of CPD Provider Accreditation is 3 years and consequently renewable.

For any concerns or other PRC FAQs, you can always contact the PRC through their contact information on their official website.