Brief History of TESDA

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) was established through the
enactment of Republic Act No. 7796 otherwise known as the "Technical Education and Skills
Development Act of 1994", which was signed into law by President Fidel V. Ramos on August 25,
1994. This Act aims to encourage the full participation of and mobilize the industry, labor, local
government units and technical-vocational institutions in the skills development of the country's
human resources.
The merging of the National Manpower and Youth Council (NMYC) of the Department of Labor
and Employment (DOLE). The Bureau of Technical and Vocational Education (BTVE) of
the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), and The Apprenticeship Program of
the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) of the DOLE gave birth to TESDA.
The fusion of the above offices was one of the key recommendations of the 1991 Report of the
Congressional Commission on Education, which undertook a national review of the state of
Philippine education and manpower development. It was meant to reduce overlapping in skills
development activities initiated by various public and private sector agencies, and to provide national
directions for the country's technical-vocational education and training (TVET) system. Hence, a
major thrust of TESDA is the formulation of a comprehensive development plan for middle-level

manpower based on the National Technical Education and Skills Development Plan. This plan shall
provide for a reformed industry-based training program that includes apprenticeship, dual training
system and other similar schemes.
TESDA is mandated to:
1.

Integrate, coordinate and monitor skills development programs;

2.

Restructure efforts to promote and develop middle-level manpower;

3.

Approve skills standards and tests;

4.

Develop an accreditation system for institutions involved in middle-level manpower

development;

5.

Fund programs and projects for technical education and skills development; and

6.

Assist trainers training programs.

At the same time, TESDA is expected to:

1.

Devolve training functions to local governments;

2.

Reform the apprenticeship program;

3.

Involve industry/employers in skills training;

4.

Formulate a skills development plan;

5.

Develop and administer training incentives;

6.

Organize skills competitions; and

7.

Manage skills development funds.

Overall, TESDA formulates manpower and skills plans, sets appropriate skills standards and tests,
coordinates and monitors manpower policies and programs, and provides policy directions and
guidelines for resource allocation for the TVET institutions in both the private and public sectors.

Today, TESDA has evolved into an organization that is responsive, effective and efficient in delivering
myriad services to its clients. To accomplish its multi-pronged mission, the TESDA Board has been
formulating strategies and programs geared towards yielding the highest impact on manpower
development in various areas, industry sectors and institutions.

List of TESDA National Certifications / Skills

Assessment (2014)
697

7
3

Nowadays, speaking of Technical Vocational courses, TESDA is the number 1

government institution in the Philippines that offers free assessment and
certifications programs nationwide together with various accredited Technical-Vocational
Institutions (TVIs), TESDA Technical Institutions (TTIs), Local Government Units (LGUs)
partners, and other government agencies providing TVET programs and DepEd
trainings.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority or TESDA since it

was established through the enactment of Republic Act No. 7796 in 1994 boasted that it
had produced thousands of skilled workers that our now working here and abroad
particularly in USA, Middle East and Brunei.

Who are qualified to take TESDA?

From barbers to hairstylist, construction workers, automotive experts, Public Utility

Vehicle (PUV) drivers, workers, industry practitioners, professional, career shifter,
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), Filipino expatriates with relevant experience,
industry practitioners who are prospective competency assessors are qualified to apply
for free assessment and certification.
TVI, TTIs, and other educational institutions who want to be a partner of TESDA are
also welcome to undergo trainings and certification.

What is National Certificate (NC)?

An individual needs to undergo competency assessment for the identified qualification
in any of the accredited assessment centers nationwide. Passers of the competency
assessment shall be issued a NC or COC.

A National Certificate (NC) is issued when a candidate has demonstrated competence in

all units of competency that comprised a Qualification. Certificate of Competency (COC)
is issued to individuals who have satisfactorily demonstrated competence on a
particular or cluster of units of competency
Below is the list of program TESDA currently offers with National Certification.

ICT / BPO:
- Computer Hardware Servicing NC II

- Visual Graphics Design NC III

- 2D animation NC III
- 3D animation NC III
- Programming NC IV
- Game Programming NC III
- Finishing Course for Call Center Agents NC II
- Finishing Course for Medical Transcription NC II
- Career Entry Course for Software Developers NC IV Using JAVA
- Career Entry Course for Software Developers NC IV Using Microsoft.Net
- Career Entry Course for Software Developers NC IV Using Oracle
- PC Operations NC II

Tourism / Food / Health:

- Food and Beverage Services NC II and III
-Commercial Cooking / Cookery NC II
- Bread and Pastry Making NC II
- Housekeeping NC II and III
- Household Services NC II
- Household Service Worker NC II
- Bartending NC II
- Tour Guiding NC II
- Travel Services NC II
- Events Management Services NC III
- Caregiving NC II
- Tourism Promotions Services NC II
- Bread and Pastry Production NC II

- Health Care Services NCII

- Food Processing NC II

Agri-Fishery:
- Agricultural Crops Production NC II and III
- Horticulture NC II
- Animal Production NC II

Metals / Engineering:
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC II and III
- Machining NC II
- GMAW NC II
- GTAW NC II
- Heavy Equiptment Operator NC II
- Pipefitting NC II
- Transport RAC Servicing NC II
- Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Services NC II

Electronics:
- Consumer Electronics Servicing NC II and III
- CATV Operation and Maintenance NC II and III
- Mechatronics NC III
- Instrumentation NC III

Construction:
- Masonry NC II and III

- Plumbing NC II and III

- Carpentry NC II and III
- Heavy Equipment Operators NC II
- Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II and III
- SMAW NC III, SMAW NC II and construction painting NC III
- Construction Painting NC III
- FCAW NC III
- RAC Servicing (PACU/CRE) NC II
- Transport RAC Servicing NC II
- Air Duct Servicing NC II
- Ice Plant Ref Servicing NC III
- Technical Drafting NC II

Automotive / Land Transport:

- Automotive Servicing NC II
- Driving NC II/Driving (Passenger Bus Straight Truck) NC III
- Motorcycle Small Engine Servicing NC I
- Auto Engine Rebuilding NC II
- Auto Body Repairing NC II
- Auto Body Painting/Finishing NC I

Maritime:
- Deck Seafaring (Able-Bodied Seaman) NC II
- Engine Seafaring (Oiler) NC II

Services / Crafts / Trade / Others:

- Tailoring NC II
- Massage Therapy NC II
- Beauty Care NC II
- Hairdressing NC II
- Dressmaking NC II
- Photography NC II Trade Certification
- Security Services NC II
- Bookkeeping NC III
- Front Office Services NC II

Upcoming Programs:
Jewelry Making, Land Surveying, Barbering Services and Electrical power Distribution
Line Construction.

If you are planning to take TESDA assessment and certification programs, take note of
the following:

Requirements for application:

Duly accomplished application form

Self-assessment guide

3 passport size pictures in white background with name written at the back

Certificate of employment.