Question & AnswerQ&A (TESDA CIRCULAR NO. 017-00)
The legal basis for the UTPRAS is Republic Act No. 7796, otherwise known as the TESDA Act of 1994, which empowers TESDA to establish and maintain a system for accrediting, coordinating, integrating, monitoring, and evaluating formal and non-formal technical vocational education and training programs.
UTPRAS covers all TVET programs offered in public and private institutions, including enterprise-based training centers that charge fees and are open to the public, programs in industrial trades and crafts, agriculture, fishery, services and home industries, and competency modules or sets of modules.
No, apprenticeship programs undertaken by private enterprises are not covered by these guidelines but are authorized based on existing apprenticeship guidelines, which are considered to have the effect of UTPRAS registration.
UTPRAS aims to promote public interest by ensuring quality, is competency-based, follows training regulations, uses the TESDA Occupation Qualification and Certification System (TOQCS) for program categorization, ties registration to provision of technical assistance and incentives, and generates a comprehensive database of TVET institutions and programs.
Upon filing the Letter of Application, an application fee of P1000 is payable. Prior to the issuance of a Certificate of TVET Program Registration, an additional registration fee of P1000 is required per program.
First-time applicants must submit corporate and administrative documents (e.g., board resolution, SEC registration for private institutions), curricular requirements (e.g., curriculum, course description, equipment list), faculty and personnel qualifications, academic rules, support services, and pay the prescribed fees.
The institution must file a Letter of Application with the TESDA Provincial Office at least six months before offering the program, submit complete requirements and fees, undergo curriculum evaluation, inspection and verification within three months, and upon compliance, receive a Certificate of TVET Program Registration from the TESDA Regional Office.
The application for registration will be denied, and the application fee will be forfeited to cover administrative costs. The institution may appeal the denial to the TESDA Director General, whose decision is final.
They are liable under Section 68 of the Education Act of 1982, which provides for fines of not less than P2000 and not more than P10,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, or both. If a corporation commits the offense, the school head and responsible persons are also liable. TESDA may also revoke certificates of registration for fraud, unauthorized operation, or misrepresentation.
TESDA offers accreditation through the Philippine TVET Quality Awards, recognizing institutions from Bronze to Silver and beyond based on criteria including leadership and organizational performance. Accreditation is not perpetual and requires continuing assessment with technical assistance and incentives provided at every stage.