Law Summary
Issuance of Certificates and Professional Identification Cards
- Upon passing board examinations and meeting legal admission requirements, a Certificate of Registration is issued.
- In addition, the PRC issues a Professional Registration/Identification Card to practicing professionals registered with the Commission every three years.
Nature of Professional Practice and Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
- Practice of a profession is not a right but a privilege granted by the PRC.
- Licensees must maintain current professional competence by complying with prescribed continuing professional education requirements.
- The Professional Registration/Identification Card serves as evidence of compliance with CPE and valid registration and licensing.
Change from Professional Registration/Identification Card to Professional License
- To more accurately reflect the nature of professional authorization, the PRC resolved to replace the Professional Registration/Identification Card with a Professional License.
- Specific requirements and procedures for the issuance and renewal of the Professional License are established.
Details and Content of the Professional License
- The license shall contain:
- Full name and profession of the licensee
- A unique serial number
- Registration and expiry dates
- A recent bust photograph affixed and sealed in the upper left-hand corner
- The license must be signed by the licensee and the PRC Chairman and bear the official PRC seal.
- The serial number consists of the certificate of registration number followed by the last two digits of the expiry year.
Validity and Renewal Period of the Professional License
- Pursuant to LOI 567, the license is valid for a period of three years, beginning on the registration date.
- The expiry date corresponds to the licensee's birth date in the third year.
- Renewal must be done no later than the 20th day of the month following the expiry date.
Fees, Surcharges, and Penalties for Late Renewal
- Failure to renew within the prescribed period incurs a 20% surcharge in addition to the regular registration/license fee.
Implementation and Enforcement
- The PRC commits to enforcing the resolution through administrative actions against delinquent professionals.
- Private and government entities are requested to verify the validity of professional licenses of personnel they employ or engage.
- This ensures only duly licensed professionals practice their respective professions.
Adoption
- The resolution was adopted on July 8, 1991, by the PRC Commissioners, marking the official implementation of these rules.