San Fernando City, La Union (PIA) – The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has announced that professionals can renew their licenses even with incomplete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units by submitting a “CPD Undertaking.”
This allows professionals to renew their licenses by committing to comply with the required CPD units during the next renewal cycle.
This measure, effective until December 31, 2025, is based on PRC Resolution No. 1908, Series of 2024, as stated by PRC Region 1 Regional Director Atty. Ruth B. Sakay Sabelo during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas held on December 10, 2024, in Rosales, Pangasinan.
Sabelo emphasized that the initiative reflects the PRC’s commitment to supporting professionals in navigating compliance challenges while ensuring continued service delivery.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a lifelong learning process mandated under Section 10, Article III of Republic Act No. 10912, or the “Continuing Professional Development Act of 2016.”
CPD aims to ensure that all registered and licensed professionals regulated by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) maintain their professional competencies, align with global standards, and adapt to evolving industry needs.
It is a requirement for the renewal of Professional Identification Cards (PICs) and reinforces the importance of continued education and skills enhancement in fostering national development.
Sabelo highlighted that under this extension, professionals can submit an “undertaking” as part of their license renewal process.
This undertaking allows professionals to delay their compliance with CPD requirements, granting them additional time to complete the necessary units without incurring additional fees during the renewal period.
“Even if professionals currently lack CPD credit units, PRC has a resolution allowing them to submit an undertaking, enabling them to renew their licenses until December 2025. This undertaking means granting an extension for when professionals need to comply with their CPD requirements.” Sabelo explained.
She clarified that individuals with incomplete CPD units will not incur additional fees and are simply required to fulfill the requirements by the next renewal period.
PRC meanwhile emphasized the variety of methods available for earning CPD units, including formal, non-formal, and volunteer learning activities. Professionals can accrue points through:
- Formal Learning: Advanced educational pursuits such as master’s or doctoral degrees.
- Non-Formal Learning: Alternative activities like conferences, training, publications, and consultancy work.
- Volunteer Engagement: Participating in medical missions, environmental initiatives, and disaster assistance.
For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), exemptions are available upon presenting proof of overseas employment. They can also join virtual seminars and webinars provided by government-accredited CPD providers to enhance their knowledge and earn units.
“Through the CPD Councils for the various 46 regulated professions, it is ensured that CPD programs accredited by providers meet international standards and align with the trends and needs of various industries,” Sabelo added.
PRC Region 1 also saw a significant increase in CPD providers, with a 742 percent growth since 2019. Notable participants include government agencies like the Department of Education (DepEd) and private institutions.
Professionals with delayed renewals can still process their licenses through PRC’s centralized online system, the Licensure Examination and Registration Information System (LERIS).
In cases where records are unavailable, the agency facilitates service requests to update information promptly, underscoring PRC’s commitment to accessible and efficient public service.
PRC Region 1 remains a pioneer in modernized services, including computer-based licensure exams and mobile outreach programs, bringing PRC services closer to communities and ensuring convenience and reliability.
As part of its advocacy to empower professionals and support national development, PRC encourages all professionals to take advantage of the extended compliance period and various CPD opportunities.
For more information, professionals are encouraged to visit the PRC Region 1 office or access their online platform through www.online.prc.gov.ph for guidance on CPD activities and license renewal processes. (AMB/CCMT/AIHR/PIA Region 1)
