CONTINUING

PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
ACT OF 2016
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10912
RA 10912
 ARTICLE I
TITLE, POLICY AND DEFINITION OF TERMS

Section 1. Title. Sec. 2. Declaration

of Policy.

This Act shall be It is hereby declared the policy of the State

known as to promote and upgrade the practice of
professions in the country. Towards this
the “Continuing end, the State shall institute measures that
will continuously improve the competence
Professional of the professionals in accordance with the
international standards of practice,
Development Act of thereby, ensuring their contribution in
2016”. uplifting the general welfare, economic
growth and development of the nation.
 Section 3: Definition of Terms
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL
CPD COUNCIL
DEVELOPMENT OR CPD
Refers to the inculcation of Refers to a body created
advanced knowledge, skills to promote and ensure
and ethical values in a post- the continuous
licensure specialization or in improvement of
an inter- or multidisciplinary
field of study, for professionals, in
assimilation into accordance with
professional practice, self- national, regional and
directed research and/or international standards
lifelong learning. of practice.
Section 3: Definition of Terms
CPD CREDIT UNITS CPD PROVIDER
Refers to the value of an Refers to a natural or
amount of learning that can juridical person accredited
be transferred to a by the CPD Council to
qualification achieved from conduct CPD Programs
formal, informal or
nonformal learning setting,
wherein credits can be
accumulated to
predetermined levels for
the award of a
qualification.
 Section 3: Definition of Terms
FORMAL LEARNING
Refers to educational
arrangements such as
curricular qualifications and
teaching-learning
requirements that take place
in education and training
institutions recognized by
relevant national authorities,
and which lead to diplomas
and qualifications.
Section 3: Definition of Terms
INFORMAL LEARNING
Learning that occurs in
daily life assessed,
through the recognition,
validation and
accreditation process,
and which can
contribute to a
qualification
Section 3: Definition of Terms
NONFORMAL LEARNING
Learning that has been
acquired in addition or
alternatively to formal
learning and may be
structured and more
flexible according to
educational and
training arrangements
Section 3: Definition of Terms
ONLINE LEARNING

Refer to structured or
unstructured learning
initiatives, which make
use of the internet and
other web-based
Information and
Communications
Technology solutions
 Section 3: Definition of Terms
SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING
Learning activities such as
online training,
local/international seminars/
non degree courses,
institution/company-
sponsored training programs,
and the like, which did not
undergo CPD accreditation but
may be applied for and
awarded CPD units by the
respective CPD Council
 Article II
CPD Programs, Council and Secretariat
Sec 4: Strengthening the CPD program
(a) Enhance and upgrade the competencies and qualifications of professionals for
the practice of their professions pursuant to the PQF, the AQRF and the ASEAN
MRAs;
(b) Ensure international alignment of competencies and qualifications of
professionals through career progression mechanisms leading to specialization/sub-
specialization;
(c) Ensure the development of quality assured mechanisms for the validation,
accreditation and recognition of formal, nonformal and informal learning outcomes,
including professional work experiences and prior learning:
(d) Ensure maintenance of core competencies and development of advanced and
new competencies, in order to respond to national, regional and international labor
market needs; and
(e) Recognize and ensure the contributions of professionals in uplifting the general
welfare, economic growth and development of the natio
Sec. 5.
Nature of CPD Programs
 Sec. 6. Powers, Functions and
Responsibilities of the PRC and the
Professional Regulatory Boards (PRBs)
Organize CPD Councils for each of the regulated professions and promulgate
guidelines for their operation;

Review existing and new CPD Programs for all of the regulated professions;

Formulate, issue, and promulgate guidelines and procedures for the

implementation of the CPD Programs;
Coordinate with the academe, concerned government agencies, and other
stakeholders in the implementation of the CPD Programs and other measures
provided under this Act; and
Coordinate with concerned government agencies in the development of
mechanisms and guidelines, in the grant and transfer of credit units earned from
all the learning processes and activities, pursuant to this Act.
Sec. 7. CPD Council
2 members

First Member (President of

or designated person of
Accredited Professional
Organization (APO).
1 Chairperson
(BON)
Second Member (President
of or any officer of ADPCN).
 Term of Office
• Co-terminus with his/ • 2 years unless sooner
her incumbency in the replaced through a
PRC. resolution by the APO
concerned or the
organization of deans or
heads of departments,
respectively.
First member
Chairperson and Second
member
Sec. 8. Powers, Functions and
Responsibilities of the CPD Council.
Ensure the adequate and appropriate provision of CPD
Programs for their respective profession;

Evaluate and act on applications for accreditation of

CPD Providers and their CPD Programs;

Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the CPD

Programs;

Assess and/or upgrade the criteria for accreditation of CPD

Providers and their CPD Programs on a regular basis;
Sec. 8. Powers, Functions and
Responsibilities of the CPD Council.
Develop mechanisms for the validation, accreditation and recognition of self-
directed learning, prior/informal learning, online learning, and other learning
processes through professional work experience;

Conduct researches, studies and benchmarking for international

alignment of the CPD Programs;

Issue operational guidelines, with the approval of the PRC and the
PRB concerned; and

Perform such other functions related or incidental to the implementation of

the CPD.
Sec. 9. Secretariat
 A CPD Council Secretariat is hereby created at the
PRC Central and Regional Offices to provide
technical, administrative and operational support
to the CPD Councils and the PRBs in the
implementation of the CPD Programs.

The CPD Council Secretariat shall be headed by an

Executive Director to be appointed by the PRC.
 ARTICLE III
CPD PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION AND
MONITORING
Sec. 10. CPD as Mandatory
Requirement in the Renewal of
Professional License and
Accreditation System for the
Practice of Professions.
– The CPD is hereby made as a
mandatory requirement in the
renewal of the PICs of all registered
and licensed professionals under
the regulation of the PRC.
 CPD may be obtained thru:
Formal learning

Nonformal learning

Informal learning

Self-directed learning

Online learning activities

Professional work experience

 FORMAL FORMS OF CPE
The Graduate Education in Nursing (Master’s
Degree) – it prepares the leaders by generating
higher levels of competence and by teaching,
administering and investigating professional practice

The Doctoral Degree Program – refer to post

graduate degree from a recognized school, college or
universities.
 FORMAL FORMS OF CPE
Fellowship - completion of a post doctoral training program

Residency / Externship - apprenticeship at the graduate

level.

On-the-Job Training – externship training or specialization

at the post-graduate level for a minimum period of 1 week.

Also called Post Graduate/ I-Service Training

 INFORMAL FORMS OF CPE
Seminars – (workshops, technical, lectures or subject-
matter meetings, non-degree training courses and
scientific meeting).

Conventions –(conferences, symposia or assemblies

for round table discussion).

Distance Learning- refers to correspondence learning

which uses course manual or accredited learning
modules. Also called Self- Directed Learning Package.
 INFORMAL FORMS OF CPE
Authorship – ownership of intellectual property
which includes technical or professional books,
instructional materials etc.

Resource Speaker – acts as discussion leader or

lecturer in a convention or seminar.

Peer Reviewer – refers to professional who acts as

an evaluator of a research paper, conference paper
or journal article.
 NONFORMAL FORMS OF CPE
Nonformal
learning refers to
learning that has been
acquired in addition or
alternatively to formal
learning, which may be
structured and made
more flexible according
to educational and
training arrangements
Self-directed learning
Refers to learning activities such as online training,
local/international seminars/nondegree courses,
institution/company-sponsored training programs,
and the like, which did not undergo CPD
accreditation but maybe applied for and awarded
CPD units by the respective CPD Council.
ONLINE LEARNING
Refer to structured or
unstructured learning
initiatives, which make
use of the internet and
other web-based
Information and
Communications
Technology solutions;
 PROFESSIONAL WORK
EXPERIENCE
Professional refers to a
person who is registered
and licensed to practice a
regulated profession in
the Philippines and who
holds a valid Certificate of
Registration and
Professional Identification
Card (PIC) from the
Professional Regulation
Commission (PRC);
Sec. 11. Recognition of Credit
Units
All duly validated and recognized CPD credit
units earned by a professional shall be
accumulated and transferred in accordance
with the Pathways and Equivalencies of the
PQF.
 CPD Requirements for Renewal
of License
15 contact hours per year.
45 contact hours in 3 years.
Sec. 12. Career Progression and
Specialization
The PRC and the PRBs, in consultation with the
AIPO/APO, the Civil Service Commission (CSC),
other concerned government agencies and
industry stakeholders, shall formulate and
implement a Career Progression and Specialization
Program for every profession. The Career
Progression and Specialization Program shall form
part of the CPD
Sec. 13. Role of Concerned Government
Agencies and the Private Sector
All concerned government agencies and
private firms and organizations employing
professionals shall include the CPD as part of
their human resource development plan and
program.
 ARTICLE IV
FINAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 14. Funding. – The implementation of the provisions of this Act shall be
immediately included in the PRC programs, the funding of which shall be
included in its annual submissions for inclusion in the annual General
Appropriations Act.

The funding requirement herein mentioned shall be used for the regular
operations of the CPD Councils, including the monitoring of the conduct of the
CPD Programs.

The PRC shall review and approve the proposed budget for each CPD Council,
taking into consideration the reasonable expenses that will be incurred for
travel, honorarium/allowances, and per diems, when attending official CPD
Council meetings or performing other related functions assigned to them.
 Sec. 15. Implementing Rules
and Regulations
The PRC and the PRBs, in consultation with the
AIPO/APO and other stakeholders, shall promulgate
the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) within
six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act.
However, a PRB may prescribe its own requirements
or procedure relating to the CPD as may be pertinent
and applicable to the specific
profession: Provided,That the same does not
contravene any of the provisions of this Act and its IRR
 Sec. 16. Fraud Relating to CPD
Fraudulent acts relating to the implementation and enforcement of this Act shall
be punishable under the pertinent provisions of the Revised Penal Code, the New
Civil Code and other applicable laws.

In addition to the penalties prescribed in the aforementioned laws, a professional

who is adjudged guilty of any fraudulent act relating to the CPD shall also be
meted with the penalty of suspension or revocation of his/her PRC Certificate of
Registration and/or Certificate of Specialization.

In case of a government official or employee who is party to any fraudulent act

relating to the CPD, he/she shall also be subject to the administrative penalties
that may be imposed under the anti-graft laws, the Administrative Code and the
Code of Conduct of Public Officials and Employees.
Sec. 17. Separability Clause. – If any part or provision of
this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other
provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force
and effect.

Sec. 18. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, executive

orders and other administrative issuances or parts
thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this
Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 19. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15)
days following its complete publication in the Official
Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation in
the Philippines
Approved:
(Sgd.) FELICIANO BELMONTE JR.
(Sgd.) FRANKLIN M. DRILON
Speaker of the House of
President of the Senate
Representatives
Senate Bill No. 2581. which was approved by the Senate on August 3, 2015, was
adopted as an amendment to House Bill No. 6423 by the House of
Representatives on May 23. 2016.
(Sgd.) MARILYN B. BARUA-YAP
(Sgd.) OSCAR G. YABES
Secretary General House of
Secretary of the Senate
Representatives
Approved:

BENIGNO S. AQUINO III

President of the Philippines
Lapsed into law on JUL 21 2016 without the signature of the President
in accordance with Article VI, Section
27 (1) of the Constitution
SPECIALTY
CERTIFICATION
PROGRAM
 SPECIALTY CERTIFICATION
PROGRAM
Specialty Certification – is the process
whereby qualified agents, based on a
variety of measures and assessment
strategies, confirm or attest that individual
nurses who underwent training and
instruction for advanced nursing practice
in specialized nursing services meet
minimum standards set at specified times.
 SPECIALTY CERTIFICATION
PROGRAM
• To provide globalization
Concept of
Specialization

• To certify and promote

practice that optimally
Mission: contributes to desired
patient care outcomes
 FOUR (4) MAJOR GROUPS OF
NURSING SPECIALTIES
GROUP I – Community Health Nursing Specialty

GROUP II – Medical-Surgical Nursing Specialty

GROUP III – Mother and Child Health Nursing Specialty

GROUP IV – Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing

Specialty
 SPECIALTY CERTIFICATION IN NURSING
CAREER LADDER IN NURSING
Level I Level II Level III
Criteria Nurse Clinician Nurse Clinician II Clinical Nurse Specialist

1. Current licensure as 1. Current licensure as Current licensure as

1.

A. Registered Nurse.
Registered Nurse. Registered Nurse.
EDUCATIO 2. Masters degree in
NAL 2. BSN + 12 units 2. BSN + completed
Nursing completed with
REQUIREME towards a Masters degree academic requirements
an area of specialization
NTS in Nursing. for Masters degree in
either in
3. Sixty (60) contact Nursing. administration/Research
hours, twenty (20) of 3. One hundred twenty / Training.
didactic and (40) hrs (120) contact hours, 3. Has attended
clinical component of forty (40) of didactic continuing education
training in post-graduate and eighty (80) hours program of 150 contact
clinical component of hours, (60 theoretical,
courses approved by the
training in specialty 90 clinical sessions) of
PRC BON Council. The
training the past two
format post-graduate such as gerontology,
years.
course must be the area oncology, pediatrics,
4. Community exposure
of certification applied MCN, etc. 40 hours .

for.
 Criteria Level I Level II Level III
Nurse Clinician Nurse Clinician II Clinical Nurse Specialist
Certification
Requirements SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF EXAMINATION
B. 1. Three(3) years in an 1. Five (5) years in an accredited 1. Five (10) years in an
EXPERIENCE institution with a minimum of accredited institution with a
accredited institution with a
100 patients or community minimum of 200 patients or
minimum of 100 patients clients. community clients.
within the last five (5) years. Experience must be within the Experience may be in
2. Type of hospital: specialty area applied for . Nursing administration,
Secondary with occupancy Example: current practice in the education, clinical practice,
rate of 80% or above community health is required for research or community.
the clinical specialist in 2. Type of hospital: Tertiary
CHN,etc. with occupancy rate of 80%
2. Type of hospital: Tertiary with or above
occupancy rate of 80% or above
C.
PERFORMANCE
Very Satisfactory Very Satisfactory Outstanding
D. Research Protocol with
RESEARCH significance to improve client Mentored Research to be Individual Research
care must meet the criteria for submitted
scientific investigation.
E. Every five (5) years recertification shall be based on either a successful
RESEARC completion of examination or continuing education. Continuing education
H requirement may be met using in-service, grand rounds, academic credits,
CCPEN credits and other related programs.
PHILIPPINE
QUALIFICATION
FRAMEWORK
qualification
Package of competencies describing a
particular function or job role existing in an
economic sector. It covers the work activities
required to undertake a particular job role.
 Philippine Qualifications
Framework (PQF)
It is a national policy that describes the
levels of educational qualifications and sets
the standards for qualification outcomes.
 Philippine Qualifications
Framework (PQF)
Describes the levels of educational qualifications
and sets the standards for qualification outcomes.
It is a quality assured national system for the
development, recognition and award of
qualifications based on standards of knowledge,
skills and values acquired in different ways and
methods by learners and workers of the country.
 QUALIFICATIONS

It refers to the formal certification that a person has

successfully achieved specific learning outcomes
relevant to the identified academic, industry or
community requirements. A Qualification confers
official recognition of value in the labor market and
in further education and training.
 Objectives of PQF
To adopt national standards and levels of learning outcomes of
education;

To support the development and maintenance of pathways and equivalencies that

enable access to qualifications and to assist individuals to move easily and readily
between the different education and training sectors and between these sectors
and the labor market; and

To align domestic qualification standards with the international qualifications

framework thereby enhancing recognition of the value and comparability of
Philippine qualifications and supporting the mobility of Filipino students and
workers.
Benefits of the Philippine
Qualifications Framework
 Benefits of the Philippine
Qualifications Framework
provides a standard for the recognition of certificates and licenses that
individuals may move and progress through.

establishes a standard for education and training providers

job mismatch can be reduced and productivity increased.

can help form unity as it harmonizes education and training qualifications in

the country by establishing and institutionalizing qualification standards.

coordinates and balances education and employment opportunities for

nation building and holistic economic growth.
 FRAMEWORK
The PQF has eight (8) Levels of qualifications differentiated by descriptors of
expected learning outcomes along the three domains: knowledge, skills and
values; application; and degree of independence. The PQF 8-level framework
with Senior High School as the foundation of the 8 levels. It has sub-
frameworks in separate subsystems of the education and training system. For
example, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
subsystem covers National Certificates (NC) I through IV corresponding to the
first four levels while the Commission on Higher Education Subsystem covers
Baccalaureate, Postgraduate Diploma, Masters, and Doctorate that
correspond to Levels 6 to 8. The two Sub-systems interface in the provision of
diploma programs at level 5.

The PQF considers Senior High School (Grade 12) as the foundation of the 8
levels, and provides eligible Senior High School graduates the possibility of
obtaining qualifications up to Level 5 as well as admission to degree programs in
Level 6.
PQF Levels and Domain
Descriptors
Knowledge Skills and Values

Application

Degree of Independence
Level Grade 12
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND Possess functional knowledge across a range of
VALUES learning areas and technical skills in chosen career
tracks with advanced competencies in
communication; scientific, critical and creative
thinking; and the use of technologies.
Have an understanding of right and wrong; one's
history and cultural heritage; and deep respect for
self, others and their culture, and the environment.

APPLICATION Apply functional knowledge, technical skills and values in

academic and real-life situations through sound
reasoning, informed decision-making, and the judicious
use of resources.

DEGREE OF Apply skills in varied situations with minimal supervision.

INDEPENDENCE
Level 1
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND Knowledge and skills that are manual or
VALUES concrete or practical and/or operational
in focus
APPLICATION Applied in activities that are set in a
limited range of highly familiar and
predictable contexts; involve
straightforward, routine issues which are
addressed by following set rules,
guidelines or procedures.
DEGREE OF In conditions where there is very close
INDEPENDENCE support, guidance or supervision;
minimum judgment or discretion is
needed.
QUALIFICATION TYPE NATIONAL CERTIFICATE I
Level 2
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS Knowledge and skills that are manual,
AND VALUES practical and/or operational in focus with
a variety of options.
APPLICATION Applied in activities that are set in a
range of familiar and predictable
contexts; involve routine issues which
are identified and addressed by selecting
from and following a number of set rules,
guidelines or procedures.
DEGREE OF In conditions where there is substantial
INDEPENDENCE support, guidance or supervision;
limited judgment or discretion is needed
QUALIFICATION TYPE NATIONAL CERTIFICATE II
Level 3
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND Knowledge and skills that are a balance of
VALUES theoretical and/or technical and practical. Work
involves understanding the work process,
contributing to problem solving, and making
decisions to determine the process, equipment
and materials to be used.
APPLICATION Applied in activities that are set in contexts with
some unfamiliar or unpredictable aspects; involve
routine and non-routine issues which are
identified and addressed by interpreting and/or
applying established guidelines or procedures with
some variations.
DEGREE OF INDEPENDENCE Application at this level may involve individual
responsibility or autonomy, and/or may involve
some responsibility for others. Participation in
teams including team or group coordination.
QUALIFICATION TYPE NATIONAL CERTIFICATE III
Level 4
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND Knowledge and skills that are mainly theoretical
VALUES and/or abstract with significant depth in one or
more areas; contributing to technical solutions of
a non-routine or contingency nature; evaluation
and analysis of current practices and the
development of new criteria and procedures.
APPLICATION Applied in activities that are set in range of
contexts, most of which involve a number of
unfamiliar and/or unpredictable aspects; involve
largely non-routine issues which are addressed
using guidelines or procedures which require
interpretation and/or adaptation.
DEGREE OF INDEPENDENCE Work involves some leadership and guidance
when organizing activities of self and others

QUALIFICATION TYPE NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IV

Level 5
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS Knowledge and skills that are mainly theoretical and/or
AND VALUES abstract with significant depth in some areas together with
wide-ranging, specialized technical, creative and
conceptual skills. Perform work activities demonstrating
breadth, depth and complexity in the planning and
initiation of alternative approaches to skills and knowledge
applications across a broad range of technical and/or
management requirements, evaluation and coordination.
APPLICATION Applied in activities that are supervisory, complex and non-
routine which require an extensive interpretation and/or
adaptation/ innovation.
DEGREE OF In conditions where there is broad guidance and direction,
INDEPENDENCE where judgment is required in planning and selecting
appropriate equipment, services and techniques for self
and others. Undertake work involving participation in the
development of strategic initiatives, as well as personal
responsibility and autonomy in performing complex
technical operations or organizing others
QUALIFICATION TYPE DIPLOMA
Level 6
KNOWLEDGE, Graduates at this level have broad and
SKILLS AND coherent knowledge and skills in their
VALUES field of study for professional work
and lifelong learning
APPLICATION Application in professional work or
research in a specialized field of
discipline and/or for further study
DEGREE OF Independent and /or in teams of
INDEPENDENCE related field with minimal supervision
guided by set procedures that
frequently require judgment
QUALIFICATION Baccalaureate Degree
TYPE
Level 7
KNOWLEDGE, Graduates at this level have advanced
SKILLS AND VALUES knowledge and skills in specialized or
multidisciplinary field of study for
professional practice or self-directed research
APPLICATION Applied in professional work that requires
leadership and management in a specialized
or multidisciplinary professional work,
research and/or for further study
DEGREE OF Independent and or in teams of
INDEPENDENCE multidisciplinary field with very minimal
supervision that involves exercise of
leadership and initiative
QUALIFICATION Post-Baccalaureate Program
TYPE
Level 8
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS Graduates at this level have highly advanced
AND VALUES systematic knowledge and skills in very
specialized or complex multidisciplinary field of
learning for multifaceted research or professional
practice or for the advancement of learning

APPLICATION Applied in highly specialized or complex

multidisciplinary field of professional work,
research and/or further study that require
management expertise, innovation and leadership

DEGREE OF Independent and/or in teams of multi-disciplinary

INDEPENDENCE and complex setting with significant level of
expertise-based autonomy and accountability
QUALIFICATION TYPE Doctoral Degree and Post-Doctoral Programs