Continuing Professional Development, is a mandatory requirement for all registered and licensed professionals regulated by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in the Philippines. Under Republic Act No. 10912, the CPD Law, professionals must regularly undergo training, workshops, seminars, or similar learning activities to maintain and enhance their competence, ethics, and performance in their respective fields.
What is the CPD Law (RA 10912)?
RA 10912, also known as the Continuing Professional Development Act of 2016, mandates that all professionals under PRC must earn CPD units (credit units) as a requirement for renewing their Professional Identification Card.
The purpose is to ensure that professionals continue to improve and update their knowledge, skills, and ethical standards in line with global and local developments.
It also encourages professionals to engage in lifelong learning and ensures that professional practice remains relevant and of high quality.
Without complying with CPD requirements, a professional may not be able to renew their license, which can affect their ability to legally practice.
Accredited CPD Providers
To deliver CPD programs, entities must be accredited by PRC. These providers ensure the programs comply with the standards set by PRC’s CPD Council. There are two main types:
1. Local CPD Providers:- These are organizations or institutions within the Philippines
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Government agencies or institutions.
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Private companies or corporations.
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Professional organizations.
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Schools or universities.
2. Foreign CPD Providers
Providers outside the Philippines may also be accredited, especially for online or international training programs that are recognized by PRC.
Accreditation ensures that the provider’s programs are aligned with PRC standards, including learning outcomes, instructional design, relevance to the profession, and proper evaluation.
How Much CPD Do You Need & for Which Professions
The required number of CPD units depends on your profession and what your professional board specifies. All professionals must meet the minimum required units before renewing their PIC.
For many professions, CPD requirement is spread across a three-year period. Not all credit units may come from the same type of activity.
Some professional boards may have additional CPD requirements, beyond what is needed for general license renewal.
Forms, Reports & Key Documents
On the PRC website, there is a dedicated section for CPD Forms which you will need to access when applying for accreditation as provider, or when reporting/completing CPD activities. Here are the major forms and documents you should know
Key CPD Forms and Their Uses
1. Accreditation of CPD Providers
Application for Accreditation as Local CPD Provider for Philippine based institutions, schools, or organizations that want to be official CPD providers.
Application for Accreditation as Foreign CPD Provider for organizations outside the Philippines seeking accreditation.
2. Accreditation of CPD Programs
Application Form for Accreditation of CPD Program used to register a seminar, workshop, or training as an official CPD activity.
3. Crediting Non-Accredited Activities
Application for Crediting Activities that Did Not Go Through the CPD Council used by professionals who attended learning activities that were not pre approved but wish to earn CPD credit for them.
4. Monitoring and Completion Reports
Monitoring Report Form submitted during or after CPD activities to track implementation.
Completion Report Form submitted by CPD providers to confirm that the program was carried out successfully, including participant attendance.
5. Supporting Documents & Templates
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Instructional Design Form outlines the structure of the CPD activity.
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Resume of Resource Person details of trainers, speakers, or facilitators.
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Attendance Sheet Template used to record participant presence.
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Authorization for CPD Monitor certifies that a monitor is officially designated.
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Certificate Templates (Appearance/Participation/Completion) standardized formats to issue proof to participants.
Compliance: Steps Professionals Must Take
Here is a the step by step checklist for professionals to comply with CPD law
1. Determine your CPD requirements
Know which professional board you belong to, and how many CPD units you need over what period. Also find out if there are specific CPD tracks required.
2. Find accredited CPD providers / programs
Look for seminars, workshops, training sessions by providers accredited by the PRC. Alternatively, check if foreign or online providers are accredited.
3. Participate in CPD Activities
Engage in training, seminars, workshops, courses, or self-directed learning activities that meet the PRC’s requirements.
4. Collect Certificates & Attend Properly
After completing the CPD program, obtain a certificate of attendance, list of resource persons, program of activities, etc. Keep these safe as you will need them for documentation.
5. Fill out Relevant Forms
Use the correct PRC CPD Forms. Please visit the official website before applying.
6. Submit Completion Reports
After programs, providers submit monitoring and completion reports. Professionals may also need to present documents when renewing PIC.
7. Renew your Professional Identification Card
Make sure you have satisfied your CPD requirements. Submit all documentation as required. Failure to comply means you cannot renew your license.
Penalties & Impacts of Non Compliance
Professionals who do not meet their CPD requirements may have their PIC renewal refused. This means legally they won’t be able to practice until requirements are met.
Non-compliance can affect professional credibility, employment opportunities, or ability to engage in projects requiring valid licenses.
Tips to Make CPD Compliance Easier
Plan ahead: Know when your PIC renewal is due, and spread out CPD activities across the renewal period to avoid last minute rush.
Use Self Directed Learning where allowed: If your profession allows self-directed learning, you can earn some CPD units through articles, research, or online courses.
Attend CPD programs offered by Government / Free Seminars: Some local government agencies or DepEd offices may offer free or low cost accredited CPD programs.
Keep all documents organized Certificates, forms, proof of participation store them safely so you can quickly submit when needed.
Stay updated on PRC Resolutions, Announcements: CPD guidelines are subject to amendments, new resolutions, or professional board specific rules.
Recent Changes & Developments
The PRC has published new resolutions updating guidelines for CPD, to clarify requirements, streamline forms, revise CPD Council compositions, etc.
Government agencies (e.g. DepEd’s NEAP) are increasingly being accredited as CPD providers to support large numbers of professionals. This helps widen access to CPD programs.
Forms have been consolidated and made available online for easier access, which helps professionals and providers alike to download necessary templates and submit required documents.
Where to Find the Forms
All forms related to CPD are available on the PRC website under Continuing Professional Development Forms. These include:
Provider accreditation forms (local & foreign)
Program accreditation forms
Self-directed learning crediting forms
Monitoring report / completion report forms
Templates for attendance sheets, certificates, instructional design, etc.
When using these forms, make sure to follow the instructions, attach the required supporting documents, and submit through the proper PRC office.
Important Links
Official Website PRC https://www.prc.gov.ph
