PRC to extend CPD Undertaking Period, recognize INSET as CPD Units

PRC to extend CPD Undertaking Period, recognize INSET as CPD Units

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in a dialogue with groups of teachers has committed to extend the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Undertaking Period and acknowledge In-Service Training (INSET) as equivalent CPD Units.

1. Extension of Undertaking Period: The PRC committed to promptly issue "issuances" that will extend the undertaking period. This extension comes as DepEd and PRC work collaboratively to refine their mechanisms and systems. Teachers who have yet to accrue 15 credit units this year will still be allowed to renew their PRC ID/License without fulfilling this requirement.

2. Official Recognition of INSET and DepEd Seminars: PRC will officially recognize the ongoing In-Service Training (INSET) sessions in schools and other seminars organized by the Department of Education (DepEd) as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Units. This move aligns with the shared belief that commercial interests should not drive CPD unit acquisition but should be provided free of charge by the government. Furthermore, the PRC is committed to releasing detailed mechanisms and guidelines to ensure the smooth implementation of this recognition.

This two key commitments emerged during the dialogue between the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and representatives from the ACT Teachers Party-list, ACT Philippines, and ACT NCR Union, held on January 24, 2024.

Memorandum Order No. 98, Series of 2023 by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) outlines a transition period for complying with the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirement. The memo soecified that effective January 1, 2024, CPD compliance will be mandatory for renewing Professional Identification Cards (PICs) and CPD Undertakings will no longer be accepted.

The memo provided the Transition Period Details:
- 2024: Professionals must complete 15 CPD Credit Units (CUs) annually.
- 2025: The requirement increases to 20 CPD CUs per year.
- 2026: The requirement becomes 30 CPD CUs annually.
- 2027 and beyond: Professionals will need to earn 45 CPD CUs each year.

Important Transition Period Notes:
- From December 2023 to January 2024, the transaction date for PIC renewal is based on the payment date, not the appointment date for claiming the PIC.
- Access to e-PIC is granted only if professionals fulfill all PIC renewal prerequisites, which includes obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing from the Accredited Integrated Professional Organization if necessary, and meeting the CPD compliance standards.