PRC releases CPD Implementing Rules and Regulations

The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the new CPD Law has been released by Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) today, March 1.

PRC issued Resolution No. 1032 series of 2017 entitled Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10912, known as the "Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Act of 2016" on February 15, 2017. It was published in newspaper of general circulation on February 28, 2017 and will take effect starting March 15, 2017.

The CPD Act of 2016 which lapsed into law last year requires professionals under PRC Boards to earn units for renewal of Professional Identification Cards.

The IRR of RA 10912 will be the basis of Professional Regulatory Boards through CPD Councils in accrediting providers and programs. Check the full text below. Here are some of my takeaways:

Based on the IRR, CPD Programs consist of activities...which have learning processes and outcomes. These include the following:

• Formal learning
• Nonformal learning
• Informal learning
• Self-directed learning
• Online learning activities
• Professional work experience

Also, attendance and participation in the conferences and conventions of Accredited Integrated Professional Organizations/Accredited Professional Organization (AIPO/APO) shall be given appropriate credit units.

Professionals working abroad may take programs/seminars through foreign chapters of affiliates of accredited CPD Providers. They may also attend seminars/trainings of non-accredited CPD Providers and apply for credit unit/s with their respective CPD Councils under Self-Directed and/or Lifelong Learning track.

Application for accreditation under this track costs P1,000.00.

All concerned government agencies and private firms and organizations employing professionals shall include CPD as part of their human resource development plan and program.

Transitory Period of CPD Implementation

• January to June 2017 - 0
• July to December 2017 - 30%
• January to December 2018 - 60%
• January 2019 onwards - 100%

Here's the full text:


Now that the IRR of CPD Law is out, let's wait for the Operational Guidelines of each PRB CPD Council and the list of accredited providers and programs.

PRC issues new CPD unit requirements for professionals

Unbeknownst to many, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has already issued new guidelines regarding the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program including unit requirements for all registered and licensed professionals before renewal of licenses.

UPDATE: Full implementation of CPD requirement will be on first quarter of 2017.

PRC Resolution No. 2016-990, signed by chairman Teofilo S. Pilando, Jr. and commissioners Angeline T. Chua Chiaco and Yolana D. Reyes on June 28, 2016, introduces amendments to the revised guidelines and the procedures of implementation of CPD programs.

"The Commission finds the need to amend some provisions of the said guidelines in order to strengthen the implementation of the said guidelines," the Resolution stated.

The resolution is also in harmony with the recently passed Republic Act 10912 or the Continuing Professional Development Act of 2016 which states that CPD programs will be implemented in each of the regulated professions, and mandatory for the renewal of the Professional Identification Cards of all registered and licensed professionals under the regulation of the Professional Regulation Commission.

Sponsored by Senator Antonio Trillas III, the measure became a law last July 21, 2016.

Some of the amendments are as follows:

• Every Professional Regulatory Board (PRB) shall creat CPD Council composed of Chairperson and 2 members.
• CPD Council accredits Local CPD Providers (Individual/Sole Proprietor, Firm/Partnership/Corporation, or Government Institutions/Agencies) and Foreign CPD Providers.
• Registered and licensed professionals shall complete the required CPD units every three years.

CPD Unit Requirements

120 Credit Units: Accountancy

45 Credit Units: Aeronautical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Agriculture, Architecture, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Criminology, Customs Broker, Dentistry, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Environmental Planning, Fisheries, Forestry, Geodetic Engineering, Geology, Guidance and Counseling, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Librarian, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Technology, Medicine, Metallurgical Engineering, Midwifery, Mining Engineering, Naval Architecture, Nursing, Nutrition and Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Professional Teachers, Psychology, Radiologic Technology, Real Estate Service, Respiratory Therapy, Sanitary Engineering, Social Work, Veterinary Medicine

30 Credit Units: Chemical Technician, Dental Technician, Dental Hygienist, Master Electrician, Electronics Technician, Master Plumbing, Certified Plant Mechanic, Medical Laboratory Technician, Metallurgical Plant Foreman, Mine/Mill/Quarry Foreman, Detailman, X-Ray Technician, Real Estate Sales Person

Here's the PRC Resolution in toto, including the matrix of CPD activities and the credit units for each participants involved:


Most professionals have negative reaction on this new requirement, for they see the measure as additional burden and expense out of their meager earnings.

How about those professionals working abroad, some are asking. Well, they may look for accredited Foreign CPD providers or take online programs whenever it becomes available.

The Resolution was published in major newspaper Philippine Star on July 21, 2016, and the date of effectivity started fifteen days after or on August 5, 2016.

Interestingly, PRC has updated their website with new layout and already included links for Continuing Professional Development, CPD Councils, Accredited Providers, Accredited Programs, etc. But those are still dead links, meaning, no data yet especially on the list of accredited CPD providers for each profession. I'll post it ever PRC make it available, so keep it here.

Your thoughts on this CPD unit requirements by PRC? Drop a comment below.