Complete TESDA Training Guide for Philippines 2026
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is the Philippine government's primary agency for managing and supervising technical education and skills development. This comprehensive guide covers every TESDA program relevant to AI and digital skills training in 2026, including eligibility, application processes, and how employers can leverage TESDA for workforce upskilling.
- Filipino citizens (for scholarship programs)
- At least 15 years old (18 for certain programs)
- High school graduate or equivalent (for NC II and above)
- Physically and mentally fit for the chosen training program
- Not currently receiving another government scholarship
- Employers must be SEC/DTI-registered and labour-law compliant
- Register on the TESDA Online portal or visit your nearest Provincial/District Office
- Choose a qualified training program from the TESDA Registry
- Submit required documents (ID, diploma, medical certificate, photos)
- Enrol in the program — scholarship covers tuition and assessment fees
- Complete all training sessions and practical requirements
- Take the National Competency Assessment at an accredited centre
- Receive your National Certificate upon passing
What Is TESDA?
TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) was established under Republic Act No. 7796 in 1994 to provide direction, policies, programs, and standards for technical education and skills development in the Philippines. It is attached to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and serves as the country's lead agency for technical-vocational education and training (TVET).
In 2026, TESDA has expanded its mandate to include AI readiness and digital transformation skills, recognising that the Philippine workforce must be prepared for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. TESDA-accredited programs now cover AI fundamentals, data analytics, robotic process automation (RPA), and digital business transformation.
Key TESDA Programs for AI & Digital Skills
1. Scholarship Programs (TWSP, PESFA, STEP)
TESDA offers several scholarship programs that fully fund training for qualified Filipino workers:
- Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP): The flagship scholarship covering tuition, assessment fees, and training materials. In 2026, TWSP has been expanded to include AI and digital skills courses in its priority list.
- Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA): For students enrolled in private TVET institutions, covering tuition and providing a monthly stipend.
- Special Training for Employment Program (STEP): Community-based training programs that can be customised for specific industry needs, including AI skills.
2. Enterprise-Based Training (EBT)
Companies can partner with TESDA to deliver in-house training programs:
- Dual Training System (DTS): Combines in-school learning with on-the-job training. Companies provide the practical component while TESDA-accredited institutions handle theory.
- Apprenticeship Program: For occupations requiring more than 3 months of training. Employers must pay at least 75% of minimum wage during the apprenticeship period.
- Learnership Program: Shorter-term practical training (not exceeding 3 months) for semi-skilled occupations.
3. Online Training Programs
TESDA Online Program (TOP) provides free courses accessible to any Filipino citizen:
- Over 100 courses available, including AI fundamentals and data analytics
- Self-paced learning with assessment at the end
- National Certificate (NC) assessment available upon completion
- No cost to learners — fully funded by TESDA
Eligibility Requirements
General eligibility for TESDA programs:
- Filipino citizen (for scholarship programs)
- At least 15 years old (18 for some programs)
- At least a high school graduate (for NC II and above)
- Physically and mentally fit for the chosen program
- Not a current beneficiary of another government scholarship
For employer-sponsored programs, the company must be:
- Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or DTI
- Compliant with labour laws and regulations
- Willing to absorb at least 60% of trainees into employment (for some programs)
Application Process
For Individuals
- Register on TESDA Online: Visit the TESDA website and create an account on the TESDA Online Program (TOP) portal.
- Find a Training Centre: Use the TESDA Provincial/District Office directory to locate accredited training centres near you.
- Submit Requirements: Typically includes birth certificate, high school diploma, 2x2 photos, and a medical certificate.
- Enrol in a Program: Choose from TESDA-registered programs (Training Regulations or TRs).
- Complete Training: Attend all sessions and pass both institutional and national assessments.
- Get Certified: Pass the National Competency Assessment to receive your NC (National Certificate).
For Employers
- Register as a TESDA Partner: Contact your regional TESDA office to register as an enterprise partner.
- Submit Training Plan: Outline the skills your workforce needs, the number of trainees, and proposed schedule.
- Get Approval: TESDA will review and approve your training plan, typically within 2-4 weeks.
- Deliver Training: Conduct training using TESDA-accredited curriculum and assessors.
- Assess Trainees: Arrange for National Competency Assessment at a TESDA-accredited assessment centre.
How Pertama Partners Can Help
Pertama Partners delivers TESDA-aligned AI training programs for Philippine enterprises. Our courses are designed to meet TESDA Training Regulations while providing practical, business-relevant AI skills that drive immediate value.
We help organisations:
- Navigate TESDA registration and accreditation for in-house training
- Design AI training curricula that meet TESDA standards
- Connect employees with TESDA scholarship opportunities
- Prepare teams for National Competency Assessment in AI-related qualifications
Contact us to discuss how TESDA funding can reduce or eliminate the cost of AI training for your Philippine workforce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, many TESDA programs are fully funded through scholarship programs like TWSP, PESFA, and STEP. Online courses through TESDA Online Program (TOP) are completely free. For enterprise-based training, costs may be shared between the employer and TESDA depending on the program structure.
Duration varies by program. Online courses through TOP can take 2-8 weeks of self-paced study. In-person programs typically run 3-6 months depending on the National Certificate level. Enterprise-based training can be customised but usually ranges from 1-6 months.
TESDA scholarship programs are reserved for Filipino citizens. However, enterprise-based training programs (DTS, Apprenticeship, Learnership) can include foreign employees if the employer sponsors the training. Assessment and certification may have different requirements for non-Filipino participants.
TESDA is developing National Certificates for AI-related qualifications under its updated Training Regulations. Currently available are certifications in Computer Systems Servicing (NC II), Programming (NC IV), and related ICT qualifications. AI-specific NCs are expected to be fully rolled out by mid-2026.
Visit the TESDA website and use the Training Institution Directory to search by location and qualification. You can also contact your nearest TESDA Provincial or District Office for recommendations. Pertama Partners is an accredited training provider for AI and digital skills in the Philippines.
- •AI Fundamentals and Machine Learning Basics
- •Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
- •Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
- •Digital Business Transformation
- •Computer Systems Servicing NC II
- •Programming NC IV
- •Contact Centre Services NC II
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