TESDA stands for the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. It is a government agency in the Philippines created through Republic Act No. 7796, also known as the TESDA Act of 1994. TESDA is responsible for managing and supervising technical education and skills development in the country. Its goal is to provide Filipinos with the right skills to become competent and globally competitive workers.
Training Regulations (TRs) are the foundation of all TESDA-accredited courses and training programs. They serve as official documents that define the competency standards, curriculum, assessment tools, and qualification levels of a particular skill or trade. Each TR ensures that training providers across the country deliver standardized and quality education and training.
The main purpose of a Training Regulation is to ensure that all learners or trainees gain the necessary skills, knowledge, and values required in their chosen occupation. TRs help employers know what skills a graduate should have, and they allow schools and training centers to align their teaching with industry standards.
TESDA’s Training Regulations (TR) are official guidelines that tell:
What skills you need to learn (competency standards)
How the training should be taught (training standards)
How you will be tested and certified (assessment arrangements)
In short, TR is the rulebook for both students and schools to follow when learning technical skills, including Automotive Servicing.
Once a TR is published, TESDA ensures its implementation through:
Accreditation of schools and training centers to offer the course.
Trainer qualification to ensure instructors meet required standards.
National assessment and certification to measure if a trainee is competent.
Monitoring and evaluation to maintain quality across institutions.
Anyone can take TESDA programs, as long as they meet the basic requirements of the specific course they are interested in. TESDA is open to a wide range of individuals who want to gain skills, improve their job opportunities, or shift careers.
High School Graduates – Those who finished junior or senior high school can enroll in many TESDA programs, especially NC I and NC II levels
College Students or Graduates – Individuals who want to learn technical-vocational skills regardless of their college background.
Out-of-School Youth – Young people who stopped formal education can learn practical skills to earn a living.
Employed Workers – Those who want to upgrade their skills or get certified in what they already know (through assessment and certification).
Unemployed Adults – Adults looking for new opportunities or wanting to start a business can benefit from TESDA courses.
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) – Returning OFWs can upskill or reskill through TESDA’s reintegration and livelihood programs.
Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) – TESDA offers inclusive programs and accessible training for PWDs.
Senior Citizens – There’s no age limit; seniors who want to learn and stay productive can enroll.
At least 18 years old (for most courses)
A copy of birth certificate or any valid ID
Educational background (varies by course)
Medical certificate (for certain trades)
Resume or photos (depending on program)
TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) offers a wide range of training programs aimed at equipping Filipinos with practical skills for employment, entrepreneurship, or further specialization. These programs are based on national standards and are available in various sectors such as automotive, construction, electronics, ICT, tourism, health, and many more.
A National Certificate (NC) is an official document issued by TESDA to individuals who pass the competency assessment for a specific qualification. It proves that the holder has the knowledge, skills, and right attitude to perform a job based on industry standards.
It certifies job competency.
Increases employability locally and internationally.
Required by some employers or government institutions for specific jobs.
TESDA National Certificates are classified into four levels depending on the complexity of the skills: