THE TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority increased the assessment fees for various TVET programs taking into consideration the high inflation rate that affected the operations of assessment centers.

The rates for TESDA’s top three priority sectors — agriculture, forestry and fishery and health and construction — went up from P234 to P319.

The new rates were imposed following the review of fees by TESDA board members, technical experts and the National Tax Research Center.

Factors considered for the new rates are utilities, space rentals, tools and equipment, supplies and materials, assessor’s fees and assessment centers’ personnel salary, TESDA said.

The increase in fees aims to attract more assessors and improve TVET programs.

On the other hand, modifications on assessor’s fee in 32 qualifications started in August 2020 — 10 in agriculture and fishery and 22 in the construction sector.

The assessment fees for 143 qualifications were also adjusted in December 2020. The assessor’s fee for these 143 qualifications is still at P234 but it will be updated this year, including other cost items.

Meanwhile, 114 qualifications still adopt the P500 rate assessment fee as prescribed by the National Economic Development Authority pending review.