THE TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority has intensified its efforts to address the rapid changes in industry demands, technological advancements, and the evolving labor market needs through micro-credentialing.

Through TESDA Circular No. 077-2024, the agency introduced micro-credentialing, which provides a flexible and modular approach to learning, enabling workers to quickly gain industry-relevant skills and certifications that boost employability and career growth.

The micro-credentialing system will allow learners to earn modular certifications for specific skills, enabling workers to upskill, reskill, and gain formal recognition for their competencies without necessarily completing an entire course.

Further, employers also gain from this system, as they can hire workers with precisely the skills required for emerging technologies and industry advancements. Micro-credentials close the skills gap, helping businesses stay competitive by ensuring their workforce is continuously up to date.

“This is a massive step forward for the future of TVET in the country. With micro-credentialing, we create modular and stackable learning pathways, thus creating a system where training is faster, more flexible, and more responsive to industry needs,” TESDA Director General Secretary Kiko Benitez said.

A micro-credential course may be a single unit of competency, cluster of competencies, Competency Standard or Training Regulation, or bundled TR-based program. It can likewise be a combination of these.

The micro-credentialing system aligns with global workforce trends and TESDA’s strategic direction in positioning technical vocational education and training as a key driver of economic growth.

“We have already completed the pilot run in six regions: NCR, Region 3, and Region 4-A in Luzon; Region 7 in Visayas; and Regions 10 and 11 in Mindanao. Now, we are moving forward with full-scale, nationwide implementation,” Benetiz added.

Meanwhile, as part of its capability program for TESDA employees on the implementation of micro-credentialing, the agency conducted a series of orientations that aim to raise awareness among stakeholders, emphasizing the role of micro-credentialing in enhancing career mobility and aligning TVET outputs with labor market demands.

Technical vocational institutions and industries from the pilot regions have started registering micro-credential programs for the upskilling and reskilling of workers, and near-hires.

Currently, there are already 102 registered and recognized micro-credentialing programs, being implemented by 57 institutions.

TESDA’s initiative also fosters stronger collaboration with industries, ensuring that micro-credential courses align with market needs. The agency’s flexible learning modalities—ranging from online and blended learning to institutional-based programs—further enhance accessibility and inclusivity.

Through this initiative, TESDA reaffirms its commitment to equipping Filipinos with the competencies needed to thrive in the evolving global economy.