How to Do PRC Renewal of License Online

I am lazy when it comes to renewing my professional license (a.k.a. PRC license). My reasons are (1) I could not go absent from work, (2) Going to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) is too tedious, and (3) I do not have enough Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points.

I was forced to renew my PRC license last year because I heard that the PRC will remove the license of all Filipino professionals who don’t renew their PRC license for more than 10 years. It was a big hassle for me because I had to move heaven and earth just to get the required CPD points. My only consolation was that the PRC renewal of license is now online.

If you are a Filipino professional like who have to renew his PRC license, then here are the steps that you should follow to do PRC renewal of license online.

Step 1. Go to the PRC Online website and register.

Step 2. Fill up the required information in the PRC Online Registration/Renewal Form

Step 3. Upload your photo.

Note that the photo that you will submit to the PRC online will be used for your new PRC ID. So to avoid delay or disapproval, you must follow these requirements:

1. The photo must be 2X2 in size in plain white background.
2. The photos must be taken no more than 6 months prior to uploading.
3. The applicant must wear decent attire with collar.

The application of PRC renewal will not be processed if:

1. The photo does not resemble the applicant.
2. The applicant wears eyeglasses.
3. The background is not plain white.
4. The photo has shadows.
5. Ears are covered.

Based on my experience, the PRC website do not accept photos that have file size that are very big. I had to use a photo editing software to reduce the file size of my photos.

It is a big hassle if your photo is not accepted by the PRC because you will be asked for an acceptable photo during your scheduled appointment with the PRC. I recommend that you bring a 2x2 photo that follow the above mentioned requirements when you go to the PRC office to avoid hassle when your photo was rejected. 

Step 4. Schedule your PRC renewal.

Click the “Select Transaction” button in your PRC online profile. Fill up the required information and then choose the PRC office or satellite office where you want to pick up your PRC license. You should also select the date for the pick up of PRC license.

Step 5. Pay for your PRC renewal of license.

PRC online will give you a voucher that you can use to pay your PRC license renewal. You can pay at any authorized Bayad Center. 

Step 6. Pick up your PRC license

Go to your selected PRC office or PRC satellite office on your appointed schedule to pick up your PRC license. Don’t forget to bring the receipt of your payment of the PRC renewal fee, CPD certificates, certificate of good standing from your professional organization, and your old PRC ID. Photocopy all of the said documents because the PRC staff may request copies of it.

And that’s it. That’s the easy and convenient way of PRC renewal of license. I am happy with this new system created by the PRC. What’s problematic is the CPD system that the PRC instituted. I believe that the CPD system is unfair.

.

5 Problems in PRC License Renewal

My experience with PRC license renewal is fine since I didn’t encounter any problem. I renewed my professional license at the central office of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in Morayta, Manila. The whole process has lots of pila (queue) and time consuming.

Other Filipino professionals were not as fortunate as I am and encountered problems.

What are these problems? Just continue reading this post to find out.

(Source: PRC website)

Problem 1: Delayed Release of PRC License

Delayed release of PRC license is the major problem in PRC satellite offices in SM malls. Some commenters reported that her PRC license is still not available after a month had passed after her submission of requirements for PRC license renewal.

Read my posts about PRC license renewals at SM malls and SM business centers.

Problem 2: Penalty Fees

Another problem that isusually raised is about the penalty for professionals who didn't renew their PRC license for many years. The PRC is not clear about this and the information is not available at their website.

Problem 3: Authorized Representative

Pinoy professionals are very busy people. That's why many of them don't have the time to go to the PRC office for the PRC license renewal. The usual question is if the PRC allows their representative to renew their PRC license for them. The answer is “yes”. For the details, please read my post about authorization letter for PRC license renewal.

Problem 4: PRC License Renew before the Expiration Date

This problem was raised many times by some commenters. Unfortunately, I don't have answer for it yet.

Problem 5: Lost PRC License

Another common problem is the losing the PRC license. Pinoy professionals are worried about getting a copy of it from the PRC. Good thing that the PRC issues new PRC license to replace the missing ones. All the professional need to do is to submit an affidavit of loss.

For more information, please read my tips for PRC license renewal.

These are five common problems or questions that I received from commenters to this blog. I know that there are more problems that I failed to include. Anyone is free to share their problems or their experiences in PRC license renewal. Tell us about it by leaving a comment below.

Procedures for PRC License Renewal at SM Business Center

PRC license renewal is already available at selected Shoe Mart (SM) malls nationwide. As I had mentioned in an earlier blog post, Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) satellite offices are present in nine (9) SM Malls in Metro Manila and four (4) SM mall in the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas.

But a more good news is that you can also have your PRC license renewed by going to any SM business center. This is good news because professionals can renew their license without going to any PRC office. Renewal can even be done before or after shopping.

Professionals who want to renew their PRC license at SM Business Center should follow these general procedures:

1. Fill out the PRC license renewal form at the Business Center of any SM Mall.

2. Pay at the SM Business Center the following fees: assessed fee for PRC license renewal, photo fee, and convenience fee. Additional courier service fee should be paid if the professional want his/her PRC (professional) license delivered to his/her address indicated in the renewal form.

3. If you paid the courier service fee then you just need to wait for your PRC license to be delivered at your address.

Those who did not pay the courier service fee must claim the PRC license on the date indicated in the claim stub.

Here are some reminders for PRC license renewal at SM business Center:

Representatives claiming the PRC license must present the official receipt, the claim stub, the ID of the representative, and a letter of authority or Special Power of Attorney (SPA) from the professional.

The photo fee, convenience fee, and courier fee are collected by SM Mart. Only the assessed renewal fee form part of PRC's fees.

To know more about PRC license renewal, please read these blog posts:

Tips on Renewing Your Professional License at PRC
How to Change Your Name on PRC ID due to Marriage
How to Apply for PRC Express ID
Authorization for PRC License Renewal

---

Information in this blog post was obtained from the PRC official website.

PRC "Online" Registration System

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) of the Philippines is [very] slowly upgrading their system. The commission already established satellite offices in SM Malls, just like what the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) did for the application of passport. PRC is also moving online because they placed some of the steps in getting professional license on their website.

One of the steps that PRC placed on their website is the online application for licensure exam. The commssion also placed application forms, petition forms and other forms, which can be downloaded by applicants and Filipino professionals.

Another resource that PRC included in their website is the Online Registration System.

The Online Registration System can be used by those who passed the licensure exam and want to be registered with the PRC.

Unfortunately, registering with PRC cannot be done online. The Online Registration System only provides a way for professional to download their “oath form” before going to the PRC office. Other steps in registering should be done at the PRC office.

Please take note that you must bring the following documents before you to the PRC office.

1. The Oath Form that you printed from the PRC Online Registration System. Take note you don't to notarize this form.

2. One documentary stamp.

3. One one-by-one (1x1) picture in plain background with complete name tag. This is to be used for the registry of the professionals and also as photo for your PRC ID.

4. Community Tax Certificate (cedula). Make sure that the cedula is not expired.

Please check the PRC website for detailed procedures on registering as a professional.

---

Do came here looking for info on how to renew your PRC ID? Read my post, Tips on Renewing Your Professional License at PRC. 

PRC License Renewal should Go Online

A commenter in my post about professional license renewal at SM malls complained about the Professional Regulation Commission's (PRC) lack of renewal process that can be done via the Internet. His complaint is for those Filipino professionals who live very far from PRC regional offices. They will be forced to travel by boat just to renew their license.

I understand the commenter's predicament. In this age when the Internet already invaded many parts of our lives, it is sad to note that the PRC is still stuck with the “paper age”. It is good that the PRC has a website and some registration procedures can be done online. Those are not enough, however, because what's being offered on the PRC website are just online forms.

An example of this the PRC Online Application system. The website of PRC just provided a way of inputting your personal data and nothing else. You still need to go a PRC office to proceed to the next steps.

Another is the “online” initial registration system. The PRC website only provides a way for Filipino professionals to download the Oath Form. The next steps are to done again at the PRC office, thus Filipino professionals will be forced to visit them.

I hate it whenever I have to spend half of my day in renewing my professional license. I am sure that many Filipino professionals feel the same way too.

When will PRC improve their system? When will they catch-up and modernize their system of license renewal and initial registration of professional?

PRC Online Application

One of the things that I hate whenever I go to the office of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) is the long line. Every step on renewing the PRC license requires me to wait in line. Thus, I spend at least half day when I go to the PRC.

Thus, it is good that PRC is improving their services to remove the queue. One improvement is the creation of PRC satellite offices in SM Malls. Another is the PRC online application (Online Application System or OAS) for those who will be taking the licensure examintaions.

Unfortunately, the PRC online application is not a fully automated system. The system just provides an online application form, which should be filled up by applicants. They are then required to go to a PRC office to submit the requirements for the licensure exam.

Notheless, the PRC online application is one step for a queue-less system in PRC.

.

You need to go the PRC website so you can use the Online Application System. The website contains instructions that you should follow when filling up the online application form.

Take note that you should be careful when filling up the form because it will be a hassle for you if what you encoded is wrong.

For more information about the PRC online application, please contact PRC's Application Division at telephone number 314-0027. The line is only available from 8 AM to 5 PM,  Monday to Friday, except holidays.

---

Do you have questions related to application or licensure at the PRC? Please tell me about it by leaving a comment.

Authorization Letter for PRC License Renewal

Many commenters asked me if it is possible for another person to renew their PRC license. This question was asked by professionals who are busy in their jobs or those who work outside of the Philippines (Overseas Filipino Workers or OFWs).

The answer to that question is a big “YES”! The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) allows professionals to send their representatives in submitting the renewal of professional license. Professionals who wish to this must issue an authorization letter or a Special Power of Attorney for their representatives.

The application form for PRC renewal also has a slip, which should be signed by the authorized representative. The form can be downloaded here. The slip for signature of your representative can be found on the second page of the application form.

.

Just print the form and then write the required information. Your authorized representative should bring the authorization letter or the Special Power of Attorney and the signed application form when he/she go to the PRC. You authorized representative should also bring a government issued ID.

It is good that the PRC allows professionals to have other people deal the renewal of their professional registration. Filipino professionals are usually busy with their works and projects that renewal of PRC ID becomes a big hassle.

---

NOTE: An anonymous commenter left this information regarding SPA and authorization letter:

My understanding is there is a difference between an SPA and an authorization letter. If your representative is a licensed professional then authorization is enough as PRC will also ask for your representative's PRC id. On the otherhand, if your representative is not a licensed professional then you need to have a SPA. I believe if you're abroad, the SPA can be processed in the embassy where you live.

---

Do you have any questions about application or renewal of PRC ID? Please don't be afraid to ask that question. Tell me your question by posting a comment.

How to Apply for PRC Express ID

In the previous post, I talked about the regular procedure for the application for renewal of professional license at the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). In the regular procedure, the professional license can only be obtained after three weeks or more after you submitted your application to the PRC.

What if you need to renew your professional license immediately? The solution for that is the PRC’s express ID or fast ID. The processing of professional license through express ID is just few hours. For those who applied for renewal in the morning, the professional license is released in the afternoon. For those who applied for renewal in the afternoon, the professional license can be obtained in the morning the next day.

PRC Express ID Procedure

Step 1: Get the application form (PRC Reg Form 003) from the Information Window, which located near the PRC central office’s entrance gate. The form can also be downloaded from the PRC website (PDF File). Please note that the application form is free of charge.

Step 2: Present the duly accomplished form together with requirements at Window 30, which is the priority window for those applying for Express ID.

Step 3: Go to “Megadata Office” as instructed by the clerk at Window 30. The Megadata personnel will take your photo, which will be used for your professional license ID. Megadata Office is located near the stairs inside the PRC main building.
.

Megadata Office

Step 4: Go to the cashier at Window 36 to pay the fees for license renewal. You will also pay additional fees for the express ID.

Step 5: Get your claim slip at Window 30. The claim slip contains the date when you can claim your professional license. Make sure that you will not lose your claim slip.

Step 6: Claim you professional license at Window 31. The ID can be claimed in the afternoon, if the application was submitted in the morning. Those who applied in the afternoon can claim their ID in morning of the next day.

Do you need more information on the renewal of professional license? Please visit the PRC website or call (02) 736-2248. Read some tips on renewing your professional license at PRC.

---

How to Renew Your Professional License at PRC

My professional license expired last month so I am forced to go to Professional Regulation Commission to renew my professional license. Renewing my professional license is easier as compared to the process that I underwent when I first applied at PRC after I passed the board exam. Sadly, I shelled a large amount of money during the renewal of my license.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) is the government agency that manages all the professions in the Philippines. All professionals, with the exception of lawyers, are required to register at the PRC. The central office of PRC is located in P. Paredes Street cor. Morayta Street, Sampaloc, Manila. The PRC central office can easily be reached by riding the buses and jeepneys that ply the Fairview – Quiapo route. Just tell the bus conductor or the jeepney driver that you want to go down to Morayta.

.

PRC central office, Manila.

Applying for professional license renewal is easy and can be finished in just few hours, especially if you avoided the days of registration of nurses and other professions with large number of applicants. Also, be sure to have extra money with you when renewing your professional license.

Professional License Renewal Procedure

(Take note that the procedure listed here is the regular procedure from renewal of professional license. The procedure for Fast ID or express license renewal is available on the second part of this post)

Step 1: Obtain the application for professional license renewal (PRC Reg Form 003) from the Information Window. This window is located near the entrance gate of the PRC main office. The application form is free of charge. The application form can also be downloaded from the PRC website (PDF File).

Step 2: Present the duly accomplished form together with requirements at the Assessment Windows. The Assessment Windows are Window 17, Window 18 and Window 30. See the third part of this post for the requirements for the renewal of professional license.

Take note that PRC requires updated certificate of membership or certificate of good standing from Accredited Professional Organizations for some professions. Affected professions are:

*Agricultural Engineers

*Architects

*Customs Brokers

*Electrical Engineers

*Electronics Engineers

*Geodetic Engineers

*Guidance and Counseling

*Interior Designers

*Landscape Architects

The certificate requirement for Mechanical Engineers is currently suspended. If your profession is included in the list, I suggest that you visit your Professional Organization to obtain the required certificate before you head to PRC. Assessment Window clerks will not entertain you if you don’t have the required certificate.

Step 3: Pay the prescribed fees at the Cashier at Window 3 or Windows 33 to 36. I paid 450 pesos registration fee because my license just expired this year. I heard that there is an additional fee for those who renew their professional license; years after the license got expired.

Step 4: Get you claim slip at Window 30. Make sure that you will not lose your claim slip because you need it when you claim your new professional license ID. The PRC clerk at Window 30 will write the date when you can claim your professional license. The processing time for the license usually takes about three weeks but a friend told me that processing time can be reduced to a week if there are few people applying for professional license.

Step 5: Claim your professional license on the date written on the claim slip. If you are sending another person to claim your professional license, make sure that person has a special power of attorney or an authorization letter. Authorized representative should also sign the note located at the back page of the claim slip. Professional license can be claimed at Window 31.

For more information on the renewal of professional license, please visit the PRC website or call (02) 736-2248. Read some tips on renewing your professional license at PRC.

---

Visit Before the Eastern Sunset and read about my visit to Pink Sisters' convent in Tagaytay.