If you are an engineer, a doctor, a nurse or a professional in the Philippines; then I am sure that you visited the office of Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to to renew your registration. Renewing your professional license can be an inconvenience, especially if you have to file a leave of absence just to renew. Going to the PRC can be less of a bother if you know what to expect when you are renewing your professional license.
If you are one of those who are renewing their license, then the following tips will be helpful to you:
Tip # 1: Apply for PRC License Renewal at the Malls
PRC offices are usually filled with applicants for new PRC License and those who are renewing their license. Also, these offices are only open during weekdays so you are forced to take a "leave of absence" from work just to renew your license. The good news is that you can renew your professional license at the PRC Renewal Centers located at selected SM Malls. These centers are open 7 days a week (including Saturday and Sunday) during mall hours. Read more about the PRC Renewal Centers at malls on my
blog post.
Tip # 2: Don't go to PRC during registration of nurses
The nursing profession is one of the professions that has the most number of professionals in the Philippines. I suggest that you avoid going to the PRC during the board exam registration of nurses because PRC office is usually jam packed during those times. I usually see the queue of nurse registrants reach the sidewalks of Espana Boulevard. The large number of people will make it hard for you to move around the PRC office.
Tip # 3: Bring the All the Requirements
The requirement for renewing your professional license are:
1. Application form (PRC Reg Form 003) that can be obtained from the Information Window near the entrance get in PRC central office. The form can also be downloaded from the
PRC website (PDF).
2. Two pieces of passport size picture (3.5 cm by 4.5 cm). The picture should be a close-up of your face and colored. The background should be plain white. A complete name tag should be placed at the bottom part of the picture.
3. Photocopy of your recent professional license ID. In case of lost ID, you must provide PRC with an affidavit of loss. If the ID is destroyed, then you must surrender the destroyed ID to the PRC.
Tip # 4: Obtain “Certificate of Good Standing” from your profession's organization
When I first went to the PRC, the clerk don't want to accept my application and told me to go to my accredited organization of my profession to obtain a certificate of good standing. I suggest that you ask your professional organization if you need this certificate before going to the PRC.
Tip # 5: Bring your own photo
There are photo booths located inside the PRC central office. I don't recommend these photo booths because their picture, which they take using a webcam, is crappy. Four pieces of passport size picture, with “free” ID card holder, cost about 80 pesos. Please take note that you only need one photo when you are renewing your license.
What I did is that I made my own passport size photo using Photoshop. I followed the photo requirement of PRC and typed a name tag at the bottom. The format of the name tag is: [your surname], [your given name] [your middle name]. You can print your picture at photo printing shops for as low as 30 pesos.
You don't need to bring your own photo if you are renewing your professional license through the Express ID. PRC's Megadata Office will take the picture, which will be used for your ID.
Tip # 6: Bring enough money
My professional license just expired, so I paid 450 pesos. Expect to pay more than 450 pesos if your license is expired for more than a year because PRC gives penalty to professionals who defer the renewal of their license. There is an additional fee for those who are renewing through Express ID.
Tip # 7: Avoid dealing with fixers
I did not encounter any fixers when I renewed my professional license. The transaction in the PRC is fast, which made fixers irrelevant. However, be conscious of possibility that there are some a people who may trick you when you are t the PRC. I suggest that you only transact with PRC employees.
Renewing your PRC license is an inconvenience but not uneasy. Following the tips that I posted here will make your license renewal faster and easier.
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Do you have questions about renewing your license at the PRC? Please tell me about it by leaving a comment.
