Free TESDA skills certification for 260K SHS graduates announced

More than 260,000 graduating senior high school (SHS) students under the technical-vocational-livelihood (TVL) track will receive free skills assessment and certification this year, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) said.

The program allows SHS-TVL learners to obtain National Certificates (NCs)—a key requirement for employment without paying assessment fees, easing the transition from school to work.

TESDA said the initiative aims to strengthen workforce readiness by ensuring that graduates have formally recognized technical competencies aligned with industry standards.

TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez said the program helps bridge education and employment by making certification more accessible to students.

“Through this program, we are translating the President’s directive into action by helping graduates acquire nationally recognized skills that increase their chances of gainful employment or entrepreneurship,” Benitez said.

“Sa programang ito, mas nasisigurado natin na ang mga training natin ay dumidiretso papuntang trabaho.”

(Through this program, we ensure that our training leads directly to jobs.)

The program is implemented in partnership with the Department of Education and builds on earlier efforts recommended by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II).

Since its rollout in 2024, TESDA said 308,391 SHS graduates have been assessed, with an 86.40% certification rate.

Graduates who pass the assessment may receive National Certification Levels I to IV, which serve as proof of competency for employment, entrepreneurship, or further technical education.

Applicants may register through their schools or at TESDA offices, and must submit documents such as their Learner Reference Number (LRN), application forms, and identification photos.

TESDA said the program supports the development of a skilled workforce that meets both local and international labor market demands. –NB, GMA Integrated News