12 Programs in Region 1 Maintain ETEEAP Status Through Re-Certification

Working professionals in the Ilocos Region now have renewed access to one of the most important educational pathways available to Filipinos today. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has officially re-certified twelve academic programs in Region I under the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), opening doors for qualified individuals to earn a recognized college degree through their years of work experience.

This development is a significant boost for Region 1, confirming that three of its key universities continue to meet the national standards required to assess and credential working adults through the ETEEAP framework.

In This Article

What the Re-Certification Means

The results were released by the CHED Office of Programs and Standards Development (OPSD) by virtue of the Commission en Banc (CEB) Resolution dated June 1, 2026. Re-certification is not a formality. It means these institutions have undergone a rigorous evaluation process by CHED and have demonstrated that their systems for assessing competencies, managing ETEEAP applications, and awarding degrees remain fully compliant with national standards.

Under Republic Act No. 12124, also known as the ETEEAP Act, deputized Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are authorized by CHED to assess and recognize the prior learning, work experience, and professional competencies of qualified individuals seeking to earn a college degree. The authority granted to each deputized HEI is valid for five years and is subject to renewal through a formal re-certification process.

By re-certifying these programs, CHED reaffirms that Region 1 institutions are equipped and qualified to guide working professionals through the ETEEAP assessment process and grant them the corresponding academic degrees.

The Three Institutions and Their Re-Certified Programs

A total of twelve programs across three institutions in Region I have been re-certified. Here is the complete breakdown.

Mariano Marcos State University

Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) leads the region with eight re-certified programs spread across three of its campuses, covering a broad range of disciplines from the sciences to the arts and technology.

Main Campus

  • Bachelor of Arts in English Language
  • Bachelor of Science in Biology
  • Bachelor of Science in Development Communication
  • Bachelor of Science in Economics
  • Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

Laoag City Campus (CIT)

  • Bachelor in Automotive Technology
  • Bachelor of Industrial Technology

Currimao Campus

  • Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology

As a State University and College (SUC), MMSU’s programs are particularly notable for their alignment with national development priorities. Under the ETEEAP framework, applicants at MMSU undergo competency-based evaluations by a panel of internal and external assessors, who verify whether a candidate’s years of work experience and training meet the learning outcomes required for each degree.

Northwestern University

Northwestern University has two re-certified programs under ETEEAP, both of which are among the most sought-after degree credentials in the professional workforce.

  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
  • Bachelor of Science in Criminology

These programs are well-suited for professionals in commerce, trade, law enforcement, and security services who have built substantial careers but lack the formal academic credential to advance further.

University of Northern Philippines

The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) rounds out the list with two re-certified ETEEAP programs.

  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The inclusion of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is particularly significant. For experienced healthcare workers, nursing aides, and community health practitioners who have years of clinical or caregiving experience, the ETEEAP pathway through UNP offers a legitimate route toward a recognized nursing degree.

Who Can Apply for ETEEAP in Region 1?

If you are a working professional in Region 1 and have been considering whether ETEEAP is right for you, now is a good time to review the eligibility requirements. Under RA 12124 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, the national minimum qualifications for ETEEAP applicants are:

  1. Filipino Citizenship — You must be a Filipino citizen, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad.
  2. Age Requirement — You must be at least 23 years old at the time of application.
  3. Educational Attainment — You must hold a high school diploma, or have passed the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) or Alternative Learning System (ALS) accreditation certifying college readiness.
  4. Relevant Work Experience — You must have at least five cumulative years of work experience in an industry related to the degree program you are applying for.
  5. Discipline Proficiency — You must be able to present certifications or other proof of competence in your field, such as TESDA National Certificates or Certificates of Employment detailing your specific responsibilities.

It is worth noting that the five-year work experience requirement is cumulative, not continuous. You can combine experience from multiple employers or roles, as long as all of it is relevant to the degree being sought. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from Region 1 are also eligible, as many deputized HEIs now offer remote application and assessment options.

For a more detailed breakdown of documentary requirements and eligibility scenarios, visit the ETEEAP eligibility guide on ETEEAP.PH.

Next Steps for Interested Applicants

If you meet the basic qualifications and one of the re-certified programs in Region 1 matches your professional background, here is how to move forward.

Start by confirming that the program you want is available and that the institution is actively accepting applicants. Because ETEEAP programs are subject to periodic re-certification, it is always a good idea to contact the HEI directly to ask about current enrollment status, assessment schedules, and applicable fees.

From there, you will need to gather your documentary requirements, which typically include your PSA birth certificate, high school diploma or transcript of records, notarized certificates of employment, a comprehensive resume, and certificates of training or proficiency relevant to your chosen program.

You can browse the full list of CHED-deputized schools across the Philippines on ETEEAP.PH to compare institutions, or check the complete list of ETEEAP programs available nationwide to explore other options if the programs in Region 1 do not match your background.

ETEEAP is not a shortcut. It is a rigorous, competency-based assessment that requires you to demonstrate genuine knowledge and professional mastery. But for the thousands of skilled workers in Region 1 who have spent years building expertise in their fields, it is the most direct and legitimate pathway to the degree they have always deserved.

Are you ready to find out if you qualify? Take the eligibility quiz and explore accredited schools near you at ETEEAP.PH.