The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) have jointly revamped the Philippines’ teacher licensure examination system, marking the first major update in nearly 30 years. Spearheaded by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, the reform introduces specialized exams tailored to different teaching areas, aiming to attract top talent and improve the quality of education nationwide. The new system will roll out in phases starting September 2025.
In a landmark move aimed at bolstering the quality of education in the Philippines, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) have jointly signed a memorandum circular to overhaul the teacher licensure examination system. This significant reform, spearheaded by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Co-Chairperson of EDCOM II and Chair of the Senate Basic Education Committee, marks the first major update to the system in nearly three decades and signals a commitment to attracting and retaining top talent within the teaching profession.
The current licensure exam, last amended in 1992, has been criticized for failing to keep pace with the evolving demands of modern education. Senator Gatchalian emphasized the urgency of modernizing the system, stating that the goal is to “future-proof” the teaching profession, ensuring its ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of education and the needs of 21st-century learners. The outdated system, he argued, has inadvertently hindered the recruitment of highly skilled and motivated individuals into the field.
The new system, set to roll out in phases beginning September 2025, represents a paradigm shift. Instead of a single, uniform examination, aspiring teachers will now face separate licensure exams tailored to their specific areas of specialization. This targeted approach promises to better assess the competencies and skills required for effective teaching at both the elementary and secondary levels.
The revised exams will cater to a diverse range of specializations, including:
- Elementary Education: A comprehensive assessment of skills and knowledge necessary for teaching young learners.
- Secondary Education: Separate exams for teachers specializing in English, Filipino, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Values Education, Technology and Livelihood Education, Technical-Vocational Teacher Education, Physical Education, and Culture and Arts Education.
- Early Childhood Education: A specialized exam focusing on the unique needs and developmental stages of young children.
- Special Needs Education: An exam designed to assess the knowledge and skills required to effectively teach students with diverse learning needs.
This move towards specialization is expected to significantly improve the quality of teaching across various disciplines. By aligning the licensure exams with specific teacher training programs, the new system will ensure that aspiring teachers possess the necessary expertise and skills to excel in their chosen fields. This targeted approach is anticipated to attract a larger pool of highly qualified individuals, ultimately benefiting students nationwide.
The implementation of this phased approach will allow for a smooth transition and provide ample time for educational institutions and aspiring teachers to prepare for the changes. The reform is a testament to the government’s commitment to investing in the future of education in the Philippines, recognizing that highly qualified teachers are the cornerstone of a successful education system. The long-term impact of this initiative is expected to be profound, shaping the future of education for generations to come.
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The Philippine education system is on the brink of a monumental shift as the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces the most significant reform to the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) in three decades. For the first time since its inception in 1996, the LET will adopt specialized examinations tailored to distinct teaching fields, a move that aims to enhance teacher quality and address long-standing issues in the sector.
On April 10, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and PRC formalized this groundbreaking reform through a joint memorandum circular, signed in the presence of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The new system introduces separate licensure exams for elementary and secondary education, including specific specializations such as English, Filipino, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Values Education, Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE), Technical-Vocational Teacher Education, Physical Education, and Culture and Arts Education. Additionally, those intending to specialize in early childhood and special needs education will take distinct exams.
This reform marks a significant departure from the one-size-fits-all approach that has dominated the teacher licensure process for decades. The new exams, set to be rolled out in phases starting September, will evaluate candidates in three key areas: general education, professional education, and their specific field of specialization.
Addressing Mismatched Competencies
The reform seeks to rectify the chronic issue of teacher-subject mismatch, a problem that has plagued the education system for years. Data from the March 2024 LET underscores this mismatch, revealing alarmingly low passing rates for physical education majors (34.1%) and technical-vocational teacher education graduates (33.2%), both significantly below the national average of 62.9%. Early childhood education specialists also struggled, achieving a passing rate of just 42.1% due to exams designed for general elementary educators.
These dismal figures reflect the limitations of the current licensure system and highlight the urgent need for alignment between teacher training and licensure exams. EDCOM 2, the Second Congressional Commission on Education, found that over 62% of high school teachers were teaching subjects outside their expertise, underscoring the critical importance of this reform.
President Marcos emphasized the transformative potential of the new system during the signing ceremony. “In the changes we will implement, we can better tailor education to the needs of each learner, especially those with special needs. Real progress means leaving no one behind,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.
Enhancing Teacher Quality
The introduction of specialized exams is expected to elevate the standards of teacher education and ensure a better match between teachers’ qualifications and their teaching assignments. PRC Chairperson Charito Zamora described the reform as “an additional layer of quality assurance” that will empower the Department of Education (DepEd) to recruit educators who are not just licensed but highly qualified in their fields.
Teacher Education Council Executive Director Jennie Jocson expressed optimism about the reform’s potential to address long-standing drawbacks in teacher supply, particularly in early childhood education and technical-vocational education for senior high schools. “This policy adaptation is a welcome development, reflecting a commitment to meeting the demands of the times,” Jocson said.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara echoed these sentiments, highlighting the vital role of teachers in the nation’s education system. “Our schools are only as good as our teachers. They are the heart and soul of our system,” Angara stated, emphasizing that improving teacher quality directly impacts the quality of education nationwide.
Legislative Support and Broader Implications
Key legislators have also voiced their support for the reform. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, chair of the Senate basic education panel, described the initiative as “a crucial step” toward addressing teacher-subject mismatches. Representative Roman Romulo, chair of the House basic education panel, highlighted the reform’s potential to elevate instructional quality in classrooms.
The Philippine Business for Education (PBEd), a private sector-led organization, pointed out that over the past 12 years, more than half of the country’s teacher education institutions have underperformed in licensure exams. The reform, PBEd noted, could serve as a pivotal moment in improving these institutions’ outcomes and aligning them with global standards.
A Phased Implementation
The rollout of the new LET system will be phased, allowing teacher training institutions and aspiring educators to adjust to the changes. This gradual implementation underscores the government’s commitment to a smooth transition and ensures that all stakeholders are adequately prepared.
As the Philippines embarks on this historic reform, the education sector stands to benefit from a more competent and specialized teaching workforce. By aligning licensure exams with teacher training, the PRC and CHED aim to build an education system that meets the diverse needs of Filipino learners and prepares the nation’s educators for the challenges of the 21st century.