CPD (Continuing Professional Development) for PHL Licensed Pros

CPD (Continuing Professional Development) for PHL Licensed Pros

CPD (Continuing Professional Development) is mandatory for all PRC-licensed professionals under RA 10912 (CPD Act of 2016). Required for licence renewal every 3 years.

Required CPD units by profession

CPA requires the highest at 120 units. Most others are 45.

What counts as CPD

Formal learning (most common)

• Seminars + workshops
• Conventions + conferences
• Online courses + webinars (post-COVID acceptance)
• Postgraduate courses
• Specialty training programmes

Self-directed learning (limited credits)

• Reading professional journals
• Internal company training
• Author/co-author publications

Other (varies by profession)

• Mentoring junior professionals
• Speaking at professional events
• Research + publications
• Teaching at universities

CPD providers

Accredited providers

• Universities + professional schools
• Major review centres (CPAR for CPAs, etc.)
• Professional associations (PICPA, PIME, PIChE, etc.)
• Major employers (in-house training)

Always verify provider has PRC accreditation before paying.

Cost

• Per-event seminars: ₱1,500-₱5,000 each
• Online webinars: ₱500-₱2,000 each
• Multi-day conferences: ₱5,000-₱15,000

Total cost over 3 years: ₱10,000-₱40,000 depending on profession + delivery.

Renewal process

Every 3 years:

1. Accumulate CPD units throughout the cycle
2. Compile evidence (certificates, attendance)
3. Apply for licence renewal via PRC LERIS
4. Pay renewal fee (₱600-₱900 depending on profession)
5. Submit CPD evidence
6. Receive renewed PRC ID (within 4-6 weeks)

Common mistakes

Last-minute scrambling

Cramming all 45-120 units in the final months is common but stressful + sometimes impossible (limited slots in major programmes).

Better: spread CPD across the 3 years.

Wrong types of activities

Some activities don't qualify. Always verify with PRC accredited list.

Missing renewal deadline

Late renewal triggers:

• Penalties
• Suspended practice (technically illegal during gap)
• Reinstatement fees

Not keeping evidence

Lost certificates are common audit issues. Maintain digital + physical copies of all CPD certificates.

CPD compliance for self-employed vs employed

Employed professionals

Many employers cover CPD costs as professional development benefit. Verify before paying out-of-pocket.

Self-employed professionals

Must budget + manage CPD personally. Plan as business expense (tax deductible).

CPD content recommendations

Use CPD as genuine learning opportunity:

• Cover topics outside your daily expertise
• Take on emerging trends (AI, sustainability, regulatory changes)
• Build cross-disciplinary knowledge
• Network at events

CPD as compliance burden = wasted opportunity.

Online CPD acceleration

Post-COVID, many professional associations expanded online CPD:

• Faster scheduling
• Lower travel cost
• More variety
• Self-paced

Mix online + in-person for optimal outcome.

Where Super Tutor fits

Super Tutor covers initial board exam prep. CPD providers operate separately for ongoing education.

What to read next

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• Big 4 CPA hiring in PHL