How to File for Equivalency of Foreign Credentials
Equivalency of foreign credentials is the process by which CHED (Commission on Higher Education) determines the Philippine equivalent of academic credentials earned abroad. Unlike recognition -- which validates that a foreign degree is legitimate -- equivalency specifically determines what Philippine education level the foreign credential corresponds to. This is a critical step for Filipinos and foreign nationals who studied abroad and need to use their degrees in the Philippines for professional licensing with the PRC (Professional Regulation Commission), employment requiring specific Philippine degree equivalents, civil service eligibility, or further studies at Philippine institutions that require prerequisite local degrees.
Equivalency of Foreign Credentials at a Glance
Estimated Cost
P1,000 to P3,000 for the CHED equivalency application fee, plus additional costs for document authentication, translation, and other supporting requirements.
Timeline
1 to 3 months for processing, depending on the complexity of the evaluation. Cases requiring additional document verification from the foreign institution may take longer.
Key Fact
Equivalency determines the Philippine degree level equivalent of your foreign credential (e.g., US Bachelor's = PH Bachelor's degree). This is different from recognition, which simply validates that the foreign degree is legitimate and from a recognized institution.
Recognition vs. Equivalency
Many applicants confuse recognition and equivalency. While both processes involve foreign degrees, they serve different purposes. Understanding the difference is essential before filing your application.
| Aspect | Recognition | Equivalency |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Validates that the foreign degree is legitimate and from a recognized institution | Determines the Philippine degree level equivalent (e.g., US Bachelor's = PH Bachelor's degree) |
| What It Answers | "Is this foreign degree real and from a legitimate school?" | "What Philippine degree does this foreign credential correspond to?" |
| When Needed | General employment, immigration, basic validation of credentials | PRC licensure exams, civil service eligibility, teaching positions, further studies requiring specific PH degree |
| Prerequisite | None -- can be applied for directly | Recognition is usually required first before equivalency can be processed |
| Output | CHED Recognition Certificate | CHED Equivalency Certificate stating the Philippine degree equivalent |
When Do You Need Equivalency?
Not everyone who studied abroad needs an equivalency certificate. Equivalency is specifically required when Philippine agencies or institutions need to verify that your foreign credential meets a specific Philippine education level. Here are the most common scenarios:
PRC Licensure Exams
Professional Licensing
Taking PRC licensure exams (nursing, engineering, accounting, etc.) that require a specific Philippine degree. PRC needs proof that your foreign degree is equivalent to the required Philippine bachelor's degree in the relevant field.
Government Employment
Civil Service Eligibility
Government positions requiring Civil Service eligibility often specify a particular education level (e.g., bachelor's degree). An equivalency certificate proves your foreign credential meets this requirement.
Teaching Positions
Education Sector
Teaching positions in the Philippines that require a specific education level (e.g., master's degree for college teaching). The equivalency certificate establishes what Philippine degree level your foreign credential corresponds to.
Further Studies
Academic Prerequisite
Enrolling in a Philippine graduate program that requires a specific prerequisite Philippine degree. For example, entering a Philippine master's program that requires a bachelor's degree -- equivalency proves your foreign degree meets this prerequisite.
Requirements for Equivalency of Foreign Credentials
Prepare all the following documents before visiting CHED. Incomplete submissions will be returned and may cause significant delays in processing.
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Accomplished Application Form | The official CHED application form for equivalency of foreign credentials. Available at the CHED Central Office or downloadable from the CHED website. Must be filled out completely and signed by the applicant. |
| Official Transcript of Records (Authenticated) | The official transcript from the foreign institution showing all courses taken, grades, and units earned. Must be authenticated or apostilled by the country of origin and verified by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate. |
| Diploma / Degree Certificate (Authenticated) | The original diploma or degree certificate from the foreign institution. Must be authenticated or apostilled by the country of origin and verified by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate. |
| Course Description / Syllabus | A detailed description of all courses taken, including the syllabus, course content, and credit hours. This is essential for the technical panel to compare your foreign curriculum with the Philippine equivalent. Must be in English (provide certified translation if originally in another language). |
| PSA Birth Certificate | A certified copy of your PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority) birth certificate. For foreign nationals, a certified copy of the birth certificate from the country of origin (authenticated) is required. |
| Valid Passport | A valid Philippine passport (or foreign passport for non-Filipino applicants). Bring the original and a clear photocopy of the data page. The passport serves as proof of identity and travel history. |
| 2x2 ID Photos | Recent 2x2 ID photos with white background. Typically 2 to 4 copies are required. Check with CHED for the exact number needed. |
| Official Receipt of Payment | Proof of payment of the equivalency application fee (P1,000 to P3,000). Payment is made at the CHED cashier upon submission of the application. |
| Authentication / Apostille from Country of Origin | All academic documents (transcript, diploma) must be authenticated or apostilled by the relevant authority in the country where the degree was obtained (e.g., Department of State for the US, DFAT for Australia, FCO for the UK). |
| Philippine Embassy Authentication | After apostille or authentication from the country of origin, the documents must also be verified by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in that country. This is an additional layer of authentication required by CHED. |
| CHED Recognition Certificate (if already obtained) | If you have already obtained CHED recognition of your foreign degree, include the recognition certificate. Recognition is typically a prerequisite for equivalency. If you have not yet obtained recognition, you may need to apply for it first or simultaneously. |
Step-by-Step: Filing for Equivalency of Foreign Credentials
The following steps outline the complete process for obtaining an equivalency certificate from CHED. The process involves document preparation abroad, authentication, and application at the CHED Central Office.
Authenticate Your Documents Abroad
Before leaving the country where you studied (or while you still have access to the institution), have your academic documents authenticated. Request your official Transcript of Records and Diploma/Degree Certificate from the foreign university, then have them apostilled or authenticated by the relevant government authority in that country. For countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille stamp is sufficient. For non-Hague countries, full consular authentication is required.
Tip: Also obtain a detailed course description or syllabus for every subject you took. CHED will need this to compare your foreign curriculum with the Philippine equivalent. If the documents are not in English, have them officially translated by a certified translator before authentication.
Get Philippine Embassy Authentication
After your documents have been apostilled or authenticated by the foreign country's authority, bring them to the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate for verification. The embassy will verify the authenticity of the foreign authentication and stamp or certify the documents. This is a mandatory step required by CHED to ensure the documents are genuine.
Important: Some Philippine Embassies require an appointment for document authentication. Check the embassy website for specific procedures and fees. Processing time varies from a few days to 2 weeks.
Apply for CHED Recognition First (If Not Yet Done)
CHED recognition is typically a prerequisite for equivalency. If you have not yet obtained CHED recognition of your foreign degree, you must apply for it first. Recognition validates that your foreign degree is legitimate and from a recognized institution. Once you receive the CHED Recognition Certificate, you can proceed with the equivalency application.
Note: In some cases, CHED may process recognition and equivalency simultaneously if you submit all required documents for both at the same time. Inquire at the CHED Central Office about this option to save time.
Go to the CHED Central Office
Visit the CHED Central Office at HEDC Building, C.P. Garcia Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City. Equivalency applications are processed at the Central Office, not at CHED Regional Offices (CHEDROs). Go to the International Affairs Service (IAS) or the Office of Programs and Standards (OPS) -- the specific unit handling equivalency applications. Bring all your authenticated documents and valid ID.
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (no noon break). Arrive early as there may be a queue, especially during peak months (June to August).
Submit Application for Equivalency
Fill out the CHED equivalency application form and submit it together with all required documents. The CHED staff will review your submission for completeness. If all documents are in order, you will be asked to pay the application fee (P1,000 to P3,000) at the CHED cashier. Keep the official receipt -- you will need it when claiming your equivalency certificate.
Important: If any document is missing or not properly authenticated, your application will be returned. CHED will provide a checklist of deficiencies that must be addressed before resubmission. Ensure all documents are complete to avoid multiple trips.
Wait for Technical Panel Evaluation
After your application is accepted, CHED will convene a technical panel of subject matter experts to evaluate your foreign curriculum. The panel will compare your coursework, credit hours, and program structure against the Philippine curriculum for the equivalent degree program. This evaluation determines whether your foreign credential meets, exceeds, or falls short of the Philippine standard.
Timeline: The technical panel evaluation typically takes 1 to 3 months. Processing time depends on the availability of panel members, the complexity of the foreign program, and whether additional information is needed from the foreign institution. CHED may contact you if the panel requires additional documents or clarification.
Claim Your Equivalency Certificate
Once the technical panel completes its evaluation and CHED approves the equivalency, you will be notified to claim your Equivalency Certificate at the CHED Central Office. The certificate will state the specific Philippine degree equivalent of your foreign credential (e.g., "equivalent to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in the Philippines").
What to Bring: Bring the official receipt from your application, a valid ID, and an authorization letter with SPA (Special Power of Attorney) if someone else is claiming on your behalf. Make photocopies of the equivalency certificate for your records -- you will need to submit copies to PRC, employers, or schools.
Complete Example: Lisa Gets Equivalency for Her Australian Nursing Degree
Lisa is a Filipina who completed a Bachelor of Nursing at a university in Melbourne, Australia. She wants to return to the Philippines and take the PRC Nursing Licensure Examination so she can practice as a registered nurse in the country. PRC requires proof that her Australian degree is equivalent to a Philippine Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Here is how Lisa obtained her CHED equivalency certificate:
Prepared and Authenticated Documents in Australia
While still in Australia, Lisa requested her official Transcript of Records and certified copy of her diploma from her university in Melbourne. She also obtained a detailed course description (syllabus) for every subject she completed during her 3-year nursing program. She then had all documents apostilled by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), as Australia is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. The apostille cost approximately AUD 80 per document.
Philippine Embassy Verification in Canberra
After obtaining the apostille, Lisa brought her documents to the Philippine Embassy in Canberra for additional verification. The embassy authenticated her apostilled documents within 5 business days. She paid approximately AUD 50 per document. Lisa also secured a PSA copy of her birth certificate through PSAHelpline.ph, which she had delivered to her Philippine address.
Applied for CHED Recognition (Prerequisite)
Upon returning to the Philippines, Lisa first applied for CHED recognition of her Australian nursing degree at the CHED Central Office in Quezon City. She submitted her authenticated transcript, diploma, and other required documents. CHED processed her recognition application in approximately 3 weeks and issued her a CHED Recognition Certificate confirming that her degree was from a legitimate institution.
Filed Equivalency Application at CHED Central Office
With her recognition certificate in hand, Lisa then filed her equivalency application. She submitted the completed CHED equivalency application form, her recognition certificate, authenticated transcript and diploma, course descriptions, PSA birth certificate, passport, and 2x2 ID photos. She paid the P2,000 equivalency application fee at the CHED cashier. CHED accepted her application and informed her that a technical panel would evaluate her coursework.
Technical Panel Evaluation Completed
The CHED technical panel -- composed of nursing education experts -- reviewed Lisa's Australian nursing curriculum and compared it with the Philippine BSN curriculum. After approximately 6 weeks of evaluation, the panel determined that Lisa's Australian Bachelor of Nursing was equivalent to a Philippine Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). CHED notified Lisa via text message and email that her equivalency certificate was ready for release.
Claimed Equivalency Certificate and Applied to PRC
Lisa returned to the CHED Central Office and claimed her CHED Equivalency Certificate, which officially stated that her Australian Bachelor of Nursing is equivalent to a Philippine Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). With this certificate, she proceeded to apply at the PRC for the Nursing Licensure Examination. PRC accepted the CHED equivalency certificate as proof that she met the educational requirement for the board exam.
Cost Summary for Lisa's Equivalency
Total timeline: approximately 5 months from start (document authentication abroad) to receiving the CHED equivalency certificate. Authentication costs vary by country. Actual costs may differ based on individual circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between recognition and equivalency?
Recognition validates that your foreign degree is legitimate and was obtained from a recognized institution. It confirms that the degree is authentic but does not specify what Philippine degree it corresponds to. Equivalency goes a step further by determining the specific Philippine degree level equivalent of your foreign credential. For example, recognition would confirm that your Australian Bachelor's degree is a real degree, while equivalency would certify that it is equivalent to a Philippine Bachelor of Science in Nursing. You typically need recognition first before you can apply for equivalency.
Do I always need both recognition and equivalency?
Not always. If you only need to prove that your foreign degree is legitimate (for general employment or immigration purposes), recognition alone may be sufficient. However, if you need to take a PRC licensure exam, apply for civil service eligibility, or meet a specific Philippine education level requirement, you will need both recognition and equivalency. Recognition is a prerequisite for equivalency, so if you need equivalency, you will need recognition first. Consult with CHED or the agency requiring your credentials to confirm which certificates you need.
How long does equivalency processing take?
The CHED equivalency processing typically takes 1 to 3 months from the date of submission. The timeline depends on the availability of the technical panel members, the complexity of the foreign program being evaluated, and whether additional documents are needed. Straightforward cases (common degree programs from well-known institutions) may be processed in as little as 4 to 6 weeks. More complex cases or programs with no direct Philippine equivalent may take longer. Note that this does not include the time needed for document authentication abroad, which can add 1 to 2 months to the overall timeline.
What if my foreign degree has no Philippine equivalent?
If the CHED technical panel determines that your foreign degree has no direct Philippine equivalent, CHED may issue an equivalency certificate stating the closest comparable Philippine degree level (e.g., "equivalent to a bachelor's degree in the Philippines" without specifying a particular field). In some cases, CHED may require you to take additional coursework or bridging units to make up for gaps between your foreign curriculum and the Philippine program requirements. This is common for degrees in specialized fields or programs with significantly different structures. If you need equivalency for a specific PRC exam, consult with PRC about whether a general equivalency is acceptable.
Can I apply for equivalency online?
As of now, the CHED equivalency application cannot be fully processed online. You must submit your application and original authenticated documents in person at the CHED Central Office in Quezon City. However, you can download application forms from the CHED website, make initial inquiries via email (info@ched.gov.ph), and schedule appointments by phone. If you are still abroad, you may authorize a representative in the Philippines to file on your behalf through a notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA) authenticated by the Philippine Consulate.
What documents need to be translated?
All academic documents that are not originally in English must be translated into English by a certified or official translator. This includes your Transcript of Records, Diploma/Degree Certificate, and course descriptions or syllabi. The translation must be certified -- meaning the translator must sign a declaration attesting to the accuracy of the translation. In some countries, the translation must be notarized or sworn before a court. The translated documents should also be apostilled or authenticated along with the originals. CHED will not accept unofficial or self-translated documents.
Important Reminders
- Recognition is usually required before equivalency: Apply for CHED recognition of your foreign degree first. Without recognition, your equivalency application may not be accepted. Ask CHED if simultaneous processing is possible.
- Authenticate all documents before coming to the Philippines: Getting documents apostilled or authenticated while abroad is much easier than trying to do so after returning to the Philippines. Complete all authentication steps before leaving the country where you studied.
- Course descriptions are critical for the evaluation: The technical panel relies heavily on your course descriptions and syllabi to compare your foreign curriculum with the Philippine equivalent. Provide the most detailed descriptions available.
- Equivalency is processed at CHED Central Office only: Unlike other CHED services that can be processed at Regional Offices (CHEDROs), equivalency of foreign credentials is handled exclusively at the CHED Central Office in Quezon City.
- Processing time varies by program complexity: Common degree programs (nursing, engineering, education) from well-known institutions are processed faster than uncommon or specialized programs. Programs from countries with significantly different education systems may require additional evaluation time.
- Keep multiple copies of all documents: Make several certified photocopies of your authenticated documents, equivalency certificate, and recognition certificate. You will need copies for PRC, employers, schools, and other agencies. Never submit your only original.
- Fees are non-refundable: The equivalency application fee is non-refundable even if your application is denied or returned for deficiencies. Ensure all documents are complete before submitting your application.
- Bridging courses may be required: If the technical panel finds gaps between your foreign curriculum and the Philippine equivalent, you may be required to take additional courses (bridging units) at a Philippine institution before full equivalency is granted.
Need Help?
Contact CHED
- CHED Central Office: HEDC Building, C.P. Garcia Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
- Trunkline: (02) 8441-1177 / 8441-1169
- Email: info@ched.gov.ph
- Website: ched.gov.ph
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (no noon break)
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the CHED you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest CHED first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.