How to Get a Health Certificate (for Employment)
A health certificate is a document issued by the City/Municipal Health Office (CHO/MHO) certifying that an individual has undergone a medical examination and is physically fit and free from communicable diseases. It is one of the most common pre-employment requirements in the Philippines, especially for workers in food establishments, schools, malls, offices, and service industries.
Who Needs a Health Certificate?
- Job applicants (pre-employment requirement)
- Food handlers (cooks, waiters, food vendors, food delivery riders)
- Workers in schools, malls, offices, and public-facing establishments
- Domestic helpers (kasambahay)
- Employees required by their company to present a health clearance
- Anyone applying for a local government permit that requires a health clearance
Health Certificate vs. Occupational Health Permit
A health certificate is a general medical clearance certifying that you are fit for employment. An occupational health permit (also called a health permit or pink card) is specifically for workers in food handling, personal care services, and other regulated occupations under PD 856. Some LGUs issue them as one document, while others issue them separately. Check with your local CHO/MHO for the specific process in your area.
Requirements
Basic Requirements
- Valid government-issued ID (original + photocopy)
- 2 pcs. recent 1x1 or 2x2 ID photo (white background)
- Duly filled-out application form (available at CHO/MHO)
- Payment for applicable fees
Medical Exams Required
- Physical examination
- Chest X-ray (for tuberculosis screening)
- Stool examination (for food handlers)
- Drug test (depending on LGU/employer requirement)
- CBC or other lab tests (some LGUs)
Note: Requirements may vary per city or municipality. Some LGUs may require additional tests such as hepatitis screening, urinalysis, or HIV testing. Always check with your local CHO/MHO for the complete list of requirements.
Step-by-Step Process
How to Get a Health Certificate
Step 1: Go to your City/Municipal Health Office (CHO/MHO)
• Bring valid ID, 1x1 or 2x2 photos, and cash for fees
• Go early (8:00 AM) as some offices have a daily limit on patients
Step 2: Get and fill out the application form
• Fill out the health certificate application form
• Indicate purpose (employment, food handling, etc.)
Step 3: Pay the required fees at the cashier
• Fees typically range from PHP 50 to PHP 300 (varies per LGU)
• Additional fees for lab tests (X-ray, stool exam, drug test)
Step 4: Undergo medical examination
• Physical examination by the city/municipal health officer
• Chest X-ray (at the health office or accredited facility)
• Stool exam (if required for food handlers)
• Other lab tests as required
Step 5: Wait for results and claim your health certificate
• If all results are normal, the health certificate is released
• Same-day release in most LGUs (for basic exams)
• 1-3 days if lab results take longer (e.g., stool exam)Example Explained
Step 1: Visit your local City/Municipal Health Office. This is usually located in or near the city or municipal hall. Go early in the morning since some offices accept only a limited number of patients per day, especially for X-ray services. Bring all your documents and cash for fees.
Step 2: At the CHO/MHO, ask for the health certificate application form. Fill it out with your personal information, employer details, and the purpose of the certificate. Some LGUs provide the form online for download.
Step 3: Proceed to the cashier to pay the health certificate fee and any additional fees for laboratory tests. Keep your official receipt as you will need to present it during the examination and when claiming your certificate.
Step 4: Undergo the required medical examinations. The doctor will conduct a physical examination (checking vital signs, eyes, ears, skin, etc.). You will then be directed to the X-ray facility (for TB screening) and the laboratory (for stool exam, if applicable). Some LGUs have these facilities on-site; others require you to go to an accredited facility.
Step 5: Once all your test results come back normal, the health officer signs and releases your health certificate. If you have a medical condition, you may be referred for treatment before the certificate can be issued.
Complete Example: Getting a Health Certificate in a Typical City
Real-World Scenario
Scenario: Maria is applying for a job as a cashier at a restaurant.
Her employer requires a health certificate from the City Health Office.
What Maria Prepares:
• Valid ID: PhilSys National ID
• 2 pcs. 1x1 ID photos (white background)
• Cash: PHP 300 (health cert fee + lab tests)
Maria's Timeline:
7:30 AM — Arrives at City Health Office
8:00 AM — Gets application form and fills it out
8:15 AM — Pays PHP 200 (health cert + physical exam)
8:30 AM — Undergoes physical examination
9:00 AM — Goes to X-ray room for chest X-ray
9:30 AM — Submits stool sample at the lab (additional PHP 100)
10:00 AM — Told to return in 2 days for stool exam results
Day 3:
8:00 AM — Returns to CHO to get results
8:30 AM — All results normal; health certificate is released
Result: Maria receives her health certificate!
Total Cost: PHP 300
Total Time: 2-3 days (due to stool exam waiting period)
Validity: 6 months to 1 year (varies per LGU)Fees and Validity
| Item | Estimated Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Health Certificate Fee | PHP 50 – 200 | Includes physical examination |
| Chest X-ray | PHP 50 – 200 | Some LGUs offer free X-ray at the health office |
| Stool Examination | PHP 50 – 150 | Required for food handlers |
| Drug Test | PHP 100 – 300 | If required by employer or LGU |
| Total Estimated Cost | PHP 100 – 500 | Depends on LGU and required tests |
Validity: Health certificates are typically valid for 6 months to 1 year, depending on the LGU and the type of employment. Food handlers usually need to renew every 6 months. Check with your local CHO/MHO for the exact validity period.
Tips for a Smooth Process
Do's
- Go early (before 8 AM) to avoid long queues
- Wear comfortable clothing for the physical exam
- Bring extra cash in case of additional tests
- Fast if required (some labs require fasting)
- Ask your employer which specific tests they need
- Keep your official receipt and a photocopy
Don'ts
- Don't go to the wrong health office — go to the one where your workplace is located
- Don't forget your ID and photos
- Don't submit an expired health certificate to your employer
- Don't use a fake health certificate — it is illegal and grounds for termination
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which City/Municipal Health Office should I go to?
Generally, you should go to the CHO/MHO where your workplace is located, not where you live. Some employers require the health certificate to be from the city or municipality where the business operates. Check with your employer for their specific requirement.
Q: How long does it take to get a health certificate?
For basic health certificates (physical exam + X-ray only), you can typically get it on the same day. If additional lab tests are required (e.g., stool exam), you may need to return after 1-3 days for the results. Some LGUs offer express processing for an additional fee.
Q: Can I get a health certificate from a private clinic instead?
Some employers accept health certificates from private clinics or hospitals, but many require the certificate to be from the City/Municipal Health Office specifically. Some LGUs also require the CHO/MHO-issued certificate for business permit and sanitary permit purposes. Confirm with your employer which type they accept.
Q: What happens if I fail the medical exam?
If you are found to have a communicable disease (e.g., TB) or other health condition, you will be referred for treatment. The health certificate will not be issued until you have been treated and cleared. For TB, you will be enrolled in the DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) program and can get your certificate after completing treatment.
Q: How often do I need to renew my health certificate?
Health certificates are typically valid for 6 months to 1 year, depending on the LGU and your type of work. Food handlers usually need to renew every 6 months. Your employer may also require more frequent renewal. Check with your CHO/MHO and employer for the specific renewal period.
Important Reminders
- Always go to the City/Municipal Health Office where your workplace is located (unless your employer says otherwise)
- Health certificates are not the same as fitness-to-work certificates from private clinics — some employers specifically require the CHO/MHO-issued one
- Keep your health certificate in a safe place — you may need to present it during inspections or audits
- Renew before your health certificate expires to avoid issues with your employer
- Fees and requirements vary per LGU — always check with your local CHO/MHO before going
- If you are a food handler, you may need both a health certificate and a separate occupational health permit
- Some LGUs now offer online appointment scheduling to reduce waiting time
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the City Health you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest City Health first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.