How to Apply for the Alternative Learning System (ALS)
The Alternative Learning System (ALS) is a free government program under DepEd that provides learning opportunities for out-of-school youth (OSY) and adults who have not completed basic education. ALS allows learners to earn elementary or secondary education equivalency through non-formal and informal learning. Completers of the ALS program can take the ALS Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Test to earn a certificate equivalent to a high school diploma.
ALS at a Glance
Cost
FREE -- no tuition or fees. The ALS program, learning materials, and the A&E Test are all provided by DepEd at no cost to the learner.
Timeline
Flexible; learning sessions are scheduled based on learner availability. The A&E Test is held annually by DepEd. Most learners complete the program in 6 to 12 months.
Key Fact
ALS completers receive a certificate equivalent to a high school diploma, which is accepted for employment and college admission in the Philippines.
Who Can Apply?
The ALS program is open to Filipinos who were unable to access or complete formal basic education. The following individuals are eligible to enroll:
Out-of-School Youth (OSY)
Ages 15 and above who dropped out of school due to financial difficulties, family problems, or other reasons and were unable to continue formal education.
Adults
Those who never attended school or did not finish basic education (elementary or secondary level) and wish to earn an equivalency certificate.
Working Individuals
Can study while working because of the flexible schedule. ALS sessions can be held on weekends, evenings, or at times convenient for the learner.
Indigenous Peoples & Marginalized Communities
Special ALS programs are available for indigenous peoples and marginalized communities, with culturally responsive learning materials and localized instruction.
ALS Programs
DepEd offers two main ALS programs depending on the learner's literacy level and educational goal:
ALS Basic Literacy Program
Designed for those who cannot read or write. This program develops basic literacy and numeracy skills, enabling learners to function effectively in daily life.
- For non-readers and non-writers
- Develops reading, writing, and math skills
- Prepares learners for the A&E program
- No age limit for enrollment
ALS A&E Program (Accreditation & Equivalency)
For those who want to earn elementary or secondary education equivalency. Learners study learning modules and take the A&E Test to receive a certificate.
- Elementary or secondary level equivalency
- Must pass the A&E Test to earn certificate
- Certificate is equivalent to a high school diploma
- Accepted for employment and college admission
Requirements for ALS Enrollment
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ALS Enrollment/Registration Form | Obtained from the ALS Coordinator or the Community Learning Center (CLC). The form is free of charge. |
| Valid ID or Any Proof of Identity | Any government-issued ID, school ID, barangay ID, or any document that can verify the learner's identity. If no ID is available, the ALS Coordinator can assist. |
| PSA Birth Certificate | If available. The PSA birth certificate is preferred but is not strictly required for enrollment. Learners without a birth certificate can still enroll. |
| Barangay Certificate of Residency | A certificate from the barangay where the learner resides, confirming their address and residency. This can be obtained for free or for a minimal fee at the barangay hall. |
| 2x2 ID Photos | 2 to 4 copies of recent 2x2 ID photos with white background. These are used for enrollment records and the A&E Test registration. |
| For A&E Test Registration | Must complete the required learning hours and modules as determined by the ALS Coordinator before being eligible to take the A&E Test. |
| Fee | FREE -- There are no tuition fees, enrollment fees, or testing fees. All learning materials are provided by DepEd at no cost. |
Step-by-Step: How to Enroll in ALS
Follow these steps to enroll in the Alternative Learning System and work toward earning your equivalency certificate.
Find the Nearest ALS Community Learning Center (CLC)
Locate the nearest ALS Community Learning Center (CLC) in your barangay or municipality. You can also contact the DepEd Division Office in your area to ask about ALS programs and schedules. CLCs are usually located in barangay halls, community centers, churches, or other accessible public spaces.
Tip: Ask your barangay captain or barangay hall staff if there is an ALS program in your area. You can also call the DepEd Division Office hotline for assistance in finding the nearest CLC.
Meet with the ALS Coordinator/Mobile Teacher for Assessment
Once you find the CLC, meet with the ALS Coordinator or Mobile Teacher. They will conduct an initial assessment to determine your literacy level and the appropriate ALS program for you -- either the Basic Literacy Program or the A&E Program. The assessment is informal and designed to help place you in the right learning level.
Important: Be honest during the assessment so the coordinator can recommend the best program and learning modules for your needs.
Register and Fill Out the ALS Enrollment Form
Complete the ALS enrollment form provided by the coordinator. Submit the required documents (ID, birth certificate if available, barangay certificate, and ID photos). Registration is completely free -- there are no enrollment fees.
Attend Learning Sessions
Attend the scheduled learning sessions at the CLC. The schedule is flexible and can be arranged based on your availability -- sessions can be held weekly, on weekends, or in the evenings. ALS Mobile Teachers facilitate the sessions using DepEd-approved learning modules covering subjects such as Communication Skills, Mathematical and Problem Solving Skills, Life and Career Skills, and more.
Tip: Attend sessions regularly and complete all assignments. The more consistent you are, the better prepared you will be for the A&E Test.
Complete the Required Learning Modules and Instructional Hours
You must complete all the required learning modules and accumulate the necessary instructional hours as determined by the ALS Coordinator. This ensures you have covered all the competencies needed to pass the A&E Test. The coordinator will track your progress and certify your readiness for the exam.
Take the ALS A&E Test
The ALS Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Test is held annually by DepEd, usually between October and November. The test covers the learning strands studied during the program. Passing the A&E Test earns you a certificate of completion equivalent to an elementary or secondary education diploma.
Note: The A&E Test is free. Your ALS Coordinator will handle the registration process and inform you of the test date, venue, and other details.
Complete Example: Pedro's ALS Journey
Pedro, 22 years old, dropped out of high school in Grade 9 due to financial difficulties when his father lost his job. For several years, he worked odd jobs to help support his family. He wanted to finish his education but could not go back to regular school. Here is how Pedro used the ALS program to earn his equivalency certificate:
Found an ALS Community Learning Center
Pedro heard about the ALS program from a neighbor. He visited the barangay hall and asked about ALS. The barangay captain directed him to the ALS Community Learning Center operating every Saturday at the barangay multi-purpose hall. He met the ALS Mobile Teacher, who assessed his literacy level and enrolled him in the A&E Program (secondary level). Registration was completely free.
Attended Saturday Learning Sessions
Pedro attended ALS learning sessions every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. He studied modules on Communication Skills (English and Filipino), Mathematical and Problem Solving Skills, Life and Career Skills, Understanding Self and Society, and Digital Literacy. He continued working on weekdays while studying on weekends. All learning materials were provided free by DepEd.
Completed Modules and Took the A&E Test
After completing all the required learning modules and instructional hours, Pedro's ALS Coordinator registered him for the A&E Test. Pedro took the exam at a designated testing center in his municipality. The test was free. He passed the A&E Test and received a certificate equivalent to a high school diploma.
Used His Certificate for Employment
With his ALS A&E certificate, Pedro was able to apply for a better job that required a high school diploma. He is now also considering enrolling in a TESDA vocational course to further improve his skills and career prospects.
Cost Summary for Pedro's ALS Journey
The ALS program itself is completely free. The only minimal costs are for personal documents like ID photos and barangay certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ALS A&E Test?
The ALS Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Test is an annual examination administered by DepEd for ALS learners who have completed the required learning modules and instructional hours. Passing the A&E Test earns the learner a certificate equivalent to an elementary education diploma (for elementary level passers) or a high school diploma (for secondary level passers). The test is free and is usually held between October and November each year.
Is the ALS certificate accepted for college admission?
Yes. The ALS A&E certificate for secondary level passers is equivalent to a high school diploma and is recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and universities in the Philippines. ALS completers can use their certificate to apply for college admission, TESDA vocational courses, and employment opportunities that require a high school diploma.
How long does ALS take to complete?
The duration is flexible and depends on the learner's pace and availability. Most learners complete the ALS program in 6 to 12 months, depending on how frequently they attend learning sessions and how quickly they master the modules. The ALS Coordinator will guide learners on the number of instructional hours needed before they can take the A&E Test.
Where are ALS learning sessions held?
ALS learning sessions are held at Community Learning Centers (CLCs), which are usually located in barangay halls, churches, community centers, public libraries, or other accessible venues in the community. The exact location depends on the arrangements made by the ALS Mobile Teacher and the local government unit. Contact your barangay hall or DepEd Division Office to find the nearest CLC.
Is there an age limit for ALS enrollment?
For the ALS A&E Program, learners must be at least 15 years old to enroll and take the A&E Test. There is no maximum age limit -- adults of any age are welcome to enroll. For the Basic Literacy Program, there is generally no strict age requirement, as the program is designed to help anyone who needs to develop basic reading and writing skills.
Can I work while enrolled in ALS?
Yes. One of the main advantages of ALS is its flexible schedule. Learning sessions can be scheduled on weekends, evenings, or at other times that do not conflict with work. Many ALS learners are working individuals who study during their free time. The ALS Coordinator will work with you to find a schedule that fits your work and personal commitments.
Important Reminders
- ALS is completely free: Never pay anyone claiming to charge fees for ALS enrollment, learning materials, or the A&E Test. The entire program is funded by DepEd and is free of charge.
- Attend sessions regularly: Consistent attendance and completion of learning modules are required before you can take the A&E Test. Missing too many sessions may delay your eligibility for the exam.
- The A&E Test is held once a year: Plan your studies accordingly. If you miss the annual testing date, you will need to wait until the next year to take the exam.
- Keep your ALS certificate safe: Once you pass the A&E Test, keep your equivalency certificate in a safe place. You will need it for job applications, college admission, and other transactions. Request a certified copy from DepEd if needed.
- ALS is available nationwide: Every DepEd Division Office has an ALS program. No matter where you are in the Philippines, there is an ALS Community Learning Center near you.
- No birth certificate? You can still enroll: Lack of a PSA birth certificate should not prevent you from enrolling in ALS. The ALS Coordinator can help you with alternative identification and documentation.
Need Help?
Contact DepEd
- DepEd Central Office: DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City
- Hotline: (02) 8633-7208 / (02) 8633-7228
- Email: action@deped.gov.ph
- Website: www.deped.gov.ph
- ALS Bureau: Bureau of Alternative Education, DepEd Central Office
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the DepEd you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest DepEd first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.