Philippine Education Glossary: Terms Every Student Should Know
Navigating the Philippine education system means understanding its unique terminology. From government agencies like CHED and TESDA to academic concepts like GWA and COE, these terms appear in school applications, job postings, government forms, and everyday conversations about education. This glossary defines the most important Philippine education terms with context specific to how they are actually used in the Philippines.
Use the letter navigation below to jump to a specific section, or scroll through for the complete list.
A
ABM (Accountancy, Business, and Management)
One of four strands under the Academic Track in Senior High School. ABM focuses on business math, accounting fundamentals, marketing, economics, and business ethics. It is the recommended SHS strand for students planning to pursue college programs in accountancy, business administration, management, economics, or entrepreneurship. ABM graduates are well-prepared for the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and other CHED-recognized business programs.
ALS (Alternative Learning System)
A parallel education program administered by DepEd for out-of-school youth and adults who were unable to complete formal basic education. ALS provides flexible learning options including community-based classes, radio-based instruction, and self-paced modules. Completers can take the ALS Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Test to earn a certificate equivalent to a high school diploma, which qualifies them for college admission or TESDA programs.
C
CHED (Commission on Higher Education)
The government agency that regulates all colleges and universities in the Philippines, established by RA 7722. CHED sets curriculum standards through CMOs, grants program recognition, manages the accreditation system, and oversees Centers of Excellence and Development designations. Any academic degree program -- from associate to doctorate -- must have CHED recognition to be legitimate. For a detailed explanation, see our Philippine education system guide.
CMO (CHED Memorandum Order)
The regulatory instruments issued by CHED that define minimum curriculum requirements, faculty standards, and facility requirements for each academic program. For example, a CMO specifies the required courses, units, practicum hours, and faculty qualifications for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Schools must comply with CMOs to maintain CHED recognition.
COD (Center of Development)
A CHED designation for specific academic programs at a college or university that have demonstrated proven excellence. COD is awarded to individual programs, not entire institutions -- a university might be a COD for its Engineering program but not for its Business program. COD programs have strong faculty credentials, research output, and graduate outcomes. It is one level below COE.
COE (Center of Excellence)
The highest program-level recognition granted by CHED. Centers of Excellence are academic programs that are national leaders in their discipline, with outstanding faculty research, international partnerships, and graduate performance on board exams. COE status brings additional government funding, maximum curricular autonomy, and significant prestige for the school and its graduates.
CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
A mandatory requirement under RA 10912 for all PRC-licensed professionals to earn credit units for license renewal. CPD activities include seminars, graduate education, professional training, research, and community service. Each profession has specific CPD unit requirements per renewal cycle (typically 15-45 units every 3 years). Failure to earn sufficient CPD units prevents license renewal.
D
DepEd (Department of Education)
The executive department responsible for all basic education in the Philippines, from Kindergarten through Grade 12. DepEd manages the K-12 curriculum, supervises public schools, regulates private basic education schools, and administers the ALS program. DepEd's jurisdiction ends after senior high school -- college and university education falls under CHED.
E
ETEEAP (Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program)
A CHED program that allows working professionals to earn a college degree based on accumulated work experience, skills, and non-formal learning. ETEEAP recognizes that knowledge and competency can be gained outside the classroom. Applicants typically need at least 5 years of relevant work experience. Approved higher education institutions assess applicants through portfolios, demonstrations, and supplementary coursework to award equivalent academic credits.
G
GAS (General Academic Strand)
The most flexible strand under the Academic Track in Senior High School. GAS draws subjects from multiple strands (STEM, ABM, HUMSS) without specializing in any single area. It is designed for students who are undecided about their college program and want to keep their options open. GAS graduates can enter virtually any college degree program.
GWA (General Weighted Average)
The standard grading metric used by Philippine colleges and universities. Most institutions use a scale of 1.0 (highest) to 5.0 (failing), though some use a 1.0-3.0 scale or percentage-based systems. GWA determines academic standing, Latin honors eligibility (Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude), scholarship retention, and is often required on job applications. GWA is the Philippine equivalent of GPA (Grade Point Average).
H
HUMSS (Humanities and Social Sciences)
One of four strands under the Academic Track in Senior High School. HUMSS focuses on literature, philosophy, social sciences, communication, creative writing, and Philippine politics. It prepares students for college programs in education, law, political science, communication, psychology, social work, journalism, and the liberal arts. HUMSS is the recommended strand for future lawyers and teachers.
K
K-12 (K to 12 Basic Education Program)
The enhanced Philippine basic education system mandated by RA 10533, fully implemented by 2016. K-12 covers 13 years of schooling: 1 year of Kindergarten, 6 years of elementary (Grades 1-6), 4 years of junior high school (Grades 7-10), and 2 years of senior high school (Grades 11-12). The program added senior high school to align the Philippines with international 12-year basic education standards, so students graduate at age 18 ready for college or employment.
L
LET (Licensure Examination for Teachers)
The PRC-administered board exam required to become a Licensed Professional Teacher (LPT) in the Philippines. LET has two levels: Elementary (for BEEd graduates) and Secondary (for BSEd graduates). Passing the LET and obtaining a PRC license is mandatory to teach in Philippine public and private schools. Pass rates typically range from 25-40%, making it one of the more challenging professional exams.
N
NC (National Certificate)
The credential awarded by TESDA upon passing a competency assessment for a specific technical-vocational qualification. National Certificates are classified into four levels: NC I (routine tasks), NC II (prescribed functions -- the most common level), NC III (complex non-routine activities), and NC IV (advanced activities with supervisory capacity). NC holders are certified as competent to perform specific job functions according to industry standards. See our TESDA vocational hub for available qualifications.
NSTP (National Service Training Program)
A mandatory program for all college students in the Philippines under RA 9163. NSTP requires students to complete one of three components: Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS), or Literacy Training Service (LTS). The program spans two semesters (usually in the first year of college) and must be completed before graduation. NSTP aims to promote civic consciousness and defense preparedness among Filipino youth.
O
OJT (On-the-Job Training)
A required practicum component in many Philippine college programs where students gain hands-on experience in their field by working at an approved company or organization. OJT hours vary by program -- typically 200-600 hours, often completed during the final year of the bachelor's degree. OJT performance is graded and counted toward graduation requirements. Some employers use OJT as a recruitment pipeline, offering permanent positions to high-performing trainees.
P
PEPT (Philippine Educational Placement Test)
A DepEd-administered examination that assesses the learning competencies of out-of-school children, youth, and adults to determine their appropriate grade placement in formal education. PEPT allows individuals who have been out of school to re-enter the formal system at a level matching their actual knowledge, rather than starting over. It is an alternative pathway alongside the ALS program.
PQF (Philippine Qualifications Framework)
The national policy established by EO 83 (s. 2012) that describes and classifies all Philippine qualifications into 8 levels, from basic education (Level 1) to doctoral degrees (Level 8). PQF provides a common reference for comparing Philippine credentials domestically and internationally. It maps TESDA NCs, CHED degrees, and professional qualifications onto a unified framework, which is important for overseas employment and international academic recognition.
PRC (Professional Regulation Commission)
The government agency responsible for administering licensure examinations and regulating over 40 professions in the Philippines. PRC issues professional licenses required to practice in fields like nursing, engineering, accountancy, medicine, law, teaching, and architecture. After passing a PRC board exam, professionals receive a PRC ID and Certificate of Registration, which must be renewed periodically with CPD credits.
S
SHS (Senior High School)
The final two years (Grades 11-12) of the K-12 basic education system. SHS was the key addition of the K-12 reform, offering specialized education through four tracks: Academic, TVL, Sports, and Arts & Design. Completing SHS earns a Senior High School Diploma, which qualifies graduates for college admission, TESDA programs, or direct employment. For detailed track information, see our high school degree guide.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
One of four strands under the Academic Track in Senior High School. STEM offers advanced coursework in pre-calculus, calculus, physics, chemistry, biology, and research methods. It is the recommended SHS strand for students planning to pursue engineering, information technology, computer science, medicine, nursing, architecture, or any science-intensive college program.
T
TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority)
The government agency that manages and supervises technical-vocational education and training (TVET) in the Philippines, established by RA 7796. TESDA develops training regulations, registers training centers, administers the National Certificate competency assessment system, and provides scholarship programs. TESDA qualifications offer the fastest path from education to employment, with programs ranging from 2 months to 2 years. Explore programs at our TESDA vocational hub.
TOR (Transcript of Records)
The official academic document issued by a Philippine college or university that lists all courses taken, grades received, units earned, and the final GWA. The TOR is required for graduate school admission, PRC board exam applications, employment verification, and credential evaluation for overseas use. It is considered the most authoritative record of a student's academic performance -- more detailed than a diploma.
TVL (Technical-Vocational-Livelihood)
One of four tracks offered in Senior High School under K-12. TVL prepares students for immediate employment or TESDA certification through hands-on training in specific skills. TVL strands include ICT, Home Economics, Industrial Arts, and Agri-Fishery Arts. TVL graduates can enter the workforce directly after Grade 12, pursue TESDA National Certificates with advanced standing, or continue to college.
U
UniFAST (Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education)
The government body created by RA 10687 to consolidate and manage all tertiary education financial assistance programs in the Philippines. UniFAST oversees the implementation of RA 10931 (Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act), which provides free tuition at all State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs). UniFAST also manages the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) for qualifying students at private institutions and student loan programs.