Understanding the Legal Bases of ETEEAP

The Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) is a special educational scheme in the Philippines that recognizes and gives academic credit for knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values (KSAVs) gained outside the traditional classroom setting. It values learning from non-formal and informal experiences, such as work, training, and community involvement.

Legal Foundation

The program is institutionalized through Republic Act No. 12124, with its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) outlined in CMO No. 11, series of 2025. This law ensures that qualified individuals can earn equivalency credits or even a full academic degree through a structured assessment process.

How ETEEAP Works

ETEEAP uses various assessment tools—written tests, interviews, skills demonstrations, and other creative evaluation methods. Deputized higher education institutions (HEIs) conduct these assessments through a Panel of Assessors who determine the candidate’s KSAVs and recommend the appropriate academic equivalency.

History of ETEEAP

The program’s beginnings trace back to Executive Order 330, signed by President Fidel V. Ramos on May 10, 1996. This was a result of recommendations from the First Philippine Employment Summit in September 1995, which recognized the need to accredit prior learning and work experience to broaden access to higher education.

Importance of ETEEAP

ETEEAP opens doors for professionals and skilled workers who may not have completed formal college degrees but possess valuable expertise. By institutionalizing this program, the government provides a pathway for lifelong learning, career advancement, and personal growth.