There has been a growing discussion online about whether OJT (On-the-Job Training), internship, or practicum is still required for learners taking the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), especially after the passage of Republic Act No. 12124 or the ETEEAP Act. Many commenters argue that because ETEEAP already requires at least five years of relevant work experience, OJT should no longer be necessary. Others, however, point out that some degree programs — particularly professional courses like BS Nursing (BSN) — may still require clinical duties, practicum, or related training before graduation.
So what is the real situation?
A closer look at Republic Act No. 12124 shows that the law institutionalizes ETEEAP as an alternative pathway for qualified professionals to earn a degree based on their prior learning, skills, training, and work experience. The law emphasizes the recognition and accreditation of competencies gained through formal, non-formal, and informal learning, including actual industry experience.
The law clearly states that applicants must have at least five years of relevant work experience related to the degree they are pursuing. This is why many people interpret that traditional OJT may no longer be necessary for most ETEEAP learners because their professional experience already serves as proof of workplace competency.
Section 5 of RE 12124 as quoted:
SEC. 5. Qualifications. – Filipino citizens, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad, may apply for equivalency and accreditation if they satisfy the following requirements:(a) Not less than twenty-three (23) years of age at the time of application;(b) Completion of a secondary school program as evidenced by a high school diploma, or a result of the Philippine Educational Placement Test or Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency Assessment and Certification stating that the individual concerned is qualified to enter college; and(c) At least five (5) years of aggregate work experience in the industry related to the academic degree program or discipline where equivalency of learning is sought: Provided, That the applicant may submit documentation of relevant training programs and other proof of forma, non-formal, and informal learning, as may be required by the deputized HEI including National Certificate or Certificates of Competency issued by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). [1]
However, it is important to understand that RA 12124 does not explicitly say that OJT, practicum, internship, or clinical duties are automatically removed for all programs. The law gives Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and CHED-authorized schools the authority to assess competencies and determine additional academic requirements when necessary.
This means the interpretation is not simply “required” or “not required” for everyone. Instead, the answer depends on:
- The degree program being taken
- The evaluation of the learner’s prior experience
- The policies of the university or college
- Professional licensing and CHED standards for certain courses
For many business, IT, management, communication, and technical programs, schools may already consider years of industry experience as equivalent to internship or OJT requirements. In these cases, the learner’s portfolio, employment certifications, trainings, seminars, and actual work accomplishments may already satisfy competency requirements.
But for regulated professions such as BS Nursing (BSN), Medical Technology, Education, Hospitality, Engineering, or other board-related courses, some schools may still require clinical exposure, laboratory work, demonstrations, return demonstrations, practicum hours, or related immersion activities because these are tied to professional standards and licensure expectations.
This explains why some learners report that they did not need OJT anymore, while others — especially in healthcare-related programs — were still asked to complete certain practical requirements.
Community discussions among ETEEAP learners also show that requirements vary greatly depending on the school. Some students shared that schools required additional modules, bridging subjects, interviews, portfolios, validations, oral defenses, or competency assessments based on gaps identified during evaluation. [2] Others mentioned that schools differ in processing, requirements, and interpretation of competencies.
This is why learners should avoid relying solely on comments sections, social media opinions, or hearsay. While many commenters may be correct based on their own school experience, ETEEAP implementation is still highly dependent on institutional assessment.
How can learners verify whether OJT is required?
Here are some practical suggestions:
Check the official CHED and ETEEAP guidelines.
Read RA 12124 and CHED Memorandum Order No. 11, Series of 2025 to understand the framework of competency assessment under ETEEAP. [3]
Contact the school’s ETEEAP office directly.
Ask specifically:
- “Is OJT or practicum still required for my target degree?”
- “Can my current work experience be credited instead?”
- “Will there be bridging subjects or clinical requirements?”
• Request a preliminary evaluation.
Most schools conduct an assessment of:
- work experience
- trainings
- seminars
- certifications
- previous college units
- portfolio and accomplishments
This evaluation determines what requirements still need to be completed.
Clarify if the course is board-related or regulated.
Programs tied to licensure examinations may have stricter practicum or clinical standards even under ETEEAP.
Prepare supporting documents early.
Gather:
- Certificates of Employment
- Job descriptions
- Resume or CV
- Training certificates
- TOR and diploma
- Recommendation letters
- Portfolio of work outputs
Strong documentation can help schools recognize competencies and possibly reduce additional requirements.
At the end of the day, ETEEAP remains one of the best opportunities for experienced professionals, working adults, OFWs, and undergraduates to finally earn a degree without going through the traditional four-year route from the beginning. The law recognizes that learning does not happen only inside classrooms — it also happens through years of actual work, training, leadership, and life experience.
So instead of being discouraged or confused by conflicting online comments, aspiring ETEEAP learners should focus on preparing their documents, organizing their credentials, and reaching out directly to the schools where they plan to enroll. Every applicant’s case is unique, and the best way to know whether OJT is still required is to have your qualifications officially evaluated by the institution itself.
If you have the experience, the determination, and the willingness to complete the remaining requirements, ETEEAP can become your bridge toward finally achieving the degree you have worked hard for all these years. Go prepare your documents, inquire confidently, and take that first step toward graduation!
References:
1. Supreme Court E Library (↗)
2. Reddit (↗)
3. Commission on Higher Education (CHED) (↗)
