TESDA Courses: Every NC Qualification Explained

By Courses TESDA Editorial Team·Updated ·Checked against official TESDA sources (how we work)

TESDA qualifications are skills you can be trained and certified in — from cookery and caregiving to computer servicing and bookkeeping. Each guide below explains one qualification: what you learn, how long it takes, the free online course, the assessment fee, and the jobs it leads to.

TESDA courses by qualification

Agriculture 2

Automotive & Transport 2

Beauty & Wellness 2

Business & Office 2

Construction 2

Garments & Fashion 1

HVAC & Refrigeration 1

Health & Social Care 5

Household Services 1

ICT & Electronics 5

Metals & Welding 1

Tourism & Hospitality 8

How TESDA levels work: NC I to NC IV

LevelWhat it meansExample
NC IRoutine tasks under close supervisionAutomotive Servicing NC I
NC IISkilled work with some independence — the most common level for jobsCookery NC II, Computer System Servicing NC II
NC IIIHigher skill, broader responsibility, may guide othersBookkeeping NC III, Visual Graphic Design NC III
NC IVSupervisory or highly specialized workHousekeeping NC IV, Food and Beverage NC IV

Every qualification is defined by a Training Regulation (TR) that lists its units of competency. You can train at a TESDA-registered school or training center (some offer scholarships), study parts of it for free on the TESDA Online Program, and earn the National Certificate by passing a competency assessment.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most popular TESDA courses?

Some of the most searched are Computer System Servicing NC II, Cookery NC II, Bread and Pastry Production NC II, Food and Beverage Services NC II, Housekeeping NC II, Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, Caregiving and Bookkeeping NC III.

Are TESDA courses free?

Online courses on the TESDA Online Program are free. Face-to-face training is free when you get a TESDA scholarship; otherwise private training centers charge tuition. Assessment for the National Certificate has a fee unless a scholarship covers it.

How long are TESDA courses?

It depends on the qualification. Short qualifications take a few weeks; others take several months. Each guide on this page lists the nominal training hours.

Which TESDA course is best for working abroad?

Hospitality and care qualifications such as Cookery, Food and Beverage Services, Housekeeping and Caregiving are common choices, as well as technical trades such as electrical installation and welding. Always check the requirements of the job and country you are targeting.

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Sources: tesda.gov.ph · TESDA Online Program. Disclaimer: Courses TESDA is an independent guide, not TESDA. Information may contain errors or change without notice — always verify with official sources before making decisions.