Caregiving (Elderly) NC II is the TESDA qualification for caring for older adults — at home, in care facilities and in hospitals. Caregiving is also one of the most common pathways for Filipinos who want to work abroad.
- Level
- NC II
- Sector
- Health & Social Care
- Training
- Varies by provider
- Assessment fee
- Ask the center
- Free online course
- Yes
What is Caregiving (Elderly) NC II?
The qualification focuses on elderly care: understanding the aging process, following and monitoring the client’s care plan, daily caring skills, specialty care procedures and assisting clients with prescribed medication.
It is the current, elderly-focused caregiving qualification. You may still see older “Caregiving NC II” programs that cover infants, children and people with special needs; ask your provider which Training Regulation they follow.
What you will learn
The core units of competency in the Caregiving (Elderly) NC II Training Regulation are:
- Develop the ability to recognize the aging process
- Participate in the implementation and monitoring of the client’s care plan
- Perform caring skills
- Perform specialty care procedures
- Assist the client in administering prescribed medication
On top of these, every TESDA qualification includes basic competencies (workplace communication, teamwork, professionalism, occupational health and safety) and common competencies for the sector.
Learn Caregiving (Elderly) NC II online for free
The TESDA Online Program has free online courses for Caregiving (Elderly) NC II. Tick each one as you finish it — your progress is saved on this device:
- Introduction to Caregiving
- Developing the Ability to Recognize Aging Process
- Participating in the Implementation and Monitoring of Client’s Care Plan
- Performing Caring Skills
- Performing Specialty Care Procedures
- Assisting Client in Administering Prescribed Medication
Open the course finder to enroll, or create your free account first. The online courses give you a Certificate of Completion — the National Certificate requires the assessment below.
How to get your Caregiving (Elderly) NC II certificate
- TrainEnroll at a TESDA-registered training center or school (ask about scholarships), and use the free online courses to study the theory.
- Prepare your requirementsApplication form, Self-Assessment Guide for Caregiving (Elderly) NC II, and three colored passport-size photos.
- Book your competency assessmentChoose a TESDA-accredited assessment center that is accredited for Caregiving (Elderly) NC II. Confirm the current fee with the center.
- Pass and claim your NCIf you are found competent, apply for certification and claim your Caregiving (Elderly) NC II National Certificate. It is valid for 5 years.
Full guide to TESDA assessment centers, requirements and fees →
Jobs you can apply for
- Caregiver in a home for the aged or nursing home
- Private home caregiver
- Hospital or clinic care aide
- Day-care center staff for older adults
Many countries recruit Filipino caregivers, but each sets its own rules — some require specific training hours, language exams, credential assessment or a local license. Treat the NC II as your starting credential and check the destination’s official requirements before you pay any agency.
Is Caregiving (Elderly) NC II right for you?
- You are patient, kind and comfortable with personal care tasks
- You want to work in health and social care without a nursing degree
- You are planning to work as a caregiver abroad
- You care for an older family member and want proper training
TESDA caregiver course: cost, enrollment and free options
- Free, online: the six Caregiving (Elderly) courses on the TESDA Online Program cost nothing — a good way to start before you enroll. Create your account here.
- Free, face-to-face: TESDA scholarship programs can cover training (and sometimes assessment) at TESDA-registered schools. Slots are limited — ask your provincial TESDA office or the school.
- Paid: private caregiver schools charge tuition, and fees vary a lot between schools and cities. Always ask for the full cost in writing, including the assessment fee.
- How to enroll: choose a school that is registered with TESDA for Caregiving, prepare your documents (usually birth certificate, diploma or school records and ID photos), and confirm the schedule. You can check registered programs and assessment centers on tesda.gov.ph.
Be careful with “caregiver schools” or agencies that promise a job abroad in exchange for fees. Check the school’s TESDA program registration and the agency’s license with the Department of Migrant Workers.
Want to start for free right now? Take the free online caregiver course with certificate →
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free online Caregiving course from TESDA?
Yes. The TESDA Online Program has six free Caregiving (Elderly) NC II courses, from Introduction to Caregiving to Assisting Client in Administering Prescribed Medication.
How long is the Caregiving NC II course?
It depends on the Training Regulation and the provider. Older Caregiving NC II programs ran several hundred hours; ask your training center for the current schedule.
Can I work abroad as a caregiver with a TESDA NC II?
The NC II is a common starting credential, but countries have their own requirements such as training hours, language tests or registration. Always check the official rules of the destination country.
What is the difference between caregiving and nursing?
Caregivers support daily living and basic care under a care plan; nurses are licensed professionals who assess patients and manage clinical care.
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Sources: TESDA Online Program · TESDA — Assessment and Certification. 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.