The TESDA Online Program (TOP) is the free online learning platform of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. You can study more than 200 short courses — from cookery and caregiving to computer servicing, bookkeeping and Japanese — on your phone or computer, at your own pace, from anywhere in the world.
- Cost
- Free
- Format
- Online, self-paced
- Courses
- 200+ in 56 programs
- You get
- Certificate of Completion
What is the TESDA Online Program?
TOP is TESDA’s platform of free Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) for technical-vocational skills. Each course covers one or more units of competency from a TESDA qualification — for example, “Preparing Seafood Dishes” is one of the ten online courses that make up the Cookery NC II program. You read the lessons, watch the videos, answer the quizzes, and download a certificate when you finish.
TESDA also uses the same platform for blended learning: the Multi-Regional TESDA Online Program (MRTOP) combines online lessons with hands-on training at TESDA Technology Institutions. For most learners, though, TOP means one thing: free courses you can start today without leaving home.
Who can join?
Anyone with an internet connection and basic computer skills can create a free account. There is no entrance exam and no tuition. That is why TOP is popular with three groups:
- Students and job seekers in the Philippines who want to learn a skill before enrolling in face-to-face training or taking a competency assessment.
- Workers who want to upskill — for a promotion, a side business or a career shift — without stopping work.
- OFWs and Filipinos abroad, who can learn from any country and in any time zone. See our guide for Filipinos abroad →
What courses are available?
As of October 2026, the catalog lists more than 200 free courses grouped in 56 programs across 18 sectors. Some of the most searched programs:
| Program | Sector | Online courses |
|---|---|---|
| Cookery NC II | Tourism | 10 |
| Caregiving (Elderly) NC II | Health Care | 6 |
| Computer System Servicing NC II | Electrical & Electronics | 5 |
| Bookkeeping NC III | Social & Community | 6 |
| Visual Graphic Design NC III | ICT | 7 |
| Housekeeping NC II | Tourism | 6 |
| Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II | Electrical & Electronics | 4 |
| Japanese Language A1 | Language | 1 |
Search the full list of TESDA online courses → Filter by sector, see every unit inside each program, and jump straight to the course on the official site.
How to enroll, step by step
- Create your free accountGo to e-tesda.gov.ph, choose “Create an account”, fill in the form and confirm the activation link sent to your email.
- Log in and browse the catalogPick a sector, then a program, then the course you want to start with.
- Click “Enroll me in this course”Confirm, and the course is added to your dashboard. Enroll in as many courses as you like.
- Study and pass the quizzesWork through the lessons at your own pace. You need to complete the activities and pass the assessments inside the course.
- Download your certificateWhen you finish, your Certificate of Completion becomes available in your account.
Need screenshots and solutions to common problems (no activation email, forgotten password, mobile app)? Read How to register for the TESDA Online Program.
Is the TOP certificate the same as a National Certificate (NC II)?
No. When you complete an online course you receive a Certificate of Completion. A National Certificate (NC I to NC IV) is only issued after you pass a competency assessment at a TESDA-accredited assessment center, which includes a hands-on demonstration. Think of TOP as the place to learn the theory; the assessment is where you prove the skill.
| TOP Certificate of Completion | National Certificate (NC) | |
|---|---|---|
| How you get it | Finish an online course | Pass a competency assessment |
| Where | Online, anywhere | Accredited assessment center |
| Cost | Free | Assessment fee (varies by qualification) |
| Valid for | Proof of training | 5 years, renewable |
| Best for | Learning, CV, preparing for assessment | Jobs that require certification, work abroad |
More on the TOP certificate: how to download it and how employers see it →
Next in this guide · Part 2 of 5How to registerTips to actually finish your course
- Start with the “Introduction to…” course of a program. It gives you the vocabulary for the rest.
- Block 30 minutes a day on your calendar. Self-paced courses are easy to start and easy to abandon.
- Use the mobile app for reading and videos, and a computer for quizzes and downloads.
- Take notes in your own words. They will be your reviewer if you later book a competency assessment.
- Finish one program before starting another. A complete set of units is far more useful than ten half-finished courses.
Frequently asked questions
Is the TESDA Online Program really free?
Yes. Creating an account, studying the courses and downloading the Certificate of Completion are free. You only pay if you later decide to take a competency assessment for a National Certificate.
Can I use the TESDA Online Program on my phone?
Yes. You can use the website in a mobile browser, and TESDA also offers a TOP mobile app on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
How long does a TESDA online course take?
It depends on the course. Many single units can be finished in a few hours to a few days; a full program with several units takes longer. Because it is self-paced, you decide the schedule.
Can I take TESDA online courses from abroad?
Yes. The platform is online and works from any country. The National Certificate, however, requires an in-person assessment at an accredited center.
Who do I contact if I have problems with my account?
The TESDA Online Program lists the hotline (02) 8887 7777 and the email tesdaonlineprogram@tesda.gov.ph. We are an independent site and cannot access your account.
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Sources: TESDA Online Program (e-tesda.gov.ph) · TESDA — Assessment and Certification · tesda.gov.ph. 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.