228 Filipino health workers in S'pore earn TESDA certificates without flying home

The TESDA overseas assessment in Singapore put 228 Filipino health workers through national certification in July 2026.

TESDA and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) Singapore ran two batches, 5 to 7 July and 18 to 21 July. Workers earned a Philippine National Certificate without flying home or burning leave.

What happened

The embassy reported that 228 Filipino healthcare practitioners took part and received TESDA certifications.

Assessments ran at the same time at Care Academy and Aims Learning International.

The qualifications assessed were Caregiving NC II, Caregiving (Elderly) NC II and Health Care Services NC II.

MWO's call for applicants also listed Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II and NC III. The embassy's results report named only the three health care certificates.

How it works

The assessment is not a class. An accredited assessor watches you perform the real tasks of the trade and checks your work against TESDA's national standard.

Pass, and you get a National Certificate. Years on the job are what it recognises.

Why the NC II matters

Many overseas caregiving contracts, in Canada, the Gulf and elsewhere, ask for a TESDA NC II before processing. Without it, an application can stall.

The certificate gives you proof to show when you negotiate a new contract or a renewal.

It counts back home too, for local jobs and for TESDA's trainer and supervisory tracks when you go for good.

How to join the next round

Assessments come in batches, not on demand. Watch the MWO Singapore and Philippine Embassy pages for the next call.

For the 2026 round, MWO asked applicants to fill in an online form, then email these to tesdaoverseas@gmail.com:

1. The completed application form
2. The Self-Assessment Guide for your chosen qualification
3. Three passport-size colour photos, white background, name on the back
4. The TESDA consent form
5. A copy of a training certificate or certificate of employment

Pick the qualification that matches your real work. A nursing-home caregiver and a kasambahay caring for an elderly ward may need different certificates.

On the day

Bring your passport and work pass, plus any training certificates or employer letters.

Run through the standard procedures the week before: handwashing, patient transfer, vital signs. The assessor scores what you show, not what you describe.

Fees

TESDA ran its other 2026 overseas assessments, in Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and Malaysia, free for OFWs.

The Singapore advisory did not state a fee. Ask MWO Singapore before you register, and set aside the rest day you will need.