It can be recalled that stakeholders complained that aside from being costly, the number of units required under the law was too burdensome, with some professionals having to comply with at least 40 units a year and a total of as many as 120 units every renewal of their professional licenses.
Under the new IRR, CPD credit units are still mandatory for the renewal of the professional license and accreditation system in the practice of profession. However, the new implementing rules highlight the reduction of the required CPD credit units to a minimum of not more than 15 units. Those professionals who have executed an Undertaking upon renewal of their license shall only comply with not more than 15 units.
The minimum of 15 credit units, however, does not apply to:
- Where Professional Regulatory Laws of covered professions require compliance with specific number of CPD credit units for the renewal of the Professional Identification Cards;
- Where the professional intends to practice the profession in countries covered by bilateral, regional or international agreements in which CPD is a recognition and eligibility requirement, such as ASEAN Mutual Recognition Agreements.
The IRR states that during the transition period, the following shall also be observed:
a) Professionals working overseas shall not be covered by the CPD requirement.
b) Newly licensed professionals shall not be covered by CPD requirement for the first renewal cycle after obtaining their license.
PRC Resolution No. 2019-1146 was published in Philstar last February 13, 2019 and will be effective starting March 1, 2019. Below is the full text of the IRR:
