Filipinos planning to work as a caregiver abroad, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) offers specialized training on how to be a world-class caregiver. Here we share this guide which features the important requirements, qualifications, steps to apply, a list of TESDA accredited training schools in the Philippines, as well as other important information about caregiving. Interested in becoming one? Be sure to read the rest of this guide.
Also Read:
How to Apply as a Caregiver in Canada
How to Become a Caregiver in the USA
How to Apply and Work as a Caregiver in Israel
Life of an OFW Caregiver in Italy
Filipinos are well known as accommodating, caring, and respectful people. First, this is just how families simply are molded back in the Philippines. Parents teach their children how to respect their elders, as they themselves model being friendly hosts/neighbors with the way they treat and attend to the needs of their guests. Such traits perfectly exhibit care, an essential role of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in many parts of the world, as nurses, health professionals, and caregivers.
Why is the caregiver job popular with Filipinos?
Caregiving is one of the biggest and still growing industries in the western world. This is basically due to the fact that most of the population there is dominated by adults, and as it is, many of these adults opt not to have their own families.
While this is most certainly cultural in many aspects, it is also clear to see that western society puts more value on what people become as individuals, rather than raising their own families, as in most parts in Asia, the Philippines included. Thus, without children to take care of them when they reach their age of retirement, these people turn to caregivers, most of which, are outsourced from Asia, including the Philippines.
Types of Caregiver Jobs for Filipinos Abroad
If you take a microscopic approach to this, you might see past the cultural aspect in this, since people from Asian countries, such as Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and even Saudi Arabia, also avail of the services of caregivers to manage the care of not just an elderly loved one, but also their children.
Here are the many kinds of caregiving jobs offered abroad:
- Au pair – This refers to migrant workers who live with American families for up to a year as members of the host family and are paid a small allowance. Even if they have no prior experience, they assist with household tasks and provide kid or elderly care.
- Babysitter – mostly renders supervisory and custodial care for children on an irregular, part- or full-time basis.
- Governess – these are typically qualified teachers who manage the education of children at home, whether in part- or full-time service. They, however, are not responsible for the physical care of their students.
- Mother’s Helper – they typically work full-time to provide child and domestic help with an at-home parent, typically, the mother, most of the time.
- Nanny – they are hired by families to provide unsupervised care for a child/children, either on a live-in or live-out set-up.
- Nursery Nurse – this is typically observed in the UK to refer to someone with special training for the care of young children. Often, they too, carry a certification provided by the UK’s National Nursery Examination Board.
In this guide, we will also look at the roles and responsibilities of caregivers, how much they earn, and finally how to apply as a caregiver through the TESDA certification program.
Why Study for TESDA Caregiver Course?
According to the TESDA website, there is an expected demand for caregivers in the next few years. Prospect nations benefit from this demand in addition to traditional markets in Canada and the US, including other developed and wealthy nations in Europe, and even Asian economic powerhouses in Japan and South Korea. The projection is based on these countries’ growing need for caregivers due to their huge and still growing aging population.
Based on POEA data, a bulk of the job orders for caregivers of licensed recruitment agencies are from Bahrain, Israel, and the United States. Moreover, there has been a growing demand for caregivers in Saudi Arabia and Spain, as reported in major news platforms.
Due to the increasing demand for care workers, especially in developing countries, the Philippines has become a major source of these workers. This is proven by the steady job advertisements in major newspapers.
There are a number of schools and training centers that offer training in the field of caregiving. These establishments are registered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
With this in mind, there is much reason for Filipinos, and many other nationalities, to consider getting into this booming industry across the world. If you would like to know how you can get started in this career. You’ve come to the right place!
TESDA Caregiving Course Overview
This course is a part of the comprehensive program offered by the TESDA. It aims to provide individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide quality care for infants to senior citizens, supporting them in their basic needs, such as taking a bath and changing clothes. They can also do other related activities such as taking a shower and keeping their hygiene up.
This course will teach you the proper physical, social, and intellectual approach to becoming a caregiver. Do note that this is not an easy course to complete.
However, this is a must for individuals who want to become a caregiver. Aside from being able to work with people, this job also requires a certain level of education and experience.
If you’re wondering how long the TESDA’s NCII Caregiving course will take to be completed, it’s going to be at least 234 hours of extensive training, depending on the training facility you will enroll in.
A word of caution, though: Many legitimate training centers are being outnumbered by fly-by-night centers. These establishments are not only posing a threat to the legitimate ones, but they are also training unqualified individuals.
Qualifications
- Able to communicate in English;
- physically and mentally fit;
- has good moral character; and
- can perform basic math computation.
Requirements
- Copy of NSO Birth Certificate
- High school or College Diploma
- Certified Copy of Transcript of Records or Form 137
- Certificate of Good Moral Character
- 1×1 and/or 2×2 Pictures with Collar and White Background
Steps to Apply for Caregiver Course in TESDA (5 Steps)
Please follow the steps below in order to know the process of signing up for a TESDA caregiver course online:
Step 1: Visit TESDA’s official website to begin your enrollment.
Go to www.tesda.gov.ph. Scroll down and look for ‘Registered Courses’ under Verifications. Click the link and you will be directed to a new page.
Step 2: Find an accredited TESDA training center where you want to enroll in a Caregiving course.
In the blank fields available on the page, enter ‘Caregiving’ in the Course field, and your preferred training location then hit Search.
You will be given a list of accredited training centers, where you can enroll for the Caregiver course.
Step 3: Contact the school or training center of your choice to inquire about the course details (availability, requirements, and fees).
Step 4: Gather all of the requirements needed to enroll in the course, including the fees.
Step 5: Wait for the advice from the TESDA-accredited school as to when you can join your batch and start training as a caregiver.
List of Caregiver Schools Accredited by TESDA
Some Training Institutes require more details and requirements when it comes to hiring candidates. These institutions are also known as agencies or Training Centers. Here’s a shortlist of schools accredited by TESDA:
Manila Based Accredited Caregiver Schools
School: Adamson University
Address: 900 San Marcelino St., Manila
Phone Number: 524-20-11 / 5246590
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 6 months
School: AMA Computer College – Sta. Mesa Inc.
Address: 3299 Magsaysay Blvd. cor Maganda Street, Sta. Mesa, Manila
Phone Number: 714-88-82 / 715-60-78 / 716-93-21
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 6 months
School: College of the Holy Spirit of Manila
Address: Mendiola Street, Manila
Phone Number: 734-79-21 / 735-59-87
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 6 months
School: De Ocampo Memorial College Inc.
Address: 3200-3222 R. Magsaysay Blvd., Sta. Mesa, Manila
Phone Number: 715-64-45 / 715-09-67
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 6 months
School: Metropolitan Medical Center College of Arts, Science and Technology (formerly Metropolitan Hospital College of Nursing Inc.)
Address: 1357 G. Masangkay St., Sta Cruz, Manila
Phone Number: 254-11-11 loc.8218
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 6 months
School: Philippine Women’s University
Address: Taft Avenue, Manila
Phone Number: 526-69-35 / 524-26-14 / 526-84 21
Course/Duration: Certificate in Caregiving NC II – 6 months
School: PSAA INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY, INC. (Formerly Edu. Power Corp.)
Address: 1745 Abdon St., Brgy. 843, Pandacan, Manila
Phone Number: 563-8105 / 521-47-07
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 6 months
Caretaker – 150 hours
School: SAN JUAN MANPOWER AND LIVELIHOOD TRAINING CENTER
Address: N. Domingo St., San Juan, Metro Manila
Phone Number: 744-6028 / TeleFax: 744-6029
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 786 hours
School: Unciano Colleges and General Hospital
Address: Guadalcanal St., Sta. Mesa, Manila
Phone Number: 716-72-91 / 715-88-43 / Fax: 716-72-92
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 6 months
Quezon City
School: Asia Pacific Caregiver & Healthcare Training Center, Inc.
Address: Unit 501, 5th Floor, Panorama Building, 1139 EDSA Quezon City
Phone Number: 410-3331
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 978 hours
Health Care Services NC II – 996 hours
Household Services NC II – 216 hours
Care Provision – 100 hours
School: Asian Caregiving and Technology Education Centers (ACTEC CUBAO) Inc.
Address: 727, Tri-O Bldg. Bgy. Pinagkaisahan, Cubao, Quezon City
Phone Number: 415-9224 / 367-8233
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 978 hours
Housekeeping NC II – 436 hours
Household Services NC II – 216 hours
School: Asian College of Science and Technology Foundation, Inc.
Address: No. 1013 Aurora Blvd., Project 3, Quezon City
Phone Number: 997-5707 / Fax: 912-3238 / 912-3236
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 978 hours
Health Care Services NC II – 996 hours
School: Central Colleges of the Philippines, Inc.
Address: 52 Aurora Blvd. Quezon City
Phone Number: 7155170 – 75
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 978 hours
Health Care Services NC II – 1079 hours
School: Colegio de Sta. Teresa de Avila Foundation Inc.
Address: No. 6 Kingfisher corner Skylark St. Zabarte Subdivision, Novaliches, Quezon city
Phone Number: 939-9138 / 930-5785
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 978 hours
Housekeeping NC II – 436 hours
School: College of St. Catherine Quezon City Inc.
Address: 362 Quirino High-way, Novaliches Quezon City
Phone Number: 430-4883 / 330-4883
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 978 hours
Housekeeping NC II – 436 hours
Health Care Services NC II – 996 hours
School: Delos Santos-STI College, Inc.
Address: Address: 201 E. Rodriguez Sr. Blvd., Quezon City
Phone Number: 721-7887 / 721-7871
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 978 hours
Housekeeping NC II – 436 hours
School: Dr. Carlos S. Lanting College, Inc. (formerly Dr. Carlos S. Lanting School of Midwifery, Incorporated)
Address: 16 Tandang Sora Avenue, Quezon City
Phone Number: 938-7782 – 89
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 978 hours
Housekeeping NC II – 356 hours
School: St. Augustine School of Nursing – Fairview, Inc.
Address: JB Crystal Bldg.Quirino Highway, Lagro Q.C.
Phone Number: 461-3795
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 786 hours
School: St. Mary’s College
Address: 37 Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City
Phone Number: 373-6846 / 413-4076
Course/Duration: Health Care Services NC II – 1079 hours
Caregiving – Not Available
School: ST. PAUL UNIVERSITY QUEZON CITY, INC.
Address: Gilmore Ave. corner Aurora Blvd., Cubao, Quezon City
Phone Number: 726-7986 to 88 / 722-1865
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 786 hours
School: World City College, Inc. (Quezon City Medical Center Colleges)
Address: 960 Aurora Boulevard, Cubao, Quezon City
Phone Number: 913-6351
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 978 hours
Health Care Services NC II – 996 hours
Caloocan
School: Asian Caregiving and Technology Education Centers, Inc.
Address: A & A Bldg., 120 P. Jacinto cor. Boni Serrano St. Calaanan East, Caloocan City
Phone Number: 366-3975 / 367-8233
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 786 hours
Health Care Services NC II – 996 hours
School: Lady of Lourdes Hospital and Colleges of Caybiga, Inc.
Address: 15 Gen. Luis St. Caybiga, Caloocan City
Phone Number: 983-5582
Course/Duration: 786 hours
Health Care Services NC II – 996 hours
School: Carenet Healthcare Institute, Inc.
Address: 1174 4/F Piedra Building Chino Roces Avenue, Brgy. San Antonio, Makati City
Phone Number: 890-4547 / 890-7594
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 786 hours
School: Fine International Training and Assessment Center, Inc. (formerly: Fine Internatioal Training Center)
Address: 518 Narra St. Cembo, Makati City
Phone Number: (+632) 3838766
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 786 hours
School: MCC Peoplecare Training Center
Address: Penthouse 4, Jackson Bldg. 926 Arnaiz Ave. San Lorenzo, Makati City
Phone Number: 810-4026 / 723-9626
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 786 hours
Pasig
School: ASIA BEST CAREER TRAINING CENTER
Address: Old Address: Rm. 301, MM Square Bldg. 678 Shaw Blvd., Pasig City
Phone Number: 628-1635
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 786 hours
School: INFOTECH INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, INC.
Address: 3/F SPS Center, Plaza Bonifacio Pasig City
Phone Number: 643-78-94 / 628-25-83 / 641-77-77
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 786 hours
Nursing Aide – 1 year
School: PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG PASIG
Address: Alcalde Jose St., Kapasigan, Pasig City
Phone Number: 628-1014 / 6439558
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 786 hours
Health Care Services NC II – 996 hours
School: PASIG CATHOLIC COLLEGE, INC.
Address: Justice R. Jabson St., Molino, Pasig City
Phone Number: 642-7481 / 641-1791
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 786 hours
Health Care Services NC II – Not Available
School: ST. CHAMUEL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (PASIG) INC.
Address: No. 3 Carmen Bldg., Caruncho Avenue, San Nicolas, Pasig City
Phone Number: 641-9471 / 645-2266
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 786 hours
Health Care Services NC II – 996 hours
School: MANILA TYTANA COLLEGES, INC. (FORMERLY MANILA DOCTORS COLLEGE, INC.)
Address: Metropolitan Park, President Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City
Phone Number: 859-0888 / 859-0812
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 786 hours
Other Locations in the Philippines
School: Bohol Island State University – Calape Campus (formerly Central Visayas State College of Agriculture, Forestry and Technology-Calape Campus)
Address: San Isidro, Calape, Bohol
Telephone Number: (038) 507-9185/ 5079017
Email: info@bisu.edu.ph
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 6 months
School: Dipolog School of Fisheries
Address: Olingan, Dipolog City
Telephone Number: (065) 212-7248; 2125238
Email: dsf_zn@yahoo.com
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 6 months
School: Fil-Canadian Training & Dev’t. Center for Caregivers, Inc.
Address: 2/F Rose Shopping Mall Bldg., B. Inting St., Tagbilaran City
Telephone Number: (038) 235-6524/09194667392
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 6 months
School: Global Link Training Center, Inc.
Address: Tirad Pass, Ilaya, Tanjay City,
Telephone Number: (035) 415-8801
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 6 months
School: Hopeful Beginnings Foundation, Inc. (Hopeful Beginnings Institute, Inc.)
Address: RHOI Building II, Palanginan, Iba, Zambales
Telephone Number: 047-811-1356
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 6 months
School: Ilocos Sur Community College
Address: Quirino Stadium, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
Telephone Number: (077)722-5870
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 6 months
School: Lifeline International Caregivers Training Center
Address: Real St., Dumaguete City, Or. Neg
Telephone Number: (035) 225-9883
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 6 months
School: National College of Science and Technology, Inc.
Address: #700 Quezon Avenue, San Fernando City, La Union
Telephone Number: (072) 700-2085
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 6 months
School: Saint John Bosco College of Northern Luzon, Inc.
Address: National Highway, Lingsat, San Fernando City, La Union
Telephone Number: (072) 700-0164 / 0046
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 6 months
School: St. John General Hospital & Colleges, Inc. (formerly St. John College of Buug Foundation, Inc.)
Address: Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay
Telephone Number: 984-1521 / 22 / 990-1026
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 6 months
School: St. Louis College of San Fernando, La Union, Inc.
Address: San Fernando City, La Union
Telephone Number: (072) 242-5535
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 6 months
School: Subic Bay Colleges, Inc – Iba Campus
Address: San Fernando City, La Union
Telephone Number: (072) 242-5535
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 6 months
School: University of Bohol
Address: Iba, Zambales
Telephone Number: 047-811-3732
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 6 months
School: University of Bohol
Address: Ma. Clara St., Tagbilaran City
Telephone Number: (038) 411-5128
Course/Duration: Caregiving NC II – 6 months
What is the Coverage for TESDA’s Caregiver Training Course?
The Caregiver NC II course aims to provide the trainees with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties as a caregiver. Here is an outline of what you can expect to learn during the course of the training, focused on work in Canada (This will vary for each country you wish to apply to in the future).
- Basic First Aid
- Basic Life Support
- Canada: People, Culture, Traits
- Care of the Child
- Care of the Elderly
- CPR
- English as Second Language
- Home and Client Safely Management
- Home Management and Client Care
- Introduction to the Live-In Caregiver Skills Enhancement Program
- Nutrition and Food Preparation
- On-the-Job Training in Caregiving Institutions
- Overview of the Live-In Caregiver Program of Canada
- Personality Development
How much is the Assessment Exam Fee?
Those who wish to avail of the Caregiving NC II assessment exam must pay Php 350. Here is the breakdown of the assessment fees:
Those who wish to provide support and care to persons with special needs, such as the elderly, infants, toddlers/children. It is around 250.00 per day.
Some of these assessment centers also offer training courses on how to become a caregiver. They also have various services and facilities for their graduates.
Others established direct links with local embassies or consulates of target host countries to ensure high employment rates for their graduates, so you can check with them if you are interested in applying for work in a particular country soon.
How to Land a Job After Graduating Caregiver Training in TESDA
After completing your training in TESDA, the best way to look for a job as a caregiver overseas is to check with the job boards in the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). You need to check your eligibility status in the positions you are interested to apply for.
Once you see that you are qualified, you should first register through this website: http://onlineservices.poea.gov.ph/OnlineServices/POEAOnline.aspx and follow the steps to apply for the job opening as outlined by the licensed agency you wish to apply with.
Video: Caregiver Course Experience from an OFW
Check out this video of an OFW based in Israel, Janet Cabrejas, who shares her experiences enrolling in the TESDA caregiving course, and what other aspiring Pinoy caregivers can look forward to in working in Israel.
Janet said that while caregivers are selected to work abroad per batch, there is a great demand for these workers in Israel, and in other parts of the world, so be sure to prepare all of the requirements you need, in case you get a callback after you submit your application via POEA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions and answers about the caregiver training course in TESDA. Please be guided accordingly.
1. What careers can I have after I complete my Caregiver NC II training course?
Graduates of the Caregiver NC II training course can work as any of the following:
- Caregiver for infants
- Caregiver for toddlers
- Caregiver for people with special needs
- Caregiver for the elderly
- Other similar caregiver positions
2. What kind of tests or assessments must I take after completing my caregiver course in TESDA?
Students who have successfully completed the Caregiving NCIl course may be required to complete a Competency Assessment before graduation. Upon completion of the assessment, you will be issued an NC II certificate, which is a basic requirement for working as a caregiver abroad.
3. What are the job opportunities I can get after completing this course in TESDA?
You can work as a Domestic Helper or an in-house caregiver in various countries. These are very lucrative jobs and quite appealing to many Filipinos because you do not need to have a college degree to apply for such jobs. An NC II plus your credentials and work documents will suffice.
4. Which countries should I check out when I look for caregiver jobs through the POEA jobs boards?
Caregivers are in demand in various countries such as Australia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Japan.
5. Can I apply as a TESDA scholar to get into the Caregiver NC II course?
To make sure that more people can benefit from the training and education offered by TESDA, many private schools and centers offer scholarship vouchers to qualified individuals. These scholarship vouchers are only available for a limited number of slots per school. To know if there are still available, visit the nearest school or visit the nearest training center that offers training in Caregiving NC II.
Final Thoughts
It’s true that there’s no shortage of care workers all over the world, but the demand for Filipino caregivers is expected to go even higher in the next few years because aging populations, especially in first-world countries, continue to rise. This further pushes the demand for caregivers higher than it is now.
So, enrolling in a TESDA caregiving course is an excellent investment for those who wish to start working abroad, and build a career as an OFW. Even if travel is limited right now, soon enough, once borders in other countries open up, there will be plenty of job vacancies, which you can fill – and hopefully, soon!
Just keep a copy of this guide so you can start your TESDA training, or perhaps, someone you know would like to also work as a caregiver abroad. This is the place to start your dreams of becoming a Filipino caregiver in other countries, like the US, Canada, Spain, Germany, Singapore, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and many others. Good luck!
Contact Information
TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) Central Office
Address: E Service Rd, Taguig, 1630 Metro Manila
Contact Number: +63288885641
Google Map Location
Below is a map guide to the location of the TESDA office in Manila.