Every year, a large number of Filipinos are seeking job opportunities outside the Philippines. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) have to make a lot of preparations to work and a PEOS certificate is one of the required documents. This passage will introduce what is PEOS certificate, how to get it, and other frequently asked questions.
What Is PEOS Certificate?
PEOS, meaning Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS), is an online seminar for Filipino domestic helpers introduced by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). It includes 8 modules and there is a test at the end of each module. All OFWs must attend the seminar, pass the test, and obtain a PEOS Certificate before registering with domestic helper agencies. The certificate, serving as proof of completing the PEOS seminar, is a mandatory document to find a job outside the Philippines.
Who Is Required to Get a PEOS Certificate?
Filipinos who wish to work abroad must attend the Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar and get a PEOS certificate, especially first-time land-based overseas job seekers outside the Philippines and newly-hired Filipinos who haven’t registered for being employed with POEA. Moreover, all Filipinos are eligible to get the PEOS certificate, so individuals can apply for it whenever they want even if they currently do not plan to work abroad.
Why Do I Need a PEOS Certificate?
Getting a PEOS certificate is the primary step to finding a job in a foreign country. With this mandatory document, you can apply for an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) from the POEA to work abroad whether as a domestic worker, professional worker, or skilled worker. The PEOS certificate proves that you have fulfilled the seminar that introduces the current situation of overseas work, general concerns, and laws and regulations about working abroad.
How to Get a PEOS Certificate Online
The seminar is held online. Upcoming OFWs must complete the following procedures to obtain a PEOS certificate. Make sure to work under a stable network and provide accurate information.
Create an E-registration Account
If you already have a PEOS account, please skip this section and log in. New users must finish the PEOS registration through the steps below before taking the lessons.
- Visit the PEOS Online Service Portal. Click on the “Let’s Go” button and then the “Register” hyperlink.
- Read the instructions and provide the required information, including name, gender, email, and birth date. Click on the “Register” button and confirm what you have filled.
- Receive a confirmation email and activate your account. Note down the e-registration number which is used for login.
- Provide the required information on the right, including name, birthday, intent, gender, current location, specialization, email, and password. Check the box next to the Privacy Policy notification and read the statement in the pop-up window. Click on the “Register” at the end.
- Receive a confirmation email and note down the e-registration number which is used for login.
Take Learning Modules
- Go back to the homepage of PEOS Online portal after PEOS online registration. Log in with your e-registration number and name. Choose whether you are working as a “professional and skilled worker” (such as a technician, manager, etc.) or a “domestic worker” (such as caregiving, housekeeping, etc.)
- Read the general introduction of the 8 modules on the left. Click on the Module 1 on the right to start learning. Please note that the following modules will not be available unless you finish the previous one.
- You can watch the video or read the presentation slides. Try to take notes because you will have a test later.
- Click on the “Let’s do a review” button at the end to take a module assessment test.
- Study all modules one by one. Only when you have answered at least 3 out of 5 questions correctly for each module will you pass the exam.
Print out the POES Certificate
After finishing the 8 modules, the test result page will display. If you pass the test, a digital certificate of completion will be generated immediately. Please click on the “Print Certificate” next to the congratulatory message and click on “Print”. On top of the document are your PEOS certificate ID, name, date of completion, and the official statement. You should print it out and submit it to POEA or a recruitment agency to find a job.
How Many PEOS Modules Are There?
Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar includes 8 models that talk about the basic knowledge about working abroad. Each of them contains a teaching video, a slide presentation, and an assessment test with 5 questions. Here are specific introductions.
- Module 1: PRICEST
It introduces general concerns about overseas work. PRICEST is a combination of the initial of the 7 topics, including P for “physical mobility”, R for “relationships”, I for “income & expenses”, C for “career movement & direction”, E for “environment”, S for “skill set”, and T for “time”.
- Module 2: Job Search
You will find where to look for jobs abroad, what documents to prepare, and how to apply for an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).
- Module 3: Forewarned, Forearmed
It contains common forms of illegal recruitment and employment, aiming to guide Filipinos to abide by the domestic and local laws while working abroad.
- Module 4: The Price Is Right
It lists all fees before departure, including placement fees charged by recruitment agencies and fees mandated by the government.
- Module 5: Seal the Deal
You will learn about the minimum provisions that should be listed in an overseas employment contract which helps to protect your basic rights and interests.
- Module 6: Country Information
It introduces general information about the countries that offer job opportunities for OFWs, which helps you to adapt to and assimilate into the community, such as climate, currency, religion, distinctive culture, and so on.
- Module 7: Healthy & Safe
It reminds OFWs of any possible security and health issues in a foreign country.
- Module 8: DMW Cares
There is a directory of the branches and extension units of The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) that provides assistance for OFWs and their families.
How Much Does the PEOS Certificate Cost?
It is free of charge to get a PEOS certificate, but you have to pay for printing it out. The digital certificate will be issued as long you attend the Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar and pass the exam.
How Long Does It Take to Get a PEOS Certificate?
It takes about 7 minutes to finish a module, including watching the video/slides and taking the test. You just need to spare about one hour to get a PEOS certificate. If you want to take a break during this process, just leave and the system will mark your progress.
What’s the PEOS Certificate Validity
There is no PEOS expiration for the certificate and it will remain valid for a lifetime. You are allowed to retake the seminar to learn about any significant changes or review the knowledge.
FAQ
Is PEOS and POEA the same?
No. PEOS refers to the Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar while POEA indicates the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration. PEOS is a program launched by POEA.
Can I skip the PEOS?
No, if you are a first-time OFW, otherwise, you will not be eligible for overseas employment processing.
Can I obtain a PEOS certificate if I’m not planning to work abroad?
Yes. All Filipinos can get the certificate after passing the test.
Am I allowed to retake the assessment tests if I don’t pass?
Yes. You can try multiple times until you pass it.
How do I submit my PEOS certificate to the POEA?
Please print it out and send a copy to POEA by mail or in person.
Is the PEOS certificate valid for all countries?
Yes. The certificate is acceptable in any country that provides overseas employment.
What should I do if I lose my PEOS certificate?
You can log in to the POEA online portal and download it again.
Where can I find more information about the PEOS certificate?
Please contact the PEOA Department of Migrant Workers by email (connect@poea.gov.ph), by phone ()722-11-85), on the official website of POEA, on Facebook, or in person at Blas F. Ople Building, Ortigas Avenue, corner Epifanio de los Santos Ave, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila.
How can I find the PEOS certificate ID?
It is located in the top right corner of the certificate. You can also check it on the POEA online portal.
How can I take the PEOS if I don’t have a computer?
The PEOS registration and online seminar are also available on mobile phones or tablets with internet access.
Summary
First-time overseas Filipino workers might be confused and nervous about working abroad as everything seems new and strange. The mandatory PEOS certificate not only ensures your qualification to get an OEC but also educates you about what will happen. It could be obtained on the official website of PEOA for free. It is suggested to participate in the seminar as early as possible if you plan to work overseas.