Domestic helpers are required to undergo several kinds of training before they could work abroad. One of these is TESDA training and certification. As this has become a mandatory requirement for aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), all first-time applicants who wish to work as a domestic helper in other countries such as Singapore and Hong Kong must undergo this training.
Since foreign domestic workers come from various parts of the world, they also come from various cultures and social and educational backgrounds. The training aims to provide the necessary knowledge and skills for domestic helpers to better understand the nature of their job, the duties they need to perform, and what they can expect in life as an OFW abroad.
Disclaimer: The information published is based on the experience shared by the vlogger/YouTuber. The information provided may change without prior notice and may differ in actual scenarios. Let this article serve as a guide only.
Here is the video guide shared by a Filipina domestic helper in Singapore, Yaya Jhin on YouTube. If you find her tips helpful, you may check out her channel to catch more interesting content about her work and life as an OFW in Singapore.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md3hHwLU6qQ
Household Service Training in TESDA for Domestic Helpers: What You Should Know
The training is particularly important for first-time domestic helpers. Those who have relevant skills and work experiences (or those who have already worked or trained abroad) may not be required to undergo this training anymore.
Filipinos who undergo TESDA training will receive certification for Domestic Work, which is among the primary requirements of agencies and foreign employers who are directly hiring domestic helpers from abroad.
Are the training and certification free?
There is a fee that you need to pay for the training, but this is already included in your agency fee or it may be deducted from your salary once you start working abroad.
According to the TESDA website, the total amount that you need to pay for your assessment is Php 400.00. And once you pass the training and assessment, you will have to pay another Php 100.00 for your certificate. Remember to check with your training center on the exact amount of payment for the training. You may have to prepare a bigger budget for this but you should not pay more than Php 20,000 for everything.
If you fail your assessment, you may have to retrain and retake the test if you wish to push through working as a domestic helper abroad. So you need to take the training seriously and prepare well for the assessment. Otherwise, you will need to pay extra fees until you pass the assessment and get certified.
What are the skills that I can get from the training?
The idea behind the training is to upskill workers so that they can request higher salaries than workers from other countries.
You will learn about workplace communication, professionalism, and health and safety best practices.
You will also learn how to clean the different rooms of a house, wash and iron properly, and how to prepare and serve food.
How Do I Apply for Assessment and Certification – (Regular Qualifications)
After you’ve undergone this training course and are ready for the assessment and certification, you will first need to apply at TESDA following these procedures:
Step 1: Go to any TESDA Accredited Assessment Centers/TESDA District or Provincial Office near your location and apply for assessment. You may check the list of training and assessment centers near you through this link.
Step 2: Submit the following documents:
- Completely filled-out Application Form
- Properly and completely filled-out Self Assessment Guide of your chosen qualification;
- Three (3) pieces of colored and passport size pictures, white background, with collar and with your name written at the back.
Step 3: Pay the Assessment Fee at the Assessment Center Cashier and get the Official Receipt and Admission Slip.
Step 4: Be present at the scheduled date and assigned venue of the assessment indicated in the Admission Slip.
Note: Do not forget to bring your Admission Slip on the day of your assessment.
Step 5: Get the Competency Assessment Result Summary (CARS) at the Assessment Center.
Step 6: Assessment passers must apply for certification at the TESDA District/Provincial Office where the assessment center/venue is under jurisdiction.
Step 7: Assessment passers can claim their National Certificate (NC)/Certificate of Competency (COC) seven (7) working days after the application for the issuance of COC/NC.
The training offered by TESDA is recognized in most parts of the world. Unless specified by your employer or agency, you will need to undergo the Domestic Work Course, and proceed to assessment and certification, so keep in mind the fees that you will need to prepare for this.
And most importantly, focus and do your best to pass the assessment and to get certified in one take, so you can move forward towards your goal of working abroad and securing your family’s future through your work as a domestic helper.
During all these, you should also be on the lookout for unscrupulous training centers and agencies that charge more than they should. To avoid becoming one of their victims, you should also do your research and ask help from TESDA or the local labor office in your city or province.
The road to becoming a domestic helper or an OFW is not easy.
Although some people might think that jobs overseas are more lucrative than what we have back in the Philippines, the truth of the matter is, there are more requirements and sacrifices that you need to make to reach your starting point, which is getting employed abroad.
Have you tried applying for work abroad yet? How was your application experience? Were there training requirements that you had to meet, as well? What are some tips that you can share with other OFWs, especially those who wish to work as a domestic helper in Singapore? Let us know through the comments section below!
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