The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has rolled out free Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital skills courses for Filipinos. These programs come through partnerships with the UNESCO Global Skills Academy, the HP Foundation, and tech leaders like Microsoft.
The courses are completely free, and you earn an official training certificate once you complete them. Whether you want to add AI skills to your resume or shift into a tech-focused role, here’s what you need to know.
Available AI Programs and Certifications
TESDA’s AI offerings range from self-paced online modules to intensive, school-based training. Here are the main programs:
- Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900): An online course hosted on the TESDA Online Program platform. It prepares you for the official Microsoft AI certification and covers Machine Learning (ML) basics, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Computer Vision, and Generative AI.
- AI Prompting for Automation (Level III): A certified competency standard that teaches you how to work with Generative AI tools and build no-code or low-code automation workflows.
- Data Collection and Annotation for Data Science & AI (Level II): A training curriculum focused on gathering, organizing, and labeling the high-quality datasets used to train AI models.
- HP LIFE AI Program Integration: A set of self-paced modules within the e-TESDA system. It explores the practical and responsible use of AI in businesses and modern workplaces.
Training Methods
You can choose the setup that fits your schedule and learning style:
- TESDA Online Program (TOP): Fully remote and self-paced. You can study using a smartphone or computer through the official e-TESDA website or the TESDA Skills Passport Mobile App.
- School-Based Micro-Credentials and Bootcamps: Blended programs that combine online and face-to-face sessions. These hands-on courses run between 120 and 224 hours and are offered through partner networks like STI College and the AMA Education System.
Who Can Apply
The programs are open to a wide range of learners, and you don’t need prior tech experience. Here are the basic requirements:
- Age: Filipino citizens at least 18 years old.
- Education: At least 10 years of basic education, or an Alternative Learning System (ALS) Grade 10 certificate.
- Skills: Basic English communication skills and fundamental computer literacy. No college degree or complex work experience required.
- Priority Groups: Displaced workers, unemployed individuals, out-of-school youth, and returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) get priority for scholarship slots.
How to Enroll
Ready to sign up? Follow these steps through the e-TESDA portal:
- Visit the official e-TESDA Portal.
- Click Create an Account and fill in your registration and profile details.
- Verify your account using the activation link sent to your email.
- Log back in, go to the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) or 21st Century Skills categories, choose your preferred AI course, and click Enroll me.
These free courses give Filipinos a practical way to build AI and digital skills without spending a peso. If you’re considering it, pick the format that works best for you—self-paced online learning or a school-based bootcamp—and check which AI programs match your career goals before enrolling.
