RA 7836: Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act Summary

Last updated: March 2026

Republic Act No. 7836, also known as the "Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act of 1994," is the foundational law governing the teaching profession in the Philippines. Signed into law on December 16, 1994, it established the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), created the Board for Professional Teachers under the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), and set the standards for professional teaching practice in the country.

This law is one of the most frequently tested topics on the LET, particularly in the Professional Education component. Understanding its key provisions is essential for passing the board exam.

Purpose and Declaration of Policy (Section 2)

The State recognizes the vital role of teachers in nation-building and development. RA 7836 was enacted to:

• Promote and improve the social and economic status of public school teachers
• Improve their qualifications through continuing professional education
• Professionalize the practice of teaching by regulating it through licensure examinations
• Strengthen the supervision and regulation of the teaching profession

The Board for Professional Teachers (Sections 4-8)

RA 7836 created the Board for Professional Teachers (BPT) under the Professional Regulation Commission. The Board is composed of:

Qualifications of Board Members (Section 5):

• Must be a natural-born Filipino citizen and a resident of the Philippines
• Must be of good moral character and must not have been convicted of any offense involving moral turpitude
• Must be a holder of a valid certificate of registration and a valid professional license as a professional teacher
• Must have been a professional teacher in actual practice for at least 10 years prior to appointment
• Must hold at least a master's degree in education or its equivalent
• Must not have any pecuniary interest in any school, college, university, or institution

Term of Office: Board members serve a term of three (3) years. They may be reappointed for another term of three years. No person may serve in the Board for more than six (6) years.

Powers and Duties of the Board (Section 7)

The Board for Professional Teachers has the following key powers and duties:

• Administer, implement, and enforce the provisions of RA 7836
• Determine and prepare the contents of the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET)
• Fix the dates and places of examination
• Prescribe and adopt the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers
• Investigate violations of RA 7836, the Code of Ethics, and the rules and regulations
• Suspend or revoke the certificate of registration of professional teachers for causes provided by law
• Issue, suspend, or revoke temporary or special permits
• Adopt an official seal

Licensure Examination for Teachers (Sections 15-19)

RA 7836 requires all persons who wish to practice the teaching profession to take and pass the LET. Key provisions include:

Qualifications for Examination (Section 15)

To be admitted to the LET, a person must:

• Be a citizen of the Philippines
• Be of good moral character
• Be free from any physical or mental defect that will incapacitate the performance of duties
• Hold a bachelor's degree in education, or a bachelor's degree in arts and sciences with at least 18 professional units in education

Examination Subjects (Section 16)

The LET covers three areas:

Passing Grade and Rating (Section 17)

To pass the LET, a candidate must obtain a general average of at least 75% with no rating below 50% in any subject. The Board determines the specific weights for each component.

Registration and Professional License (Sections 20-23)

After passing the LET, the successful examinee is issued a Certificate of Registration and a Professional Identification Card. Important provisions include:

• Registration without examination (Section 20): Teachers who have been in service at the time of the law's effectivity and who meet certain conditions may be registered without examination
• Oath: Every registered professional teacher must take the Professional Teacher's Oath before practicing
• Renewal: Professional licenses must be renewed every three (3) years. Renewal requires compliance with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements

Prohibited Acts and Penalties (Sections 25-27)

RA 7836 prohibits the following acts:

• Practicing the teaching profession without a valid license or special/temporary permit
• Impersonating a licensed professional teacher
• Using a revoked, suspended, or expired license
• Giving false evidence in obtaining a license
• Any fraud or deceit in connection with the licensure examination

Penalties: Violations are punishable by a fine of not less than Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000) nor more than Twenty Thousand Pesos (P20,000), or imprisonment of not less than six (6) months nor more than five (5) years, or both, at the discretion of the court.

Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers

Section 26 of RA 7836 mandates the Board to adopt a Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers. The Code was adopted through Board Resolution No. 435, Series of 1997. It sets the ethical standards and behavior expected of professional teachers in the Philippines.

The Code of Ethics covers the teacher's obligations and duties in relation to:

Key Points for the LET Exam

When studying RA 7836 for the LET, focus on these frequently tested areas:

1. Board composition: The Board has a Chairperson and two members, all appointed by the President.
2. Board member qualifications: Must have 10 years of teaching experience and at least a master's degree.
3. Term of office: 3 years, reappointable once (maximum 6 years).
4. LET passing grade: 75% general weighted average.
5. Eligibility: Education graduates or those with at least 18 units of professional education.
6. License renewal: Every 3 years with CPD compliance.
7. Code of Ethics articles: Know the duties of teachers to community, profession, learners, and parents.
8. Penalties: Fine of P5,000-P20,000 or imprisonment of 6 months to 5 years for violations.