How to Renew Your Philippine Nursing License While Overseas?

(Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes)

As an overseas Filipino nurse, keeping your Philippine nursing license up-to-date is essential even when working abroad. However, meeting the required CPD units for nurses set by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) can take time and effort. 

The good news is that the PRC offers overseas nurses more flexibility by allowing alternate documents instead of mandatory seminar certificates. Hence, it simplifies the license renewal process for nurses working long shifts under foreign employers.

Exemption for Overseas Filipino Professionals

Under Section 10 of Republic Act No. 10912, overseas Filipino professionals (OFPs) are exempted from submitting Continuing Professional Development (CPD) certificates. Hence, you will be exempted from the renewal requirement if you can show proof of your overseas nurse status.

This exemption provides more options when your nursing license nears expiration while working thousands of miles from home. Therefore, as an OFP, you must submit scanned copies of qualifying documents through PRC’s online renewal facility.

How to Renew a Nursing License? Alternate Documents 

Instead of CPD seminar certificates, the PRC allows OFPs to submit any of the following supporting documents:

a. Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration

b. Passport pages showing your latest visa or work permit

c. Notarized employment contract with an overseas healthcare institution

d. Company ID issued by your foreign employer

e. Residence permit or other equivalent documents validating your overseas stay

If one of those documents is provided, you will fulfill PRC’s renewal documentation requirements as an overseas nurse. Furthermore, this convenience allows you to keep your Filipino nursing license current despite being unable to attend local CPD seminars.

Employment Status is Not an Issue

Another common renewal concern among overseas nurses is they need to have an active nursing job abroad. Thus, how to renew a Philippine nursing license if your employment contract ends or you switch to non-nursing work?

The good news is that your employment status is irrelevant as long as you submit the complete renewal requirements. So, even without an active nursing job, you can still renew your license by providing documents confirming your previous OFP status.

How to Renew a Nursing License? Online CPD Seminars

If your overseas location prevents you from obtaining alternate documents, taking CPD units online is an option. On its website, PRC lists dozens of accredited CPD providers offering virtual seminars and workshops. Moreover, click the link for the accredited providers by PRC.

Many CPD providers cater specifically to overseas professionals by conducting webinar sessions. So, once you browse and select a suitable CPD provider, contact them directly to register for their online programs.

Topics ranging from nursing practice, patient care, and safety to ethics and legal issues typically qualify as CPD units for nurses. Thus, you can earn the 15 units mandated by the PRC for nurse license renewal by taking relevant online seminars.

How to Renew a Nursing License While Overseas

Here are the necessary steps on how to renew a Philippine nursing license while overseas:

1. Preliminary Checks

a. Confirm Expiry Date: Ensure the renewal process starts at least six months before license expiration.

b. Choose Compliance Pathway: Decide between OFP exemption or completing CPD units.

2. Preparation for Renewal

a. For OFP Exemption: Collect Necessary Documents: Gather employment contracts, overseas work certificates, and PRC-approved certifications.

b. Completing CPD:

• Explore Accredited Online Seminars: Select relevant seminars aligned with your nursing specialty.

• Complete and Document CPD: Gather completion certificates or documentation for proof.

3. Application Submission

a. Access Online Renewal System: Familiarize yourself with the PRC Online Renewal System.

b. Scan and Upload Documents: Ensure compliance with the required format and size.

c. Pay Renewal Fees: Complete payment through available online channels.

4. Receiving Renewed License

a. Monitor Application Status: Keep track of updates via the online portal.

b. Download Digital License: Upon approval, retrieve the renewed nursing license in PDF format.

5. Additional Tips:

a. Start Early: Allow ample time for document collection, CPD completion, and processing by the PRC.

b. Consult PRC Website: Check for updated guidelines, accredited CPD providers, and specific OFP exemption requirements.

c. Seek Assistance: Reach out to the PRC or the nearest Philippine embassy/consulate for guidance during renewal.

Strict Renewal Requirements

If going the CPD route, the PRC strictly requires 15 CPD units for nurses before renewal. Moreover, you cannot renew if your CPD seminar certificates are dated before 2018. That is because certificates should not be over five (5) years old.

The PRC offers multiple renewal options for overseas nurses through flexible requirements. Thus, you can submit alternate documents as an OFP or take accredited CPD seminars online. Furthermore, it allows busy nurses abroad to renew Philippine nursing licenses efficiently.

Need Help? Consult Renewal Experts

Still trying to figure out how to renew your nursing license? Get personalized assistance by consulting our IPASS PRC license renewal experts. We walk you through every step and requirement customized to your situation as an overseas healthcare professional. So, contact us today for reliable renewal services and credentials verification.