Professional Check: Validating PRC Licenses of Filipino Professionals

When it comes to hiring or seeking services from professionals, whether in healthcare, engineering, real estate, accounting, or any other industry, one of the most important things to check is their licensing status. A valid PRC license is not just a piece of paper or PVC—it is a guarantee that the holder has met industry standards, undergone rigorous training, and is equipped with the knowledge and skills to do the job right. Thus, it is of utmost importance to verify the credentials of professionals you are working with. 

Whether you’re an employer filling a key position or a consumer seeking expert services, knowing that a professional is properly licensed ensures you’re working with someone qualified and trustworthy. In this article, we’ll dive into professional checks, why they matter, and how the verification process is carried out to protect both businesses and individuals.

What is a Professional Check?

A Professional Check, also known as professional license verification and professional qualification check, is a background check conducted to verify the professional and license details of a candidate or subject, usually an engineer, teacher, accountant, or doctor, through the Licensure Examination and Registration System (LERIS) of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in the Philippines. 

About the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) is the primary government agency in the Philippines responsible for licensing and regulating the practice of various professions. Established through Presidential Decree (P.D.) 223, the PRC plays a crucial role in ensuring that professionals meet the required standards to practice their respective fields.

To fulfill its mandate, the PRC focuses on two main functions: administering licensure examinations for aspiring professionals and regulating the practice of these professions. It works alongside 46 Professional Regulatory Boards (PRBs) that oversee sectors such as health, business, education, social sciences, engineering, and technology. These PRBs establish ethical standards, ensure regulatory compliance, and accredit the professional organizations representing the professionals within their respective fields.

Purposes of Professional Checks

Conducting professional checks is essential for ensuring that candidates are fully qualified, ethical, and legally authorized to perform their professions. Below are the purposes of professional checks: 

Legitimacy and Credibility

Verifying professional licenses and qualifications ensures that the candidate is truly qualified to perform the job based on professional credentials. This background check helps avoid the risk of hiring someone who might be falsely representing credentials and thus protect the business and its reputation.

Regulatory Compliance

Certain professions, such as healthcare, engineering, and accounting, require specific licenses to practice. Conducting professional checks ensures that the business complies with industry regulations and legal requirements, thus avoiding legal complications and penalties. 

Liability and Risk Reduction

By verifying qualifications and professional standing of applicants through background checks, companies can mitigate the risk of hiring individuals who may have a history of misconduct or unethical behavior and reduce potential legal, financial, and reputational risks.

Hiring Accuracy

Professional checks help hiring managers make informed decisions based on verified information, and this leads to selecting candidates with the right qualifications and experience as required by the positions. 

Public Safety and Trust

In certain fields, such as medicine, law, and engineering, hiring unqualified or improperly licensed professionals can jeopardize public safety. With professional checks, it can be assured that the practitioners are fully capable and trustworthy in performing their duties responsibly. 

Information Verified During Professional Checks

Limited professional details can be verified during a professional check through the PRC LERIS, and these typically include: 

Types of Professional Licenses

License verification confirms the specific profession in which the professional is licensed. It ensures that the candidate holds the necessary credentials to practice in a regulated field. 

Licensing Examination Results

For regulated professions, passing a licensure examination is a key part of obtaining a professional license. Verifying the results of these exams ensures that the applicant has successfully met the required competency standards for their profession.

License Numbers

This provides the unique numerical identifier issued to the professional upon obtaining the license and can further be used for other verification purposes, such as disciplinary history or license renewal status.

How We Conduct Professional Checks

We, at FilePino, verify the authenticity of PRC licenses of Filipino professionals with our reliable professional check service, thus providing assurance and confidence in their employment qualifications. Here’s how we conduct professional checks:  

1. Gathering Documents and Details for Verification

We begin by collecting the necessary documents from the candidate, such as the professional license number or a copy of the PRC ID. For a legally compliant professional check, we obtain a signed authorization letter from the candidate before proceeding with the verification.

2. Searching the Details on PRC LERIS

Next, we access the PRC Licensure Examination and Registration Information System (LERIS) to verify the applicant’s professional details. Using the information provided, we select the appropriate profession from the dropdown menu and verify the details:

• For license number verification, we input the license number and birthdate.
• For name verification, we enter the applicant’s first and last name.
• For scanning the license, we scan the e-PIC with the barcode, ensuring the system reads the data accurately.

3. Documenting the Results and Submitting Reports

Once the verification is complete, we document the findings in a comprehensive report, detailing whether the license is valid, expired, or suspended. We also highlight any relevant records, such as sanctions or violations, if any or if available. The results are then shared with the appropriate stakeholders, like hiring managers or HR teams, to inform their decision-making.