Expanded tertiary education law signed

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act 12124, allowing working professionals with at least five years of experience to earn college degrees without traditional schooling.

Under the newly enacted Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), qualified individuals can obtain academic degrees based on an assessment of their skills, knowledge, and competencies.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) will oversee the program’s implementation, deputizing higher education institutions to offer ETEEAP-accredited degrees. 

The agency will also establish assessment standards and regulate participating schools, granting or revoking their authority to administer the program.

To qualify, applicants must have at least five years of work experience in a field relevant to their chosen degree program.