Self-Directed Learning for CPD in the Philippines

A 2026 Guide to PRC Self-Directed Learning under Resolution No. 2165


Need CPD but find it difficult to attend training at fixed dates and times?

Self-Directed Learning (SDL) gives professionals another recognized pathway for earning Continuing Professional Development credit units.

Under PRC Resolution No. 2165 (s. 2026), the Professional Regulation Commission strengthened its framework for recognizing, validating, and accrediting learning gained through Self-Directed Learning, Professional Work Experience, and Informal Learning.

The Resolution took effect on May 10, 2026. PRC says the revised framework broadens the ways professionals can earn CPD credit units beyond sole reliance on accredited seminars and formal programs




PRC Has Deliberately Strengthened the Framework for Self-Directed Learning

One of the most common concerns we hear is:

“Wouldn't it be safer to attend an accredited webinar instead?”

Live accredited CPD and Self-Directed Learning follow different pathways, but SDL is expressly recognized within the PRC's CPD framework.

PRC Resolution No. 2165 establishes revised guidelines for the Recognition, Validation, and Accreditation (RVA) of learning obtained through:

Self-Directed Learning (SDL) • Professional Work Experience (PWE) • Informal Learning (IL)

PRC describes the revised framework as a move away from sole reliance on attendance at accredited seminars and formal programs. 

Why Did PRC Strengthen Self-Directed Learning?

Because traditional CPD does not work equally well for every professional.

PRC developed the revised guidelines partly in response to concerns professionals raised about:

Affordability

The cost of attending multiple training programs can become significant, particularly when professionals need substantial numbers of CPD units affordability, accessibility, availability and appropriateness of CPD.

PRC's stated objective is to expand compliance options beyond singular reliance on accredited CPD programs by creating mechanisms for recognizing other valid forms of professional learning. Its 2026 rollout specifically highlighted concerns about registration costs and travel to major cities.

In simple terms:

Self-Directed Learning isn't a loophole around the CPD system.

It is one of the additional learning pathways PRC deliberately strengthened to make CPD more affordable, accessible, available, and appropriate for professionals.



PRC has strengthened and expanded the SDL pathway to address the concerns of Filipino professionals.

  • Affordability

    Reduced seminar, transportation, accommodation and missed working hour costs

  • Accessibility

    Professional learning that can reach people regardless of location

  • Availability

    More ways to earn CPD when scheduled programs do not fit

  • Appropriateness

    Learning options that better match a professional’s actual needs, work circumstances, and development goals.


What Is Self-Directed Learning?

Self-Directed Learning covers professional learning activities undertaken outside the traditional pre-accredited CPD-program pathway.

Historically, PRC examples have included activities such as online training, non-degree courses, local or international seminars, and institution- or company-sponsored learning that were not themselves accredited beforehand as CPD programs but could be submitted by the individual professional for CPD credit.

Under the revised 2026 framework, the focus is increasingly on the learning outcomes actually achieved and the evidence supporting those outcomes. PRC describes SDL, Professional Work Experience, and Informal Learning as valid, quality-assured sources of CPD credits under the RVA framework.


Live Accredited CPD or Self-Directed Learning?

Both have a place. The better fit depends on your schedule.

Live Accredited CPD may suit you if:

You prefer scheduled seminars or webinars, can reserve specific dates and times, and want to complete learning through programs accredited before they are conducted.

Self-Directed Learning may suit you if:

You need asynchronous learning, want to study outside normal working hours, prefer being able to pause and replay training, work overseas or across time zones, or have an unpredictable professional schedule.

The basic difference

Live accredited CPD:
The program determines when you learn.

Self-Directed Learning:
You have substantially more control over when you learn, while the resulting learning is submitted through the applicable PRC recognition and crediting process.


Why Professionals Choose Self-Paced CPD

With scheduled training, professionals may need to search for several programs, compare dates and topics, register separately, block out their calendars, and satisfy the attendance requirements of each individual activity.

With UpCredential's self-paced training, you can instead:

  • choose from organized CPD bundles or create a custom learning bundle;
  • access prerecorded modules according to your own schedule;
  • pause, replay, and review lectures;
  • download reference materials;
  • receive certificates and supporting program documents;
  • use the UpCredential CPD Tool to help organize your documentary requirements; and
  • receive guidance while preparing your SDL submission.


Spend less time arranging your life around CPD—and more time actually learning.





What you get with every CPD module or bundle

  • Self-paced Training

    Start, pause, resume, replay modules anytime, 24/7, from any mobile device.

  • Multiple-Purpose Certificates

    Certificates generated at the end of each module may be used for CPA license renewal, BOA, SEC, BIR and ASEAN CPA requirements.

  • Downloadable Reference Materials

    Download reading materials and handouts from each module.

  • Standard One Year Access

    Complete your CPD training within a few days or spread it over one year - as you prefer.

  • Complete PRC Requirements

    Download the PRC form, Certificates, Program of Activities and other documents from your module.

  • Fast Processing

    Complete SDL applications submitted through CPDAS have a prescribed processing period of 15 working days upon forwarding to the CPD Council.

UpCredential's Self-paced CPD Bundles

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Important 2026 Implementation Note

Resolution No. 2165 is already in effect.

However, PRC announced in June 2026 that CPDAS is undergoing technical enhancements to fully align the online system with the revised RVA guidelines. PRC stated that nationwide orientations and the IT enhancements would proceed simultaneously, with the enhanced platform targeted to become fully operational before the end of 2026.

For that reason, the exact online filing workflow may evolve as PRC completes implementation of Resolution 2165.

UpCredential will update its guides as PRC releases further instructions and system changes.

Meet the UpCredential CPD Tool

We built a tool specifically for one of the biggest SDL pain points.

Professionals completing several self-paced modules can end up with certificates and other supporting docs that must be organized for submission. The UpCredential CPD Tool helps prepare and organize these requirements through a guided workflow.
Check out CPD Tool