Qualified Filipino workers in Kuwait can take TESDA’s Overseas Assessment Program (OAP) on October 23 to 25, 2026, to earn a National Certificate (NC) or Certificate of Competency (COC) without returning to the Philippines, but only 30 slots are open and OFWs must sign up through two online forms posted by the OWWA OWO-Kuwait.
The program was designed to bring TESDA assessments to OFWs in their country of work. According to reports from TESDA, around 9,330 OFWs have been assessed under it and 8,027 certified, an 86.03% success rate. This year, they promised to assess another 2,510 OFWs in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Singapore, Italy, and Kuwait. TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez said the goal is to give Filipino workers abroad access to upskilling and certification, without the need to fly home.
Qualifications Up For Assessment
According to the post made by OWWA OWO-Kuwait, the OAP application form there are two assessment titles available during this event:
- Bread and Pastry Production NC II
- Caregiving (Elderly) NC II
Pass and you earn a National Certificate II in bread and pastry production or elderly caregiving without returning to the Philippines. OWWA says both programs are globally recognized and says the OAP will help the workers prove their technical skills. Taking the assessment, according to reports, means practical advantage in terms of promotions, job retention and better-paying work opportunities.
Who Can Apply
According to OWWA, you don’t need to have studied at TESDA to take the assessment. OFWs can apply as long as they have the required experience. The assessment is also free for qualified OFWs, according to OWWA.
The post didn’t specify how much experience counts, and which documents to bring, but according to TESDA’s rules, applicants who haven’t taken a formal training course need at least 12 months of relevant work experience in the skill they want assessed. Whether the same rule applies to this Kuwait round should be confirmed with OWWA.
Requirements
The post did not specify the requirements, either, but TESDA’s general requirements for industry applicants include:
- Proof of work experience: A signed Certificate of Employment or other proof of work history from your employer, showing at least 12 months in the specific skill. Self-employed applicants need a document signed by an official of a relevant government agency.
- Self-Assessment Guide (SAG): The official TESDA form that checks whether you have the required competencies before the test.
- General documents: An application form, passport-size photos with a white background and a valid government-issued ID.
Note: Some high-risk or regulated qualifications may carry mandatory training or stricter compliance rules. Neither qualification in this round has been identified as one, but applicants should ask OWWA Kuwait for confirmation.
How to Register
To join the OAP, you will need to accomplish both forms:
The links are available in the OWWA Kuwait’s official social media post but was also provided above. Make sure to use the original post. Also, slots go on a first-come, first-served basis, and the forms are the only way in.
What We Still Don’t Know
The announcement is still incomplete as it still doesn’t provide the following information:
- Venue
- Available Slots: You will need to check with OWWA if there are still any available slots as they are only opening a limited number for this round
Contact OWWA OWO-Kuwait
For inquiries or other concerns, you may reach out to OWWA OWO-Kuwait via the following:
- Hotline: +965 9403 9063
- Email: kuwait@owwa.gov.ph
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OWWAkuwait