Wondering How To Get The PEOS Certificate? Secure It In 3 Easy Steps!

If you are planning to work abroad, a passport and a guarantee to work are not the only requirements you need. According to The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), an up-and-coming OFW should also be able to secure a critical document – the PEOS certificate.

But how does one go about securing it? Before we get into the details, we look at its purpose. How does it benefit and serve the lives of fellow workers abroad like yourself?

An even bigger question poses for us. How big of a problem is illegal recruitment in the Philippines?

What is illegal recruitment?

Sadly, this type of illicit affair still exists today. In recent times, the amount of illegally recruited Filipinos averaged near 2,000 cases. Examples of such include:

• Employment advertisements that are classist, racist, or is against diversity of any sort
• Handlers that request (sometimes exorbitant) placement fees that must be paid in advance
• A call for recruitment from an unverified source, or non-licensed holders
• A reliance on word-of-mouth recruitment without a proper follow-through
• Human trafficking, syndicate work, and criminal tasks

Not only do Filipinos suffer under the hands of crooks posing as employers, their finances are compromised as well. A Republic Act combats in response to this. R.A. 8042, or the Migrant Workers Act, prohibits all these acts from taking place. The process of PEOS finds its purpose in countering these things, to put formality for the benefit of Philippine migrants.

What is a PEOS certificate?

Also known as a Pre-Employment Orientation seminar, the PEOS was an initial step for OFWs to undergo prior to taking off. But what started as a welfare initiative for Filipinos working abroad has evolved into a more purposeful action point. The event also thwarted the efforts of illegal recruiters to thrive.

In its early years, the session took place in its 16 training venues nationwide. Since then, it has adapted into an e-seminar for the convenience of professionals who find it difficult to physically attend.

Spearheaded by JobStreet in partnership with DOLE/POEA, the digitalization of the seminar breaks down the process duration in half. On top of that, all the materials and learning tools are easily found on the portal. It saves you time from searching and scouring the web for answers.

Why should you take the PEOS online?

Aside from saving money on transport, taking the seminar from the comforts of your home ensures safety and convenience. Training modules and presentation slides comprise the session, encouraging a self-learning motivation for the professionals.

So where do you begin? Log on to the site and accomplish the seminar in three easy steps. If you are a JobStreet member, you can use your existing profile details to enter the platform.

When on the site, a log-on prompt welcomes you. If you do not have an account yet, it will prompt you to register for free. When logging on, you have a choice to pick depending on the purpose of your work abroad. Choose your module type – household worker or professional worker.

Once you have accomplished this step, how do you go about securing the certificate? Here is how!

1. Navigate and accomplish the modules.

When you have successfully logged on, you can see the eight training modules you have to take. The topics usually revolve around the reality of working abroad, and culminates with an exam. On average, each module takes around less than 10 minutes to complete.

What are the programs up for review? They are the following:

• Country Information. It helps you get to know more about the destination you are headed to.
• Job Search. This module contains specific information about overseas job applications, the purpose of a PEOS certificate, and the like.
• Forewarned, forearmed. Find out about the cons of illegal recruitment and the consequences that come about if you find yourself roped into such a scheme.
• Healthy & Safe. OFWs can acquire health risks too while they are away. This session shares about identifying these kinds of factors and how to better care for yourself.
• The Price Is Right. How much do you have to allocate for government mandated fees? This contains a list of required costs like pre-departure, placement, and other relevant items to consider and budget for.
• Seal the deal. Read your employment contract right by keeping in mind the basic provisions that need to go in that document.
• DMW Cares. The department shares its contact details of its venues across the nation.
• Pricest. How do you live abroad? We take a look at such concerns such as mobility, relationships, career movement, and skill set development.

2. Test your knowledge and comprehension.

In order to find out if you have mastered the module you are working on, a test follows. Known as the Modular Assessment Test, you must be able to pass it before moving on to the next training session. Securing all passing marks from the modules can help you gain a certificate of completion.

3. Receive your certificate!

Once you have completed all modules and passed their respective exams, it is time to check your email. Professionals who have accomplished the first two steps will receive an e-notification and copy of their test results. A Certification of Completion then follows. After receipt, you can print out a copy and send it directly to POEA.

A big question most professionals ask is if the PEOS certification expires. The answer to that is a hard no. Once you have this type of document with you, you have it for life.

What are the plans for OFWs moving forward?

In an interview with Rappler, incoming Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) secretary Susan “Toots” Ople lays down the plans for her term. She shares that her top marching orders include improving dissemination of OFW policies and programs for left-behind families.

Other plans include ensuring blacklisted recruiters no longer have opportunities to enter the market anymore. On top of these, she commits to streamlining procedures for better applications moving forward. Part of this promise includes the digitalization of PEOS certifications.

She says that the certificates are wear-and-tear, which could compromise the legality of OFWs should they need to show proof. “There has to be a better way,” she quips. Though the plans have not yet been concretized, e-versions of these documents are a priority.

But in order to bring her plans to fruition, she would need an audience with OFWs to get to know their concerns more. As a long time advocate, she believes consulting them first will help her get to these root causes faster and further. Town hall meetings with them will start around August or September 2022 to kick things off.

Achieving your dream abroad does not have to be difficult if you prepare ahead of time. Securing your certificate online can be done fast. Make sure you allot a space in your schedule for this so you will have a hassle-free experience. Good luck!

It’s time to kickstart your career so #LetsGetToWork! But before anything else, make sure you take a look at our comprehensive Career Tools to ensure you get the help you need.

Wish to have an easier time signing up for the POES online? Register and update your profile then search jobs on our website or download the JobStreet app on the App Store or Google Play.

Visit our Career Advice for more expert advice on developing a rewarding career.