Whether you intend to work as a Domestic Worker or a Professional/Skilled Worker, a Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS) Certificate is a necessary requirement that you need to be able to acquire an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) from the Department of Migrant Workers Office (DMW) (previously Philippine Overseas Employment Agency – POEA). It was meant to prepare OFWs or would-be OFWs for their foreign employment before they are allowed to go.
Also Read: OWWA Pre-Departure Education Program
That said, it is fair to claim that securing the Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS) Certificate is the first step to becoming an OFW and work abroad. It helps aspiring OFWs understand their rights and obligations, and avoid problems concerning employment fraud and employment contracts, among others. In this guide, you can learn more about the process and guidelines for getting a PEOS certificate—including the registration, requirements, and everything else you need to know about taking this online program.
What is PEOS?
The Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS) is the first step towards applying for a job abroad and becoming an OFW. It is an online orientation-seminar designed to help aspiring OFWs completely understand what they’re signing up for by working abroad. It is given in eight different modules, all of which covers information related to working overseas. From physical mobility, relationships, income and expenses to the basic employee rights and obligations, common employment frauds, employment contracts, and job matching, PEOS is designed such that the attending OFW will have a complete and thorough understanding of what lies ahead when they leave the country.
As an online welfare intervention initiative offered by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), formerly known as the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA), PEOS is offered through collaboration with PEOS provider, including Jobstreet.com and WorkAbroad.ph. To this date, the PEOS remains the government’s primary strategy to prevent illegal recruitment.
Though the POEA recommends the topics, the providers are also allowed to add their own topics as they see fit as long as it will help the attendees become proper and confident OFWs.
What is a PEOS Certificate?
A PEOS certificate is a document that proves that a Filipino worker who intends to work abroad has completed the Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS), a free online educational program mandated by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) that can be taken and completed from anywhere. It also doubles as a useful complementary certificate issued to an OFW who completed the PEOS and the assessment test that follows.
PEOS Modules
The PEOS seminar has a modular design meant for easy learning. It is divided into eight different modules covering different topics. Each comes with an assessment test that needs to be completed as well. The PEOS modules are as follows:
Pricest
It covers topics such as physical mobility, relationships, income, cost, expenses, skillset, and time when working overseas. It also include important information on job advancement and direction and work environment.
Job Search
This module offers detailed information on the different overseas employment application channels, as well as the significance of the paperwork requirements, including the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).
Forewarned, Forearmed
This module highlights the tell-tale signs of fraud and the many types of illegal recruitment as well as the tips on how to avoid them.
The Price is Right
This includes a list of all the fees you can expect prior to departure, including the placement fee rulings and the government-imposed fees.
Seal the deal
This module contains a list of all the minimal provisions that any normal foreign employment contract must include.
Country Information
This module gives information on the different countries where job options for OFWs are plentiful.
Healthy & Safe
This document contains information on the biggest security and health threats that OFWs must prepare for.
POEA Cares
This module lists all the regional offices and extension units of the POEA so OFWs will know who to reach out to.
Purpose of the PEOS Certificate
The PEOS and the PEOS certificate are created with one goal in mind: To educate OFWs so they are well-equipped with enough information on OFW jobs and working conditions abroad before they leave. As a comprehensive client-specific, self-instructional and computer-based education program, this will ensure that everything goes well for them, especially when it comes to their legal papers and documents as it was and has always been meant to strengthen the government’s anti-Illegal recruitment campaign.
Benefits of PEOS and the PEOS Certificate
PEOS and PEOS certificates were created as part of the government’s efforts in protecting the welfare of the OFWs and helping them avoid illegal recruiters. It was designed to help them prepare for traveling abroad to work.
Some of the benefits that OFWs can get from completing the PEOS are as follows:
- It satisfies the government’s requirement so the person interested in becoming OFW can leave the country as a well-informed individual.
- The PEOS certificate has no expiration date and is a good certification to have for life.
- The seminar gives additional knowledge and is free of charge.
- The seminar is modular so the information on the visa application process, embassy protocols, pre-departure orientation, contract signing, airport procedures, and living in the host country are easier to remember.
- It helps aspiring OFWs have a better understanding of how it is like to work in another country.
- It teaches OFWs about their rights and obligations as defined by the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995.
If you are to go abroad for work, having a PEOS certificate proves that you are equipped with all the information and knowledge you need about the benefits and costs of working overseas. It will not only help you make better decisions, but it will also prepare you for legally living and working overseas.
Qualifications
All Filipinos who wish to work overseas in another country can register for and participate in the Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS) online to acquire a PEOS certificate. It is, however, a mandatory pre-application requirement for the following:
- Filipino workers seeking to land a land-based overseas work for the first time; and
- Newly-hired OFWs who have no prior record of deployment in POEA DMW.
Requirements
Before attending the PEOS online, you must first ensure that the following:
- Password and POEA eRegistration Number
- First Name and Last Name registered on the eRegistration.
- Any personal computer, tablet or smartphone
- Stable Internet connection
Getting a PEOS Certificate
Aspiring OFWs, whether those who intend to be a Domestic Worker or a Profession/Skilled Worker, will need a PEOS Certificate in order to secure an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) from the POEA DMW.
To learn how, listed below are the steps to register for an online Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS) and secure a PEOS certificate:
- Create an account with the POEA DMW Online Service Portal via this link: https://onlineservices.dmw.gov.ph/OnlineServices/Public/CreateAccount.aspx.
Once you have a POEA account and an eRegistration Number, you may follow these steps to register for PEOS online and get a PEOS certificate:
- Visit Go to https://peos.dmw.gov.ph/# to access the PEOS website.
- Key in the following required information:
- POEA eRegistration number,
- First and last names
- Module type:
- Professional/Skilled Worker
- Household Worker
- Click “Proceed.”
- You will be directed to the eight (8) modules.
- Revise and take the Modular Assessment Test before moving on to the next module.
Note: You may click “Check your Answer” to check if you answered all five questions correctly.
- After completing the last module, you’ll get a congratulatory message that reads, “Congratulations on completing the PEOS Online!”
- You may now download a copy of your PEOS certificate.
Note: You should receive an email with the modular test results along with the PEOS Certificate of Completion.
Printing your PEOS Certificate
Once you complete the PEOS, you may already secure your PEOS certificate. To generate, download, and print your PEOS certificate, simply follow these steps below:
- Once you see the congratulatory message, click “Print Certificate” beside the congratulatory message.
- Select “Print” from the drop-down menu.
Note: You may now keep your PEOS certificate for when you apply for work in another country or save it on cloud storage for future use.
Important Reminders
When processing your Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS) Certificate, here are some things that you will need to remember:
- The online version of the seminar is self-paced and free of charge.
- It usually takes about seven (7) minutes to complete a module and the five (5) questions in the assessment portion.
- PEOS, though online, can also be accessed via the PEOS website in any of the following facilities:
- Any personal computer, tablet or smartphone.
- 2nd Flr., PEOS Online Hub at POEA Central Office
- Licensed Recruitment Agencies
- POEA Regional Offices
- Local Government Units
- Employment Service Offices
- POEA private-partners
- When printing the PEOS certificate, make sure it reflects the barcode with your name, the date of completion of the PEOS, and the PEOS number.
- Only with a PEOS Certificate can you apply for an OEC which is required for employment applications and departure.
Video: How to Get PEOS Certificate Using your Mobile Phone
PEOS certificate applications can be done using numerous devices—the most accessible of which is via smartphones.
To help you out, check out Oragon Proud’s video guide below for tips and step-by-step tutorials on how to earn a POEA certificate using your smartphone:
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have other questions regarding securing a PEOS certificate, here’s a list of frequently asked questions and answers to help you:
1. What is PEOS?
PEOS is a public awareness program initiated by POEA DMW in an effort to educate aspiring OFWs on the reality of international migration and mitigate the incidence of illegal recruitment and overseas employment scams.
2. How long is the validity period of a PEOS certificate?
The PEOS certificate does not have an expiration date. That said, you only need to complete it once and you will have a valid PEOS certificate for life.
3. Is it possible to make corrections for errors on my PEOS certificate?
Yes, but you won’t be able to make the change yourself. You will have to request for the change through your registered agency or you may also seek help from POEA DMW directly via the POEA DMW Helpdesk.
4. Is it okay to use my previous PEOS certificate?
Yes, since PEOS has a lifetime validity, you may use your PEOS certificate multiple times, except when you apply for different module types.
5. I took the PEOS online course twice: once for household workers and once for skilled workers. Will it cause any problems?
No. There’s no restrictions when choosing the module types or taking PEOS so there shouldn’t be any problems. Just make sure you submit only the required certificate depending on the job you’re applying for.
6. Can I get a PEOS certificate even if I have no plans to travel abroad for work?
Yes, it is okay to take the PEOS and secure a PEOS certificate even if you have no plans of traveling for work overseas.
7. Where can I find the PEOS number on my PEOS certificate?
If you need your PEOS number, then you should look at the PEOS certificate. You should find it on the opposite side of the POEA logo, on top of the certificate and near the barcode.
8. Is PEOS mandatory?
Yes, it is required if you are an OFW or an aspiring OFW. Not only is it valued for its role in mitigating illegal recruitment, it is also important as it helps OFWs acquire all the information they will need so they can understand and adjust to how OFWs work in other countries.
9. How do I get a hard copy of the PEOS modules and my PEOS certificate?
It is possible to print both the PEOS modules and PEOS certificates. You simply need to prepare the requirements and log into the PEOS account and print directly from there. For the certificate, you may even have it saved on cloud for future use.
10. How much does the seminar fee for PEOS cost?
The PEOS seminar, as well as the PEOS certificate, is free of charge for everyone. It’s also self-paced so there is no need to disrupt your regular schedule to complete it.
11. Can I skip the PEOS process and still secure a PEOS certificate?
No. Unfortunately, the only way to secure a PEOS certificate of completion is to complete the orientation-seminar. After all, skipping the seminar means you won’t get to hear about the things you need to know, which defeats the purpose of the seminar itself. Plus, it is a mandatory pre-application requirement so there really is no way around it if you want to work overseas.
12. How long does PEOS take to finish?
The online seminar has eight modules and each module takes approximately seven (7) minutes to complete. This means all eight modules will take approximately 56 minutes to complete.
13. I have a few concerns about getting my PEOS certificate. Whom should I reach out to?
For questions or concerns related to PEOS and getting a PEOS certificate, you may reach out to the DMW via the following contact information:
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) – Welfare Education and Welfare Monitoring Division
Office Address: 2nd Floor, Blas F. Ople Building, Ortigas Ave., Cor. EDSA Ave., Mandaluyong City
Telephone Number: 8-722-11-44 / 8-722-11-55
One Repatriation Center (Hotline): 1348
Email Address: connect@dmw.gov.ph (General Inquiry); repat@dmw.gov.ph (Request for Assistance/Repatriation), assistance@dmw.gov.ph; feedback@dmw.gov.ph (Feedback and Suggestions); wed@dmw.gov.ph
Website: www.dmw.gov.ph/
Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dmw.gov.ph
Official Twitter Page: @DMWPHL
Summary
Completing the Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS) and securing a PEOS certificate are the first steps to becoming an OFW. It is a mandatory process before a Filipino worker is allowed to leave the country for their destination country. Even for returning workers, presenting the PEOS certificate is necessary for acquiring yet another important document—the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).
The process for acquiring a PEOS certificate is simple. You just need to register on the POEA DMW eRegistration Portal Online and the PEOS Online Portal, read through and complete the PEOS modules. You may then download and print the PEOS certificate and use it as needed.
The PEOS was created in an easy-to-understand modular structure that doesn’t take more than an hour to complete. It’s self-paced and completely free to acquire and can be completed using any device or from any of the DMW and affiliated facilities so there really is no reason not to take PEOS and get the PEOS certificate and prepare for travel abroad.
Contact Information
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) – Welfare Education and Welfare Monitoring Division
Office Address: 2nd Floor, Blas F. Ople Building, Ortigas Ave., Cor. EDSA Ave., Mandaluyong City
Telephone Number: 8-722-11-44 / 8-722-11-55
One Repatriation Center (Hotline): 1348
Email Address: connect@dmw.gov.ph (General Inquiry); repat@dmw.gov.ph (Request for Assistance/Repatriation), assistance@dmw.gov.ph; feedback@dmw.gov.ph (Feedback and Suggestions); wed@dmw.gov.ph
Website: www.dmw.gov.ph/
Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dmw.gov.ph
Official Twitter Page: @DMWPHL
