As a registered nurse in Philippines, you must renew your PRC ID, or Professional Identification Card, before it expires to continue practicing legitimately. In the Philippines, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) offers a convenient online option for license application and renewal. If you're thinking about renewing your professional nursing license soon, here's everything you need to know.

The PRC Online Renewal Service

On September 1, 2018, all PRC regional branches and satellite offices began fully using this online renewal method. One-Stop Service Centers for OFWs (OSSCO) / service centers are included in this category. For the renewal of your Nursing PRC ID card, this new method allows for online application, appointment, and payment.

Whether you are in the Philippines or working as an OFW abroad, you can use the PRC online renewal service twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week. All you need is a laptop or desktop computer with an internet connection and an installed web browser that the commission recommends. You may need an existing bank account that may transfer funds to any of the PRC's approved payment facilities, depending on your payment options.

CPD Units For Nurses
The CPD bill mandates that professionals participate in additional formal and informal learning opportunities. Before they can renew their license, they must get a certain amount of CPD units.

According to the Professional Regulation Commission, nurses will only need 15 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units in the three-year renewal term beginning March 1, 2019. That only equates to 5 units per year.

CPD Transition

PRC allows professionals to comply with unit requirements during a "transition period." During this moment of transition, the following must be observed:

• The CPD requirement does not apply to OFWs.
• For the first renewal cycle following earning their license, newly licensed professionals are not subject to the CPD requirement.
• As required by applicable regulations, the various CPD Councils shall reduce the required CPD credit units to a minimum of 15, with a maximum of 15.

CPD Flexibility - 2021
PRC still has a lot of leeway when it comes to implementing the CPD requirement. It permits you to renew your license or Professional Identification Card (PIC) even if you haven't completed all of the requirements. Yes, nurses who do not have or do not have access to CPD units can renew their license cards until December 31, 2021.

Steps On How To Renew Your License

1.Visit the Professional Regulation Commission's official website (www.prc.gov.ph). Go to the homepage's middle left section. "Registration eServices" will appear. To be directed to PRC LERIS, a new web page, select "ID Renewal" from the drop-down menu and click the link https://online.prc.gov.ph/.

2. Prepare the following requirements:

• valid email address
• valid cell phone number
• be ready to answer personal information such as your date of graduation, spouse's name, mother's name, father's name, and both parents' citizenship.
• Prepare a white background JPEG format (soft copy) photo ID that was shot no more than 6 months before your PRC ID renewal application. The applicant in the photo must be properly attired. In the ID photo, it is recommended that you wear a good blouse or polo with a collar.

3. In the Transactions drop-down menu, select Renewal.
You must choose the type of transaction you wish to process in this section. Exam, Initial Registration, Renewal, Duplicate, and Certification are the five options available. Choose the "RENEWAL" tab if you want to renew your PRC ID License. Select a profession and enter your PRC License Number. To avoid mistakes, double-check the details and then "PROCEED."

4. Making an Appointment and Choosing a PRC Office
You must choose the PRC regional office/satellite offices where you will submit your printed/photocopied documents in this section. In addition, you will pick up your newly issued PRC License ID card at your designated branch office. The computer will usually assign you the scheduled day and time, but you will be offered a one-time opportunity to reschedule your appointment.

REMEMBER: Appointment slots are free, so avoid "fixers" who offer to conduct business with the Professional Regulation Commission on your behalf.

5. Select Your Payment Options
The itemized cost will be displayed after selecting the PRC Regional Office. You have four (4) payment methods to choose from. These are the following:

• PRC-Over-the-Counter Cashier
• GCash / Bancnet / Landbank ePayment
• Connect with United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB).
• PRC internet services allow payments using PayMaya utilizing JCB, Visa, Mastercard debit and credit cards, as well as a PayMaya account

6. Print And Bring Your Documents On Your Renewal Schedule Date
The "APPLICATION FOR PROFESSIONAL IDENTIFICATION CARD (PIC) form" that you are going to print must be brought and submitted with other required documents, such as the appropriate Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units documentation, to the PRC regional office of your choice.

7. To submit all requirements, go to the PRC regional office or service center on the arranged appointment day and time. Also, to get your PRC License ID card renewed.

In light of the current COVID-19 danger, as well as the lockdown and quarantine restrictions in place in some parts of the country, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) now offers an easy online option for license application and renewal. If you follow the instructions above, you should be able to renew your license without difficulty.