PCAB License in the Philippines – Requirements and How to Apply

A PCAB license in the Philippines is your key to legitimacy, credibility, and access to high-value projects within the construction industry. Whether you’re a seasoned contractor or starting fresh, this guide will walk you through the essential requirements and application process, helping you avoid pitfalls and succeed in securing this vital certification. 

Overview of PCAB License in the Philippines

The Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) License is a mandatory certification for all contractors operating in the Philippines. It is to ensure compliance with industry standards for competency, financial stability, and technical expertise. No contractor can engage in business activities without this license.

There are three types of PCAB licenses available:

• Regular License: This license is issued to domestic firms (sole proprietorships, partnerships, or corporations) with at least 60% Filipino equity
• Special License: This license is granted to joint ventures, consortia, or foreign contractors for specific projects
• Pakyaw License: Specifically for small-scale contractors and individuals operating as sole proprietorships

If you are not sure which license is applicable for your intended activities in the Philippines, Emerhub’s local compliance specialists can help you identify all the key requirements for setting up your business.

Mandatory Requirements For Securing A PCAB License in the Philippines

Applicant Eligibility Requirements For Applying For Your PCAB License

To ensure that you are financially stable and well-versed in the construction industry and its safety regulations, you must meet PCAB eligibility criteria. The requirements are as follows:

• Construction Experience: At least 2 years of construction experience demonstrated through your work or a Sustaining Technical Employee (STE). Knowledge of Philippine building codes and labor safety regulations is necessary.
• Business Management Experience: At least 2 years of experience in construction contracting, business management, and contract administration.
• Financial Stability: Demonstrate financial capability with a net worth that meets the minimum requirements for the desired contractor category. This includes having sufficient equity or ownership in the business to ensure contractors possess the resources to undertake projects safely and effectively. The contractor categories and required net worth are:
  • General Engineering: USD 1,000,000
  • General Building: USD 500,000
  • Specialty Contracting: USD 250,000
  • Minor Works: USD 100,000
• Authorized Managing Officer (AMO): If you are not a sole proprietor, you must designate an AMO who meets the same qualifications in terms of experience and knowledge. The AMO must be a resident of the Philippines.
• Age Requirement: For the Regular PCAB License, the minimum age requirement is 25 years old. For the Pakyaw PCAB License, the minimum age is 18 years old.
• Working Visa: Foreigners applying for this license must have a valid working visa. This applies to foreign employees under your companies as well.
• Alien Employment Permit (AEP): This is important for foreigners who intend to work in the Philippines as it authorizes them to engage in gainful employment. However, sponsoring employers must demonstrate that there are no qualified Filipino workers for the position.
• Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR-I): Foreigners must obtain an ACR-I which serves as identification for foreigners residing in the Philippines if they plan to stay more than 59 days.

Required Documents To Apply For A PCAB License

To obtain a PCAB license in the Philippines, you must first register your business name and obtain a DTI Certificate, then obtain a Certificate of Registration (COR) from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). These are legal requirements for all business entities operating in the Philippines. 

Other mandatory certificates include the SSS Registration Certificate, PhilHealth Registration Certificate, and Pag-Ibig Registration Certificate. These certifications are mainly for employee welfare and tax purposes. Additionally, the following documentation is necessary for your PCAB license application:

• Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) or Audited Financial Statement
• Proof of ownership for tangible assets (ex: bank statements, land, or building titles)
• Valid PRC ID and NBI clearance for Sustaining Technical Employees (STE)
• Completion certificates for mandatory seminars (AMO and COSH)

Mandatory Seminars to Attend for A PCAB License

Before you can apply for your PCAB licenses in the Philippines, you must attend two mandatory seminars to fulfill licensing requirements beforehand. It is advisable to register early for these seminars as they are high in demand with a limited slot availability:

• Authorized Managing Officer (AMO) Seminar: Primarily for those who will serve as AMOs, but it is open to others as well. It is a 2-day seminar that covers the legal and regulatory requirements for contractors which include:
  • National Building Code 
  • Labor Code of the Philippines
  • Government Procurement Reform Act
  • Internal Revenue Code
  • Build-Operate-Transfer Law
  • Local Government Code
• Construction Occupational Safety and Health (COSH) Seminar: A 40-hour seminar focusing on the safety practices and regulations in construction to ensure compliance with occupational safety and health standards.

How to Apply For A PCAB License in the Philippines

Our local experts at Emerhub can assist you by registering your company with the local governing units to obtain the mandatory licenses, compile the necessary documents, and liaise with the local officials. We’ll ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements and assist in finding an AMO if you need one.

1. Document Preparation: Make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria and requirements as listed.
2. Register on the PCAB Online Licensing Portal: Fill out all the necessary digital forms on the portal after making an account.
3. Pay Application Fees:  This can be done online or physically at CIAP offices. For online transactions, proof of payment must be uploaded on the portal.
4. Submit Application: After submission, wait for it to be processed. 
5. Approval Notification: Upon approval, you will be notified. Download and print the PCAB license for safekeeping.

Interested in applying for a PCAB license? Our Emerhub team experts can advise and help you in the process. Fill out the form below and a member of our team will get in touch.