Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board

Program and Services

Contractor's Licensing and Registration

Republic Act No. 4566 as amended by Presidential Decree. No. 1746 provides that no contractor (including sub-contractor and specialty contractor) shall engage in the business of contracting without first having secured a PCAB to conduct business.

Board Members

Officials

Engr. Sergie T. Retome

Acting Executive Director

09178482427

Chief, Monitoring and Enforcement Division

09178482427

Engr. Sergie T. Retome

Chief, Technical and Financial Evaluation Division

09178482427

Mr. Paul Ryan Sting F. Fugen

Chief, Records and Information Division

09178482427

Forms

PCAB – Special License – Consortium (New) – *2018 update

PCAB – Special License – Joint Venture (Renewal) / Consortium (Renewal) – *2018 update

PCAB – Special License – Foreign (New) – *2018 update

PCAB – Special License – Foreign (Renewal) – *2018 update

PCAB – Template for Consortium Agreement

PCAB – Change of Business Name & Status – *2018 update

PCAB – Change of Business Name – *2018 update

PCAB – Change of Authorized Managing Officer – *2018 update

PCAB – Licensing Fee Structure

PCAB – Categorization/Classification Table

Frequently Asked Questions

PCAB Online Licensing Portal (pcab.construction.gov.ph or pcabgovph.com)

WHAT ARE THE APPLICATION TYPES OR SERVICES AVAILABLE? ▾

1. New Regular License plus New Registration for Government Infrastructure Projects (ARCC)

2. Renewal of Regular License plus Renewal of ARCC

3. Upgrading of Category plus Additional-Revision in Classification

4. Standalone New ARCC

5. Standalone Renewal of ARCC

6. Standalone Uprading of Size Range in ARCC plus Additional Project Kind in ARCC

7. New Special License - Joint Venture (Local)

8. Renewal of Special License - Joint Venture (Local)

Printable Instructional Guides can be downloaded here: https://bit.ly/3gsY3tz

WHAT ABOUT OTHER APPLICATION TYPES SUCH AS CHANGE OF AMO? ▾

Application types that are not available at PCAB Online Licensing Portal shall be submitted through e-mail. Online services may be available soon for these, further announcements will be made soon.

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1. DOWNLOAD whole set of application forms at CIAP website, https://www.construction.gov.ph

2. SUBMIT the accomplished application forms together with the supporting documents (compressed in one PDF file) through email (pcab@construction.gov.ph cc: herbertmatienzo@construction.gov.ph and honorioeduardoreyes@construction.gov.ph)

3. RECEIVE an Order of Payment and PAY necessary fees using several payment channels (Cashier-CIAP Makati / Cashier-CIAP Windows / Landbank Linkbiz Portal website / Manager’s Cheque or Cashier’s Cheque payable to “CIAP”) and SUBMIT complete application.

4. VERIFY result of Board Action via e-mail, helpdesk and messenger (Facebook)

5. CLAIM license certificate at PCAB Office or at CIAP Windows or WAIT for the mailed license via courier (Note: A two-way courier pouch must be provided by the applicant for mailing of the license certificate)

WHICH CATEGORIES CAN USE THE NEW ONLINE PORTAL? ▾

The PCAB Online Licensing Portal is available for ALL categories (E/Trade, D, C, B, A, AA, AAA, AAAA).

HOW DO I SIGN UP ON THE PORTAL? ▾

Login at the PCAB Online Licensing Portal website, pcab.construction.gov.ph or pcabgovph.com and click on the sign-up button. It will ask for information of the applicants. Be sure that the name of firm and the e-mail address entered are correct as this cannot be changed after the account has been made.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR NEW REGULAR LICENSE? ▾

You may watch this video tutorial: https://youtu.be/qaZPoYKPlbo

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1. VISIT and REGISTER at the PCAB Online Licensing Portal, https://www.pcab.construction.gov.ph or https://www.pcabgovph.com

2. LOGIN and ACCOMPLISH necessary applicable digital forms. Required supporting documents are indicated on each Tabs/Pages of the respective application.

3. PAY necessary fees using several payment channels (PayMaya+GCash / Cashier-CIAP Makati / Cashier-CIAP Windows / Landbank Linkbiz Portal website / Manager’s Cheque or Cashier’s Cheque payable to “CIAP”) and SUBMIT complete application.

4. TRACK the status and wait for the result through PCAB Portal account.

5. DOWNLOAD and PRINT the digital license certificate from PCAB Portal account.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR RENEWAL OF REGULAR LICENSE? ▾

You may watch this video tutorial: https://youtu.be/j_GqtyKHcPc

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1. VISIT and REGISTER at the PCAB Online Licensing Portal, https://www.pcab.construction.gov.ph or https://www.pcabgovph.com

2. LOGIN and ACCOMPLISH necessary applicable digital forms. Required supporting documents are indicated on each Tabs/Pages of the respective application.

4. TRACK the status and wait for the result through PCAB Portal account.

5. DOWNLOAD and PRINT the digital license certificate from PCAB Portal account.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR NEW/RENEWAL OF GOVERNMENT REGISTRATION OR ARCC? ▾

New/Renewal of ARCC can be filed together with New/Renewal of Regular License simultaneously. If you have missed to apply for New/Renewal of ARCC, it can be filed as standalone after the New/Renewal of Regular License is approved. For standalone New ARCC, you may watch this video tutorial: https://youtu.be/Tt00kXnty8c For standalone Renewal of ARCC, you may watch this video tutorial: https://youtu.be/R7fvoRceJak

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1. VISIT and REGISTER at the PCAB Online Licensing Portal, https://www.pcab.construction.gov.ph or https://www.pcabgovph.com

2. LOGIN and ACCOMPLISH necessary applicable digital forms. Required supporting documents are indicated on each Tabs/Pages of the respective application.

4. TRACK the status and wait for the result through PCAB Portal account.

5. DOWNLOAD and PRINT the digital license certificate from PCAB Portal account.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A NEW/RENEWAL OF SPECIAL LICENSE - JOINT VENTURE (LOCAL)? ▾

For New Joint Venture-Local, you may watch this video tutorial: https://youtu.be/Fe371pgxn0Y

For Renewal of Joint Venture-Local, you may watch this video tutorial: https://youtu.be/2Xi2XWSlFYM . Please take note that All LOCAL JV licenses issued ONLINE since November 20, 2020 can be now RENEWED through the online portal. The service is currently limited to applicants who have applied their JV licenses through the Online Portal. Licenses issued through MANUAL application will be renewed through manual submission (e-mail) in the meantime.

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1. VISIT and REGISTER at the PCAB Online Licensing Portal, https://www.pcab.construction.gov.ph or https://www.pcabgovph.com

2. LOGIN and ACCOMPLISH necessary applicable digital forms. Required supporting documents are indicated on each Tabs/Pages of the respective application.

4. TRACK the status and wait for the result through PCAB Portal account.

5. DOWNLOAD and PRINT the digital license certificate from PCAB Portal account.

HOW WILL THE ONLINE INTERVIEW FOR NEWLY NOMINATED STE BE CONDUCTED? ▾

PCAB STE interview schedule will be sent by an Evaluator to the contact number or email address of the STE. Make sure that provided contact numbers and email address are active and correct. STE interview is conducted via Zoom platform

WHAT ARE THE PAYMENT CHANNELS AVAILABLE? ▾

I. Digital Payment (PayMaya+GCash or Landbank Linkbiz Portal website)

II. Cash Payment (Landbank Linkbiz Portal Website, CIAP Makati Office or CIAP Windows)

III. Cheque Payment (Manager's Cheque or Cashier's Cheque payable to "CIAP").

Click me to download the detailed payment guide for PCAB Online Licensing Portal users.

AFTER SUBMITTING MY APPLICATION, AM I STILL ALLOWED TO MAKE ANY CHANGES? ▾

A 24-hour window after submission is given to allow the applicant to make necessary changes. After which, the submission is deemed final.

HOW DO I KNOW THE STATUS OF MY APPLICATION? ▾

The progress can be checked using the PCAB Online Licensing Portal account - by clicking on the "Status/Submitted" button of the respective application.

HOW TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT MY DIGITAL LICENSE? ▾

You may watch this video tutorial: https://youtu.be/_8KaL-P2RmI

HOW LONG IS THE PROCESSING TIME FOR ONLINE APPLICATIONS? ▾

As the online system is still new, PCAB is yet to update its citizens charter, hence, the processing time for online applications remains the same - 20 business days (excluding STEs and AMO interview).

Construction Safety and Health Seminar (COSH)

WHAT IS COSH SEMINAR? ▾

The Construction Safety and Health Seminar is a forty (40)-hour seminar that is intended to equip the contractor/applicant with the knowledge on standard occupational safety, health, practices and processes in construction industry.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? ▾

• The proprietor in an application for a new license;
• Any person nominated as Authorized Managing Officer (AMO) in an application for new license of a partnership or corporation;
• Any person designated to replace the AMO of a PCAB licensed contractor (application to be filed: Change in AMO or (CAMO));
• Proprietors or AMOs of applicants for upgrading of license category;
• At least one (1) Sustaining Technical Employee (STE) of the firm. If the Proprietor or AMO who are the same time STEs of their companies who have completed the course on COSH are deemed compliant;

HOW OFTEN AND WHERE ARE THE SEMINARS HELD? ▾

Seminars are depending on the schedules provided by the DOLE accredited safety course provider.

WHO CONDUCTS THE SEMINAR? ▾

The seminar is conducted by DOLE accredited safety course provider.

Listing of DOLE accredited safety course provider (Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Training Organization) can be viewed/downloaded at the Directory page.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? ▾

Ranges from Php 5,000 to Php 7,000

Seminar and Examination for Authorized Managing Officers (AMOs)

WHAT IS AN AMO SEMINAR? ▾

The AMO Seminar is a two(2)-day seminar that is intended to equip the contractor/applicant with the basic knowledge on construction safety, building and lien laws, taxation, labor and other relevant laws, and the basic principles of the construction business.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? ▾

• The proprietor in an application for a new license
• Any person nominated as Authorized Managing Officer (AMO) in an application for new license of a partnership or corporation
• Any person designated to replace the Authorized Managing Officer (AMO) of a PCAB licensed contractor (application to be filed: Change in AMO or CAMO)

WHO CONDUCTS THE AMO SEMINAR? ▾

The seminar is conducted by Construction Manpower Development Foundation (CMDF) and hosted by accredited contractors association/professional organizations.

HOW OFTEN AND WHERE ARE THE AMO SEMINARS HELD? ▾

Seminars are held every month and the venues are distributed (Luzon, Vizayas and Mindanao) so that those in the provinces will have equal access. Leaflets on the annual schedule are available at the Public Assistance Desk and may be viewed at the Events page.

HOW MUCH DOES THE REGISTRATION FOR AMO COST? ▾

Ranges from Php 3,500 to Php 5,500

HOW SOON ARE THE RESULTS OF THE EXAMINATION RELEASED? ▾

• Five (5) working days from the time the test questionnaire is received by PCAB
• Results (passers only) are posted at this link

WHEN AND WHERE IS THE AMO EXAMINATION ADMINISTERED? ▾

• It is administered at the close of each AMO Seminar
• Examination may also be taken at the PCAB Office on Fridays from 9:00 am – 11:00 am (Note: Schedule applicable also for re-takers)
• With prior authorization by PCAB, DTI Regional/Provincial Office may administer the exam

Licensing and Registration of Local Contractors

WHO MAY FILE? ▾

Application shall be filed by the firm's owner/proprietor, Authorized Managing Officer or by the Authorized Representative of the firm.

WHO IS QUALIFIED TO BE AN AUTHORIZED MANAGING OFFICER (AMO)? ▾

• Senior Executive of a company
• With at least 2 year experience in implementing a construction project in a managerial or supervisory capacity; and
• Nominated by the firm and possessing managerial powers

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF CONTRACTOR'S LICENSE? ▾

• Regular license - issued to a domestic construction firm (a sole proprietorship/partnership/corporation with at least 60% Filipino equity.
• Special license - issued to a joint venture, a consortium, a foreign contractor, or a project owner who authorizes the licensee to engage only in the construction of a single, specific project/undertaking.

WHAT LAW GOVERNS THE LICENSING OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTORS? ▾

Republic Act No. 4566, otherwise known as the Contractor's License Law.

WHERE CAN APPLICATION FOR A LICENSE BE FILED? ▾

Applicant may file directly at the office of the Philippine Contractor's Accreditation Board (PCAB) or through the CIAP Windows at the DTI Regional Office and or DTI Provincial Offices.

HOW TO FILE APPLICATION FOR CONTRACTOR'S LICENSE? ▾

1. Download an application form.
2. Accomplish the form properly and attached corresponding supporting documents.
3. Submit application for checklisting/prescreening.
4. Pay the required upfront fee.
5. Wait for license release. Approved license will be mailed directly to the owner/firm via courier.

WHAT IS THE PROCESSING TIME FOR CONTRACTOR'S LICENSE? ▾

• New Regular License - business days
• Renewal of Regular License - business days
• Additional/Revision of Classification - business days
• Upgrading of of License Category - business days
• Change of Authorized Managing Officer - business days
• Change of Business Name & Status - business days
• Change of Business Name - business days
• Joint Venture-Local (New/Renewal/Re-Issuance) ; Consortium-Local (New/Renewal/Re-Issuance) - business days
• Joint Venture-Foreign (New) ; Consortium-Foreign (New) ; Foreign (New) - business days
• Joint Venture-Foreign (Renewal) ; Consortium-Foreign (Renewal) ; Foreign (Renewal) - business days
• Registration for Government Infrastructure Projects - business days
• Additional Project Kind - business days
• Public-Private Projects (PPP) - business days

IS LICENSING REQUIRED FOR ALL CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES? ▾

Yes.

IS CONSTRUCTION WITHOUT A LICENSE PUNISHABLE BY LAW? ▾

Yes, constructing without a license is punishable by law under Article VII, Section 35, 36 & 37 or RA 4566.

WHAT IS THE VALIDITY OF A CONTRACTOR'S LICENSE? ▾

• A regular license shall be valid for one (1) fiscal year, from the 1st of July to the 30th of June of the ensuing year, unless suspended, invalidated, cancelled or revoked by the Board and shall be renewed annually.
• A special license shall be cancelled by the Board upon completion of the single specific undertaking/project authorized by the license and to which it is, therefore, restricted even though before expiry of the fiscal year.

WHAT IS THE REGISTRATION & CLASSIFICATION FOR GOVERNMENT PROJECTS? ▾

This is the registration of contractors, aside from a regular license, to qualify in government projects. Although a regular license will automatically qualify the licensee to participate in private projects, a contractor will have to apply for registration and classification to qualify for government projects. The said registration has a validity period of three (3) years.

WHAT IS A SUSTAINING TECHNICAL EMPLOYEE (STE)? ▾

A Sustaining Technical Employee is a licensed technical professional with at least three (3) years experience. A non-Board passer is not eligible.

CAN THE AUTHORIZED MANAGING OFFICER BE AT THE SAME TIME THE SUSTAINING TECHNICAL EMPLOYEE OF THE FIRM? ▾

Yes