Let’s say you have finally landed a job abroad or you have an opportunity to enroll in and study at an international university. But before it becomes official, one of their requirements is that you need to get your official Philippine documents authenticated so that they can be recognized by them. These documents include birth certificates, student’s records such as transcripts of records, diplomas, or even your professional license.
This scenario is a common experience for many Filipinos pursuing opportunities overseas, whether for work, education, or migration. It is important to have your documents properly prepared and authenticated to avoid facing delays.
What is CAV in the Philippines?
The Certification, Authentication, and Verification (CAV) is an official document that certifies the authenticity of your academic records and professional credentials issued by institutions in the Philippines. This includes school diplomas, certificates of board exam results, and similar documents.
The CAV proves that the issuing institution is legitimate and that the documents you’re submitting are verified by a competent authority, such as the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), or the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
Why is the CAV Important for an Apostille?
The CAV is a prerequisite for acquiring an apostille, which certifies your documents for international recognition under The Hague Apostille Convention. Without a CAV, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) cannot process your documents. Once apostilled, your documents become legally recognized in over 100 countries, allowing you to use them abroad without the need for further legalization steps.
What are the Requirements for a CAV application?
To request a CAV, you need to prepare the following documents based on the institution that issued them:
From DepEd (for elementary and high school documents):
Original and photocopy of your diploma
Transcript of Records (Form 137) or it’s Certified True Copy (CTC)
Certification of graduation (if required)
From CHED (for college-level documents):
Original and photocopy of diploma
Transcript of Records (TOR) or it’s Certified True Copy (CTC)
Special Order (SO) number for private school graduates
From PRC (for professionals):
Original and photocopy of PRC license
Certificate of board exam rating
Certificate of registration
For all agencies, it’s also important to bring valid identification (e.g., government-issued ID) when submitting your documents.
Step-by-step Guide on How You Get a CAV from CHED, DepEd, PRC
Step 1: Prepare your documents
Start by gathering the documents that require authentication. Typically, these include your academic records (diplomas, transcripts), certificates, or professional licenses.
Step 2: Request Authentication from Your Institution
The next step involves submitting your documents to the issuing authority for verification. If it’s an educational document, you’ll need to contact and coordinate with your school, university, or PRC office. Each institution has its own process, fee, and timeline for authentication.
For instance:
DepEd handles authentication for elementary and high school records.
CHED authenticates college-level diplomas and transcripts.
PRC authenticates professional licenses and certificates.
Step 3: Submit to Appropriate Philippine Agency
After the institution verifies your documents, they will submit them to the appropriate agency:
DepEd: For elementary and high school records.
CHED: For college and university records.
PRC: For professional licenses and board certifications.
These agencies will then issue the CAV once your documents have been authenticated.
Step 4: Proceed to DFA for Apostille
Once your CAV is issued, you can then bring it to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for apostille. You can book your appointment online through their website’s online appointment system. The DFA will check the CAV and the attached documents, ensuring that they meet the requirements before placing an apostille or issuing an apostille certificate.
How long will it take to get CAV?
The processing time for a CAV can vary depending on the institution and their workload. Generally, it takes:
DepEd/CHED/PRC processing: 3 to 10 business days for authentication and issuance of the CAV.
DFA Apostille: After obtaining the CAV, apply for an apostille at the DFA. It takes about 3 to 5 business days, depending on the volume of applications. It can take longer if there is a backlog.
Sounds Overwhelming? It doesn’t have to be!
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Let FileDocsPhil Do the Work!
Need further information and assistance in Apostille of CAV? Talk to our team at FILEDOCSPHIL to know more about the requirements and process. Call us today at (+63) 917 149 2337 or send an email to info@filedocsphil.com or simply message us through the live chat for more information.
