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Alternative Learning System: Frequently Asked Questions



There are only several days before the registration for the Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency (ALS A & E) Test 2012 ends, and since we’ve been getting a lot of questions from you, we decided to seek the assistance of an ALS representative so they can tell us more about the program and the exam.

Following the tip of ALS graduates, we went to a nearby Barangay Hall to ask if they are offering ALS A & E classes, and true enough, a large streamer with the words “Alternative Learning System Community Learning Center” was hanging by the gate. We asked a bystander what day and time the center usually opens, and we were advised to see the ALS Coordinator who also conducts classes at the nearby elementary school for more information.

When we reached the school, we learned that the ALS Coordinator the barangay official was referring to is Mrs. Norma Ayala, the ALS Coordinator for the entire East District of Lucena City, so we were glad because we’ll probably have all our questions answered and more.

After introducing ourselves and stating our purpose for the visit, they gladly oblige us with a one-on-one interview. Below is a summary of what we were able to find out during the course of the conversation.

What is Alternative Learning System?

Alternative Learning System is a project of the Department of Education through its Bureau of Alternative Learning System. Its aim is to help elementary and high school dropouts or those who have not been able to attend any schooling at all to finish their primary or secondary education through non-traditional ways of schooling. This means after passing the ALS A & E Test, you will be considered a grade school or a high school graduate, depending on the test that you took, and will be eligible to apply for college.

Where can I take ALS classes?

You can take ALS classes at Community Learning Centers (CLCs). These CLCs can be public elementary or high schools, barangay halls, rooms or buildings lent by government agencies or private companies and organizations, or any other open space where learners can gather together.

How can I enroll for an ALS class?

Just drop by at the nearest public elementary school, high school, or barangay hall at your place and they will tell you what to do.

What are the requirements?

The minimum requirements for enrolling in ALS classes are birth certificates and Forms 137 (Applies to people who have attended at least a year of formal schooling).

Who conducts ALS classes?

ALS A & E classes are conducted by licensed teachers employed by the Department of Education.  Livelihood classes, on the other hand, are conducted by professional practitioners of the vocational courses they are teaching.

How long do ALS classes last?

ALS A & E classes take a minimum of 800 hours to complete.  These may last from eight to ten months, although the duration may vary depending on the progress of the learners.

The duration of livelihood programs depends on the specific skill being learned. Dressmaking, for example, takes about 275 hours while Massage Therapy takes about 560 hours.

Are we required to enroll in the ALS A & E classes before we can take the ALS A & E test?

Attending the ALS A & E classes is optional, so it’s up to the student whether he would attend them first or take the exam right away. ALS coordinators strongly encourage students to go through them first so they can catch up on the things they might have missed out on, though.

Is there an age limit for taking the ALS A & E test?

Except for the minimum age requirement of 11 years old for elementary dropouts and 15 years old for high school dropouts, anyone can take the ALS A & E Test regardless of age.

Where can I register for the Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency Test 2012?

We have posted a partial list of the Registration and Testing Centers for the ALS A & E Test 2012.  For the rest of the RTCs, please contact the Bureau of Alternative Learning System or the Department of Education for more information.

Are ALS classes and livelihood programs for free?

Yes, they are. The cost of the teachers’ fees or honorarium, as well as the instructional materials that are used for the classes, are all provided by the Department of Education with the help of private groups and individuals, so students are no longer supposed to pay for anything.

What if I didn’t make it to the deadline for registration this year, can I still take the ALS A & E Test next year?

Yes, you can. The test is usually held in the month of October and registration closes a few months before that, so you might want to prepare the things you might need several months in advance.

What do ALS students study?

ALS A & E classes cover five categories: Communication Skills (English and Filipino), Problem Solving and Critical Thinking (Science and Mathematics), Sustainable Use of Resources and Productivity, Development of Self and a Sense of Community, and Expanding One’s Own World Vision.

What kind of learning materials do they use for ALS A & E classes?

ALS A & E classes use modules specifically designed for students of the program. These modules, which cover the five categories mentioned above, may be studied at the Community Learning Center or taken home for self-study purposes should the student be unable to attend the class. You can find some samples of those modules on the Bureau of Alternative Learning’s website.

What is the difference between ALS A & Classes and ALS A & E Test?

The ALS A & E Test aims to assess the level of competency of the test-taker. By taking the ALS A & E Test, a test-taker can prove whether he or she is just as competent as any elementary or high school graduate and, thus, should be given an elementary or high school diploma without going through the traditional process.

The ALS A & E classes, on the other hand, serve as a refresher course that aims to help ALS students catch up on the things they’ve missed or might have forgotten before taking the ALS A & E Test.

Will I be able to pursue a college degree after I passed the ALS A & E Test for high school dropouts?

Yes, you can. Once you’ve gotten your ALS certificate that certifies that you have the same competencies as those of a traditional high school graduate, you can apply for any two, three, four, or five-year degree programs at any school, college, or university in the Philippines.

What would happen if I passed the  ALS A & E Test for elementary dropouts?

After you’ve gotten your ALS certificate that certifies that you have the same competencies as those of a traditional elementary school graduate, you will be eligible for admission to any secondary school of your choice.

Where can I find the results of the ALS A & E Test?

DepEd posts the results of the test on their official website, so try to check it for updates every once in a while. Results are usually released before summer starts, so you might want to keep an eye on their site around that time.

How can I contact the Bureau of Alternative Learning System?

You can contact BALS through telephone numbers (02) 635-5193 or (02) 635-5188 or you can also send them a text message through the DETxt Action Center at 0919-4560027. Fax requests may be sent at (02)635-5189.

Alternatively, you can also call the nearest DepEd office for your ALS-related inquiries. You can also visit any public elementary/high school or barangay hall nearest you.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Courses.com.ph would like to express its gratitude to Mrs. Norma J. Ayala, ALS District Coordinator of the East District of Lucena City; and Mr. Arvin Severa, ALS District Coordinator of the South District of Lucena City, for sharing their time and knowledge with us. We would not have been able to write this article without their help.

Courses.com.ph is not affiliated with the Bureau of Alternative Learning System. For specific questions and other concerns, please contact their official representatives or visit the BALS or DepEd websites for more information.

Last Modified: August 24, 2012

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82 Comments

  1. hi ask ko lang po kung pde po bang magaral nang collage kung sa ALS lang po nkatapos ???

    • Hi Anne! 🙂

      Alternative Learning System is a project of the Department of Education through its Bureau of Alternative Learning System. Its aim is to help elementary and high school dropouts or those who have not been able to attend any schooling at all to finish their primary or secondary education through non-traditional ways of schooling. This means after passing the ALS A & E Test, you will be considered a grade school or a high school graduate, depending on the test you took, and will be eligible to apply for college.

  2. Hello po. Tanong ko lang po kung saan ko po makukuha yung certificate ko sa als. Kasi po nakapasa po ako noong 2012 pa po pero hindi ko pa po nakuha amg certificate ko. Sa cebu po ako nka stay.

  3. Good morning po!
    Madam/Sir.
    Tanong ko lang po sana mga ilang month’s po ang schooling kagaya po sa akin 3rd year and 4thyear high school po ang hindi ko pa po natapos!
    Isa dn po kasi akong OFW.
    Kong palarin po sana maka pasa mag training din po sana agad ako sa TESDA bilang CAREGIVER.balik abroad din po sana agad!
    My schedule po bang buwan para sa pag enroll at para sa start ng schooling???
    THANK YOU po!!!

    • Hi, Aisa!

      ALS A & E classes take a minimum of 800 hours to complete. These may last from eight to ten months, although the duration may vary depending on the progress of the learners.

      Usually, enrollment starts as early as January. We’re not sure exactly when classes start, though, so you might want to check with the nearest DepEd office to be sure.

      🙂

  4. I am already 30 years old..I’m really interested to finished my high-school so that I can continue to college,I stopped during my 3rd year in HS…Hopefully you can help me… Is there any available in cebu…

    • Hope you can help me to take the exam I am now working in malaysia and I’m planning to continue college if I can get the high school diploma.,hope you can guide me..Is there any ALS location in mandaue cebu city??

      • Hi, Anabelle!

        We’re sorry, but we’re not quite sure about that. We suggest you drop by at the nearest public elementary / high school or barangay hall (that’s where they usually conduct ALS classes).

        🙂

  5. Hello po, good evening., ask ko po sana kong pwede po ba ako mag enroll sa tesda kahit hindi ko pa po nakukuha ang test exam result noong feb.1,2015 .., thank you po.!

    • Hi, Judie!

      It would probably depend on the course and the training center. From what we know, some courses require a high school diploma; some don’t. Also, different schools / training centers may have different policies, so it’s best if you’ll contact either TESDA or the school / training center directly so they can give you a more accurate and detailed reply.

      🙂

  6. saan ko po ba pwedeng malaman ang mga schools acredited dito sa pampanga paricular here in Angeles City?

  7. Hello po..ask ko po pwdi bang mg attend class ako ng 1 and half months lang tas makakauha na ko diploma ng high school? Im here in abroad kasi tas sa vacation ko po balak pumasok..2months lang po kasi vacation ko at gusto ko pong pagbalik dito makuha ko na diploma ko…thank you!

    • Hi, Ronalyn!

      We’re sorry, but we’re not really sure about that. From what we know, classes may take anywhere from eight to ten months.

      If it helps, attending the ALS A & E classes is optional according to the ALS official we spoke with, so it’s up to you whether you’d attend them first or take the exam right away.

      ALS coordinators strongly encourage students to go through them first so they can catch up on the things they might have missed out on, though.

      🙂

  8. Hi…ask ko lang poh kung mai als dito sa Angeles City Pampanga. Gusto ko poh kc mag enroll ….please

  9. Hi….ask Ku po my online als po Kyu kc Hindi ako mka lbs sa work ku PRA mag review at Hindi ako mag pnta schools pls help me po second year high school po kc ako .pls give advise po dto po ako Quezon city mlpt. Sa banawe .at mka take ng exam po dn thanks po wait Ku ang reply nyu.

  10. hi , good pm po . anu po ang criteria nla to pass the als exam essay ? do they mind if u put a margin inside the paper box that we used to write the essay or ung nilalaman po ng essay ang pagbabasehan ?

  11. Hi poe! Gud pm poe! Kilan Poe uli enrollment ng asl? Anu poe mga requarment? 24 na poe aq pwde pa poe ba aq mag enroll kc poe gusto q poe sna ulit mag aral…

  12. hi, tanong ko lang po kung makakapag enroll ba kahit walang form 137, birth certificate lang po meron ako sinubukan ko na po many times kumuha sa school kaso di daw sila magbigay dahil wala na daw record yung mga dating nag school sabi sa akin hanapin ko daw old teacher ko piro saan ko nman hahanapin mag 25 na po ako may possible pa ba na makaenroll ako salamat po sa sasagot.

    • Bakit dala dala ba ng teacher ang ercords ng mga bata? mali yon. ang lahat na record ng student ay sa ofis ng school. walan paki alam ang teacher sa mga record sapagkat hindi ma clear ang teacher at the end of the school year pag hindi na submit sa ofis ang lahat na reports.Ang form 137 ay sa ofis ng school. na check na ng division supervisors yon. completo na yon pati Div. Supt. my pirma na yon. anong gawin ng teacher sa mga form kung sa bahay. sinungaling ang may sabi na hanapin teacher mo.

  13. good evening po elementary grad. lang po ako gusto ko po sna magaral sa als para makatapos o ako pede nyo po ba ako tulungan san po ba ang pinakamalapit na als sa up diliman quezon city salamat po tatanawin ko po na malaking utang na loob ang tulong nyo

  14. How can i copy this for my thesis? Can you help me? I need this for my review of professional literature. But don’t worry we are required to acknowledge the author or the site where i got this. Thank you.

  15. Good day,
    Sir/Madam
    Ask q lang po naka graduate po ako nang high school pwedi ba mag exam nang als para mag kakaroon nang K12?
    Thanks po in advance.

  16. good day poh….anu poh ang mga req.poh z als gusto k poh kce tpusin ung highschool k….at kailan poh ang test poh..tnx poh sna mkapag test ako dis month..

  17. Hello! If i passed the Test for highschool dropouts can i go to any university? Like in other country? Im planning to take the als online and i live in japan but im willing to go back in the philippines to take the exam . Im 16 years old

    • Hi, Mea!

      In the Philippines, yes. We’re not sure about the policies of the schools / universities in other countries, though, so you might want to check with the institutions you are thinking of enrolling at so they can give you a more accurate and detailed response.

      We believe the ALS A & E Test is not yet available online (although there were instances when exams have been held in certain locations overseas), so you may have to take it at any of the testing centers authorized by the Department of Education in the Philippines or overseas.

      🙂

      • Thanks for your reply! But i can still study als online right? and as i said im willing to go back in the philippines whenever i need to take the als a&e test, i just wanna ask too if do you think i can get any course in college? cause im planning to get the Bachelor of arts in international studies major in European studies .. so im just wondering if theres no problem with that if i passed the test and got my diploma already?(:

        • Hi, Mea!

          Yes, you can. As far as we know, as long as you’ve already passed the test and you’ve already got your certificate, you can enroll in any course you want(provided that you also meet the school’s other requirements).

          🙂

  18. hi .. good day po .. I’m a medical technology student from Our Lady of Fatima University in Valenzuela City . My group and I are now doing a thesis about this program of DEPED .. Just want to know if how many ALS are there in Valenzuela City?

    hoping for your reply .. thank you po ..

  19. Tanong lng po…….mag fo forth yr napo sana ako kaya lng huminto po ako.f mag a als ho bah ako tps nakapasa ako pwd napo ako sa kolihiyo kht anung korso.????

    • hi;
      gusto ko lng po sana malaman kung anu po pwedeng gawin, kc po ung pinsan ko gsto mag aral ng coleyds pero d nmn po pwede kc gang 3rd year hayskul lng po ntapos nya, nahiya na xia mag hayskul kc medyo my edad na po at baka lalo mag tagal sa hayskul dahil po sa k to 12, qng mag AlS po ba xia at maipsa exam pwede n po ba xia magcollege at kumuha ng kahit anung kurso n gsto nya? maraming salamat po. Godbless.

      • Hi, Liza!

        We’re sorry, but as much as we’d like to help, we’re not sure how the K-12 program has affected the Alternative Learning System. We suggest you contact the Bureau of Alternative Learning System / Department of Education directly so they can give you a more accurate and detailed reply.

        🙁

  20. greetings.

    maam,sir

    where can i study collage,while preparing for ALS exam i mean studying collage and also ALS.

    any school here in quezon city?

    i have a friend under grad H.S. taking that kind of program 1st year collage I.T course while in ALS.

    in pasig so far away here in QC.

  21. Good day
    ask ko lang po kailan ang Schadul ng Exam this 2014?

    thanks

  22. sana po lahat ng teachers sa als ng mariveles ay graduate din ng college… iyong ilan po kase sa kanila puro under graduate na.

  23. hi po high school na po ako kso droup po ako ng
    3year form 137 parin po ba ang kailangan?

    • Hi, Albertjohn!

      We’re sorry, but we’re not really sure about that. It’s best if you’d check with the nearest community learning center so they can answer that question for you.

      🙁

  24. Sir/Ma’am:

    Greetings!

    I would like to inquire whether or not Bureau of Alternative Learning System still offers a course/classes for those who are out of school youth. Since our system change to K-12, are you still offering ALS? If you still offers it, what are the requirements?

    Thank you.

    Please send me your response.

    Mary

    • Hi, Mary!

      As much as we’d like to help with your concern, we’re not affiliated with DepEd, so we’re afraid we can’t answer that question for you.

      We suggest you call the nearest DepEd division office so they can give you an accurate and detailed reply.

      🙁

  25. Hi po! San po ba dito sa malibay ang ALS? At kelan po ba ang enrollment ? Tnx po sana matulungan neo aq kc gusto q mg aral..

  26. When was the als enrollment here in pasay malibay? And where is the als located?

    • Hi, Lovelyn!

      Try to check with the nearest public elementary/ high school or drop by at the nearest barangay hall. That’s where ALS classes are usually conducted.

      Unfortunately, we have no available information about the enrollment schedule, so we’re afraid you’d have to ask the nearest community learning center when you find one.

      🙂

  27. can ALS student can go on college??

    • Hi, Geraldhine!

      Yes, ALS A& E passers can take any two, three, four, or five-year degree programs that they want, provided that they pass the admission requirements of the school they are going to enroll at.

      🙂

  28. Actually,hindi po ako nag attend na session o classes ng als.nagparegister lng po ako and then i take the exam last nov.2012.and dko po alm kng pwede po ba ako mag enroll o matatanggap ba ako sa university na papasukan ko.ksi i search the all requirements and kailangan tlga ung good moral..i dont even know kung sino teacher ko kc d ako umattend.thanks sana u can help me..college na sana ako pg ma qualified..but now im not sure if i can enter..did als and a&e give a good moral certificate?

    • Hi, Megan!

      From what we know, Certificates of Good Moral Character are usually issued by the last school you attended. If you didn’t attend ALS classes, perhaps you can try the last school you went to.

      If that didn’t work, you could probably ask the school you’re thinking of enrolling at if there are other possible alternatives to a CGMC.

      🙂

  29. Ask ko lng po if pwede na po ba ako mag enroll sa college..and baka po kasi mag ask sila ng iba png mga requirements..als doploma lng at birth certificate ang merun ako.
    And they ask an good moral character certificate..san po ako kuha nun.thnks

    • Hi, Megan!

      As long as you meet the admission requirements of the school you are intending to enroll at, you can. Different schools have different requirements, though, so we suggest you call them up so they can give you a list of the requirements you need to comply with.

      We’re not sure where you can get a Certificate of Good Moral Character, but you could probably try asking your ALS teacher. He or she might be able to issue one for you or at least tell you who can.

      🙂

  30. Hello po .panu po yung nag stop po ng 2003,2nd year highschool po ndi ko natapos,26 na po ako now..gusto ko po makapag aral ulit maka pag take ng exam, san po ako pupunta para mag enrol po, dito po ako sa angeles city..sana po matulungan nyo ako willing po ako makatapos, salamat po..hintayin ko po sagot nyo.

    • Hi, Rosely!

      You can take ALS classes at Community Learning Centers (CLCs). These CLCs can be public elementary or high schools, barangay halls, rooms or buildings lent by government agencies or private companies and organizations, or any other open space where learners can gather together.

      🙂

  31. Hi po!! ask ko lang po sana kung san po pwede kunin yung form 137 ko po sa ALS yung may grades po sana!!
    kasi requirements ko po eh tsaka po pala yun deploma!!

    thx po

    • Hi, Apollo!

      We’re sorry, but as much as we’d like to help, we’re not affiliated with the Bureau of Alternative Learning System so we’re afraid we can’t answer that question for you. We suggest you call up the Department of Education so they can address your concern.

      🙂

  32. Hello! Can I ask po if may nag ooffer ng Als sa private schools? and kung ilang months po ba ang dapat magaral sa als before magtake ng exam? At pwede po bang magtake ng exam kahit hindi october? Thankyou po! :))

    • Hi, Francess!

      So far, we haven’t heard of any private schools offering ALS classes. We’re not sure if there are actually any, though, so you might want to ask the Department of Education / Bureau of Alternative Learning System to be sure.

      From what we were told, classes usually last for a minimum of 800 hours, but we’re not sure how that is divided into months and weeks.

      From what we know, the exam is only conducted once a year, so probably not. We’re not sure if DepEd grants exceptions for special cases, though, so it’s best if you’ll contact them so they can give you a more accurate reply.

      🙂

  33. Hi. Nasa Italy po ako. And gusto ko sanang magtake ng exam para makapasok ng college next year sa Philippines. Pwede po ba akong magregister online? At magaral na Als while nandito ako sa Italy? And magtake na lang ng exam by october?

    • Hi, Erika!

      ALS teachers use modules when teaching, so taking the classes online might not be impossible; however, that’s just our guess. We suggest you call up the Bureau of Alternative Learning System (They’re under the Department of Education) so they can give you a more accurate response.

      🙂

  34. Hello im ALS passer, do im able to study in foreign country using the certificate that I received from ALS? Thanks

    • Hi, Edna!

      The ALS certificate is issued by the Philippine government, and generally speaking, government-issued certificates are recognized even outside the country that issued them. Different schools may have different policies, though, so we suggest you contact the school you are thinking of enrolling at so they can give you a more accurate response.

      🙂

  35. Im a ALS 2010 PASSER. Hindi ako nag a&e class . Kaya di ko alam kung san ko kukunin yung diploma ko. Up until now po. San ko po kaya posibleng makuha ito? Im from LPC. THANKS IN ADVANCE

    • Hi, Rich!

      From what we’ve read on one of DepEd’s websites, passers are advised to visit the nearest DepEd division office to get their certificates.

      🙂

  36. saan po ako makakakuwa certificate ko o deploma ? kailangan po sa entrance exam. passer po ako

    • Hi, Bea!

      From what we know, ALS passers usually claim their diplomas and certificates at the nearest DepEd Division Office. We’re not sure if that applies for all localities, though.

      🙂

  37. Magandang araw po, isa po akong passer sa Elementary exam sa ALS. Ano po ang magiging year ko sa highschool bago po ako kung ang ang natapos k o lang po ay grade 5 at bago po ako mag grade 5 ay nagstop po muna ako ng isang taon, kaya po 12 years old na po ako ng nag grade 5 ako. ngayong sy 2014-2015 ay 14 years old na po ako. Ano po ang mgiging year ko?grade 7 o grade8 po ba? thank you po!

    • Hi, Julz!

      We’re sorry, but as much as we’d like to answer that question, we’re not very sure about that. We suggest you contact the Bureau of Alternative Learning System directly so they can give you proper advice.

  38. Ask ko lng f nkpasa yung anak ko ng last october 2013 name nyA po ay angelu g.ramos,,salamat asahan ko po ang kasagutan

  39. I just finished 2nd year high school. And i’m not new with this program. Actually i already attended this classes way back in year 2009 in our province in leyte but unfortunately i didn’t it make to take the test for some reason. And now I’d like to take the ALS A&E test but im already a mother of 3. Can i just take the test without attending the classes?

  40. gud am po,ask q lng po sana kung pwede pa akong mag try mag als,kc dati po hindi ako pumasa.gusto ko po kc mg aral pa ng college,sa hirap po kc ng buhay q dati hndi q na ntapos ang high school q,dhil maaga aq nagtrabaho.salamat po

  41. How can i take a test this year for the acceleration test to enter college and how can take a review as soon as possible ..i really want to enter college this coming june..i dont know how and where can i do that..
    Plsss help

  42. Pwede po bang ON LINE class yung ALS ? I mean instead na pumasok sa classroom once a week eh through on line na lang ? 🙂 Thanks 🙂

    • Hi, Koji!

      That would probably depend on the teacher. They seem to try their best to adjust according to their students’ needs, so if you can talk it out with your teacher, there’s a possibility that they might agree. 🙂

  43. sa edad ko po ay 18 ano pong requirements ang kailangan ko.
    hindi ko po natapos ang 1styear high school ko noong 2011

    • Hi, Maricel!

      “The minimum requirements for enrolling in ALS classes are birth certificates and Forms 137 (Applies to people who have attended at least a year of formal schooling).” 🙂

  44. Registration for the ALS A & E Test for 2012 is already closed.

    For specific questions and other concerns, please contact BALS through the contact information above or visit any public elementary/high school or barangay hall near you.

    • Hi, Rolly!

      Thanks for coming back.

      We’re sorry, but we don’t send personal mails to visitors; however, you can subscribe to our newsletter anytime you want. Just click the “Subscribe” button on the right corner of the website and you’ll receive updates of our latest posts on your e-mail.

      🙂

  45. What if the student want to enroll in als have only birth certificate and the form 137 is not really available is it still possible to apply? He stopped at grade 5 and didn’t finished due to financial problem. He got previous balance in his tuition fees in private and we transfer him in public but since the policy is also related to form 137 he eventually stopped. Hope to give me reply for this.

    • Hi, Joyz!

      Thanks for visiting our site.

      As much as we’d like to help you with your concern, we’re not affiliated with ALS so we’re not in the position to answer that question for you. It’s best if you’ll contact them directly using the contact information above so they can give you a more accurate and detailed response.

      🙂

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