ALS Enrollment Guide: Alternative Learning System in the Philippines

Quick Answer: The Alternative Learning System (ALS) is a free DepEd program for out-of-school youth and adults who want to complete their basic education outside the traditional classroom. You can enroll at any ALS Community Learning Center — no age limit, no tuition, no entrance exam. Passing the ALS Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Assessment earns you a certificate equivalent to an elementary or high school diploma.

Introduction

Not everyone follows the traditional path through the Philippine education system. Some students drop out due to poverty, family responsibilities, or personal challenges. Others missed the window for formal schooling entirely. For millions of Filipinos, the Alternative Learning System (ALS) offers a second chance — a legitimate, government-backed pathway to complete basic education and open doors to college, TESDA programs, and better employment.

ALS is one of the most important but least understood programs of the Department of Education. It is completely free, flexible, and designed for learners of all ages. Whether you are a 16-year-old who dropped out of high school, a 35-year-old mother who never finished elementary, or a working adult who wants a high school equivalency certificate, ALS has a program for you. This guide covers everything: what ALS is, who qualifies, how to enroll, what the learning process looks like, and what happens after you pass.

What Is the Alternative Learning System?

The Alternative Learning System is a parallel learning system in the Philippines that provides opportunities for out-of-school children, youth, and adults to develop basic literacy skills and complete basic education outside of formal school settings. It is mandated by Republic Act 11510, also known as the Alternative Learning System Act, signed into law in December 2020.

ALS is not a remedial class or a tutoring program. It is a complete, standards-based education program with its own curriculum, learning materials, and certification system. ALS graduates are recognized by DepEd, CHED, TESDA, and employers.

Key Features of ALS

• Free of charge — No tuition, no enrollment fees, no hidden costs
• Flexible schedule — Classes can be held during weekdays, weekends, or evenings
• Community-based — Learning sessions happen in barangay halls, community centers, churches, libraries, or even under a tree
• Self-paced — Learners progress at their own speed with guidance from ALS teachers (called Instructional Managers or Mobile Teachers)
• No age limit — Open to anyone who is at least 15 years old (for the A&E secondary level) or at least 12 years old (for the A&E elementary level)

Who Is ALS For?

ALS serves a wide range of learners:

• Out-of-school youth (OSY) — Young people aged 15-30 who are not enrolled in any formal school
• Out-of-school adults — Adults who never completed basic education
• School dropouts — Students who left formal school for any reason
• Working youth and adults — People who cannot attend traditional school due to work schedules
• Indigenous peoples — Community members in areas without access to formal schools
• Persons deprived of liberty (PDL) — Inmates in correctional facilities
• Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) — Through ALS programs offered by Philippine embassies and consulates
• Persons with disabilities — ALS accommodates learners with special needs

ALS Programs and Levels

ALS offers several programs depending on the learner's educational background:

1. Basic Literacy Program (BLP)

For learners who cannot read, write, or compute. This program teaches foundational literacy and numeracy skills. After completing BLP, learners can proceed to the A&E Elementary Level.

2. Accreditation and Equivalency — Elementary Level

• For learners who have some elementary education but did not complete it
• Minimum age: 12 years old
• Covers learning strands equivalent to Grades 1-6
• Passing the A&E Elementary Assessment earns a certificate equivalent to an elementary school diploma

3. Accreditation and Equivalency — Secondary Level (Junior High School)

• For learners who completed elementary but did not finish high school, or who have some high school education
• Minimum age: 15 years old
• Covers learning strands equivalent to Grades 7-10
• Passing the A&E Secondary Assessment earns a certificate equivalent to a Junior High School diploma

4. ALS-K to 12 Senior High School Program

Under RA 11510, ALS has been expanded to include a Senior High School equivalency pathway. This is still being fully rolled out, but the framework is in place for ALS learners to access SHS-level education.

ALS vs. Regular School: A Comparison

How to Enroll in ALS

Enrolling in ALS is straightforward and welcoming. There are no entrance exams, no grade requirements, and no tuition fees.

Step 1: Find Your Nearest ALS Community Learning Center

ALS learning sessions are conducted in various locations:

• DepEd Division Offices — Every DepEd division has an ALS coordinator
• Barangay halls and community centers — Many barangays host ALS sessions
• Public libraries — Some serve as ALS learning hubs
• Churches, NGO centers, and other community spaces — ALS uses available community facilities

To find the nearest ALS center, visit your DepEd Division Office or call the DepEd hotline. You can also ask your barangay captain — most barangays know their local ALS teacher.

Step 2: Talk to the ALS Instructional Manager

The ALS teacher (called an Instructional Manager or IM) will:

• Interview you about your educational background
• Assess your current literacy and learning level
• Determine which ALS program fits your needs (BLP, A&E Elementary, or A&E Secondary)
• Explain the schedule and learning process

Step 3: Submit Basic Requirements

ALS enrollment requirements are minimal:

• Duly accomplished ALS Learner Registration Form — The IM will provide this
• Any valid ID or proof of identity — Birth certificate, barangay ID, school ID, or any government-issued ID
• 2x2 ID photos — 2 pieces (some learning centers may not require this immediately)
• PSA Birth Certificate — If available. If not, it is not a barrier to enrollment

Important: ALS follows DepEd's "No Learner Left Behind" policy. You will not be turned away for lack of documents. The IM will help you secure the needed documents over time.

Step 4: Attend Learning Sessions

Once enrolled, you will:

• Receive ALS learning modules covering the required learning strands
• Attend group learning sessions facilitated by the IM (schedule varies — could be 2-3 times per week)
• Complete self-study activities between sessions using the provided modules
• Participate in learning action cells — small group discussions and collaborative activities

Step 5: Register for the A&E Assessment

When your IM determines you are ready, you will be registered for the ALS Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Assessment — the official exam that certifies your learning.

The ALS A&E Assessment

The A&E Assessment (formerly called the A&E Test) is the culminating exam for ALS learners. It is administered by DepEd-Bureau of Alternative Education, usually once or twice a year.

What It Covers

The A&E Assessment is based on the ALS Learning Strands, which correspond to the K-12 curriculum:

Format

• Paper-based exam (DepEd is piloting digital versions in some areas)
• Multiple choice and constructed response questions
• Administered at designated DepEd testing centers
• Typically held in February or March and sometimes September or October

Passing Score

The exact passing score is determined by DepEd for each administration. Generally, you need a standard equivalent score that demonstrates competency across all learning strands. There is no failing individual strand — the overall score determines whether you pass.

Results

Results are released approximately 2-3 months after the exam. Passers receive:

• ALS A&E Passer Certificate — Issued by DepEd
• Rating sheet showing performance per learning strand
• The certificate is recognized by all educational institutions and employers in the Philippines

After Passing the A&E Assessment

Passing the A&E Assessment opens several pathways:

Pathway 1: Senior High School

A&E Secondary passers can enroll in Grade 11 / Senior High School at any public or private SHS. You follow the same enrollment process as regular Grade 10 completers. Your A&E Passer Certificate serves as your credential for SHS admission.

Pathway 2: TESDA Programs

A&E passers (both Elementary and Secondary levels) can enroll in TESDA Technical-Vocational programs:

• Short courses leading to National Certificates (NC I, NC II, NC III)
• Programs in areas like IT, automotive, welding, caregiving, cookery, and more
• Many TESDA programs are free under the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP)

Pathway 3: College

A&E Secondary passers who complete Senior High School can apply to colleges and universities. Alternatively, some colleges accept A&E passers directly through their non-traditional admission programs. However, most universities require SHS completion or its equivalent under the K-12 system.

Pathway 4: Employment

The A&E Passer Certificate is recognized by employers and the Civil Service Commission for positions requiring a high school or elementary education credential.

Tips for ALS Learners

• Commit to a schedule. ALS is flexible, but you still need consistency. Set aside specific days and times for studying your modules.
• Do not skip learning sessions. The IM provides guidance, clarification, and motivation you cannot get from the modules alone.
• Form a study group. Learning with fellow ALS learners keeps you accountable and makes the experience more enjoyable.
• Use free online resources. DepEd Commons (commons.deped.gov.ph) has free learning materials. Khan Academy and YouTube tutorials supplement the ALS modules.
• Take the A&E Assessment seriously. Review all learning strands, especially the ones you find difficult. Ask your IM for practice tests.
• Keep your documents safe. Once you receive your A&E Passer Certificate, make multiple copies and keep the original in a secure place. You will need it for SHS enrollment, TESDA, or employment.
• Do not be embarrassed. ALS learners come from all walks of life. The program exists because education is a right, not a privilege. You are making a brave and important decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ALS recognized by colleges and employers?

Yes. The ALS A&E Passer Certificate is officially recognized by DepEd, CHED, TESDA, the Civil Service Commission, and employers across the Philippines. It is equivalent to an elementary or high school diploma.

How long does it take to complete ALS?

It depends on your starting level and pace. Most learners complete a level (Elementary or Secondary) in 6 to 12 months. Highly motivated learners with some prior education can finish in as little as 4-6 months.

Is there an age limit for ALS?

No upper age limit. For the A&E Elementary level, you must be at least 12 years old. For the A&E Secondary level, you must be at least 15 years old. There is no maximum age — learners in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond are welcome.

Do I need to attend classes in person?

Traditionally, ALS learning sessions are held in person at community learning centers. However, DepEd has expanded options to include blended learning (combination of in-person and online) and modular self-study with periodic check-ins with the IM.

How much does ALS cost?

ALS is completely free. There is no tuition, no enrollment fee, and learning modules are provided at no cost. The only expense you might incur is transportation to the learning center or testing site.

Can I enroll in ALS at any time of the year?

ALS enrollment is more flexible than formal school enrollment. Most ALS programs accept learners on a rolling basis, though it is best to enroll at the start of a learning cycle (usually June-July or January-February) to align with the A&E Assessment schedule.

What if I fail the A&E Assessment?

You can retake the A&E Assessment in the next administration. There is no limit to how many times you can take it. Your IM will help you review and strengthen weak areas before your next attempt.

Can OFWs take the ALS A&E Assessment abroad?

Yes. DepEd, in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs and OWWA, offers ALS programs and A&E Assessments at select Philippine embassies and consulates. Contact the nearest Philippine embassy for schedules.

Start Your ALS Journey Today

Education does not have an expiration date. Whether you are 16 or 60, the Alternative Learning System gives you a path to complete your basic education and unlock new opportunities. Visit your nearest DepEd Division Office or barangay hall to find an ALS Community Learning Center near you. For schools and learning centers across the Philippines, browse SchoolFinderPH — search by city like Manila, Cebu, Davao, or Zamboanga to find educational programs in your area.