Employment Certificate

If the employee is no longer employed by the employer, the employer usually issues the employment certificate upon request by the employee. It is usually requested to complete the requirements for employment with a new employer. Sometimes, a current employee requests an employment certificate for other purposes, such as for a visa application.

The employment certificate is a statement of fact of the employment of the employee. The employment certificate is not a recommendation.


What is the difference between a recommendation letter and an employment certificate?

An employment certificate is used to prove that the former or current employee is or was employed by the employer. On the other hand, a recommendation letter is used to state the qualifications and fitness of a person and recommend them for employment.


Is it mandatory to give an employment certificate?

Yes. Employers are required by law to give an employment certificate upon the request of a former employee. The employment certificate should be issued within three days from the time of the employee's request. For practicality, the employment certificate is usually requested from and signed by personnel of the Human Resources Department or the person who handles employee matters. This is applicable even if the employee leaves or abandons his employment.


What must an employment certificate contain?

An employment certificate should contain the following:


Who should sign an employment certificate?

The employer who issues an employment certificate must sign the same. The employee is not required to affix his signature.


What has to be done once an employment certificate is ready?

Once the document is completed, at least two original copies of the document should be printed. If possible, the document should be printed with the employer's letterhead or logo. Then, the certificate should be signed by the employer and given to the employee. The employer should keep a copy for their records.


Is it necessary to notarize an employment certificate for it to be valid?

No. The statements made by the employer should suffice in an employment certificate. The new employer of the former employee may then call the previous employer to verify this.


Which laws are applicable to an employment certificate?

The labor laws in the Philippines are governed by the Labor Code of the Philippines. Under Section 10, Rule 14, Book 5 of the Omnibus Rules Implementing the Labor Code of the Philippines, a worker who resigns or is terminated from employment is entitled to certificates of employment from their former employer specifying the dates of his or her employment and the type or types of work for which he or she was employed. Other Labor Advisories issued by the Department of Labor and Employment, such as Labor Advisory No. 6, Series of 2020, may also be relevant.


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