What should I put for 'degree received' in my biodata?

Write your full degree title using the standard Philippine format: 'Bachelor of Science in [Program]' for college graduates. If you did not graduate, write 'X units in [Program]' to show your progress. For SHS completers, write 'Senior High School Diploma, [Track/Strand].' For TESDA holders, write your National Certificate level and qualification name.

What if I didn't graduate from college?

Write the number of units you completed followed by the program name. For example: '72 units in Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, University of the Philippines Diliman, 2018-2020.' This honestly represents your academic progress without implying graduation.

Do I write the school name first or degree first in biodata?

In Philippine biodata format, write the degree first, then the school name, then the year. For example: 'Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Centro Escolar University, 2024.' This follows the standard Filipino biodata convention where the qualification takes priority.

Is biodata the same as a resume in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, 'biodata' and 'resume' are often used interchangeably, though biodata traditionally includes more personal information (age, civil status, religion) while a resume focuses on professional qualifications. Government applications and some traditional employers prefer the biodata format, while private companies and BPOs typically prefer the resume format.

Should I include my high school in biodata if I have a college degree?

If you are a college graduate, including high school is optional and usually unnecessary unless the employer specifically requests a complete educational background. If you are a college undergraduate or SHS completer, include your high school education as it represents your highest completed level.

Degree Received in Biodata: How to Write Your Education in the Philippines

Q: How do I write TESDA certification in biodata?

Write the National Certificate level, the full qualification name, the training center, and the year. For example: 'National Certificate II in Computer Systems Servicing, TESDA Regional Training Center, 2025.' Include the NC level (I, II, III, or IV) as it indicates your competency tier.

Quick Answer

For the "degree received" field in your biodata, write your full degree title using the standard format: "Bachelor of Science in [Program Name]." If you did not finish your degree, write the number of units completed. For senior high school graduates, write "Senior High School Diploma" with your track. For TESDA holders, include your National Certificate level and qualification name.

The key is accuracy -- your biodata education section should honestly represent your highest completed qualification in a format that Filipino employers recognize.

What Is "Degree Received" in a Biodata?

The "degree received" field in a Philippine biodata refers to the formal academic or vocational qualification you earned from an educational institution. This is different from the "course" or "program" field, which refers to your area of study. The degree received is the credential itself -- the title that appears on your diploma or certificate.

In the Philippines, common degree titles include:

Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) for four-year college programs
Associate in [Field] for two-year college programs
Master of [Field] or Doctor of [Field] for graduate programs
National Certificate (NC) I through IV for TESDA vocational qualifications
Senior High School Diploma for K-12 graduates

Understanding how to write each one correctly matters because Filipino employers -- especially in government, education, and traditional industries -- rely on the biodata format and expect precise educational information.

When to Use "Biodata" vs "Resume" in the Philippines

Before diving into formatting, it helps to understand which document you need:

Biodata is the traditional Philippine application document. It typically includes personal information (date of birth, civil status, religion, height, weight) alongside educational and work history. Government positions, teaching jobs, and applications to traditional companies often request a biodata.

Resume is the more modern, internationally-aligned document that focuses on professional qualifications and skills. Private companies, BPOs, multinational corporations, and tech companies typically prefer a resume.

CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a comprehensive academic document used primarily for research, university, and medical positions. It includes publications, research, presentations, and detailed academic history.

The education section formatting is similar across all three, but biodata tends to be more detailed (including elementary and high school) while resumes focus on the highest relevant qualification.

How to Write Degree Received: By Education Level

College Graduates (Bachelor's Degree)

This is the most common scenario. Write your degree using the full Philippine format:

Degree Received: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
School:          Far Eastern University
Year Graduated:  2024

Key formatting rules:

Use the full degree title, not just abbreviations (write "Bachelor of Science in Nursing," not just "BSN")
Include the specialization if applicable: "Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Major in Marketing"
Match the exact title on your Transcript of Records (TOR) -- do not paraphrase

Common Philippine bachelor's degree formats:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA)
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT)
Bachelor of Arts in Communication (BAC)
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA)
Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd)
Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd)

For a deeper look at bachelor's degree types and what they cover, see our bachelor's degree guide.

College Undergraduates (Did Not Graduate)

If you attended college but did not complete your degree, do not write the degree title -- this implies you graduated. Instead, state your progress honestly:

Degree Received: 96 units in Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
School:          Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Years Attended:  2019-2022

Alternative formats:

"3rd Year College, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration" (less precise, but common)
"Undergraduate in [Program Name]" (acceptable but vague)

The "units completed" format is preferred because it gives employers a clear picture of how much of the program you finished. Philippine college programs typically require 130-180 units for graduation, so stating your unit count shows your exact progress.

Associate Degree Holders

Associate degrees are two-year programs recognized by CHED. Write them the same way as bachelor's degrees:

Degree Received: Associate in Computer Technology
School:          AMA Computer College
Year Graduated:  2025

Associate degrees are legitimate CHED-recognized qualifications and should be presented with the same formality as a bachelor's degree. For more on associate degrees in the Philippines, see our associate degree guide.

Senior High School Completers (K-12)

Under the K-12 system, SHS graduates receive a Senior High School Diploma. In your biodata:

Degree Received: Senior High School Diploma (STEM Strand)
School:          Manila Science High School
Year Graduated:  2025

Always include your track or strand -- it tells employers about your academic focus:

Academic Track: STEM, ABM, HUMSS, or GAS
TVL Track: Specify the strand (e.g., ICT, Home Economics, Industrial Arts)
Sports Track or Arts and Design Track

For a comprehensive overview of SHS tracks and what they mean for your career, see our high school degree guide.

TESDA National Certificate Holders

TESDA qualifications have a specific format. Include the NC level and full qualification name:

Degree Received: National Certificate II in Cookery
School:          TESDA Women's Center
Year Completed:  2025

Important details:

Always specify the NC level (I, II, III, or IV) -- each represents a different competency tier
Use the official TESDA qualification name (check your certificate)
Write "Year Completed" rather than "Year Graduated" since these are competency-based, not academic programs

For TESDA holders with multiple certificates, list the most relevant one first or the highest NC level. Visit our TESDA vocational programs hub for details on specific qualifications.

Graduate Degree Holders (Master's and Doctorate)

For master's and doctoral degrees, the format is the same but includes more detail:

Degree Received: Master of Business Administration
School:          Ateneo de Manila University
Year Graduated:  2024

Degree Received: Bachelor of Science in Accountancy
School:          De La Salle University
Year Graduated:  2020

Graduate degree holders should list degrees in reverse chronological order -- highest and most recent first. In a biodata, you typically include all degrees earned, from graduate down to bachelor's.

Complete Biodata Education Section Examples

Example 1: College Graduate

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Tertiary:
  Degree Received: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  School:          University of Santo Tomas
  Address:         Espana Blvd, Sampaloc, Manila
  Year Graduated:  2024

Secondary:
  School:          Philippine Science High School
  Address:         Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City
  Year Graduated:  2020

Elementary:
  School:          Quezon City Science Elementary School
  Address:         Quezon City
  Year Graduated:  2014

Example 2: TESDA Holder Who Did Not Finish College

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Vocational:
  Degree Received: National Certificate II in Computer Systems Servicing
  School:          TESDA Technology Institution - Taguig
  Year Completed:  2023

Tertiary:
  Degree Received: 48 units in Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
  School:          Technological University of the Philippines
  Years Attended:  2020-2022

Secondary:
  School:          Taguig National High School
  SHS Track:       TVL - ICT Strand
  Year Graduated:  2020

Example 3: SHS Graduate Entering the Workforce

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Secondary:
  Degree Received: Senior High School Diploma (ABM Strand)
  School:          Manila High School
  Year Graduated:  2025

Elementary:
  School:          Manila Elementary School
  Year Graduated:  2019

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Writing a degree you did not complete. If you did not graduate, writing "Bachelor of Science in..." without a qualifier implies you hold the degree. This can be grounds for termination or blacklisting if discovered.

2. Using informal abbreviations. Write "Bachelor of Science in Nursing," not "BSN" or "Nursing." Formal biodata requires the full title. You may include the abbreviation in parentheses: "Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)."

3. Omitting the specialization or major. "Bachelor of Science" alone is incomplete. Always include your program: "Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering."

4. Confusing "course" and "degree." Your course is the program of study (e.g., Information Technology). Your degree is the credential (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Information Technology). The "degree received" field asks for the credential.

5. Leaving the field blank if you have TESDA credentials. TESDA National Certificates are legitimate qualifications. Write them with the same care as academic degrees.

6. Including irrelevant training or seminars. The "degree received" field is for formal qualifications only. Short seminars, webinars, and online certificates belong in a separate "Trainings and Seminars" section.

Tips for a Strong Biodata Education Section

Be honest. Philippine employers verify educational credentials through the school's registrar office. Misrepresentation can lead to termination even years after hiring.
Match your TOR. The degree title in your biodata should exactly match what appears on your Transcript of Records and diploma.
Include honors if applicable. If you graduated cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude, add it: "Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Cum Laude."
List reverse chronologically. Start with your highest or most recent qualification and work backward.
Government biodata forms have specific fields. If applying to a government position (using the PDS or Personal Data Sheet), follow the exact fields provided. The CSC Form 212 has its own format for educational background.
For online applications: Some Philippine job portals (Jobstreet, Indeed PH, LinkedIn) have dropdown menus for education level. Choose the closest match and add details in the description field using the formats above.