Program Overview

PC Operations NC II (Formerly known as Computer Secretarial), is a technical-vocational program that teaches students the use of personal computers, word processing, spreadsheets and presentation software. Students are also taught how to use and access e-mails and web browsers for searching and locating data and information on the Internet.

The PC Operations NC II program is supervised and accredited by TESDA (a government agency that regulates vocational courses), and TESDA-accredited education institutions may offer this program. The program may also be incorporated in undergraduate programs such as BS in Office Administration and BS in Information Technology (BSIT).

Course Structure

The course structure for PC Operations NC II is divided into the following modules:

• Basic Competencies
  • Participate in workplace communication (4 hours)
  • Work in a team environment (4 hours)
  • Practice career professionalism (5 hours)
  • Practice occupational health and safety procedure (5 hours)
• Common Competencies
  • Applying quality standards (8 hours)
  • Operating a personal computer (10 hours)
• Core Competencies
  • Operating a word processing application (54 hours)
  • Using e-mail and searching the web using browsers (24 hours)
  • Operating a spreadsheet application (60 hours)
  • Operating a presentation package (40 hours)

Is PC Operations a profession?

PC Operations is definitely not a profession. This program teaches a set of skills that is useful for almost any job these days, including office, administrative, call center, technical and managerial positions.

Entry Requirements for PC Operations NC II

The basic requirements for trainees of PC Operations NC II as set by TESDA are:

• Can communicate oral and written
• Physically and mentally fit
• With good moral character
• Can perform basic mathematical computations

Schools and training centers offering the program may include additional requirements.

What skills, traits and attitude will help you succeed in this course?

• Computer Knowledge – basic knowledge of computer use and being able to understand application software and systems.
• Reading Comprehension – the ability to understand written instructions is very important in this course because you have to follow a step by step process while learning MS Office, how to create an e-mail, proper research and a lot more.
• Logical skills – the ability to determine how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
• Patience – it is important to be patient and calm and not lose your patience even if some things don’t work out the first time you try them.
• Communication skills – average proficiency in written and oral English.
• Ability to grasp instructions quickly

How difficult is PC Operations NC II?

PC Operations NC II is one of the easiest computer TESDA programs. The topics are not difficult to learn. The high-school curriculum in the Philippines and even the elementary curriculum includes computer subjects which touches computer use, so it should be easy for students of the PC Operations NC II since they have prior background. In addition, the majority of people these days are familiar with the use of email, internet and search engines.

How long does it take to complete the PC Operations NC II program in the Philippines?

The recommended duration of PC Operations NC II program according to TESDA regulations is 214 hours. However the duration may be longer due to the OJT or the school's curriculum.

On the Job Training (OJT)

TESDA-accredited institutions may integrate an On the Job Training (OJT) in the course content for PC Operations NC II. Students may be assigned in different firms where they will be given the chance to observe and perform PC Operations tasks. The required number of hours for OJT varies from one institution to another.

Assessment and Certification

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is the regulating body for all vocational courses in the Philippines and is in-charge of the assessment and certification of the competencies of technical-vocational workers through the Philippine TVET Qualification and Certification System (PTQCS). The assessment process aims to determine whether the graduate will be able to perform according to workplace standards based on a defined competency standard. Certification is given to those who meet the competency standards.

The Assessment and Certification process is not required among graduates of vocational courses. Graduate trainees have the option whether to undergo the process or not. However, a TESDA certification will give a graduate an advantage since local and foreign companies who hire skilled workers may require this credential.

Graduates of PC Operations NC II are advised to take the Assessment and Certification Exam, National Certificate – Level II (NCII).

The National Certificate is only valid for five years, which means that it has to be renewed. The requirements and steps in applying for assessment and certification as well as the methods used for assessment are found in the TESDA website.

Career Opportunities for PC Operations NC II graduates

• Data Encoder – operate data entry device, such as keyboard or photo composing perforator. Duties may include verifying data and preparing materials for printing.
• Computer Operator – monitor and control electronic computer and peripheral electronic data processing equipment to process business, scientific, engineering, and other data according to operating instructions.
• Clerk/Office Aide – encodes letters and reports from draft or from dictation to professional format and does manual/electronic filing
• Office Secretary – provides both clerical and administrative support to professionals, either as part of a team or individually; involved with the coordination and implementation of office procedures and frequently has responsibility for specific projects and tasks.
• Stenographer/Transcriber – takes and transcribes proceedings of conventions, seminars, speeches, court depositions, investigation etc. and encodes resolutions, summons, court decisions, and other documents from drafts or from dictation of professional format.
• Reception Clerk – receives and transfers calls, receives and directs visitors, performs multiple office support tracks as assigned by multiple supervisors.

Salary Levels

The following are some common jobs for PC Operations NC II graduates, and their monthly salaries:(source: jobstreet, 2017)

Job	Salary per month
Data Encoder	P 8,300–16,000
Computer Operator	P 9,600–16,000
Secretary	P 7,500–15,000