TESDA develops competency standards for middle-level skilled workers. These are in the form of units of competency containing descriptors for acceptable work performance. These are packaged into qualifications corresponding to critical jobs and occupations in the priority industry sectors. The qualifications correspond to a specific levels in the Philippine TVET Qualifications Framework (PTQF).

The competency standards and qualifications, together with training standards and assessment arrangements comprise the national training regulations (TR) promulgated by the TESDA Board. The TRs serve as basis for registration and delivery of TVET programs, competency assessment and certification and development of curricula for the specific qualification.