Form 137 vs Form 138: Difference Between Student Permanent Record and Report Card
In the Philippines, Form 137 and Form 138 are two of the most important school documents every student encounters. However, many still get confused about their purpose and when they are used. This article will explain what each form means, their official names (SF-10 and SF-9), their differences, and how they are used in the Philippine education system.
Let’s start with Form 137 — your permanent academic record.
What is Form 137?
Official Name: Student Permanent Record (Often referred to as SF-10 in the current naming system).
Definition: Form 137 is the official, permanent, and cumulative academic transcript of a student. It is the master file that contains the complete history of a student’s academic performance throughout a specific stage of their basic education.
Think of it as your official academic biography for a school level.
Key Characteristics:
- Cumulative: It compiles all data from the beginning to the end of an educational stage.
- Stays with the School: The original copy is always kept by the school’s registrar. Students and parents do not hold the original.
- Used for Official Transfers: It is the primary document required when moving to a new school or applying for college, and the transaction is done directly between schools.
The Three Types of Form 137:
- Form 137 (Elementary) / SF10-ES: Covers the complete academic record from Grade 1 to Grade 6.
- Form 137-A (Junior High School): Covers the complete academic record from Grade 7 to Grade 10.
- Form 137-SHS (Senior High School): Covers the complete academic record from Grade 11 to Grade 12. This is the one required for college applications.
Now that you know what Form 137 is, let’s move on to Form 138 — your report card.
What is Form 138?
Official Name: Report Card (Progress Report) (Often referred to as SF-9).
Definition: Form 138 is the periodic report card issued to inform parents and guardians of a student’s academic performance and attendance for a specific grading period (usually every quarter).
Think of it as your quarterly progress report.
Key Characteristics:
- Periodic: It reflects grades and attendance for a specific period (e.g., 1st Quarter, 2nd Quarter), not the entire school life.
- Held by the Parent/Student: The original copy is given to the student to be shown to their parents or guardian, who must sign it.
- Used for Parental Monitoring and Enrollment: It is used during parent-teacher conferences and is often required for enrolling in the next school year.
Form 137 vs Form 138
| Feature | Form 137 (Permanent Record) | Form 138 (Report Card) |
|---|---|---|
| Official Name | SF-10 (e.g., SF10-SHS) | SF-9 |
| Core Purpose | Official Academic Transcript | Quarterly Progress Report |
| Scope of Data | Cumulative (e.g., entire SHS) | Periodic (One quarter/school year) |
| Who Keeps the Original? | School Registrar | Student and Parent |
| Primary Use | College Admission, School Transfer | Informing Parents, Yearly Enrollment |
| How it’s Transferred | School-to-School | Student-to-School |
Quick Summary of Form 137 vs Form 138
- Form 137 (SF-10): Permanent record of all grades — kept by the school.
- Form 138 (SF-9): Report card given every quarter — kept by the student/parent.
- Main Difference: Form 137 is for official school transactions; Form 138 is for monitoring academic progress.
Form 137 Samples
Form 138 Samples
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Form 137 and Form 138
1. What is the difference between Form 137 and Form 138?
Form 137 (SF-10) is a permanent record of a student’s grades from an entire educational level (e.g., Junior High or Senior High).
Form 138 (SF-9) is a report card issued every grading period to show quarterly progress.
2. Is Form 137 required for college admission?
✅ Yes. Most colleges and universities require a Form 137-SHS (SF10-SHS) from your Senior High School as part of your admission documents.
3. Can I personally request my Form 137?
Not directly. The request for Form 137 is school-to-school. You can’t get the original copy yourself — instead, your new school requests it officially from your previous school’s registrar.
4. How long does it take to get Form 137?
It varies per school. On average, it takes 1–3 weeks after the new school sends an official request. Public schools may take longer during enrollment periods.
5. Can I request a copy of my Form 137 after graduation?
Yes, you can request a certified true copy from your former school. You’ll usually need to provide a valid ID and fill out a records request form.
6. What should I do if my Form 137 is missing or damaged?
If it’s lost or damaged, you should contact your last attended school. They can issue a certified copy or retrieve your record from their archives. Schools keep permanent student records for many years.
7. Can I use Form 138 instead of Form 137 for school transfers?
❌ No. Form 138 is only a report card.
Schools require Form 137 for official transfers because it shows your complete academic history, not just one grading period.
8. Who keeps the original Form 137 and Form 138?
- Form 137 (SF-10): Kept by the school registrar permanently.
- Form 138 (SF-9): Given to the student and parents each grading period.
9. Is Form 138 required for enrollment?
Yes. Schools often ask for the final Form 138 (report card) as proof that a student has completed the previous grade level before enrollment in the next one.
10. What is SF-9 and SF-10?
DepEd replaced the old naming system with School Forms (SF):
- SF-9 = Form 138 (Report Card)
- SF-10 = Form 137 (Permanent Record)
11. Can I get my Form 137 online?
Some schools may allow online requests, but Form 137 is never emailed directly to students. It must be sent officially between schools for authenticity.
12. What is included in Form 137?
Form 137 includes your grades per subject, learning areas, attendance records, personal information, and school transfer history. It serves as your lifelong academic record for that level.
13. Do I need Form 137 for overseas study or work?
Yes, if you’re applying abroad, schools or agencies may request an authenticated Form 137. You can get it certified by your school and verified through DepEd or DFA (for red ribbon or apostille).
14. Is there a fee for requesting Form 137?
Most public schools provide it for free, but some private schools charge a processing fee (usually ₱50–₱200) for certified copies or mailing services.
15. Can parents or guardians request Form 137 on behalf of a student?
Yes, as long as they provide a signed authorization letter, valid IDs, and any required school request forms.