Dr. NELIA V.

BENITO, CESO IV
Director III
Memo - Administration
Memo - Conference
1. What is the NCAE?

 NCAE = National Career Assessment Examination

 It is an aptitude test geared toward providing information through test results

for self-assessment, career awareness and career guidance of junior high school
students of the K to 12 Basic Education Program (BEP).

 Test-taking is mandatory.

 Test results are recommendatory.

 For K to 12 Program: career guidance for choosing the tracks in Senior High
School

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2. What other features characterize the NCAE?

 A locally developed test which was standardized and

validated using Filipino respondents

 A paper-and-pencil test which utilizes scannable answer

sheets that are processed electronically

 A multiple-choice type of test

 Culture fair and sensitive

 Provides an end-user-friendly report format (COR)

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3. Why was NCAE developed?

The NCAE was developed to:

 To foster the highest quality of education in the Philippines

by regulating and monitoring the flow of students to post
secondary institutions of learning and their potential
contribution to national development

 To minimize indiscriminate wastage of manpower and

resources by working for a match between manpower skill
outputs and job market demands
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4. What are the specific objectives of the NCAE?

 To assess the skills of Grade 9 students planning to proceed

to senior HS, toward providing relevant information on their
skills, abilities and readiness for academic and non-academic
courses;

 To provide information that will help high school students

make wise career decision; and

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5. How is NCAE different from NCEE?

Similarities Differences

 Both are general  NCAE includes scientific ability as

scholastic aptitude an area in GSAT
tests (GSAT)
 Still recommendatory – without cut-
off score

 Includes technical-vocational
aptitude, logical reasoning ability,
occupational interest inventory,
aptitude on academic tracks

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6. Who are the target examinees of the NCAE?

 All enrolled Grade 9 students in public and private

high schools operating with permit

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 2015 NCAE - Occupational Interest Inventory for Students in
Secondary Schools (OIISSS)
Clusters of Occupational Fields*
A. Science
B. Natural Sciences
C. Aquaculture and Agriculture/Forestry
D. Engineering
E. Business and Finance / Commerce
F. Professional Services
G. Personal Services
H. Computers and Technology
I. Media and Communication
J. Community Services
K. Architecture and Construction
L. The Arts
M. Fashion: Garments, Hairstyle/Cosmetics/Parlor Services,
Jewelry and Accessories
N. Military and Law Enforcement
O. Spiritual Vocation
* As per consultation with Dr. Annadaisy J. Carlota, Consultant, Department of Psychology, UP Diliman
(2014)

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7. What are the domains measured in the NCAE?

A. General Scholastic Aptitude (GSA) – 155 items

 Scientific Ability (SA) ------------------------------------------------40 items
 Reading Comprehension (RC) ------------------------------------- 30 items
 Verbal Ability (VA) ----------------------------------------------------30 items
 Mathematical Ability (MA) ----------------------------------------- 40 items
 Logical Reasoning Ability (LRA) __________________________ 15 items

B. Occupational Interest Inventory for

Students in Secondary Schools (OIISSS) ----------------------------------- 215 items

C. Aptitude for Academic Tracks _150 items*

 Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) _______________________50 items

 Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)_______________50 items
 Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM) __________________50 items

D. Technical-Vocational Aptitude (TVA) ____________________________ 60 items

*Revised 2014

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Occupational Interest Inventory of
Students in Secondary Schools (OIISSS)

 This is an inventory / checklist of occupational interests which

provides an assessment on inclinations / preferences for
comprehensive career guidance.

 The students are provided with a profile chart of their occupational

inclinations and preferences thru the identified cluster occupations.
8. What information is derived from the NCAE COR?

 COR = Certificate of Rating

 The COR contains the report on how the examinees performed in

the test which is presented in a graph alongside the Standard
Scores and Percentile Ranks.

 The descriptive rating of the Percentile Rank is also included.

 The overall GSA and TVA scores are reported along with scores in
the subtests.

 The GSA score is the average of the standard scores in these

areas: SA, RC, VA, MA and LRA.

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 Reporting of results for HUMSS, STEM and ABM will be in
Standard Score and Percentile Rank.

 Likewise, the TVA score is the composite of the CA and VMS

scores.

 OIISSS: The level of preference for each area of occupational

interest is displayed based on percentage score which is as
follows: high (76-100), moderate (51-75), low (26-50) and very low
(0-25)

 Examinees can gauge their individual strengths and weaknesses

in every domain/area measured based on the test results.
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 Facsimile of the NCAE COR (2012)
FRONT
Potentials/Inclinations of S tudents Based on NCAE Results
S c ie nt if ic A bilit y ( S A ) . This is an assessment o f the individual's
scientific abilities and skills to ado pt scientific metho ds, pro cedures and
pro cesses co nstructing kno wledge and so lving experimental o r real-life
pro blems. One who has high SA has greater pro bability to excel in academic
pro grams that wo rk mo stly o n scientific metho do lo gies (e.g. medical allied
pro fessio ns). Tho se with average SA can be successful in the field o f
chemistry, physics, zo o lo gy, bo tany, bio lo gy, and o ther co urses related to
R e a ding C o m pre he ns io n ( R C ) . This measures the ability to
understand what has been stated directly; to anlayze, interpret, and criticize
what has been read; to reco gnize reaso nable applicatio n o f principles o r
o pinio ns expressed by the autho r. A student with hig RC has the po tential
to make so und inferences, syntheses, generalizatio ns, o r co nclusio ns o n
what he/she read. Students who po ssess the skills will mo st likely succeed
in co urses that invo lve public speaking and even writing such as mass
co mmunicatio n, teaching, theo lo gy, and law.
V e rba l A bilit y ( V A ) . This subtest measures the assertive ability o f a
perso n in view o f grammatical rules and lo gical arrangement o f ideas.
Individuals with hig VA have high sense o f analo gy; hence, they have
po tential in mass co mmunicatio n, law, teaching, and preaching vo catio n.
Tho se with average VA can be develo ped in advertising careers.
M a t he m a t ic a l A bilit y ( M A ) . This subtest is used to assess
quantitative abilities and co mputatio nal skills, particularly, o n wo rking with
numbers, perceiving relatio nship between two quantities and so lving wo rd
pro blems. One with high M A has high sense o f mathematical calculus, a
requisite skill in engineering co urses, aero nautics and marine co urses.
BACK
C le ric a l A bilit y ( C A ) . This is a test o f ability and skill to enco de
data/info rmatio n and file o ffice reco rds, as well as ability to no te details. High CA
is the requisite skill fo r secretariat jo bs fo r these jo bes require go o d manual
dexterity; thus individuals with high CA are po tential co mputer o perato rs.
enco ders, and steno graphers.
V is ua l M a nipula t iv e S k ills ( V M S ) . This subtest measures abilities that
require perceptual and visual judgment in determining figures, symbo ls, and
nature o f space as well as skills in mentally manipulating o bjects and co ncrete
materials. M anipulative skills are required in o ccupatio ns such as machine
technicians, jewelers, watchmakers, engravers, handicraft makers, and the like.
N o nv e rba l A bilit y ( N V A ) . This tests a perso n's reaso ning ability to identify
patterns presented in diagrammatic fo rm. The series o f figures presented in each
item requires the perceptio n o f an o perating principle underlying the changes in
the figures. In each instance, the examinee must disco ver the principle's
go verning change/s o f the figures and give evidence o f his understanding by
indicating the diagram that sho uld lo gically fo llo w. It tests abilities required in jo bs
such as engineering, science, architecture and any o ther jo bs which invo lve
wo rking with diagrammatic and similar visual info rmatio n.
Lo gic a l R e a s o ning A bilit y ( LR A ) . This measures an individual's ability to
understand and analyze co mplex written material and derive co rrect co nclusio ns
fro m it. Tho se with high LRA are likely to succeed in co urses which require high
analytical/critical thinking skills like law, eco no mics, theo lo gy, so cial science and
medical allied pro fessio ns.

AN I NVENTORY OF OCCUPATI ONAL I NTERESTS

A. SCIENCES B. ENGINEERING D. PROFESSIONAL F. CYBERSERVICES Garm ents
Health - Medical B1 Mechanical Engineer SERVICES (cont...) F1 Web Designer G27 Shoe Maker**
A1 Doctor of Medicine B2 Electrical Engineer D11 Registrar F2 Analy st G28 Furniture Maker**
A2 Dentist B3 Civ il Engineer D12 Values Teacher F3 Programmer G29 Pottery Maker**
A3 Pharmacist B4 Safety Engineer D13 College Professor F4 Instructor G30 Beadw orks Maker**
A4 Medical Technologist B5 Mining Engineer D14 Non-Formal Educ Teacher F5 Transcriptionist G31 Jew elry Maker**
A5 Nurse B6 Metallurgical Engineer D15 Tech-Vocational Aide** F6 Data Encoder** G32 Silk Screen Maker**
A6 Orthodentist B7 Marine Engineer D16 Book Author F7 Cartoonist** G33 T-shirt Designer**
A7 Optometrist B8 Agricultural Engineer D17 Composer F8 Animator** G34 Wood Carv er**
A8 Cardiologist B9 Chemical Engineer D18 Guidance Counselor F9 Illustrator** G35 Art Painter**
A9 Geneticist B10 Electrician** D19 School Head F10 Clerk** G36 Caricaturist**
A10 Laboratory Technician** B11 Technician** D20 Assistant Principal F11 Repairman**
A11 Radio Technician** B12 Car-auto Machinist** D21 School Clerk** F12 Radio Technician** H. ENVIRONMENT
B13 CP-radio Technician** D22 School Aide** F13 Online Sales Agent** H1 Urban Planner
Specialized Areas B14 Heav y Equip Operator** D23 Janitor** F14 Technician** H2 Real Estate Broker**
A12 Geologist B15 Gardener** D24 Security Officer** F15 Call Center Agent** H3 Designer**
A13 Actuarial Mathematician B16 Hobby ist** F16 Database** H4 Sales Representativ e**
A14 Biologist B17 Goldsmith** E. PERSONAL SERVICES F17 Adv ertising Agent** H5 Driv er**
A15 Marine Biologist E1 Av iation-Pilot F18 Computer Aide** H6 Forester
A16 Food Technologist C. COMMERCE E2 Stew ardess F19 Drafters**
A17 Radiologist C1 Marketing Officer E3 Ground Crew I. MILITARY TRAINING
A18 Chemist C2 Banker E4 Radio Comptroller G. AESTHETICS I1 Armed Forces Officer
A19 Botanist C3 Budget Officer E5 Technician** Cosm etics I2 Military Officer
A20 Statistician C4 Financial Analy st E6 Tow er Technician** G1 Make-up Artist** I3 Police Officer
A21 Zoologist C5 Accountant E7 Maritime-Ship Captain G2 Hair Cutter** I4 Police Aide**
A22 Volcanologist C6 Bookkeeper E8 Chief Mate G3 Manicurist** I5 Desk Officer**
A23 Doctor of Veterinary Med C7 Businessman E9 Marine Engineer G4 Hair Sty list** I6 Air Force Officer
A24 Seismologist C8 HR Manager E10 Messman/Cook** G5 Hair Spa Aide** I7 Traffic Enforcer**
A25 Laboratory Aide** C9 Sales Manager E11 Seaman** I8 Barangay Tanod**
A26 Laboratory Assistant** C10 Economist E12 Trav el Agent House Construction I9 Inv estigator
C11 Adv ertising Ex ecutiv e E13 Tour Guide** G6 Architect I10 Labor Leader
Allied Medical Science C12 Stockroom Superv isor** E14 Photographer** G7 Surv ey or I11 Training Officer
A27 Speech Pathologist C13 Salesclerk** E15 Ticketing Clerk** G8 Interior Designer I12 Strategists
A28 Occupational Therapist C14 Storekeeper** E16 Hotel-HRM G9 Foreman I13 Barangay Officer**
A29 Therapy Assistant** C15 Cashier** E17 HR Superv isor G10 Building Aide** I14 Rescue Volunteer**
A30 Medical Representativ e C16 Records Officer** E18 Maintenance Superv isor G11 Painter** I15 Barangay Aide**
A31 Medical Superv isor C17 Clerk** E19 Chef G12 Driv er** I16 Barangay Cleaners**
A32 Barangay Health Official** C18 IT Sales Clerk** E20 Attendant** G13 Pipe Welder** I17 Clerk**
A33 Hospital Manager C19 Security Officer** E21 Clerk** G14 Carpenter** I18 Forensic
A34 Laboratory Utility ** C20 Sales Promo** E22 Baker** G15 Mason** I19 DNA Analy sts
A35 Caregiv er** C21 Warehouse Superv isor** E23 Elev ator Man** I20 Fingerprint Ex pert
E24 Chambermaid** Theater/Movie I21 Laboratory Technician**
Medical Tourism /Wellness D. PROFESSIONAL E25 Barista** G16 Artist/Actor I22 Laboratory Encoder**
A36 Cosmetic Surgeon SERVICES E26 Reserv ation Clerk** G17 Director
A37 Dermatologist D1 Legal-Judge E27 Billing Clerk** G19 Set Designer** J. SPIRITUAL VOCATION
A38 Orthopedic Doctor D2 Law y er E28 Mass Comm-Journalist G20 Lights Designer** J1 Priest/Pastor
A39 Herbologist D3 Clerk of Court E29 New s Editor G21 Entertainer**
A40 Chiropractor D4 Legal Assistant** E30 Cameraman** K. AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY
A41 Optical Aide** D5 Legal Secretary ** E31 Voice Ov er Talent** Garm ents K1 Canning Worker
A42 Nursing Aide** D6 Clerk** E32 Technician** G22 Tex tile Technician K2 Agriculutural Worker
A43 Spa Aide** D7 Pre-School Teacher E33 Operator** G23 Fashion Designer K3 Fish Hachery Technician
A44 Gy m Instructor** D8 Teacher Aide** E34 Telephone Operator** G24 Wholesaler** K4 Aquaculturist
A45 Medical Secretary ** D9 Elementary Teacher E35 Proofreader** G25 Dressmaker**
A46 Sales Representativ e** D10 High School Teacher E36 Dubber** G26 Bag Maker**

TDPU-pjdc/7/16/12 15
9. How are the NCAE scores reported and interpreted?

 The scores are reported in Standard Scores and Percentile Ranks.

 Standard Score - where the mean is 500 and the standard deviation
is 100. The highest scores are in the 700’s; the lowest scores are in the
300’s.

 Percentile Rank - shows the test taker’s position among all the
examinees. If an examinee scores at percentile rank 99+, it means that
he scored above the other 99 percent of the examinees.

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 X

Sample Plot of a
Percentile Rank
(PR) in a Normal
Curve

 PR = 80

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12. Is there a testing fee required in taking the NCAE?

 None.

 The cost in the preparation of test materials and

administration of the test does not entail any amount
from the schools, parents and students.

 All expenses are shouldered by the Department.

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13. How long does it take for an examinee to receive
his/ her individual COR (test results)?

 3-4 months

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14. How will the NCAE guide high school students and their parents
in determining the career track they should take?

 The NCAE intends to provide information that will help high school students
make wise career decisions based on the results of the domains of the test.

 It also provides an interest inventory that will show the inclinations of the
students in a particular occupational field.

 The test results will validate the previously thought career choice by showing
the student’s strengths and weaknesses in the aforementioned domains.

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15. How has the general public responded to the results of the exam? Are parents
willing to follow the test results for their children’s career plans?

 In 2007, DepED-NETRC conducted a survey on the utilization of the NCAE

results for SY 2006-2007.

 Nineteen (19) higher education institutions and TESDA accredited

schools in twelve (12) schools divisions participated in the survey.

 The NCAE annual administration was viewed positively by 81.31% of the

students.

 80% of their parents affirmed in the necessity to administer the NCAE

yearly.
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 85% of the school officials favored the annual administration of
the NCAE.

 Across the four groups of respondents (students, parents, school

officials and CHED/TESDA institutions), the NCAE elicited high
acceptance level.

 All groups manifested agreement on the yearly administration of

the NCAE.
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16.Based on the results of the test, what are the policy directions of
DepED on the basic education curriculum?

Policy Directions:
 Based on the results of the NCAE over the years, majority of
our high school graduates have inclinations toward technical-
vocational (tech-voc) occupations.

 The strengthening of 261 technical-vocational high

schools is being carried out by the Department wherein
improvements are being made in their curriculum, training,
physical and policy support.
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 The results validate DepED’s decision to put great stress on tech-voc program,
that is, to equip high school students with technical-vocational skills that can
empower them to find meaningful employment, whether or not they pursue
college education.

 DepED’s tech-voc curriculum is being aligned with the training regulations of

TESDA. This will allow tech-voc high school graduates to acquire TESDA
certificates.

 It is also the Department’s goal to improve the abilities of students in the

general scholastic domain.

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 Moreover, the Department is currently working on
intensifying the career guidance programs in public
national high schools and in orienting the guidance
staff in the schools and division offices on how to
maximize the utilization of the NCAE results in order
to properly guide students in making wise career
decisions.

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17. How can the results of the exam help solve the problem of job
mismatch?

 With the results of the NCAE, the students will be

directed to occupational fields where they would be
potentially productive and successful.

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18. Can the results of the NCAE be used in ranking schools?

 No.
 The results of the NCAE should NOT be used for other
purposes other than career guidance.

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