NCAE Results Release — When and How to Get Your Results 2026
Free NCAE Results Release practice test with questions and answer explanations. Prepare for the 2026 exam with instant scoring.
DepEd has not announced a fixed national release date for NCAE results: DepEd Memorandum No. 108, s. 2025 set only the testing window, so your school's testing coordinator or guidance office is the source for when results reach you. For School Year 2025-2026 the National Career Assessment Examination (NCAE) was given as the computer-based CB-NCAE to Grade 10 learners from December 2025 to January 2026, run by DepEd's Bureau of Education Assessment (BEA) with the Schools Division Offices. Practice with the free National Career Assessment Examination practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (300+ questions with answer explanations).
Each Schools Division Office sets the exact test dates for its schools within the national window. For example, SDO Vigan City scheduled its CB-NCAE from January 6 to 21, 2026, while SDO Imus City started public schools on January 12 and private schools on January 19, 2026. Because test dates differ by division, the time until NCAE results are available can also differ from school to school.
DepEd does not announce a specific release date in advance. Check with your school's testing coordinator or guidance office after your test date, since schools coordinate with their Schools Division Office on assessment matters.
To stay informed about the official exam schedule, visit the NCAE schedule page for the latest DepEd announcements.
NCAE: upcoming dates and official changes
- Jan 4, 2027 – Jan 29, 2027: The Grade 9 CB-NCAE Technical Assessment for SY 2026-2027 is scheduled for January 4 to 29, 2027.[1]
- The Grade 9 CB-NCAE Technical Assessment for SY 2026-2027 is scheduled for January 4 to 29, 2027.[1]
- The DepEd memorandum on the CB-NCAE states no learner fee; administration costs are charged to the NASBE Program Support Fund and to school MOOE.[2]
- The Computer-Based National Career Assessment Examination (CB-NCAE) is taken on computer, and learners must install the Safe Exam Browser on Windows or Mac or Full Exam Kiosk on Android.[1]
- For School Year 2026-2027, the CB-NCAE is given to all Grade 9 and Grade 10 learners in public schools and in private schools with government recognition.[1]
All verified NCAE facts and sources
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Free National Career Assessment Examination Study Tools
Interactive National Career Assessment Examination resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
- National Career Assessment Examination practice test — 300+ questions with instant scoring and answer explanations
- National Career Assessment Examination flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
- National Career Assessment Examination study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
- National Career Assessment Examination cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review
Your NCAE result card presents your performance across all subtests using three types of scores. Understanding each one helps you make the most of your results when choosing a Senior High School strand.
Raw Score
Your raw score is simply the number of questions you answered correctly in each subtest. It is the starting point for calculating your other scores but is less meaningful on its own without context about how other students performed.
National Percentile Rank
Your national percentile rank shows where you stand compared to all Grade 10 learners who took the NCAE nationwide. A percentile rank of 75, for example, means you scored higher than 75% of all test-takers. This score is particularly useful for understanding your competitive standing at the national level.
Stanine Score
The stanine (standard nine) is a single-digit score from 1 to 9 that places you in a broad performance band:
- Stanine 1–3: Below average
- Stanine 4–6: Average range
- Stanine 7–9: Above average
Stanine 5 is the national average. Schools and guidance counselors use stanine scores to quickly identify a student's aptitude in each subject area. A stanine of 7 or higher in Science and Mathematics, for instance, suggests strong aptitude for the STEM strand.
To understand what a passing score on the NCAE means, and how cut-off points relate to strand recommendations, review the full scoring guide.
For a fuller set of questions on this topic, see our ncae practice test resource.
NCAE Checklist
- ✓Review each subtest stanine score and identify your strongest subject areas.
- ✓Compare your scores against the recommended strands — high Science/Math stanines suggest STEM, high Humanities scores suggest ABM or HUMSS.
- ✓Discuss your results with your school guidance counselor to get a personalized <a href="/ncae/strand-recommendation">strand recommendation</a>.
- ✓Use your national percentile rank to gauge your standing compared to peers nationwide.
- ✓Research the Senior High School strands available at your preferred school.
- ✓Factor in your interests and career goals alongside your NCAE stanine scores.
- ✓Keep your original result card in a safe place — it may be requested during SHS enrollment.
- ✓If you want to strengthen your skills in weaker areas, use the <a href="/ncae/complete-reviewer">NCAE complete reviewer</a> to prepare for future assessments.
NCAE Pros and Cons
- +Published score scales and passing thresholds create transparent, predictable targets for preparation
- +Scaled scoring systems allow fair comparison of performance across different test dates with varying difficulty
- +Detailed score reports identify section-specific performance, enabling targeted remediation for retake candidates
- +Score validity periods provide candidates flexibility in application timing after passing
- +Multiple scoring components mean strong performance in some areas can compensate for weaker performance in others
- −Scaled scores can be confusing — the same raw score translates to different scaled scores across test dates
- −Passing cutoffs set by credentialing bodies may not align with what candidates expect based on content mastery
- −Score report delivery times vary — delays in receiving results can delay application or registration deadlines
- −Performance on a single test date may not accurately reflect a candidate's actual knowledge level
- −Score reports often lack granularity below the section level, making it difficult to pinpoint specific topic weaknesses
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Published score scales and passing thresholds create transparent, predictable targets for preparation | Scaled scores can be confusing — the same raw score translates to different scaled scores across test dates |
| Scaled scoring systems allow fair comparison of performance across different test dates with varying difficulty | Passing cutoffs set by credentialing bodies may not align with what candidates expect based on content mastery |
| Detailed score reports identify section-specific performance, enabling targeted remediation for retake candidates | Score report delivery times vary — delays in receiving results can delay application or registration deadlines |
| Score validity periods provide candidates flexibility in application timing after passing | Performance on a single test date may not accurately reflect a candidate's actual knowledge level |
| Multiple scoring components mean strong performance in some areas can compensate for weaker performance in others | Score reports often lack granularity below the section level, making it difficult to pinpoint specific topic weaknesses |
Sample National Career Assessment Examination Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free National Career Assessment Examination practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
A student's NCAE results indicate a high percentile rank in logical reasoning, mathematical ability, and scientific ability. The Department of Education (DepEd) has specific requirements for entry into which of the following SHS tracks based on such results?
- A. Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) Strand
- B. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Strand
- C. Arts and Design Track
- D. Sports Track
Answer: B. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Strand
To enroll in the STEM Strand, DepEd requires students to have a percentile rank of 86 or above in the STEM subtest of the career assessment exam, along with final grades of 85 or above in both Science and Math in Grade 10. High scores in logical reasoning, math, and science are strong indicators of aptitude for the STEM track.
A student enjoys building and fixing machines in the school's technology workshop. Which NCAE occupational cluster best matches this interest?
- A. Arts and Communication
- B. Industrial Technology
- C. Health Science
- D. Business and Management
Answer: B. Industrial Technology
Building and fixing machines aligns with the Industrial Technology cluster, which focuses on mechanical, electrical, and vocational-technical work.
A Grade 9 student loves writing stories, drawing characters, and making short videos. Which track is MOST suitable after NCAE?
- A. TVL — Industrial Arts
- B. Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS)
- C. STEM
- D. TVL — Agri-Fishery Arts
Answer: B. Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS)
Writing, drawing, and media production align with HUMSS, which focuses on literature, communication, and the arts.
Which curriculum approach starts with identifying desired results before planning assessment and learning activities?
- A. Tyler's Rational Model
- B. Backward Design (Understanding by Design)
- C. Spiral Curriculum
- D. Activity-Based Curriculum
Answer: B. Backward Design (Understanding by Design)
Backward Design (Wiggins & McTighe's Understanding by Design) begins with desired learning results, then determines acceptable evidence of learning, and finally plans learning experiences.
Take the full National Career Assessment Examination practice test
For a fuller set of questions on this topic, see our ncae reviewer for grade 10 resource.
For a fuller set of questions on this topic, see our ncae reviewer for grade 10 resource.
🗓️ When will CB-NCAE results be released?
DepEd Memorandum No. 108, s. 2025 sets the CB-NCAE testing window but does not announce a results release date. The test is run by DepEd's Bureau of Education Assessment (BEA) with Schools Division Offices, so ask your school testing coordinator or guidance office when results will be available.
START NCAE PRACTICE TEST🎓 Who takes the NCAE for School Year 2025-2026?
All Grade 10 learners enrolled in public schools and in private schools with a government permit or recognition. Earlier NCAE rounds were given in Grade 9, so older articles that say Grade 9 describe the previous setup.
START NCAE PRACTICE TEST💻 Is the NCAE computer-based now?
Yes. For School Year 2025-2026 it is the Computer-Based NCAE (CB-NCAE), taken on computers, laptops or tablets. Schools with too few devices may borrow units from nearby partner schools within the district.
START NCAE PRACTICE TEST📅 When is the CB-NCAE schedule for 2025-2026?
DepEd set a testing window from December 2025 to January 2026, during regular classes. Each Schools Division Office picks the exact dates with its regional office; for example, Vigan City tested from January 6 to 21, 2026.
START NCAE PRACTICE TEST🧠 What subtests are in the NCAE General Scholastic Aptitude (GSA)?
The GSA has seven areas: Abstract, Logical, Mechanical, Numerical, Spatial and Verbal Reasoning (English and Filipino), plus Perceptual Accuracy and Response Efficiency (PARE). Your results show how you performed across these aptitude areas.
START NCAE PRACTICE TEST🧭 What is the CORE part of the NCAE?
CORE stands for Career and Occupational Roles Explorer, an inventory of occupational interests. It has two parts, CORE-A based on the RIASEC model and CORE-B based on the Thurstone model, and it supports career guidance rather than scoring right or wrong answers.
START NCAE PRACTICE TEST🔤 What does RIASEC mean in NCAE CORE-A results?
RIASEC stands for Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional, the six interest types in Holland's career model. CORE-A uses these types to describe which kinds of work match your interests.
START NCAE PRACTICE TEST🎯 What are NCAE results used for?
DepEd says the NCAE is designed to give individual learners career guidance for their future education and career choices. It also serves as a basis for profiling learners' aptitudes.
START NCAE PRACTICE TEST📝 Is there an NCAE mock test before the real exam?
Yes. DepEd required all Grade 10 learners to take a mock test starting December 1, 2026, at least one week before the national administration. It lets learners and teachers get used to the computer-based testing setup.
START NCAE PRACTICE TEST♿ Can learners with disabilities take the NCAE?
Yes, as long as the test accommodations in Section 9 of DepEd Order No. 55, s. 2016 are met. Learners who have difficulty seeing may skip image-heavy subtests: Abstract Reasoning, Mechanical Reasoning, Spatial Reasoning and PARE.
START NCAE PRACTICE TESTNCAE Results Questions and Answers
Sources & last verified
- depedph-my.sharepoint.com — testing window, delivery, eligibility (official source). “January 4 to 29, 2027” Verified Oct 26, 2026.
- Department of Education — exam fee (official source). “Expenses relative to the conduct of the CB-NCAE, including the travel and incidental expenses of the Division Testing Coordinators (DTCs) and examiners, shall be charged…” Verified Oct 26, 2026.
How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.
NCAE Schedule 2026 — When Is the National Career Assessment Examination?
NCAE Passing Score — What Score Do You Need? 2026
NCAE Strand Recommendation — How NCAE Results Affect Senior High School Strand Choice 2026
NCAE Complete Reviewer 2026: All Subjects for Grade 9
NCAE (National Career Assessment Examination) Test Prep
Official Resources
- Department of Education (DepEd) — the national agency whose Bureau of Education Assessment administers the NCAE and issues its memoranda.
- SDO Vigan City CB-NCAE schedule memo — a Schools Division Office memorandum that attaches the full text of DepEd Memorandum No. 108, s. 2025.
- SDO Imus City CB-NCAE final details — a division memorandum showing how one division scheduled and ran the CB-NCAE for School Year 2025-2026.
How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy
Sources & references
Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy
- region8.deped.gov.ph — Fees · verified Oct 2026
- depedph-my.sharepoint.com — Test delivery, eligibility, test dates · verified Oct 2026