NCAE Science Practice Test 2026: Free Questions & Answers
The NCAE Science section is a core subtest of the National Career Assessment Examination taken by all Grade 9 students in the Philippines. It measures your understanding of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science concepts from the K-12 curriculum. A strong score in Science can help qualify you for STEM strand recommendation in Senior High School. This complete reviewer covers every topic area tested, with key concepts, practice strategies, and NCAE practice test resources to sharpen your skills before exam day.
What NCAE Science Covers
The Science subtest of the National Career Assessment Examination evaluates Grade 9 students on junior high school science knowledge aligned with the Department of Education's K-12 curriculum. Unlike the specialized science subjects taught per quarter, the NCAE draws questions from all four science disciplines in a single integrated subtest. Practice with the free National Career Assessment Examination practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (300+ questions with answer explanations).
The exam uses multiple-choice items, each with four options. Questions test both factual recall and conceptual understanding — you may be asked to identify an organelle, balance a chemical equation concept, describe Newton's laws, or explain a geological process. Students aiming for the STEM strand need to pay particular attention to this section.
To understand the full exam structure across all subtests, read the NCAE practice test overview, or explore the NCAE Complete Reviewer which covers every subject area in one place. You can also review how to pass the NCAE exam for general strategies that apply across all subtests.
The Four Science Domains
The NCAE Science subtest is drawn equally from four major domains. Each domain reflects a full year of junior high school science (Grades 7–10 under the K-12 spiral curriculum). Understanding the domain breakdown helps you allocate study time wisely. Complement your science review with the NCAE Math Reviewer since many Physics and Chemistry calculations overlap with mathematical reasoning skills.
NCAE: upcoming dates and official changes
- Oct 12, 2026 – Oct 30, 2026: The Grade 10 CB-NCAE Technical Assessment for SY 2026-2027 was suspended from September 24 to October 11, 2026 and resumed from October 12 to 30, 2026.[4]
- Jan 4, 2027 – Jan 29, 2027: Under BEA Advisory No. 018, s. 2026, Grade 9 learners take the CB-NCAE Technical Assessment from January 4 to 29, 2027.[2]
Full NCAE change history
- DepEd memoranda do not state any learner fee for the NCAE; the costs of giving the CB-NCAE are charged to DepEd program funds and school MOOE.[1]
- The National Career Assessment Examination is now given as the Computer-Based NCAE (CB-NCAE), which learners take in school during regular class hours.[2]
- 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.[3]
- The Grade 10 CB-NCAE Technical Assessment for SY 2026-2027 was suspended from September 24 to October 11, 2026 and resumed from October 12 to 30, 2026.[4]
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
NCAE Exam at a Glance
| Item | Detail | Source · Verified |
|---|
| Exam fee | No learner fee stated; costs are charged to DepEd funds[1] | Department of Education · Oct 15, 2026 |
| Delivery | Computer-based (CB-NCAE), taken in school on the DepEd assessment platform[2] | depedmandaluyong.org · Oct 15, 2026 |
| Eligibility | All Grade 9 and Grade 10 learners in public schools and government-recognized private schools (SY 2026-2027)[3] | bulacandeped.com.ph · Oct 15, 2026 |
| Testing window (Technical Assessment – Grade 10 (SY 2026-2027)) | Sept 7 – Oct 30, 2026 (suspended Sept 24 – Oct 11; resumed Oct 12–30, 2026)[4] | depeddasma.edu.ph · Oct 15, 2026 |
| Testing window (Technical Assessment – Grade 9 (SY 2026-2027)) | January 4–29, 2027[2] | depedmandaluyong.org · Oct 15, 2026 |
Free National Career Assessment Examination Study Tools
Interactive National Career Assessment Examination resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
Key Topics Per Domain
Biology
Biology questions on the NCAE focus on the following key topics from the Philippine K-12 curriculum:
- Cell structure and function — parts of the cell, differences between plant and animal cells, prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells
- Organ systems — digestive, respiratory, circulatory, nervous, reproductive, and excretory systems and their functions
- Heredity and genetics — Mendel's laws, dominant and recessive traits, genotype vs. phenotype, Punnett squares
- Biodiversity and classification — the five kingdoms, binomial nomenclature, adaptations and survival
- Ecology — food chains and webs, energy flow, biotic and abiotic factors, ecosystems in the Philippine context
- Photosynthesis and respiration — the processes, reactants, products, and their role in energy conversion
Chemistry
Chemistry items on the NCAE test conceptual understanding rather than complex calculations. Focus on:
- Matter and its properties — physical vs. chemical properties, states of matter, and changes of state
- Mixtures and pure substances — homogeneous vs. heterogeneous mixtures, solutions, colloids, and suspensions
- Elements and compounds — the periodic table (symbols, atomic number, groups/periods), common elements in everyday life
- Chemical vs. physical changes — indicators of chemical change (gas, precipitate, color change, energy release)
- Acids, bases, and salts — pH scale, common examples, and neutralization
- Basic atomic structure — protons, neutrons, electrons, and electron configuration at the junior high school level
Physics
Physics is often the most challenging domain for NCAE takers. Priority topics include:
- Newton's Laws of Motion — inertia, F=ma, action-reaction pairs; understand how to apply them in real-life scenarios
- Kinematics — speed, velocity, acceleration, and interpreting motion graphs
- Work, energy, and power — definitions, units (Joule, Watt), kinetic and potential energy, conservation of energy
- Waves and sound — transverse vs. longitudinal waves, frequency, wavelength, amplitude, and the speed of sound
- Electricity — series and parallel circuits, voltage, current, resistance (Ohm's Law concept), and electrical safety
- Heat and temperature — heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation), Celsius and Kelvin scales
Earth Science
Earth Science questions draw heavily from Philippine geological and environmental contexts:
For a fuller set of questions on this topic, see our ncae practice test resource.
For a fuller set of questions on this topic, see our ncae reviewer resource.
For a fuller set of questions on this topic, see our ncae exam grade 10 resource.
- Layers of the Earth — crust, mantle, outer core, inner core; lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere
- Plate tectonics — tectonic plate boundaries, earthquakes, and volcanoes (especially relevant to the Philippines' location on the Pacific Ring of Fire)
- Rock cycle — igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks; mineral properties and identification
- Weather and climate — water cycle, cloud formation, typhoon formation in the Philippine context, climate zones
- The solar system — planets in order, characteristics, moon phases, eclipses, tides
- The atmosphere — layers (troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere), greenhouse effect, and ozone layer
Review all four science domains: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science Know the parts of the cell and their functions Memorize common element symbols from the periodic table Understand Newton's three laws of motion and their real-life applications Know the layers of the Earth and the Philippines' geological setting Review the water cycle, weather patterns, and Philippine typhoon factors Practice reading graphs, tables, and diagrams — NCAE uses data interpretation items Complete at least two full-length practice tests before exam day Bring a valid school ID and your exam permit on test day Arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time How Science Affects Your Strand Score
The NCAE is not a pass/fail exam — it generates a career aptitude profile used by schools to recommend a Senior High School strand. Your Science subtest score contributes directly to your aptitude for the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) strand and also factors into scores for Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) strands that require science reasoning.
DepEd uses the NCAE results as one of three inputs for strand placement: the NCAE result, the student's academic grades, and the student's own preference. A high Science score strengthens your case for STEM if your grades and preference also point in that direction. Students who score well across multiple subtests — including both Science and the mathematical reasoning areas — are typically recommended for the STEM or Academic strands.
To prepare across all NCAE subject areas, use the NCAE Complete Reviewer, which covers all subtests including Science, Math, English, Filipino, and the Career Guidance component. You can also review tips on how to pass the NCAE exam to maximize your overall aptitude score. For mathematics preparation alongside your science study, see the NCAE Math Reviewer.
Pros
- Validates your knowledge and skills objectively
- Increases job market competitiveness
- Provides structured learning goals
- Networking opportunities with other certified professionals
Cons
- Study materials can be expensive
- Exam anxiety can affect performance
- Requires dedicated preparation time
- Retake fees apply if you don't pass
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Validates your knowledge and skills objectively | Study materials can be expensive |
| Increases job market competitiveness | Exam anxiety can affect performance |
| Provides structured learning goals | Requires dedicated preparation time |
| Networking opportunities with other certified professionals | Retake fees apply if you don't pass |
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.
All students who are members of the science club also joined the math competition. Anna is not a member of the science club. Based on this information, which of the following statements must be true?
- A. Anna did not join the math competition.
- B. All students who joined the math competition are in the science club.
- C. Some students who are not in the science club joined the math competition.
- D. The statements do not provide enough information to conclude anything about Anna's participation in the math competition.
Answer: D. The statements do not provide enough information to conclude anything about Anna's participation in the math competition.
The first statement establishes that being in the science club is a sufficient condition for joining the math competition, but not a necessary one. It doesn't preclude others (not in the science club) from joining. Therefore, knowing that Anna is not in the science club doesn't tell us definitively whether she joined the math competition or not.
Which SHS track is recommended for a student with high aptitude in science and mathematics and low interest in artistic activities?
- A. HUMSS
- B. TVL — Home Economics
- C. STEM
- D. Arts and Design
Answer: C. STEM
High aptitude in science and mathematics with low artistic interest clearly aligns with the STEM track.
According to DepEd, the NCAE is administered to which grade level?
- A. Grade 6
- B. Grade 7
- C. Grade 9
- D. Grade 12
Answer: C. Grade 9
The NCAE is administered to Grade 9 students to help them choose their Senior High School track before Grade 10 ends.
Which NCAE aptitude component is most critical for a student aspiring to take the Arts and Design track?
- A. Clerical Aptitude
- B. Spatial/Abstract Aptitude
- C. Numerical Aptitude
- D. Verbal Aptitude
Answer: B. Spatial/Abstract Aptitude
Spatial and abstract aptitude reflects the ability to visualize forms and patterns, which is essential for arts and design.
Take the full National Career Assessment Examination practice test
🔬 🔬 What does the NCAE Science practice test cover?
It draws on four junior high science areas: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science. Items follow the DepEd K-12 curriculum and mix factual recall with applying concepts.
🧬 🧬 What is the powerhouse of the cell?
The mitochondrion releases usable energy (ATP) from food through cellular respiration. It is a common NCAE Science reviewer item on cell parts and their functions.
🌱 🌱 What is photosynthesis?
Plants use light energy to turn carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. It takes place in chloroplasts, which contain chlorophyll.
⚗️ ⚗️ How do an element, a compound, and a mixture differ?
An element has one kind of atom, a compound has different atoms chemically bonded in a fixed ratio, and a mixture is physically combined substances that can be separated.
🧪 🧪 What does the pH scale measure?
pH measures how acidic or basic a solution is on a scale of 0 to 14. Below 7 is acidic, 7 is neutral (pure water), and above 7 is basic.
🍎 🍎 What are Newton's three laws of motion?
First: an object keeps its state of motion unless a net force acts (inertia). Second: force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma). Third: every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
⚡ ⚡ How do series and parallel circuits differ?
In a series circuit, current has a single path and one break stops everything. In a parallel circuit, current has several paths, so other branches keep working if one fails.
🌋 🌋 What causes earthquakes and volcanoes?
Most occur at plate boundaries, where tectonic plates move against, apart from, or under each other. The Philippines sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, so this topic is highly relevant.
🪨 🪨 What are the three main rock types?
Igneous rock forms from cooled magma or lava, sedimentary rock from compacted sediments, and metamorphic rock from heat and pressure changing existing rock. The rock cycle links them.
🎯 🎯 How should I use an NCAE science reviewer?
Review each of the four domains, then take timed multiple-choice practice and read the explanations for misses. The NCAE gives a career aptitude profile, not a pass/fail result.
What science topics are covered in the NCAE exam?
The NCAE Science subtest covers four major domains: Biology (cells, organ systems, genetics, ecology), Chemistry (matter, mixtures, the periodic table, chemical changes), Physics (Newton's laws, energy, waves, electricity), and Earth Science (plate tectonics, rock cycle, solar system, weather). All topics are based on the Philippine K-12 junior high school curriculum (Grades 7–10).
How many questions are in the NCAE Science section?
The exact number of items per subtest is not publicly disclosed by DepEd, but based on past takers' reports, the Science subtest typically contains between 40 and 60 multiple-choice questions. Questions are distributed across all four science domains. The entire NCAE battery (all subtests combined) typically runs for about 3–4 hours including breaks.
Is Physics the hardest part of the NCAE Science test?
Many Grade 9 students find Physics the most challenging science domain in the NCAE because it involves applying concepts to real-world scenarios. However, NCAE Physics questions do not require advanced calculations — they focus on conceptual understanding of Newton's laws, energy, and electricity. With focused review using DepEd modules and an NCAE test preparation resource, most students can improve significantly in this area.
Does the NCAE Science score affect my Senior High School strand?
Yes. Your NCAE Science subtest score is one factor schools use to recommend you for the STEM strand in Senior High School. A high Science score, especially combined with strong Math performance, supports a STEM recommendation. However, DepEd considers three factors: NCAE results, academic grades, and the student's own strand preference. Science performance also influences aptitude scores for some TVL strands.
What Philippines-specific science content should I focus on for NCAE?
Because the NCAE is a Philippine national exam, expect questions tied to local context: the Philippines as part of the Pacific Ring of Fire (earthquakes and volcanoes like Pinatubo, Mayon, and Taal), the Philippine Biodiversity hotspot, local weather systems and typhoon formation in the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), and Philippine mineral resources. Earth Science and Biology questions in particular often use local examples rather than generic international ones.
How do I prepare for the NCAE Science exam effectively?
Start by reviewing your Grade 7–10 DepEd science modules — they are the primary source of NCAE content. Cover all four domains: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science. Use the NCAE practice test resources on this site to get familiar with the question format. Take timed practice tests to build speed. Focus extra time on Physics if you find it difficult, and make sure you review Philippine-specific content for Earth Science. For a complete multi-subject review, see the NCAE Complete Reviewer.
How much does the NCAE cost?
DepEd memoranda do not state any learner fee for the NCAE; the costs of giving the CB-NCAE are charged to DepEd program funds and school MOOE. (Verified Oct 15, 2026 against Department of Education.)
When is the next NCAE testing window?
The Grade 10 CB-NCAE Technical Assessment for SY 2026-2027 was suspended from September 24 to October 11, 2026 and resumed from October 12 to 30, 2026. (Verified Oct 15, 2026 against depeddasma.edu.ph.)
Where can I find a NCAE science practice test?
Right here. The NCAE science practice test below is free, has detailed answer explanations, and follows the current NCAE exam format so you can check your readiness before test day.
What does the NCAE exam practice test science on this page include?
The NCAE exam practice test science covers the main NCAE exam topics, with practice questions, answer explanations and hints. Work through it once untimed, then again under time pressure.
Sources & last verified
- 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 15, 2026.
- depedmandaluyong.org — delivery, testing window (official source). “The technical assessment and examination shall be conducted during regular class hours within the September 2026-January 2027 testing window.” Verified Oct 15, 2026.
- bulacandeped.com.ph — eligibility (official source). “The Computer-Based National Career Assessment Examination (CB-NCAE) shall be administered to qualified Grade 9 and Grade 10 learners from public schools and private schools with…” Verified Oct 15, 2026.
- depeddasma.edu.ph — testing window (official source). “the Technical Assessment (Pre-Test) for GRADE 10 learners who are currently enrolled in public and private schools with government permits or recognition shall be temporarily…” Verified Oct 15, 2026.
How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.