Every Grade 9 student in the Philippines takes the NCAE (National Career Assessment Examination) — a DepEd-administered aptitude test that measures your strengths across seven subject areas. When your results arrive, one question dominates: What does my score mean for my Senior High School strand?
This guide explains exactly how NCAE results are used to recommend SHS tracks, what scores suggest for each strand, and — crucially — whether you are required to follow the recommendation. Whether your results point to STEM, TVL, or Arts and Design, understanding the process gives you the power to make a confident, informed choice. Start your preparation with our free NCAE practice test.
NCAE results are not reported as a simple percentage or a pass/fail grade. Instead, DepEd expresses your performance as a percentile rank for each of the seven subject areas tested: Mathematics, Science, English, Filipino, Reading Comprehension, Abstract Reasoning, and Vocational Aptitude.
A percentile rank tells you what proportion of the national test-taking group you outperformed. If you scored at the 80th percentile in Mathematics, you performed better than 80% of all Grade 9 students who took the same exam nationwide. This is a comparative measure — not a percentage of correct answers.
| Percentile Range | What It Means | General Implication |
|---|---|---|
| 90th and above | Outstanding aptitude | Strong fit for rigorous academic strands (STEM, HUMSS, ABM) |
| 75th–89th | Above average | Well suited for most academic or specialized tracks |
| 50th–74th | Average to above average | Broad range of strand options; interest and goals guide choice |
| 25th–49th | Below average | TVL, Arts & Design, or Sports may be a stronger match |
| Below 25th | Low aptitude measured | Guidance counselor review strongly recommended |
Importantly, no student fails the NCAE. Every student who takes the exam receives a result. Low percentile scores in academic subjects do not disqualify a student from any strand — they are used as one input in the counseling process, not as a gate. For a full overview of the exam itself, visit our NCAE overview page.
Under the DepEd K–12 program, every public and private secondary school is required to conduct career guidance activities using NCAE results. The process works as follows:
DepEd uses subject-area profiles — combinations of high scores in related areas — to match students to tracks. The NCAE exam preparation guide explains which subjects carry the most weight for each profile. Reviewing all subject areas, including NCAE Science and NCAE Mathematics, before test day maximizes your strand options.
The Academic Track prepares students for college and university education. It has four strands: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) — high Math and Science percentiles (75th and above) strongly recommended ABM (Accountancy, Business, and Management) — strong Math scores combined with above-average English indicate a good fit HUMSS (Humanities and Social Sciences) — high English, Filipino, and Reading Comprehension scores align well GAS (General Academic Strand) — broad academic profile; suitable when no single area dominates Students who score in the 60th percentile or above across most academic subject areas are generally recommended for the Academic Track. Abstract Reasoning scores above the 70th percentile are a positive predictor for STEM specifically, as they reflect the pattern-recognition skills needed in engineering and science courses.
The TVL Track develops practical, hands-on skills aligned with specific industries. It offers four specializations: Industrial Arts — automotive, electrical, electronics, construction technology Home Economics — culinary arts, beauty care, fashion and apparel, tourism ICT (Information and Communications Technology) — computer systems servicing, animation, programming Agricultural-Fishery Arts — crop production, animal production, aquaculture A high Vocational Aptitude percentile (above the 60th) is the primary NCAE signal for TVL readiness. Students with strong mechanical, clerical, or ICT sub-scores are matched to specific TVL specializations. Completing TVL earns a TESDA NC II certification, making graduates job-ready immediately after SHS. Students interested in careers in skilled trades or entrepreneurship often thrive in the TVL track regardless of their academic subject scores.
The Arts and Design Track develops students' creative and artistic abilities for careers in visual arts, performing arts, design, and media. While the NCAE does not include a dedicated arts aptitude section, guidance counselors look for: Strong Abstract Reasoning scores — spatial and visual-pattern thinking correlates with design aptitude Above-average scores in Filipino and English — language and communication underpin creative expression A student's portfolio, hobbies, and personal interest in visual/performing arts Because NCAE does not directly test artistic skill, portfolio assessment and personal interviews by the receiving SHS school often carry more weight than NCAE scores for this track. Students passionate about this track should bring evidence of their work (drawings, photographs of crafts, performance records) to their counseling session.
The Sports Track develops competitive athletes and prepares them for careers in physical education, sports coaching, and professional athletics. Like Arts and Design, the NCAE does not include a physical or sports aptitude section. Guidance counselors instead look for: School athletic records — varsity participation, awards, tournament results Strong Abstract Reasoning scores — strategic thinking and spatial awareness underpin athletic decision-making General academic competency — most SHS offering the Sports Track still require a baseline academic profile Selection into the Sports Track is largely determined by the receiving SHS school's athletic screening process rather than NCAE results alone. Students with a competitive athletic background and school endorsement are the primary candidates. The NCAE result functions as supplementary information rather than the deciding factor for this track.
Yes — absolutely. This is one of the most important things every Grade 9 student and parent must understand: the NCAE recommendation is advisory, not mandatory.
DepEd's official policy, outlined in the K–12 implementation guidelines, is that NCAE results are one tool in a comprehensive career guidance process. The final strand selection remains the decision of the student and the family. No school is permitted to enroll or deny a student from a strand solely on the basis of NCAE results.
The career counseling session is not a verdict — it is a conversation. Counselors are trained to present options, not dictate choices. In that session, you should:
Read our NCAE complete reviewer for subject-by-subject preparation tips that can strengthen your scores across all areas before the exam. The stronger your scores, the more strand options open up — even if you ultimately choose a track different from what the recommendation suggests.
If your NCAE results point toward TVL but you want STEM — or vice versa — here is a practical action plan:
Preparing thoroughly for the NCAE itself remains the best strategy — see the NCAE Vocational Aptitude reviewer and the Abstract Reasoning reviewer for targeted practice. Strong performance across multiple sections keeps all strand options on the table.