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Key Facts: CB-NCAE Exam

The CB-NCAE is administered nationwide by the DepEd Bureau of Education Assessment.

It is taken by Grade 10 learners in public and private schools with a government permit or recognition.

General Scholastic Aptitude covers seven reasoning subtests, including Abstract, Spatial, Mechanical, and Perceptual Accuracy and Response Efficiency.

Verbal Reasoning within GSA is assessed in both English and Filipino.

The Career and Occupational Roles Explorer uses the RIASEC model in CORE-A and the Thurstone model in CORE-B.

There is no passing score; results are an aptitude and interest profile for Senior High School track guidance.

The assessment is free of charge to every eligible Grade 10 learner.

The CB-NCAE is DepEd's computer-based career assessment for Grade 10 learners in the Philippines. It has no passing score: the General Scholastic Aptitude domain profiles seven reasoning subtests, from Abstract and Spatial Reasoning to Perceptual Accuracy and Response Efficiency, while the Career and Occupational Roles Explorer records occupational interests using the RIASEC and Thurstone models. The two sets of results are read together to guide Senior High School track choice.

Sample CB-NCAE Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CB-NCAE exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 95+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Read the passage below and answer the question that follows: 'Renewable energy projects, particularly geothermal and solar power installations, have expanded rapidly across various provinces in the Philippines. By harnessing natural heat from volcanic activity and abundant sunlight, local communities reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.' What is the main idea of the passage?
A.The Philippines relies exclusively on imported fossil fuels for its electricity.
B.Renewable energy expansion in the Philippines provides clean power and reduces fossil fuel dependence.
C.Volcanic activity in the Philippines presents severe environmental hazards to local communities.
D.Solar power installations are cheaper to maintain than geothermal power plants.
Explanation: The passage highlights how geothermal and solar energy projects are expanding to lower reliance on imported fossil fuels and reduce emissions, making clean power expansion the central theme.
2Read the sentence below: 'Mobile communication technology has become ubiquitous in Philippine rural villages, allowing farmers and fishermen to check market prices in real time.' What does the word 'ubiquitous' mean as used in the sentence?
A.Extremely expensive
B.Present everywhere
C.Difficult to operate
D.Rarely encountered
Explanation: 'Ubiquitous' means existing or being found everywhere. In context, mobile technology has spread so widely that it is accessible throughout rural villages.
3Read the passage below: 'Mangrove forests serve as critical natural barriers along Philippine coastlines. Their intricate root systems absorb wave energy during typhoons, stabilizing shorelines and preventing coastal erosion while providing nurseries for marine organisms.' According to the passage, how do mangrove roots protect coastal shorelines?
A.By trapping commercial fish for local fishermen
B.By absorbing wave energy and stabilizing the soil
C.By blocking rainwater runoff from reaching the sea
D.By increasing ocean water temperature during storms
Explanation: The text explicitly states that mangrove root systems absorb wave energy during typhoons, which stabilizes shorelines and prevents erosion.
4Read the excerpt below: 'Single-use plastics clog urban waterways and pollute coastal waters. Community cleanup drives and strict local ordinances banning plastic bags are essential steps every municipality must enforce to safeguard our natural environment.' What is the author's primary purpose in writing this excerpt?
A.To entertain readers with stories of municipal cleanup volunteers
B.To persuade readers and municipalities to take action against plastic pollution
C.To explain the chemical manufacturing process of synthetic plastics
D.To criticize local governments for lack of funding
Explanation: The author presents the problem of plastic pollution and calls for community action and strict ordinances, indicating a persuasive intent.
5Which of the following statements represents a factual statement rather than an opinion?
A.The Philippines is the most beautiful island archipelago in Southeast Asia.
B.The Philippines consists of more than 7,000 islands in the western Pacific Ocean.
C.Filipino cuisine is far superior to any other food culture in Asia.
D.Living in a coastal province is much more enjoyable than living in a city.
Explanation: The statement regarding the Philippines consisting of over 7,000 islands is a verifiable geographic fact, whereas the others express subjective personal preferences or judgments.
6Read the short text: 'When cloud cover persists over agricultural land for several consecutive days, soil moisture retention increases while daily solar radiation decreases.' What can be inferred from persistence of cloud cover?
A.Crop photosynthesis rates may temporarily slow down due to lower sunlight exposure.
B.Farming soil will dry out rapidly within hours.
C.Rainfall will completely stop across the region.
D.Solar radiation levels will reach peak annual highs.
Explanation: Decreased solar radiation means less sunlight reaching plants, which logically leads to a temporary reduction in photosynthesis rates.
7Read the passage below: 'In low-lying urban sectors, inadequate drainage systems combined with improperly disposed municipal solid waste lead to severe flash flooding during summer typhoons. When garbage blocks culverts, storm runoff cannot drain into rivers, inundating residential streets within minutes.' What organizational pattern is primarily used in this passage?
A.Chronological order
B.Cause and effect
C.Compare and contrast
D.Problem and solution
Explanation: The text explains how blocked culverts and bad drainage (causes) result in severe flash flooding and inundated streets (effects).
8Read the passage: 'Digital literacy extends beyond knowing how to operate smartphones or navigate social media platforms. In modern education, it encompasses critical evaluation of online information, understanding data privacy, and utilizing digital tools for collaborative problem-solving.' Which sentence best summarizes the central argument?
A.Smartphones are unnecessary for modern high school education.
B.True digital literacy involves critical thinking, privacy awareness, and digital collaboration.
C.Social media navigation is the single most important component of digital skills.
D.Students should spend less time using digital tools in collaborative projects.
Explanation: The passage defines digital literacy broadly as encompassing critical evaluation, privacy knowledge, and collaborative use beyond simple device operation.
9Read the sentence: 'After the typhoon damaged public infrastructure, the community showed remarkable resilience by rebuilding homes and restoring local agricultural cooperatives within weeks.' Which word is most synonymous with 'resilience' in this passage?
A.Fragility
B.Fortitude
C.Indifference
D.Hesitation
Explanation: 'Resilience' refers to the ability to recover quickly from difficulties or hardship, making 'fortitude' (courage and strength in adversity) the closest synonym.
10Read the excerpt below: 'Technical-vocational education equips students with industry-aligned practical skills, reducing youth unemployment by bridging the gap between high school graduation and workforce demand.' What underlying assumption does the author make?
A.All high school graduates prefer white-collar office jobs.
B.Youth unemployment is partly caused by a mismatch between graduate skills and job requirements.
C.Industry requirements remain unchanged over decades.
D.Academic tracks are ineffective at teaching any professional skills.
Explanation: By stating that technical-vocational training 'bridges the gap between graduation and workforce demand,' the author assumes that a skill mismatch contributes to youth unemployment.

About the CB-NCAE Exam

The Computer-Based National Career Assessment Examination (CB-NCAE) is administered by the Department of Education through the Bureau of Education Assessment to Grade 10 learners in public and private schools with a government permit or recognition. Under DepEd Memorandum No. 108, s. 2025, which governed the School Year 2025-2026 administration, the assessment covers two domains: General Scholastic Aptitude, made up of Abstract Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Mechanical Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Spatial Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning in English and Filipino, and Perceptual Accuracy and Response Efficiency; and the Career and Occupational Roles Explorer, made up of CORE-A on the RIASEC model and CORE-B on the Thurstone model. Results give learners, parents, and guidance counsellors a profile to work from when choosing a Senior High School track. The practice questions on this page are an independent English-language study aid written from the published GSA subtests. They are not an official DepEd test form, and because CORE records preferences rather than correct answers, that part of the assessment cannot be practised as scored questions; the CORE items here teach how the model works and how to read the resulting profile.

Exam sponsor: Department of Education Bureau of Education Assessment (DepEd BEA). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Two domains. General Scholastic Aptitude (GSA) comprises Abstract Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Mechanical Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Spatial Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning in English and Filipino, and Perceptual Accuracy and Response Efficiency (PARE). Career and Occupational Roles Explorer (CORE) comprises CORE-A on the RIASEC model and CORE-B on the Thurstone model, and is an inventory of occupational interests rather than a scored test.

Time Limit

Not published by DepEd BEA

Passing Score

No pass or fail mark; results form an aptitude and interest profile for Senior High School track guidance

Exam / Certification Fees

Free for all enrolled Grade 10 learners nationwide (DepEd BEA)

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

GSA subtest

GSA: Verbal Reasoning (English and Filipino)

Passage comprehension, vocabulary in context, word relationships, tone, inference, and evidence evaluation.

GSA subtest

GSA: Numerical Reasoning

Arithmetic, ratios, percentages, algebra, geometry, statistics, probability, and quantitative problem-solving.

GSA subtest

GSA: Logical Reasoning

Syllogisms, contrapositives, assumptions, argument evaluation, ordering and matching puzzles, and logical fallacies.

GSA subtest

GSA: Abstract Reasoning

Figure and number series, matrix completion, rotation sequences, classification, and rule induction.

GSA subtest

GSA: Spatial Reasoning

Paper folding, nets and solids, cube visualisation, mirror images, and orthographic projection.

GSA subtest

GSA: Mechanical Reasoning

Levers, pulleys, gears, inclined planes, load distribution, simple circuits, and precision measurement.

GSA subtest

GSA: Perceptual Accuracy and Response Efficiency (PARE)

Fast, accurate code and record comparison, symbol counting, alphabetical filing, and error detection.

Interest inventory

CORE: Career and Occupational Roles Explorer

The RIASEC typology, the Thurstone model, the four Senior High School tracks and the Academic strands, and how to read an aptitude and interest profile together.

Preparing for the CB-NCAE Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: No pass or fail mark; results form an aptitude and interest profile for Senior High School track guidance
  • Assessment: Two domains. General Scholastic Aptitude (GSA) comprises Abstract Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Mechanical Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Spatial Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning in English and Filipino, and Perceptual Accuracy and Response Efficiency (PARE). Career and Occupational Roles Explorer (CORE) comprises CORE-A on the RIASEC model and CORE-B on the Thurstone model, and is an inventory of occupational interests rather than a scored test.
  • Time limit: Not published by DepEd BEA
  • Exam / certification fees: Free for all enrolled Grade 10 learners nationwide (DepEd BEA) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 95 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CB-NCAE: Suggested Study Strategy

1Practise abstract reasoning with figure series, matrices, and rotation sequences until you can name the changing property quickly.
2Build spatial skill with paper folding, nets, cube counting, and mirror-image tasks rather than with formula memorisation.
3Review mechanical principles you can see in everyday objects: levers, pulleys, gears, ramps, and simple circuits.
4Strengthen numerical reasoning with mental arithmetic, ratios, percentages, and basic algebra done without a calculator.
5Read in both English and Filipino, since Verbal Reasoning is assessed in both languages.
6Drill perceptual accuracy by comparing long code strings and records against the clock; speed with accuracy is the point of PARE.
7For CORE, do not try to guess a preferred answer. Read about the RIASEC types, then answer honestly so the profile is useful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CB-NCAE and who takes it?

It is the Computer-Based National Career Assessment Examination administered by the DepEd Bureau of Education Assessment to Grade 10 learners in public and private schools with a government permit or recognition. For School Year 2025-2026 it ran under DepEd Memorandum No. 108, s. 2025.

Is there a passing or failing grade on the CB-NCAE?

No. The CB-NCAE is an aptitude and interest assessment, not a pass or fail examination. Results are reported as a profile that learners, parents, and guidance counsellors use in choosing a Senior High School track.

What domains are covered in the CB-NCAE?

Two. General Scholastic Aptitude covers Abstract Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Mechanical Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Spatial Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning in English and Filipino, and Perceptual Accuracy and Response Efficiency. The Career and Occupational Roles Explorer covers CORE-A on the RIASEC model and CORE-B on the Thurstone model.

Can I revise for the CORE part?

Not in the usual sense. CORE records what work activities you prefer, so no answer is correct or incorrect. The most useful preparation is understanding what the RIASEC types mean and answering honestly, which is what the CORE questions in this bank teach.

How is the computer-based test conducted?

It is delivered on school computers or on tablet PCs and laptops that schools lend to one another for the testing window, following the schedule set by the Schools Division Office. Learners with visual difficulty may skip the image-heavy subtests, namely Abstract Reasoning, Mechanical Reasoning, Spatial Reasoning, and PARE, under the accommodations in DepEd Order No. 55, s. 2016.

How do CB-NCAE results influence Senior High School track selection?

The aptitude profile shows which kinds of reasoning come most readily, and the interest profile shows which occupational areas appeal. Counsellors read the two together against the four Senior High School tracks, Academic, Technical-Vocational-Livelihood, Sports, and Arts and Design, and against the ABM, STEM, HUMSS, and GAS strands within the Academic track.

How much does it cost to take the CB-NCAE?

Nothing. It is free of charge for all enrolled Grade 10 learners in public and private schools.

Is this practice test the same as the official CB-NCAE?

No. These are independent English-language practice questions written from the published GSA subtests. They are a free study aid and do not reproduce the official DepEd assessment, its computer-based interface, or the CORE interest inventory.