# How to Prepare for the NASH: A Step-by-Step Roadmap

A NASH preparation roadmap for aspiring school heads: eligibility, documents, a PPSSH study plan, coaching, the application, laptop setup and test day.

This is the Markdown copy of [How to Prepare for the NASH: A Step-by-Step Roadmap](https://nash.com.ph/blog/how-to-prepare-for-the-nash), an article on the NASH Reviewer Blog by Mark Anthony Llego, published Nov 8, 2026. Topics: Aspiring school heads. NASH Reviewer is an independent practice platform not affiliated with DepEd, BHROD, or NEAP.

Preparing for the National Assessment for School Heads (NASH, formerly the NQESH) takes seven stages: check that you can take it, ready your documents and DepEd accounts, study the Philippine Professional Standards for School Heads (PPSSH), learn from an experienced principal, apply and claim your permit, set up your laptop and take the mock, and sit the three-hour assessment. Start the first four now. DepEd announces each round by memorandum, and the assessment has come 34 days (FY 2025 Batch 1) to 181 days (Batch 2) after the memorandum that opened applications; as of November 8, 2026, the next round has not been announced ([When Is the Next NASH?](https://nash.com.ph/blog/when-is-the-next-nash)).

The NASH is "a **developmental assessment tool** to **evaluate readiness and identify areas for improvement among aspiring school leaders**", with "conceptual and situational critical thinking questions aligned with the standards set by the Philippine Professional Standards for School Heads (PPSSH)" ([DepEd Memorandum No. 069, s. 2025](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2025/08/11/august-11-2025-dm-069-s-2025-administration-of-the-national-assessment-for-school-heads-for-fiscal-year-2025/), paras. 2–3). The rules below are DepEd's for FY 2025, the latest round; each stage links the guide that covers it in full.

## Key findings

- **Eligibility comes first.** [DepEd Order No. 019, s. 2025](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2025/06/24/june-24-2025-do-019-s-2025-amended-qualification-standards-for-teacher-i-iii-master-teacher-i-iv-and-school-principal-i-iv-positions-and-the-qualification-standards-for-newly-created-t/) sets the qualification standards (QS) for School Principal I: a relevant master's degree, five years of teaching and one year of relevant experience, 32 hours of relevant training in the last five years, and teacher eligibility (DM 069, s. 2025, para. 5). For Batch 2, head teachers, assistant school principals and some earlier NQESH takers could take the NASH without the QS (DM-OUHROD-2025-3318).
- **The documents take longest.** Batch 2 asked for an IPCRF rated at least Very Satisfactory for the last two rating periods, a certified service record, a certification of relevant experience, a transcript or diploma, training certificates and a PRC license, all as clear PDF scans (DM-OUHROD-2025-3318, Annex 1).
- **Study the PPSSH.** The questions follow the PPSSH and use "the SOLO (Structure of the Observed Learning Outcome) taxonomy as an underpinning framework" (DM 069, s. 2025, para. 3), and each answer is scored from 0 to 3 ([DepEd Memorandum No. 044, s. 2026](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2026/07/04/july-4-2026-dm-044-s-2026-results-of-the-national-assessment-for-school-heads-for-fiscal-year-2025-batch-2/), para. 4).
- **DepEd recommends a mentor.** Aspiring school heads "are strongly encouraged to actively participate in coaching and mentoring sessions with experienced and proficient school principals" (DM 069, s. 2025, para. 13).
- **No one sells the test.** DepEd "is **not affiliated with any individual or institution offering monetary value in exchange for review of classes or claiming access to the content of the examination**" (DM 069, s. 2025, para. 14).
- **About a quarter reached the top level.** In Batch 2, 25.91% of completers scored 65 or higher overall and in at least four domains, and 10.86% in at least three; 63.22% were rated With Developmental Areas (DM 044, s. 2026, para. 5).

## The NASH preparation roadmap at a glance

![Illustration of the road to the NASH in seven stages, drawn as a winding road with a card for each stage, under the note that the assessment came 34 to 181 days after the memorandum that opened applications, so start before DepEd announces the next round. Stage 1, now: check that you can take it, through the qualification standards or a group DepEd admits without them. Stage 2, before the memorandum: ready your documents, the IPCRF, service record, certifications, transcript, training and PRC license, and a working DepEd email. Stage 3, now and then in the weeks before: study the PPSSH, five domains with conceptual and situational questions. Stage 4, all along: learn from a principal through coaching and mentoring. Stage 5, in the application window: apply on the NASH-OAS and get your permit at the SDO. Stage 6, before the mock: set up the DepEd LMS, Safe Exam Browser, settings file and your own internet, and take the mock. Stage 7, test day: three hours from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at your assigned site. The road ends at Results: your ICOR, competency level and next steps.](https://nash.com.ph/blog/_astro/prep-1-roadmap.BBEuRnGm_1HQP7K.webp)

*Figure 1. The seven stages. Illustration by Mark Anthony Llego, based on DepEd Memorandum No. 069, s. 2025 and DM-OUHROD-2025-3318 with its annexes.*

| Stage | What to do | When | Full guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Check that you can take it | Compare yourself with the QS, or the groups the memorandum admits | Now | [NASH qualification standards FAQ](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-qualification-standards-faq) |
| 2. Ready your documents and accounts | Gather and scan the documents; make sure your DepEd email and LMS account work | Before the memorandum | [NASH Requirements and How to Apply](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-online-application-requirements) |
| 3. Study the PPSSH | One domain a week, with practice items | Now, and through the weeks before the assessment | [NASH Study Guide](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-study-guide-ppssh); practice on [NASH Reviewer](https://nash.com.ph/nash-reviewer) |
| 4. Learn from a principal | Coaching and mentoring sessions | All along | [Mentoring Aspiring School Heads](https://nash.com.ph/blog/mentoring-aspiring-school-heads) |
| 5. Apply and get your permit | NASH-OAS application, then the permit and fee at the SDO | When the window opens | [NASH-OAS Step by Step](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-oas-step-by-step) |
| 6. Set up and take the mock | DepEd LMS, Safe Exam Browser, settings file, your own internet | Before the mock (a week before the assessment in FY 2025) | [How to Install Safe Exam Browser for the NASH](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-safe-exam-browser-install-guide) |
| 7. Assessment day | Arrive early; follow the facilitator | Test day | [NASH Safe Exam Browser (SEB) and DepEd LMS: Test-Day Guide](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-safe-exam-browser-lms-guide) |

## Stage 1: Check that you can take the NASH

DM 069, s. 2025 repeats the QS for School Principal I from DO 019, s. 2025 (para. 5):

| Education | Experience | Training | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master's degree in Education, Educational Management or Educational Leadership; or a master's degree in a relevant learning area with at least 9 units in management | 5 years of teaching and 1 year of relevant experience in learning area coordination, subject area supervision, school management and operations, or instructional supervision | 32 hours in curriculum, pedagogy, school management and operations, or instructional leadership, within the last 5 years | Republic Act No. 1080, as amended (teacher) |

Not everyone needed the QS to take a FY 2025 batch. For Batch 2, head teachers, assistant school principals, FY 2021 NQESH Category C takers and FY 2023 NQESH Category B and C takers could apply without it; everyone else had to meet it (DM-OUHROD-2025-3318). The next memorandum will say who may take the next round.

Taking the NASH is not the same as being appointed. Passing the school head assessment is required for a first appointment as School Principal, under item 27 of [DepEd Order No. 021, s. 2024](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2024/12/23/december-23-2024-do-021-s-2024-amendments-to-deped-order-no-007-s-2023-guidelines-on-recruitment-selection-and-appointment-in-the-department-of-education/) (DM 069, s. 2025, para. 4.c), and appointment still follows the QS and DepEd's hiring guidelines; see [Is the NASH Mandatory for School Principal I Appointment?](https://nash.com.ph/blog/is-nash-mandatory-school-principal-i).

## Stage 2: Ready your documents and accounts

![Illustration of a four-column checklist titled "Am I ready to apply for the NASH?". Eligibility: a relevant master's degree (or one in a relevant learning area with at least 9 units in management); 5 years of teaching and 1 year of relevant experience; 32 hours of relevant training in the last 5 years; teacher eligibility under RA 1080; or a group the memorandum admits without the QS. Documents: IPCRF rated Very Satisfactory or higher for the last two periods; service record certified by the SDO's Administrative Officer V; certification of relevant experience signed by the SDS or school head; transcript or diploma; training certificates; valid PRC license or certificate of eligibility. Accounts: your own DepEd email, active and in use; you can sign in to the DepEd LMS; your LMS profile is complete. Laptop: Windows 10 (20H2 or later) or Windows 11, or a Mac that runs the current SEB; Core i3 or Ryzen 3, 4 GB memory, 500 MB free; your own internet at 5 Mbps; Safe Exam Browser and the settings file.](https://nash.com.ph/blog/_astro/prep-2-readiness.BVuzYCtz_Z1wbJil.webp)

*Figure 2. A readiness checklist from the FY 2025 rules. Illustration by Mark Anthony Llego, based on DM 069, s. 2025, para. 5; DM-OUHROD-2025-3318, Annex 1; the NASH LMS User Guide; and safeexambrowser.org.*

The documents are the slowest part, because other offices sign them. Annex 1 of DM-OUHROD-2025-3318 asked for "A CLEAR SCANNED COPY" in PDF of:

1. the approved IPCRF "with a rating of at least Very Satisfactory (VS) in the last two (2) consecutive rating periods duly certified by the authorized personnel in the SDO";
2. the service record "duly certified by the Administrative Officer V";
3. a certificate of employment, for private school teaching;
4. certifications "signed by the Schools Division Superintendent or School Head" of relevant experience;
5. the transcript of records or diploma;
6. training certificates from the last five years; LAC and INSET certificates signed by the SDS or school head count;
7. a valid PRC license or certificate of eligibility; and
8. for teachers-in-charge, officers-in-charge and head teachers acting as school heads, the OPCRF and their designation signed by the SDS.

Ask for the signatures now, and scan each document as its own PDF at 300 DPI or more. Annex 1's first item is not a document: "Ensure that your DepEd email account is active, as it will be used for accessing the application and assessment portals." Sign in to your DepEd email and to the DepEd LMS today; [NASH LMS Login](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-lms-login-guide) shows how.

## Stage 3: Study the PPSSH the way the NASH asks

The NASH measures the PPSSH: five domains, 34 strands and their indicators ([PPSSH Domains, Strands and Indicators](https://nash.com.ph/blog/ppssh-domains-strands-indicators)). Its questions are "conceptual and situational critical thinking questions" (DM 069, s. 2025, para. 3), so expect to apply the standards to school situations, not only recall them.

![Illustration of a four-step staircase titled "The 0 to 3 scale and the SOLO levels". DepEd scored each FY 2025 response from 0 (incorrect) to 3 (most correct) and builds the NASH on the SOLO taxonomy. Step 0, Prestructural: misses the point, or takes an action a rule forbids. Step 1, Unistructural: gets one relevant element right. Step 2, Multistructural: gets several elements right but does not connect them. Step 3, Relational: connects the elements into one sound decision, grounded in policy. A note says the pairing of SOLO levels with the points is how NASH Reviewer's practice items apply the two; DepEd's memoranda describe the scale and the taxonomy but not the pairing.](https://nash.com.ph/blog/_astro/prep-3-scoring.DNwBakF5_aXByh.webp)

*Figure 3. The 0 to 3 scale and the SOLO levels, as NASH Reviewer's practice items pair them. Illustration by Mark Anthony Llego, based on DM 069, s. 2025, para. 3, and DM 044, s. 2026, para. 4.*

Each response "was scored on a 0–3 scale, where 0 = incorrect and 3 = most correct", and indicator, domain and overall scores were standardized to a 1 to 100 scale (DM 044, s. 2026, para. 4). Partial answers earn partial credit, so the habit to build is connecting the facts of a situation to the policy and to the learners, not just spotting one correct element.

![Illustration of a six-week PPSSH study plan. Each week follows the same five moves: read the strand's indicators, see them in a real school, answer practice items, study every explanation, note your evidence. Week 1: Domain 1, Leading Strategically, strands 1.1 to 1.7. Week 2: Domain 2, Managing School Operations and Resources, strands 2.1 to 2.6. Week 3: Domain 3, Focusing on Teaching and Learning, strands 3.1 to 3.8. Week 4: Domain 4, Developing Self and Others, strands 4.1 to 4.8. Week 5: Domain 5, Building Connections, strands 5.1 to 5.5. Week 6: all domains, mixed practice and review with DM 069, s. 2025 and your IDR if you have one.](https://nash.com.ph/blog/_astro/prep-4-study-plan.BIv29MQx_MjOHq.webp)

*Figure 4. A six-week plan, one domain a week. Illustration by Mark Anthony Llego, based on the NASH Study Guide's six-week plan and the PPSSH (DO 024, s. 2020).*

- **Week by week.** The [NASH Study Guide](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-study-guide-ppssh) gives the readings and DepEd data for each week. Each domain has its own guide: [Domain 1](https://nash.com.ph/blog/ppssh-domain-1-leading-strategically), [Domain 2](https://nash.com.ph/blog/ppssh-domain-2-managing-school-operations), [Domain 3](https://nash.com.ph/blog/ppssh-domain-3-teaching-and-learning), [Domain 4](https://nash.com.ph/blog/ppssh-domain-4-developing-self-and-others) and [Domain 5](https://nash.com.ph/blog/ppssh-domain-5-building-connections).
- **Practice with explanations.** The blog's practice posts, [NASH Practice Questions With Answers](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-practice-questions-with-answers) and [NASH Practice Test Set B](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-practice-questions-set-b), explain every option; the [NASH reviewer PDFs](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-reviewer-pdf) print them. They are original practice items, not past or actual NASH items.
- **Know the rules school heads apply.** A school head applies DepEd's rules for schools: the [school improvement plan](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-school-improvement-plan), [MOOE](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-school-mooe), [instructional supervision](https://nash.com.ph/blog/instructional-supervision-school-heads), [teacher workload](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-teacher-workload-policies-guide) and the [duties RA 9155 assigns school heads](https://nash.com.ph/blog/ra-9155-school-head-duties).

### Practice with NASH Reviewer

[NASH Reviewer](https://nash.com.ph/nash-reviewer), the app this blog is part of, turns Stage 3 into daily practice. Its items are timed situational questions, two minutes each, written against the five PPSSH domains and the SOLO taxonomy. A partly right choice earns partial credit, every choice comes with an explanation, and your results show where you stand in each domain and strand, so you know which part of the plan to repeat.

![Illustration titled "Practice with NASH Reviewer", original practice items for aspiring school heads at nash.com.ph. Four steps: a timed situation, two minutes per item; choose the best action, with items written against the five PPSSH domains and the SOLO taxonomy; partial credit, explained, as every choice earns its points and comes with an explanation; see where you stand, with results by PPSSH domain and strand on your progress dashboard. Free: the free practice sets, with timing, scoring, explanations and a progress dashboard. Premium: every practice set and a NASH-style mock exam, with no automatic renewal. A note says the practice items are original, not NASH content, and NASH Reviewer is not affiliated with DepEd.](https://nash.com.ph/blog/_astro/prep-7-practice.Bcc-O1OM_Z1XzJqs.webp)

*Figure 5. How practice works on NASH Reviewer. Illustration by Mark Anthony Llego, based on NASH Reviewer's features at nash.com.ph/nash-reviewer.*

- **Start free.** The free practice sets come with timed questions, scoring, explanations and a progress dashboard; [create a free account](https://nash.com.ph/sign-up).
- **Go further with premium.** Premium opens every practice set and a NASH-style mock exam, and neither plan renews automatically; see [pricing](https://nash.com.ph/pricing).
- **Practice anywhere, then on a laptop.** The sets work on phones, tablets and laptops. The NASH itself is taken on a laptop, so do some timed sets on the one you will bring.

Its items are original practice items, not NASH content, and NASH Reviewer is not affiliated with DepEd.

## Stage 4: Learn from a principal

DM 069, s. 2025 asks aspiring school heads to "actively participate in coaching and mentoring sessions with experienced and proficient school principals to support their professional growth and leadership readiness", because "candidates will gain valuable insights into how the competencies outlined in the **PPSSH** are demonstrated in practice" (para. 13). Annex 1 of the Batch 2 memorandum lists the same advice under "Familiarity with the PPSSH" (item II).

Ask a principal in your division whom you can shadow during a school improvement planning session, a classroom observation or a meeting with parents, and talk through the decisions afterward. [Mentoring Aspiring School Heads in DepEd](https://nash.com.ph/blog/mentoring-aspiring-school-heads) shows how such sessions can run, and [Building Evidence of School Leadership Readiness](https://nash.com.ph/blog/school-leadership-readiness-evidence) shows how to record what you do honestly.

## Stage 5: Apply and claim your permit

In Batch 2, applications ran on the NASH Online Application System (NASH-OAS) at nash.deped.gov.ph; the next memorandum will say how to apply. You created an account once, uploaded each document in its slot, and followed your application through review by the Schools Division Office (SDO) and the Regional Office (RO). At "For Verification and Payment", you went to the SDO with your originals, two passport-size photos and the fee, PHP 720 in Batch 2; the status "Assessment Permit Issued" confirmed your place.

Two cautions from Batch 2: the account details cannot be edited after you create the account, so type them exactly as on your service record; and choose the right region and Schools Division Office, because the application goes to the office you select. [NASH-OAS Step by Step](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-oas-step-by-step) shows every screen, and [NASH Requirements and How to Apply](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-online-application-requirements) covers the documents and statuses in full.

## Stage 6: Set up your laptop and take the mock

In both FY 2025 batches, the NASH ran on the DepEd Learning Management System (LMS) inside Safe Exam Browser (SEB), on each taker's laptop, with the taker's own internet device at the seat (DM 069, s. 2025, Encl. No. 5; Administration Guide, Part III). Before the mock:

1. **Check the laptop** against the specifications in Figure 2, and update it.
2. **Sign in to the DepEd LMS** and complete your profile.
3. **Install Safe Exam Browser** the way your laptop needs: Company Portal, DepEd's installer or safeexambrowser.org ([How to Install Safe Exam Browser for the NASH](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-safe-exam-browser-install-guide)).
4. **Get the SEB settings file** from your technical officer.
5. **Bring your own internet**, a pocket Wi-Fi or a phone hotspot, with enough load for three hours.

In both FY 2025 batches the mock came a week before the assessment (September 7 and 14, 2025; May 10 and 17, 2026), "to give participants the opportunity to test their devices and become familiar with the assessment platform and procedures" (DM-OUHROD-2025-3318; DM-OUHRODI-2026-0789). Treat it as a rehearsal with the same laptop. After the Batch 2 mock, DepEd listed these issues: "Installation and configuration concerns on the SEB", "User readiness issues on ensuring properly installed SEB", "Enrollment and email discrepancies of users" and "Server access and performance concerns" (May 13, 2026 debriefing); [NASH Batch 2 Mock Exam](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-batch-2-mock-assessment-results) covers them.

## Stage 7: Assessment day

![Illustration of the Batch 2 assessment day as a timeline, noting that late arrivals get no extra time and breaks count against the three hours. 6:00, arrive and set up: find your seat, set up the laptop, charger and internet device, bags to the front. 7:30, identity check: the facilitator verifies takers, seats, attendance and device readiness. 8:00, reminders: the facilitator reads the rules; personal necessities before 8:00. 8:30, SEB password: the facilitator types the Safe Exam Browser password on each laptop, and you log in. 9:00, start together: at the go signal, enter the quiz password from the facilitator and click Attempt quiz now. 12:00, finish: Finish attempt, Submit all and finish, then the evaluation form; wait for dismissal.](https://nash.com.ph/blog/_astro/prep-5-test-day.C0PK17Ap_1Va3Bi.webp)

*Figure 6. The FY 2025 Batch 2 assessment day. Illustration by Mark Anthony Llego, based on DepEd's NASH Administration Guide for Assessment Facilitators, FY 2025 Batch 2.*

The Batch 2 Administration Guide set the day. Takers set up their devices between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m., and facilitators verified identities from 7:30. "At exactly 8:30 a.m, the facilitators shall directly input the SEB password onto the takers' devices", and "At exactly 9:00 a.m., instruct the examinees to start with the assessment" (Part I.B, items 8–9). "The duration of the assessment is three (3) hours. The assessment will start at exactly 9:00 a.m. and end at 12:00 noon" (Part II.A, item 4).

![Illustration of what may be on the desk during the Batch 2 assessment. On your desk: laptop, laptop charger, snacks, hand fan or handheld electric fan, pocket Wi-Fi or modem router. Everything else: a phone used as a hotspot goes on the designated table on silent; other phones are turned off in your bag; smartwatches and other gadgets go in your bag; bags go to the front of the room; no papers and no talking with other takers.](https://nash.com.ph/blog/_astro/prep-6-desk.CYYvJoDk_Y72rn.webp)

*Figure 7. What may be on your desk. Illustration by Mark Anthony Llego, based on DepEd's NASH Administration Guide for Assessment Facilitators, FY 2025 Batch 2.*

Four rules from the facilitators' script matter most (Part II.A):

- **Only five items on the desk:** "laptop device, laptop charger, snacks, hand fan or handheld electric fan, and pocket Wi-Fi or modem router" (item 1).
- **Breaks count:** "the time spent on personal necessities will be part of the three (3) hours assessment duration" (item 10), and latecomers get no extra time (Part I.B, item 5).
- **Disconnections are recoverable:** reopen SEB, call the facilitator to enter the password, and choose "continue quiz"; "All items answered prior to disconnection will be saved" (item 6).
- **Cheating ends the day:** "Anyone caught cheating shall automatically be DISQUALIFIED to take the assessment and shall be SENT OUT IMMEDIATELY" (item 13).

## After the NASH: results and next steps

Results come by DepEd memorandum, and your Individual Certificate of Rating is downloaded from the DepEd LMS ([NASH ICOR](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-icor-certificate-of-rating)). Your overall and domain scores set your competency level (DM 044, s. 2026, para. 5):

| Competency level | Batch 2 takers | What follows |
|---|---|---|
| Meeting PPSSH standards in four domains | 6,180 (25.91%) | Prospective candidate for entry-level school principal positions, subject to the QS and DepEd's hiring guidelines |
| Meeting PPSSH standards in three domains | 2,591 (10.86%) | Prospective candidate, with a Targeted Development Program required within three months of appointment |
| With Developmental Areas | 15,077 (63.22%) | Professional Development Interventions and a Work Application Plan certified by the SDS before being considered |

A result below the standards is a plan, not a verdict: [From NASH Results to a PPSSH Development Plan](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-results-ppssh-development-plan), [NASH TDP and PDI](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-tdp-pdi-guide) and the [NASH Work Application Plan](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-work-application-plan) cover the next steps, and [NASH Results 2025 Explained](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-results-2025-explained) explains what the scores mean.

## Avoid anyone who offers the test

DM 069, s. 2025 warns all applicants "against engaging with persons or organizations that misrepresent such affiliations". "Any attempt to request or gain access to the test content—either directly or indirectly—or to offer bribes (in monetary form or otherwise) to officials at all the governance levels shall be subject to investigation and may result in appropriate **administrative action**" (para. 14). DepEd personnel who run review sessions must send BHROD their approved permit to practice their profession outside office hours (para. 15).

A reviewer that claims to have the actual questions is a warning sign (DM 069, s. 2025, para. 14).

## What this means for school heads

1. **Mentor someone.** DM 069 asks aspiring school heads to learn from "experienced and proficient school principals". Invite a teacher to your planning sessions, observations and parent meetings, and explain your decisions.
2. **Sign promptly and accurately.** Certifications of experience and LAC or INSET certificates need your signature or the SDS's; delays at the school can cost a teacher the application window.
3. **Help with the setup.** Point teachers to the division's technical officer for Safe Exam Browser, and check whether a school laptop can be lent for the mock and the assessment.

Mentoring teachers toward school leadership is part of PPSSH Domain 4; see [PPSSH Domain 4 for the NASH: Developing Self and Others](https://nash.com.ph/blog/ppssh-domain-4-developing-self-and-others).

## Frequently asked questions

### How long should I prepare for the NASH?

DepEd sets no preparation period, but the notice can be short: 34 days from memorandum to assessment in FY 2025 Batch 1 ([When Is the Next NASH?](https://nash.com.ph/blog/when-is-the-next-nash)). Gather documents and study before the memorandum; a six-week study plan covers the five PPSSH domains ([NASH Study Guide](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-study-guide-ppssh)).

### What should I study for the NASH?

The PPSSH, its five domains and their indicators, through "conceptual and situational critical thinking questions" (DM 069, s. 2025, para. 3). Practice choosing and explaining what a school head should do, and know the DepEd rules school heads apply.

### What is the passing score for the NASH?

DepEd's FY 2025 results memoranda do not use pass or fail; they place each taker at a competency level. A score of 65 or higher overall and in at least three domains makes you a prospective candidate for School Principal I, subject to the QS and hiring guidelines; a taker With Developmental Areas becomes one after completing the PDI and a Work Application Plan certified by the SDS (DM 044, s. 2026, para. 5).

### Should I join a NASH review class?

DepEd is not affiliated with any review provider (DM 069, s. 2025, para. 14), and one that claims access to the test content is what the memorandum warns against. Free and paid materials can help you practice. [NASH Reviewer's free practice sets](https://nash.com.ph/nash-reviewer) explain every choice, and coaching by an experienced principal is what DepEd recommends (para. 13).

### What should I bring on NASH day?

In Batch 2: your laptop, its charger, a pocket Wi-Fi or a phone to use as a hotspot, snacks and a hand fan or small electric fan. Other phones stay off in your bag (Administration Guide, Part II.A, items 1–2).

## Sources

**DepEd issuances**

- [DepEd Memorandum No. 069, s. 2025](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2025/08/11/august-11-2025-dm-069-s-2025-administration-of-the-national-assessment-for-school-heads-for-fiscal-year-2025/), Administration of the National Assessment for School Heads for Fiscal Year 2025, August 11, 2025: paras. 2–5, 13–15
- DM-OUHROD-2025-3318, Updates and Instructions on the Administration of the FY 2025 National Assessment for School Heads (NASH) - Batch 2, November 17, 2025: takers, mock assessment; Annex 1
- [DepEd Memorandum No. 044, s. 2026](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2026/07/04/july-4-2026-dm-044-s-2026-results-of-the-national-assessment-for-school-heads-for-fiscal-year-2025-batch-2/), Results of the National Assessment for School Heads for Fiscal Year 2025 (Batch 2), July 4, 2026: paras. 4–5
- [DepEd Order No. 019, s. 2025](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2025/06/24/june-24-2025-do-019-s-2025-amended-qualification-standards-for-teacher-i-iii-master-teacher-i-iv-and-school-principal-i-iv-positions-and-the-qualification-standards-for-newly-created-t/), Amended Qualification Standards for Teacher I–III, Master Teacher I–IV, and School Principal I–IV Positions, and the Qualification Standards for Newly Created Teacher IV–VII and Master Teacher V Positions, June 24, 2025

**DepEd guides and briefings**

- DM-OUHRODI-2026-0789, Rescheduling of the FY 2025 National Assessment for School Heads (NASH) - Batch 2, March 16, 2026
- DepEd Memorandum No. 069, s. 2025, Encl. No. 5 (Batch 1 operations)
- DepEd, NASH Administration Guide for Assessment Facilitators, FY 2025 Batch 2: Parts I.B, II.A and III
- DepEd, Mock Assessment Debriefing with CO Monitors & Assessment Site Personnel, FY 2025 – NASH Batch 2, slides, May 13, 2026: slides 13, 28 and 34
- Safe Exam Browser, Download – Latest Releases, safeexambrowser.org (viewed November 8, 2026)
- Philippine Professional Standards for School Heads, [DepEd Order No. 024, s. 2020](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2020/09/07/september-7-2020-do-024-s-2020-national-adoption-and-implementation-of-the-philippine-professional-standards-for-school-heads/)
- DepEd Information and Communications Technology Service, NASH LMS User Guide, FY 2025, March 2026 edition: Sec. II.A

*Written by Mark Anthony Llego for NASH Reviewer. Illustrations by Mark Anthony Llego; they may be reused only with written permission from support@nash.com.ph. Sources: DepEd Memoranda No. 069, s. 2025 and No. 044, s. 2026; DM-OUHROD-2025-3318 and its Annex 1; DepEd Order No. 019, s. 2025; the Batch 2 Administration Guide and May 13, 2026 debriefing; the NASH LMS User Guide. NASH Reviewer is not affiliated with DepEd.*

---

© 2026 Mark Anthony Llego, NASH Reviewer. All rights reserved. You may quote up to 100 words from this article with the author's name, its title and a link. In research, cite it as: Llego, M. A. (2026, November 8). *How to Prepare for the NASH: A Step-by-Step Roadmap*. NASH Reviewer. https://nash.com.ph/blog/how-to-prepare-for-the-nash. Any other reuse of the article, its charts or its data needs written permission: email support@nash.com.ph. Terms of Service: https://nash.com.ph/terms#website-content-and-data