# Is the NASH Mandatory for School Principal I Appointment?

Yes. A first appointment as School Principal I needs a passed DepEd school head assessment: the NASH, or an earlier NQESH or Principal's Test. Who is exempt.

This is the Markdown copy of [Is the NASH Mandatory for School Principal I Appointment?](https://nash.com.ph/blog/is-nash-mandatory-school-principal-i), an article on the NASH Reviewer Blog by Mark Anthony Llego, published Nov 8, 2026, updated Nov 8, 2026. Topics: Aspiring school heads. NASH Reviewer is an independent practice platform not affiliated with DepEd, BHROD, or NEAP.

Yes. A first appointment to a School Principal I position, whether to a vacant principal item or by reclassification of your own position, requires that you have passed the school head assessment that DepEd administers. Since August 2025 that assessment has been the National Assessment for School Heads (NASH), formerly the National Qualifying Examination for School Heads (NQESH). The rule is in [Executive Order No. 174, s. 2022](https://lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo2022/eo_174_2022.html) (Sec. 3) and [its implementing rules](https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/IRR-of-EO-174-s.-2022.pdf) (Sec. 17(c)), in [DepEd-DBM Joint Circular No. 01, s. 2025](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2025/05/21/deped-dbm-jc-no-01-s-2025-modified-position-classification-and-compensation-scheme-and-system-of-career-progression-of-teachers-and-school-heads-in-the-public-basic-education-system/) (Sec. 7.4.3), and in [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/) (Item 27). [DepEd Order No. 024, s. 2025](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2025/08/28/august-28-2025-do-024-s-2025-guidelines-on-the-implementation-of-the-expanded-career-progression-system-for-teachers-and-school-heads-in-the-department-of-education/) applies it to every application for reclassification to a School Principal position (Encl. No. 3, Sec. 13).

Not everyone who becomes or stays a principal takes the NASH. A passer of the NQESH or of the older Principal's Test is already eligible. Sitting School Principals who apply for School Principal II to IV are exempt under [DepEd Order No. 034, s. 2025](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2025/10/14/october-14-2025-do-034-s-2025-amendments-and-clarifications-to-deped-order-no-024-s-2025-guidelines-on-the-implementation-of-the-expanded-career-progression-system-for-teachers-and-s/) (para. 16). And a NASH result never appoints anyone by itself: the qualification standards (QS) in [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/), a Very Satisfactory performance rating, and the comparative assessment still decide who is appointed.

The rules below are those in force on November 8, 2026.

## Key findings

- **Five texts require it.** EO 174 makes "passing the school head assessment which shall be conducted for the purpose and administered by the Department of Education (DepEd)" a condition of advancing to School Principal I (Sec. 3). Its implementing rules (Sec. 17(c)), Joint Circular No. 01, s. 2025 (Sec. 7.4.3), DO 021, s. 2024 (Item 27) and DO 024, s. 2025 (Encl. No. 3, Sec. 13) repeat the requirement.
- **Both routes to the position are covered.** "First appointments to School Principal positions, whether through natural vacancy or reclassification, shall require candidates to pass the DepEd-administered school head assessment" (DO 021, s. 2024, Item 27). An applicant who has not passed is listed as Disqualified in the Initial Evaluation Results (DO 024, s. 2025, Encl. No. 3, Sec. 14).
- **The NASH reports levels, not a pass mark.** Takers who meet the PPSSH standards in four or three domains are "Prospective candidates" for entry-level principal positions. Takers With Developmental Areas must first complete NEAP's Professional Development Interventions (PDI) and a Work Application Plan (WAP) certified by the Schools Division Superintendent (DepEd Memorandum No. 044, s. 2026, para. 5). In FY 2025 Batch 2, 8,771 of 23,848 completers (36.8%) reached the two candidate levels (computed from para. 5).
- **Earlier results still count.** Passers of the NQESH and the Principal's Test are eligible for a first appointment (DO 021, s. 2024, Item 27). FY 2023 NQESH takers in Qualification A are "Eligible for appointment to entry-level school principal position" (DepEd Memorandum No. 059, s. 2024, para. 6).
- **Sitting principals are exempt when they move up.** "All incumbent School Principals shall no longer be required to pass the school head assessment or to submit a Certificate of Rating (COR)" when they apply for higher School Principal positions (DO 034, s. 2025, para. 16). Special School Principals I and II retitled to School Principal are also exempt (DO 024, s. 2025, Encl. No. 1, Sec. 34.a).
- **Head teachers, assistant principals and teachers-in-charge are not exempt.** Head Teacher VI and Assistant School Principal II and III incumbents are retitled to School Principal only if they meet the QS and "passed the DepEd-administered school head assessment" (Joint Circular No. 01, s. 2025, Sec. 8.5.1.1). A teacher-in-charge holds a designation; becoming a principal is an appointment, and the rule applies.
- **Passing does not appoint.** "All appointments, including promotion and reclassification of positions, shall strictly adhere to the amended and newly created QS" (DO 019, s. 2025, para. 4). The assessment is one condition among four, with the QS, the performance rating and the comparative assessment of the Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board (HRMPSB).

## The rules that make the NASH mandatory

Five texts state the requirement. The first is a presidential order; its implementing rules, the Joint Circular and the DepEd orders rank below it.

| Issuance | Provision | What it says |
|---|---|---|
| EO 174, s. 2022 (June 23, 2022) | Sec. 3 | "The advancement to School Principal I shall require the attainment of the minimum qualifications prescribed for the position as defined by the CSC, … and passing the school head assessment which shall be conducted for the purpose and administered by the Department of Education (DepEd)." |
| Implementing Rules and Regulations of EO 174 | Sec. 17 | To advance to School Principal I, the teacher must "(a) meet the CSC-approved QS for the position, (b) meet the desired proficiency level for school head as defined by the Philippine Professional Standards for School Heads (PPSSH), and (c) have passed the DepEd-administered school head assessment." |
| DepEd-DBM Joint Circular No. 01, s. 2025 (February 19, 2025) | Sec. 7.4.3 | "For School Principal positions in the SA Career Line, the passing of the school heads assessment or its equivalent shall be required, subject to applicable guidelines set by DepEd." |
| DO 021, s. 2024 (December 23, 2024), amending DO 007, s. 2023 | Item 27 | "First appointments to School Principal positions, whether through natural vacancy or reclassification, shall require candidates to pass the DepEd-administered school head assessment." Only "passers/eligible of the NQESH, Principal's Test, or other school head assessment(s) that may so be required in the future" are eligible. |
| DO 024, s. 2025 (August 28, 2025) | Encl. No. 3, Secs. 13–14 | "Upon meeting the QS, the HRMO shall verify whether the applicants have passed the DepEd-administered school head assessment". Qualified applicants "meet both the minimum qualifications of the position applied for and school head assessment requirement". |

CSC is the Civil Service Commission, DBM the Department of Budget and Management, SA the School Administration career line, and HRMO the Human Resource Management Officer of the Schools Division Office (SDO).

The NASH is the assessment these texts now refer to. [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/) says the NQESH "has been refocused and renamed the National Assessment for School Heads (NASH)" (para. 1). It anchors the NASH on the implementing rules, the Joint Circular and DO 021 (para. 4). DepEd's application FAQs for FY 2025 Batch 2 ask "Is NASH mandatory for appointment to School Principal I position?", answer "Yes.", and cite the same three texts (Q3). The FAQs explain the rule; the duty itself comes from the issuances.

In the application, the requirement is a document. DO 021 asks applicants to School Principal positions for "a photocopy of the Certificate of Rating (COR) or a copy of the DepEd Memorandum or Issuance on the Results" of the NQESH or Principal's Test "bearing the name of the applicant" (Item 9). DO 024 lists the COR among the documents for reclassification (Encl. No. 3, Sec. 6.h). The HRMO checks the assessment right after the QS, and the HRMPSB screens only the applicants marked Qualified (Encl. No. 3, Sec. 19), so an applicant without a passed assessment never reaches the comparative assessment.

## Which appointments need a passed assessment

The rule follows the route by which a person enters the School Principal line.

| Route | Passed assessment needed? | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Applying for a vacant School Principal I item (natural vacancy) | Yes | DO 021, s. 2024, Item 27; DO 024, s. 2025, Encl. No. 1, Sec. 22 |
| Reclassification of your own position to School Principal I | Yes | DO 021, Item 27; DO 024, Encl. No. 3, Sec. 13 |
| Retitling of Head Teacher VI or Assistant School Principal II to School Principal I, or Assistant School Principal III to School Principal II | Yes, together with the QS; otherwise retitled to Master Teacher II or III | Joint Circular No. 01, s. 2025, Secs. 8.5.1.1–8.5.1.2; DO 024, Encl. No. 1, Sec. 34.b |
| Retitling of Special School Principal I or II to School Principal | No | DO 024, Encl. No. 1, Sec. 34.a |
| A sitting School Principal applying for School Principal II, III or IV | No | DO 034, s. 2025, para. 16 |
| Designation as teacher-in-charge, officer-in-charge or School Head designate | No; DO 024 lets incumbents who did not qualify for School Principal serve as School Head designate | DO 024, Encl. No. 1, Secs. 34.b.ii(c) and 34.c.i |

### Head teachers and assistant principals

Head Teachers I to V, Assistant School Principals I and Assistant Special School Principals I, whether they keep or retitle their positions, are "on-stream candidates" during the transition, which runs to February 24, 2028 under DO 024 (Encl. No. 1, Secs. 31 and 34.c). So are Head Teacher VI and Assistant School Principal II and III incumbents who are not retitled School Principal (Sec. 34.b). They get "priority in the promotion or reclassification to School Principal I position without passing through Master Teacher I" (Sec. 34.c.i). Priority is not an exemption: the HRMO's check under Encl. No. 3, Sec. 13 applies to them as to anyone else. Citing their on-stream status, [DepEd Memorandum No. 097, s. 2025](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2025/10/21/october-21-2025-dm-097-s-2025-results-of-the-national-assessment-for-school-heads-for-fiscal-year-2025-batch-1/) let head teachers and assistant principals rated With Developmental Areas in Batch 1 "opt to take" Batch 2 (para. 6).

Head Teacher VI and Assistant School Principal II and III incumbents are retitled "without having to undergo the HRMPSB assessment" (DO 024, Encl. No. 1, Sec. 34.b). Under the Joint Circular, they become School Principals only if they meet the QS and passed the assessment; "Incumbents who do not meet the minimum QS and/or have not passed the school head assessment shall be retitled to the equivalent Master Teacher position" (Sec. 8.5.1.2). DO 034 later said that for retitling, "incumbents shall only be required to meet the minimum QS of the equivalent position" (para. 17), and that QS compliance "shall be deemed sufficient for retitling purposes", without a COR in its list of documents (para. 18). The Retitling Form that DO 034 still requires (Annex T) keeps a School Head Assessment box for these incumbents when they opt for School Principal. No issuance has reconciled the texts, and the Joint Circular ranks higher, so keep your Certificate of Rating ready. [Head Teacher Retitling: Options Under ECP and RA 12288](https://nash.com.ph/blog/head-teacher-retitling-ecp-ra-12288) sets out each group's options.

### Teachers-in-charge

A teacher-in-charge (TIC) runs a school by designation and keeps a teaching position. The passing rule governs appointments, not designations. DO 024 itself lets Head Teacher VI and Assistant School Principal II and III incumbents who did not qualify for School Principal "Perform as a School Head designate in any Elementary or Secondary school within the SDO with no School Principal item" (Encl. No. 1, Sec. 34.b.ii(c)).

Becoming a principal is different. When DepEd moved in 2025 to give more schools a principal, DM-OUHROD-2025-1331 (May 27, 2025) directed the reclassification of head teachers, assistant principals and "Teachers-in-Charge (TIC) with Current Designation as School Head". It covered only those "who are NQESH/ Principal's Test passers and have met the above-mentioned QS" (item I.b). The implementing rules of Republic Act No. 12288 add that a designated officer-in-charge or teacher-in-charge "shall not be considered a school leader, without prejudice to the rights granted to them by law and the creditable relevant experience entitled to them" (Sec. 4.o). See [Principal, Head Teacher or Teacher-in-Charge](https://nash.com.ph/blog/principal-head-teacher-teacher-in-charge) for what a designation allows.

## What "passing" the NASH means

The NASH does not report a pass mark. It places every taker who completed it at one of three competency levels, based on an overall score and domain scores on a scale of 1 to 100, with a cut of 65.

| Competency level | Criteria (DM 044, s. 2026, para. 5) | FY 2025 Batch 1 | FY 2025 Batch 2 | Status for appointment |
|---|---|---:|---:|---|
| Meeting PPSSH standards in four domains | 65 or higher overall and in at least four domains | 2,899 (25.6%) | 6,180 (25.91%) | "Prospective candidates for entry-level school principal positions, subject to assessment and evaluation against the prescribed qualification standards and applicable DepEd hiring guidelines" |
| Meeting PPSSH standards in three domains | 65 or higher overall and in at least three domains | 1,509 (13.3%) | 2,591 (10.86%) | Prospective candidates on the same terms; a NEAP Targeted Development Program (TDP) "is required within three months of appointment" |
| With Developmental Areas | All other takers | 6,900 (61.0%) | 15,077 (63.22%) | Must complete the PDI and a WAP certified by the SDS "to be considered as prospective candidate to an entry-level School Principal I position" |

*Sources: DM 097, s. 2025, paras. 3 and 5 (Batch 1: 11,308 completers); DM 044, s. 2026, paras. 3 and 5 (Batch 2: 23,848 completers). Shares are the memoranda's own.*

Neither results memorandum uses the word "pass". DepEd's career progression FAQs list the NASH among the assessments an applicant must "Pass" to advance to School Principal (DM-OUHROD-2025-3003, October 24, 2025, Annex A, Q13), and no issuance says in so many words which NASH level satisfies Item 27. The results memoranda settle the practical question: the two "Meeting PPSSH standards" levels are prospective candidates now, and a taker With Developmental Areas becomes one after completing the PDI and WAP.

NEAP runs both programs under DM-OULS-2026-397 (September 7, 2026). For Batch 2, it covers takers "who have undergone the NASH Batch 2 and have met the minimum overall rating threshold, with identified domain-level developmental needs" (para. 4), and it does not state the threshold. A taker who scored below 65 overall should check the official list of participants (para. 12) with the SDO. Priority goes to "eligible participants who have received an appointment notice for the position of Principal I" (para. 4). [NASH TDP and PDI: Phases, Coaches and Certificates](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-tdp-pdi-guide) explains the phases, and [the NASH Work Application Plan](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-work-application-plan) the plan itself. [NASH Results 2025 Explained](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-results-2025-explained) covers what a score of 65 does and does not mean.

The score matters again in the comparative assessment. In reclassification to School Principal I, "the applicant's score in the NQESH, Principal's Test, or a similar standardized examination administered by DepEd shall be the basis for scoring the component on Written Examination (10 points)" (DO 024, s. 2025, Encl. No. 3, Sec. 38). For hiring into a vacant item, DO 021 sets the same basis, a score in the NQESH, Principal's Test or "a similar standardized examination nationally administered by DepEd" (Item 28), since DO 024 does not govern hiring into vacant School Principal positions (Encl. No. 1, Sec. 12). The formulas in both orders are written for raw and percentage scores, while the NASH reports a score "normalized to a 1 to 100 scale" (DM 044, s. 2026, para. 4.d), and no issuance says how one becomes the other. Ask the HRMPSB before the assessment; [School Principal I to IV: Promotion Under the ECP](https://nash.com.ph/blog/school-principal-reclassification-ecp) covers the rest of the 100 points.

## Earlier results that still count

A teacher who passed an earlier DepEd school head assessment does not need the NASH. DO 021 names "passers/eligible of the NQESH, Principal's Test, or other school head assessment(s)" (Item 27). What each result allows differs by year:

| Assessment | Result and what it allows | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Principal's Test and NQESH up to FY 2020 | Passers: "only NQESH or Principal's Test passers from FY 2020 and prior years shall likewise be eligible for appointment" | [DepEd Memorandum No. 025, s. 2023](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2023/04/26/april-25-2023-dm-025-s-2023-amendment-deped-memorandum-no-100-s-2022-results-of-the-fiscal-year-2021-national-qualifying-examination-for-school-heads-and-clarification-on-the-use-of/), para. 4 |
| FY 2021 NQESH | "Only takers who fall under Category A shall be eligible for appointment to entry-level school principal positions" | DM 025, s. 2023, para. 3.a |
| FY 2021 NQESH Category B, after the evaluation and certification of September 27–28, 2024 | Rated "Passed" (65%): "Eligible for appointment to entry-level school principal position". Rated "Closely approximating" or "Approximating": "May apply for promotion to a school administration position subject to evaluative and eligibility assessment and professional shadowing and immersion". Rated "Needing Intervention": may apply, "but should undergo further continuing Professional Development Interventions with Work Application Plan (WAP)" | [DepEd Memorandum No. 059, s. 2024](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2024/10/18/october-18-2024-dm-059-s-2024-results-of-the-fiscal-year-2023-national-qualifying-examination-for-school-heads-and-fiscal-year-2021-nqesh-category-b-evaluation-and-certification/), paras. 2 and 8 |
| FY 2023 NQESH | Qualification A: "Eligible for appointment to entry-level school principal position". Qualifications B and C: "May retake the next NQESH" | DM 059, s. 2024, para. 6 |
| FY 2025 NASH, Batches 1 and 2 | Meeting PPSSH standards in four or three domains; With Developmental Areas after the PDI and WAP | DM 097, s. 2025, para. 5; DM 044, s. 2026, para. 5 |

DepEd's FY 2025 Batch 2 FAQs read DM 059 more broadly for the FY 2021 Category B group. Qualifiers rated "Approximating", "Closely Approximating" and "Needing Intervention" "are considered NQESH passer upon completion of required intervention and has acquired certification signed by the Schools Division Superintendent", so they need not take the NASH (Q12). Keep that SDS certification with your Certificate of Rating; DM 059 itself does not use the word "passer" for these ratings.

The groups that DM 025 and DM 059 sent back to the assessment could take it again in 2026. FY 2021 Category C takers and FY 2023 Category B and C takers could take NASH Batch 2 "regardless of whether they meet the Qualification Standards (QS) for the School Principal I" (DM-OUHROD-2025-3318, November 17, 2025). The memoranda in the table set no expiry date for a result, and DM 025 kept passers "from FY 2020 and prior years" eligible.

## Taking the NASH is not the same as qualifying for appointment

Who may take the NASH and who may be appointed are separate questions. For FY 2025 Batch 2, head teachers, assistant principals and the earlier NQESH groups above could take the assessment without meeting the School Principal I QS; everyone else had to meet them (DM-OUHROD-2025-3318; DM 069, s. 2025, paras. 5–6). Appointment has no such exception: under DO 019, s. 2025, "all appointments, including promotion and reclassification of positions, shall strictly adhere to the amended and newly created QS" (para. 4).

An applicant for School Principal I needs all of these:

| Condition | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification standards | Master's degree in Education, Educational Management or Educational Leadership (or a master's 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 training within the last 5 years; RA 1080 (Teacher) eligibility | DO 019, s. 2025; DM 069, s. 2025, para. 5 |
| School head assessment | Passed the NASH, the NQESH or the Principal's Test | DO 021, s. 2024, Item 27 |
| Performance | "a performance rating of at least Very Satisfactory in the last rating period" | Joint Circular No. 01, s. 2025, Sec. 7.4.2.2 |
| Comparative assessment | "Undergo the comparative assessment by the HRMPSB", under DO 024 for reclassification and DO 007, s. 2023 for a vacancy | DO 024, s. 2025, Encl. No. 1, Sec. 22.c |

The documents for each QS requirement, and the special cases in DepEd's FAQs, are in [NASH Qualification Standards for School Principal I: FAQ](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-qualification-standards-faq). The full QS tables are in [ECP Qualification Standards Under DO 019, s. 2025](https://nash.com.ph/blog/ecp-qualification-standards-do-019-2025).

## How the rule has changed since 2003

The requirement is old, and it was briefly loosened in 2023.

| Date | Issuance | What changed |
|---|---|---|
| November 27, 2003 | [DepEd Order No. 85, s. 2003](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2003/11/27/do-85-s-2003-guidelines-on-the-selection-promotion-and-designation-of-school-heads/) | "Aspirants for Principalship must pass a test to be considered for selection and promotion." (item 3.1) |
| July 4, 2007 | [DepEd Order No. 42, s. 2007](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2007/07/04/do-42-s-2007-the-revised-guidelines-on-selection-promotion-and-designation-of-school-heads/) | "Applicants to Principal I position must pass a qualifying test." |
| April 20, 2009 | [DepEd Order No. 36, s. 2009](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2009/04/20/do-36-s-2009-strict-compliance-with-passing-the-qualifying-examination-for-principalship-for-appointment-to-principal-i-position/) | Superintendents "shall ensure that only those who passed the qualifying examination and have undergone the required training are included in the selection line-up"; those who appointed nonqualifiers faced sanctions (paras. 5 and 7) |
| June 23, 2022 | EO 174, s. 2022 | Passing the DepEd school head assessment written into the presidential order on career progression (Sec. 3) |
| March 22, 2023 | [DepEd Order No. 007, s. 2023](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2023/03/23/march-22-2023-do-007-s-2023-guidelines-on-recruitment-selection-and-appointment-in-the-department-of-education/) | Repealed DO 85, s. 2003, DO 42, s. 2007 and DO 36, s. 2009 (para. 4.c, 4.g and 4.i) and said: "The applicant's inability to take the principal's test shall not be considered grounds for disqualification. No test result shall only mean no score under the Written Examination component." (Encl. No. 3, item 8.a) |
| April 25, 2023 | DM 025, s. 2023 | Limited appointment to FY 2021 Category A and passers from FY 2020 and earlier, and directed superintendents "to strictly adhere to the parameters stipulated in this Memorandum" "until the relevant provisions of DO No. 007, s. 2023 are amended" (para. 4) |
| December 23, 2024 | DO 021, s. 2024 | Item 27 made passing a requirement for every first appointment again, by natural vacancy or reclassification |
| February 19, 2025 | Joint Circular No. 01, s. 2025 | "the passing of the school heads assessment or its equivalent shall be required" (Sec. 7.4.3) |
| August 11, 2025 | DM 069, s. 2025 | The NQESH renamed the NASH, a "developmental assessment tool" (paras. 1–2) |
| August 28, 2025 | DO 024, s. 2025 | The HRMO's assessment check for reclassification to School Principal positions (Encl. No. 3, Sec. 13) |
| October 14, 2025 | DO 034, s. 2025 | Every incumbent School Principal exempted when applying for a higher School Principal position (para. 16) |

DO 021 does not delete the 2023 sentence in words. It amends DO 007, and its repealing clause sets aside inconsistent provisions (para. 44); DO 024 and DM 069 both apply Item 27, so passing is the rule in force. DO 021 also kept appointments made "at the time when a DepEd-administered examination is not yet required" valid (Item 27). For sitting principals the question is now settled by DO 034, which covers principals appointed before the Principal's Test, NQESH and NASH, during them, under regional tests such as the National Qualifying Examination for Principals (NQEP), or "based on the School-Based Management (SBM) assessment criteria" (para. 16).

## Does RA 12288 change the rule?

Not yet. [Republic Act No. 12288](https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2025/09sep/20250912-RA-12288-FRM.pdf), approved on September 12, 2025, defines a Standards-Based Assessment "which shall be required as a prerequisite to their promotion and increase in salary, as the case may be" (Sec. 3.i), and directs that "The DepEd shall formulate clear guidelines on assessing teachers and school leaders seeking promotion" (Sec. 9). The Act does not name the NASH. Its implementing rules keep DepEd's existing assessment guidelines "insofar as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of R.A. 12288 and/or this IRR" (IRR, Sec. 14), and reclassification assessments already under way stay under the prior rules (Sec. 17).

As of November 8, 2026, DepEd had issued no Standards-Based Assessment guidelines, so the NASH rule above still applies. Whether DO 034's exemption for sitting principals survives once that assessment exists, no issuance says. [What RA 12288 Changes in Teacher Career Progression](https://nash.com.ph/blog/ra-12288-career-progression-changes) tracks the law's status.

## Other NASH application questions DepEd answered for Batch 2

DepEd's FY 2025 Batch 2 application FAQs also answered the questions below; Q3, Q6 to Q10 and Q12 are covered in the sections above. Each table gives DepEd's answer and what to know now. The FAQs were written for Batch 2, and the memorandum for the next NASH may set different dates, groups and steps; [When Is the Next NASH?](https://nash.com.ph/blog/when-is-the-next-nash) tracks whether DepEd has issued it.

### About the NASH (Q1, Q2, Q4, Q5)

| Question | DepEd's answer | What to know now |
|---|---|---|
| Q1. What is the NASH? | Formerly the NQESH, it is "a developmental assessment tool designed to evaluate the readiness of aspiring school heads and identify areas for improvement" | DM 069, s. 2025 describes it the same way (para. 2) |
| Q2. What does it cover? | "conceptual and situational critical thinking questions aligned with the standards set by the Philippine Professional Standards for School Heads (PPSSH)", with the Structure of the Observed Learning Outcome (SOLO) taxonomy as its framework | The PPSSH is [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/); see the [NASH study guide](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-study-guide-ppssh) |
| Q4. When is Batch 2? | March 29, 2026 | DM-OUHRODI-2026-0789 (March 16, 2026) moved it to May 17, 2026, when it was held at 65 sites (DM 044, s. 2026, para. 3) |
| Q5. Is there a mock assessment? | Yes, on March 15, 2026, to check devices and learn the platform | Moved to May 10, 2026 (DM-OUHRODI-2026-0789) |

### Taking the NASH: special cases (Q11, Q13)

| Question | DepEd's answer | What to know now |
|---|---|---|
| Q11. A FY 2023 NQESH Category C taker without a master's degree: what to upload? | The Transcript of Records (TOR) or diploma of your highest educational attainment, or proof that you are enrolled in a master's program | For Batch 2, Category C takers could apply without meeting the QS (DM-OUHROD-2025-3318). Appointment still needs the master's degree in the QS |
| Q13. May SDO evaluators take the NASH? | No, "To avoid any conflict of interest", unless they "formally waive their role as an SDO Evaluator prior to application" | Applied to Batch 2; no later issuance addresses it |

### Education, experience and training (Q14 to Q19)

These answers apply the School Principal I QS. [NASH Qualification Standards for School Principal I: FAQ](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-qualification-standards-faq) explains each one with its documents.

| Question | DepEd's answer |
|---|---|
| Q14. Which master's degrees count? | "All master's degrees in Education", such as the MEd, the MAEd (including a major in a learning area), the MAT, the MST and master's degrees in Guidance and Counseling. A master's in a relevant learning area counts with at least 9 units of Management, taken in the program or "separately outside the graduate program", with a TOR or certification as proof |
| Q15. Does private school teaching count? | Yes, with a Certificate of Employment stating the position, subjects taught, inclusive dates and employment status, with the school's seal and the signature of the school head or an authorized official |
| Q16. Does managing a private school count? | Yes, if the experience is "functionally related to the duties of the position being applied for", shown in a Certificate of Employment with the duties and responsibilities |
| Q17. Does coordinatorship before [DepEd Order No. 005, s. 2024](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2024/04/29/april-29-2024-do-005-s-2024-rationalization-of-teachers-workload-in-public-schools-and-payment-of-teaching-overload/) count? | Yes, toward the one year of relevant experience in learning area coordination. "Aggregate experience is allowed", so several roles of less than a year each may be added together. The certificate names the learning area. The FAQs sort the roles into curriculum-related, co-curricular and extra-curricular coordinatorships |
| Q18. What proves relevant experience? | "a Certification/Certificate of Experience signed by the Schools Division Superintendent or School Head" stating learning area coordination, subject area supervision, school management and operations, or instructional supervision |
| Q19. When does the five-year training period start? | "from the date of your last promotion", citing DO 007, s. 2023 |

The rule behind Q15 and Q16 is DO 034, s. 2025: work experience "whether acquired in the government or private sector, may be credited provided that such experience is functionally related to the duties of the position applied for" (para. 13).

The Q19 answer needs care. DO 019, s. 2025 asks only for training "acquired within the last 5 years". DO 034, s. 2025 applies "after the last promotion" to hours that "exceed the minimum training requirements", which earn points in the comparative assessment (para. 15). DO 007 itself, which the FAQ cites, uses "after the last promotion" the same way, only for hours "exceeding the minimum requirements as defined in the CSC-approved QS" (Encl. No. 3, item 1.b). Training within the last five years but before your last promotion may therefore still count toward the 32 hours. Ask your SDO's HRMO to confirm in writing which certificates they will accept.

### The online application (Q20 to Q29)

These answers were for the Batch 2 application through the NASH Online Application System (NASH-OAS), which closed on January 30, 2026. [NASH Requirements and Online Application: NASH-OAS Guide](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-online-application-requirements) covers the whole process.

| Question | DepEd's answer |
|---|---|
| Q20. No DepEd email account, or cannot open it | Ask the SDO Information Technology Officer to activate or create it |
| Q21. Wrong personal details in the account | They "cannot be edited in the system". Ask the Regional HRMO, through your SDO Evaluator, before the final list goes to the Regional HRDD |
| Q22. Documents not ready yet | Create the account by January 9, 2026, and submit until January 30, 2026, the dates DepEd's December 19, 2025 advisory set |
| Q23. Wrong Schools Division or Region chosen | Contact the Regional HRMO through your SDO Evaluator, so the application is tagged "Re-Apply" |
| Q24. Wrong documents uploaded | Contact your SDO Evaluator, so the application is tagged "Re-Apply" |
| Q25–Q26. File size | At most 10 MB per file; compress larger files. For the IPCRF, only Part I, with the rating, is needed |
| Q27–Q28. Upload errors, or no email notifications | Send a screenshot to support.usdlms@deped.gov.ph or through DepEd's Google form for NASH-OAS support |
| Q29. Error messages on submission | Delete the browser's cached data for the last 24 hours, or use an incognito window |

## What this means for school heads

Teachers ask their school head whether they can skip the NASH. The answers come from the texts above.

1. **Say it plainly.** A teacher, master teacher, head teacher, assistant principal or teacher-in-charge who wants a first appointment as School Principal I needs a passed NASH, NQESH or Principal's Test. Only retitled Special School Principals and sitting principals moving up are exempt.
2. **Help them read their result.** FY 2025 Batch 2 takers get an Individual Certificate of Rating through the DepEd Learning Management System (DM 044, s. 2026, para. 7). A three-domain taker is a candidate now and will owe a TDP within three months of appointment; a taker With Developmental Areas needs the PDI and a WAP that the SDS certifies.
3. **Support the PDI and the WAP.** The WAP is carried out in the school. Give the teacher the scope and the data the plan needs, and keep its outputs; see [mentoring aspiring school heads](https://nash.com.ph/blog/mentoring-aspiring-school-heads).
4. **Keep the records an HRMO will ask for.** The Certificate of Rating or the DepEd memorandum listing the teacher's name (DO 021, s. 2024, Item 9), IPCRFs rated at least Very Satisfactory, signed training certificates, and certificates of coordination or supervision experience.
5. **Be exact with head teachers.** On-stream priority runs until February 24, 2028 under DO 024 (Encl. No. 1, Sec. 31), and it does not replace the assessment. The IRR of RA 12288 starts its own three-year transition from its effectivity (Sec. 17), and no issuance yet says how the two fit. Under the Joint Circular (Sec. 8.5.1.2), a Head Teacher VI who has not passed is retitled Master Teacher II, not School Principal I.
6. **Do not present a designation as a shortcut.** A teacher-in-charge's experience in school management and operations can count toward the QS, but the appointment still needs the assessment.
7. **For your own promotion,** you need no new assessment or COR to apply for School Principal II to IV; the HRMO validates your appointment from your 201 file (DO 034, s. 2025, para. 16).

| A school head may | A school head may not |
|---|---|
| Tell teachers which assessment results make them eligible, with the issuance | Tell a teacher-in-charge or head teacher that designation or on-stream status replaces the NASH |
| Certify relevant experience and support the PDI and WAP of takers With Developmental Areas | Certify experience or training the teacher did not have; falsifying qualifications is "classified as Serious Dishonesty" under CSC Resolution No. 2100079, Sec. 3, as DM-OUHROD-2025-3318, Annex 1, reminds applicants |
| Encourage takers to join coaching and mentoring, as DM 069 urges (para. 13) | Point teachers to anyone who claims DepEd affiliation or access to NASH content; DM 069 warns applicants against them, and attempts to obtain test content "shall be subject to investigation" (para. 14) |

Helping teachers plan for the principalship serves indicator 4.4.2 of the PPSSH, "Implement the performance management system with a team to support the career advancement of school personnel, and to improve office performance." For the aspiring school head, the first step is indicator 4.1.1, "Conduct self-assessment of personal and professional development needs using the Philippine Professional Standards for School Heads." Both are in [PPSSH Domain 4: Developing Self and Others](https://nash.com.ph/blog/ppssh-domain-4-developing-self-and-others), and the [NASH study guide](https://nash.com.ph/blog/nash-study-guide-ppssh) maps the PPSSH to the assessment.

## Frequently asked questions

### Do I need to take the NASH if I passed the NQESH before?

No. DO 021, s. 2024 makes passers of the NQESH and the Principal's Test eligible for a first appointment (Item 27). For the FY 2021 and FY 2023 NQESH, that means Category A or Qualification A, or a FY 2021 Category B qualifier rated "Passed" in the evaluation and certification (DM 059, s. 2024, para. 8). DepEd's Batch 2 FAQs also count Category B qualifiers with lower ratings as passers once they have completed the required intervention and hold the SDS's certification (Q12).

### Can a teacher-in-charge become School Principal I without the NASH?

No. A teacher-in-charge holds a designation, and the passing rule applies to every first appointment, by natural vacancy or reclassification (DO 021, s. 2024, Item 27). DepEd's 2025 reclassification of teachers-in-charge designated as school heads covered only NQESH or Principal's Test passers who met the QS (DM-OUHROD-2025-1331, item I.b).

### I was rated With Developmental Areas. Can I still become a principal?

Yes, after the next step. You must complete NEAP's Professional Development Interventions and a Work Application Plan certified by the Schools Division Superintendent "to be considered as prospective candidate to an entry-level School Principal I position" (DM 044, s. 2026, para. 5). For Batch 2, the PDI covers takers who "have met the minimum overall rating threshold" (DM-OULS-2026-397, para. 4); if you scored below 65 overall, check the participant list with your SDO. Head teachers and assistant principals rated With Developmental Areas in Batch 1 could instead retake the NASH in Batch 2 (DM 097, s. 2025, para. 6).

### Does a NASH or NQESH result expire?

The issuances that govern these results set no expiry date. DM 025, s. 2023 kept NQESH and Principal's Test passers "from FY 2020 and prior years" eligible for appointment (para. 4), and DO 021, s. 2024 names passers of those assessments without a time limit (Item 27).

### Do principals need the NASH to be promoted to School Principal II?

No. "All incumbent School Principals shall no longer be required to pass the school head assessment or to submit a Certificate of Rating (COR)" when applying for reclassification or promotion to higher School Principal positions (DO 034, s. 2025, para. 16). The HRMO validates the original appointment from the 201 file.

## Sources

**DepEd orders**

- [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/), Amendments to DepEd Order No. 007, s. 2023 (Guidelines on the Recruitment, Selection, and Appointment in the Department of Education), December 23, 2024: Items 9, 27, 28 and 44
- [DepEd Order No. 007, s. 2023](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2023/03/23/march-22-2023-do-007-s-2023-guidelines-on-recruitment-selection-and-appointment-in-the-department-of-education/), Guidelines on Recruitment, Selection, and Appointment in the Department of Education, March 22, 2023: para. 4.c, 4.g and 4.i; Encl. No. 3, items 1.b and 8.a
- [DepEd Order No. 024, s. 2025](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2025/08/28/august-28-2025-do-024-s-2025-guidelines-on-the-implementation-of-the-expanded-career-progression-system-for-teachers-and-school-heads-in-the-department-of-education/), Guidelines on the Implementation of the Expanded Career Progression System for Teachers and School Heads in the Department of Education, August 28, 2025: Encl. No. 1, Secs. 12, 22, 31 and 34; Encl. No. 3, Secs. 6.h, 13, 14, 19 and 38; Annex T (Retitling Form)
- [DepEd Order No. 034, s. 2025](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2025/10/14/october-14-2025-do-034-s-2025-amendments-and-clarifications-to-deped-order-no-024-s-2025-guidelines-on-the-implementation-of-the-expanded-career-progression-system-for-teachers-and-s/), Amendments and Clarifications to DepEd Order No. 024, s. 2025, October 14, 2025: paras. 13, 15, 16, 17 and 18
- [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: para. 4
- [DepEd Order No. 005, s. 2024](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2024/04/29/april-29-2024-do-005-s-2024-rationalization-of-teachers-workload-in-public-schools-and-payment-of-teaching-overload/), Rationalization of Teachers' Workload in Public Schools and Payment of Teaching Overload, April 29, 2024
- [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/), National Adoption and Implementation of the Philippine Professional Standards for School Heads, September 7, 2020
- [DepEd Order No. 85, s. 2003](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2003/11/27/do-85-s-2003-guidelines-on-the-selection-promotion-and-designation-of-school-heads/), Guidelines on the Selection, Promotion, and Designation of School Heads, November 27, 2003: item 3.1
- [DepEd Order No. 42, s. 2007](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2007/07/04/do-42-s-2007-the-revised-guidelines-on-selection-promotion-and-designation-of-school-heads/), The Revised Guidelines on Selection, Promotion and Designation of School Heads, July 4, 2007
- [DepEd Order No. 36, s. 2009](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2009/04/20/do-36-s-2009-strict-compliance-with-passing-the-qualifying-examination-for-principalship-for-appointment-to-principal-i-position/), Strict Compliance with Passing the Qualifying Examination for Principalship for Appointment to Principal I Position, April 20, 2009: paras. 5 and 7

**DepEd memoranda and FAQs**

- [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. 1–6, 13 and 14
- [DepEd Memorandum No. 097, s. 2025](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2025/10/21/october-21-2025-dm-097-s-2025-results-of-the-national-assessment-for-school-heads-for-fiscal-year-2025-batch-1/), Results of the National Assessment for School Heads for Fiscal Year 2025 (Batch 1), October 21, 2025: paras. 3, 5 and 6
- [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. 3, 4, 5 and 7
- [DepEd Memorandum No. 059, s. 2024](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2024/10/18/october-18-2024-dm-059-s-2024-results-of-the-fiscal-year-2023-national-qualifying-examination-for-school-heads-and-fiscal-year-2021-nqesh-category-b-evaluation-and-certification/), Results of the Fiscal Year 2023 National Qualifying Examination for School Heads and Fiscal Year 2021 NQESH Category B Evaluation and Certification, October 18, 2024: paras. 2, 6 and 8
- [DepEd Memorandum No. 025, s. 2023](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2023/04/26/april-25-2023-dm-025-s-2023-amendment-deped-memorandum-no-100-s-2022-results-of-the-fiscal-year-2021-national-qualifying-examination-for-school-heads-and-clarification-on-the-use-of/), Amendment to DepEd Memorandum No. 100, s. 2022 (Results of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Qualifying Examination for School Heads) and Clarification on the Use of NQESH or Principal's Test Results in Relation to DepEd Order No. 007, s. 2023, April 25, 2023: paras. 3 and 4
- 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, and its Annex 1, Preparatory and Documentary Requirements: item C
- DM-OUHROD-2025-1331, Reclassification of Qualified Personnel to School Principal I Position, May 27, 2025: item I.b
- DM-OULS-2026-397, Guidelines on the Conduct of the National Assessment for School Heads (NASH) Targeted Development Program (TDP) and Professional Development Intervention (PDI), September 7, 2026: paras. 4 and 12
- Frequently Asked Questions (NASH Application), FY 2025 NASH Batch 2: Q1 to Q29
- DepEd Office of the Undersecretary for Human Resource and Organizational Development, Advisory, Adjusted Schedule of Activities for the Application, Evaluation and Validation through the NASH-OAS, December 19, 2025
- DM-OUHRODI-2026-0789, Rescheduling of the FY 2025 National Assessment for School Heads (NASH) - Batch 2, March 16, 2026
- DM-OUHROD-2025-3003, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for DepEd Order No. 024, s. 2025 and DepEd Order No. 34, s. 2025, October 24, 2025, Annex A: Q13

**Executive issuances and joint circulars**

- [Executive Order No. 174, s. 2022](https://lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo2022/eo_174_2022.html), Establishing the Expanded Career Progression System for Public School Teachers, June 23, 2022: Sec. 3
- [Implementing Rules and Regulations of Executive Order No. 174, s. 2022](https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/IRR-of-EO-174-s.-2022.pdf): Sec. 17
- [DepEd-DBM Joint Circular No. 01, s. 2025](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2025/05/21/deped-dbm-jc-no-01-s-2025-modified-position-classification-and-compensation-scheme-and-system-of-career-progression-of-teachers-and-school-heads-in-the-public-basic-education-system/), Modified Position Classification and Compensation Scheme and System of Career Progression of Teachers and School Heads in the Public Basic Education System, February 19, 2025: Secs. 7.4.2.2, 7.4.3, 8.5.1.1 and 8.5.1.2

**Laws**

- [Republic Act No. 12288](https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2025/09sep/20250912-RA-12288-FRM.pdf), Career Progression System for Public School Teachers and School Leaders Act, September 12, 2025: Secs. 3.i and 9; and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, signed August 17, 2026: Secs. 4.o, 14 and 17

*Written by Mark Anthony Llego for NASH Reviewer. Sources: EO 174, s. 2022 and its IRR; DepEd-DBM Joint Circular No. 01, s. 2025; DepEd Orders No. 021, s. 2024 and No. 019, 024 and 034, s. 2025; DepEd Memoranda No. 069 and 097, s. 2025, No. 044, s. 2026, No. 059, s. 2024 and No. 025, s. 2023; the FY 2025 NASH application FAQs. NASH Reviewer is not affiliated with DepEd.*

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© 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). *Is the NASH Mandatory for School Principal I Appointment?*. NASH Reviewer. https://nash.com.ph/blog/is-nash-mandatory-school-principal-i. 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