Cheat sheet

CB-NCAE Cheat Sheet

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GSA: Verbal + Numerical

  • Not published of exam
  • Verbal Reasoning Numerical Reasoning Reading Comprehension Ratio Proportion Percentage Change

GSA: Logical + Abstract

  • Not published of exam
  • Logical Reasoning Abstract Reasoning Syllogisms Figure Series Matrix Completion

GSA: Spatial + Mechanical + PARE

  • Not published of exam
  • Spatial Reasoning Mechanical Reasoning Cube Nets Gears and Pulleys Perceptual Accuracy PARE

CORE Interest Inventory

  • Not published of exam
  • CORE-A RIASEC CORE-B Thurstone No Right Answer Career Guidance Holland Hexagon

Test Logistics + SHS Tracks

  • Not published of exam
  • Technical Assessment Test Proper Academic Track Tech-Pro Track Elective Clusters

Quick Facts

  • Exam CB-NCAE
  • Full Name Computer-Based National Career Assessment Exam
  • Owner DepEd Bureau of Education Assessment
  • Grade Levels Grade 9 and Grade 10
  • Result No pass or fail score
  • Cost Free for eligible learners
  • Delivery Computer-based via SEB or FEK
  • Computer Ratio 1 examinee per computer
  • Domains GSA reasoning plus CORE interests
  • Advisory Date BEA Advisory 018, August 20

GSA Seven Subtests GS

  • Verbal, Numerical, Logical, Abstract, Spatial, Mechanical, PARE
  • 2 domains: GSA + CORE 7 GSA reasoning subtests English and Filipino verbal

Direct vs Inverse Proportion GS

Direct Proportion

  • Both rise together
  • More hours, more pay

Inverse Proportion

  • One rises, one falls
  • Product stays constant
  • Together up vs trade-off

Identify The GSA Subtest GS

  • Passage with vocabulary question → Verbal Reasoning
  • Word problem with numbers → Numerical Reasoning
  • Syllogism or if-then puzzle → Logical Reasoning
  • Figure series or matrix → Abstract Reasoning
  • Cube net or folded paper → Spatial Reasoning
  • Gears, levers, or pulleys → Mechanical Reasoning
  • Compare codes for a match → PARE
  • Rate a work activity → CORE

Verbal Reasoning Terms GS

  • Main Idea Passage's central point
  • Supporting Detail Backs one part only
  • Inference Unstated but supported conclusion
  • Context Clues Words around target word
  • Analogy Same relationship, different pair
  • Tone Attitude from word choice
  • Author's Purpose Inform, persuade, describe, entertain

Numerical Reasoning Terms GS

  • Direct Proportion Both quantities rise together
  • Inverse Proportion One rises, other falls
  • Ratio Compares two quantities
  • Proportion Two ratios set equal
  • % Change Formula New minus original, over original
  • Original Price Recovery Divide by 1 minus discount
  • Worker-Days Method Workers times days stays constant

If-Then Logic Rule GS

  • P proves Q; Q never proves P
  • Contrapositive: always true Converse: not guaranteed Inverse: not guaranteed

Rotation vs Reflection GS

Rotation

  • Keeps handedness
  • Same clockwise order
  • b becomes q

Reflection

  • Reverses handedness
  • Mirrors clockwise order
  • b becomes d
  • Turn preserves; mirror reverses

Pick The Right Strategy GS

  • Series alternates two patterns → Split into two series
  • Two properties change together → List each property separately
  • Need original price before discount → Divide by 1 minus discount
  • Percentage change asked → Divide by original value
  • Q is true in if-then → Do not assume P true
  • Rotated letter looks flipped → Check handedness, not angle
  • Codes look almost identical → Compare position by position
  • Cube net folds to solid → Find faces one square apart

Logical Reasoning Terms GS

  • Syllogism Two premises, one conclusion
  • Post Hoc Fallacy Sequence mistaken for causation
  • Contrapositive If not Q, not P
  • Converse Reverses if-then; not guaranteed
  • Inverse (Logic) Denies both parts; unproven
  • Assumption Unstated premise argument needs
  • Affirming The Consequent Q true wrongly proves P

Converse vs Contrapositive GS

Converse

  • Reverses if-then order
  • Not automatically true
  • Q implies P claim

Contrapositive

  • Negates and reverses
  • Always logically equivalent
  • Not Q implies not P
  • Converse risky; contrapositive guaranteed

Abstract Reasoning Terms GS

  • Figure Series One property changes consistently
  • Matrix Completion Rows and columns both matter
  • Rotation Keeps figure's handedness
  • Reflection Reverses figure's handedness
  • Odd-One-Out Majority share one rule
  • Two-Property Series List each property separately
  • Alternating Series Two interleaved patterns

Mirror Image vs Water Image GS

Mirror Image

  • Vertical mirror line
  • Swaps left and right
  • Top-bottom unchanged

Water Image

  • Horizontal mirror line
  • Swaps top and bottom
  • Left-right unchanged
  • Vertical flip vs horizontal flip

Spatial Reasoning Terms GS

  • Cube Net Flat pattern folds to solid
  • Opposite Faces One square apart, same line
  • Mirror Image Vertical flip; swaps left-right
  • Water Image Horizontal flip; swaps top-bottom
  • Paper Folding Unfold backward, mirror each fold
  • Orthographic Views Front, top, side combined
  • Painted Cube Corners 8 corners always 3 faces

Mechanical Reasoning Terms GS

  • Lever Moment Force times distance both sides
  • Inclined Plane IMA Ramp length divided by height
  • Fixed Pulley Changes direction, not force
  • Movable Pulley Adds mechanical advantage
  • Meshed Gears Adjacent gears rotate opposite
  • Idler Gear Reverses direction a second time
  • Series Circuit One shared path; one failure
  • Parallel Circuit Each own path; independent

Perceptual Accuracy (PARE) Terms GS

  • PARE Speed and accuracy together
  • Code Comparison Scan in short chunks
  • Transposition Error Two characters swapped
  • Alphabetical Filing Compare letter by letter
  • Speed-Accuracy Trade-Off Work fast, verify each match

RIASEC Hexagon Order CO

  • R-I-A-S-E-C hexagon; opposite pairs least alike
  • R-S opposite I-E opposite A-C opposite Neighbors share traits

GSA vs CORE CO

GSA

  • Reasoning aptitude
  • Right and wrong answers
  • Scored subtests

CORE

  • Occupational interests
  • No right answer
  • Preference inventory
  • Ability tested vs preference recorded

CORE Interest Inventory Terms CO

  • CORE-A RIASEC interest model
  • CORE-B Thurstone interest model
  • Realistic (R) Hands-on, mechanical work
  • Investigative (I) Analytical, scientific work
  • Artistic (A) Creative, expressive work
  • Social (S) Helping, teaching work
  • Enterprising (E) Leading, persuading work
  • Conventional (C) Organized, detail-driven work

CORE-A vs CORE-B CO

CORE-A

  • RIASEC model
  • Six interest types

CORE-B

  • Thurstone model
  • Area labels not published
  • Two interest-inventory models used

Technical Assessment Four Parts LO

  • Part I-IV: Info, EDQ, KLA, CORE
  • I: General Information II: EDQ questionnaire III: KLA attributes IV: CORE interests

Technical Assessment vs Test Proper LO

Technical Assessment

  • Platform walkthrough only
  • Parts I to IV
  • Not yet scored

Test Proper

  • Actual GSA items
  • Counts toward profile
  • Separate schedule
  • Platform check vs real test

Read The Career Guidance Profile LO

  • Strong Realistic or Investigative interest → Consider STEM or Tech-Pro
  • Strong Artistic or Social interest → Consider Arts SSH cluster
  • Strong Enterprising interest → Consider Business cluster
  • Wants hands-on skills training → Consider Tech-Pro Track
  • Wants a higher-education pathway → Consider Academic Track
  • Unsure after GSA and CORE → Discuss profile with counsellor

Test Administration Terms LO

  • Technical Assessment Orientation, EDQ, KLA, CORE parts
  • Test Proper Actual scored GSA administration
  • EDQ Examinee's Descriptive Questionnaire
  • KLA Key Learner Attributes
  • SEB/FEK Required exam browser or kiosk
  • 1:1 Ratio One computer per examinee

Academic Track vs Tech-Pro Track LO

Academic Track

  • Five elective clusters
  • Aims for higher education
  • Includes STEM and Business

Tech-Pro Track

  • Skills-based elective clusters
  • Aims for employment readiness
  • Technical-professional pathway
  • College path vs skills path

Senior High Track Terms LO

  • Academic Track Five elective clusters offered
  • Tech-Pro Track Skills-based elective clusters
  • Arts SSH Cluster Arts, social science, humanities
  • Business Cluster Business and entrepreneurship electives
  • STEM Cluster Science, tech, engineering, math
  • Sports Cluster Sports, health, and wellness
  • Field Experience Cluster Fifth Academic elective cluster

Common Traps

GSA vs CORE Scoring

  • GSA has right answers ≠ CORE has no right answer

Percentage Change Denominator

  • Divide by original value ≠ Not by the new value

Discount Price Reversal

  • Divide by 1 minus discount ≠ Not multiply by 1 plus discount

Rotation vs Reflection Trap

  • Rotation keeps handedness ≠ Reflection flips handedness

Converse Assumed True

  • Q true does not prove P ≠ That is affirming the consequent

Technical Assessment Misconception

  • Technical Assessment is not scored ≠ Test Proper is the real exam

CB-NCAE Pass/Fail Myth

  • There is no passing score ≠ Results form a guidance profile

Last Minute

  • 1. CB-NCAE has no pass or fail
  • 2. GSA covers seven reasoning subtests total
  • 3. CORE has no correct answer
  • 4. CB-NCAE is free for everyone eligible
  • 5. Computer-based; needs SEB or FEK browser
  • 6. 1:1 examinee-to-computer ratio required
  • 7. Rotation keeps handedness; reflection flips it
  • 8. Percent change divides by original value
  • 9. Contrapositive always true; converse is not
  • 10. Technical Assessment differs from Test Proper
  • 11. Academic Track has five elective clusters
  • 12. Results guide SHS track choice
  • 13. RIASEC opposites: R-S, I-E, A-C

Philippines Computer-Based National Career Assessment Examination (CB-NCAE)

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