The Department of Education (DepEd), through the Bureau of Education Assessment (BEA) and in collaboration with the Bureau of Alternative Education (BAE), has released DepEd Memorandum No. 063, s. 2024, detailing the registration and administration guidelines for the 2024 Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Test. This initiative is in line with DepEd Order No. 55, s. 2016, and aims to assess the competencies and life skills of individuals who have not completed formal elementary or secondary education, providing them with a pathway to certification.
Key Objectives of the A&E Test
The A&E Test is designed to:
- Certify Basic Education Completion: Enable test takers to earn certification equivalent to elementary or secondary education.
- Promote Lifelong Learning: Measure alternative learners’ readiness for further education or employment opportunities.
- Support Job Market Entry: Provide credentials to aid in job applications, training, and career progression.
Important Dates and Schedules
Registration Period:
📅 October 21 – December 2, 2024
Test Administration Dates:
📌 Luzon Cluster: January 26, 2025
📌 Visayas and Mindanao Clusters: February 2, 2025
Registration Process
Applicants are required to register at their respective Schools Division Offices (SDOs), which have been designated as registration centers by the Schools Division Superintendents (SDSs).
Who Can Register?
Eligible applicants include:
- Current Alternative Learning System (ALS) Learners: Those enrolled in the Learner Information System (LIS) for SY 2024-2025 on or before October 31, 2024.
- ALS Program Completers: Individuals who previously completed the ALS program but:
- Are not registered in the current LIS.
- Did not meet the minimum required points in their Presentation Portfolio Assessments (PPA).
- Have undergone additional learning interventions under the ALS K-12 Basic Education Program.
Testing Guidelines and Administration
- Multiple-Choice Format: The A&E Test will focus solely on multiple-choice questions, as the Presentation Portfolio Assessment (PPA) will no longer contribute to the final test rating. However, portfolio assessments will continue as part of the learning intervention process.
- Pre-Test Orientations: Orientation sessions for Chief Examiners, Supervising Examiners, Room Examiners, and ALS Implementers will be conducted to ensure smooth administration.
- No Walk-ins: Only registered applicants with complete documents will be allowed to take the test.
Roles and Responsibilities
- ALS Implementers and Regional Testing Coordinators (RTCs):
- Disseminate information and assist in the registration process.
- Monitor test administration and provide support during registration.
- Schools Division Offices (SDOs):
- Facilitate the registration process and evaluate applicants' documents.
- Bureau of Education Assessment (BEA):
- Oversee registration, orientation, and administration processes.
Enclosures for Implementation
The memorandum includes essential documents to guide registration and test administration, such as:
- Registration guidelines and procedures.
- Registration forms to be filled out by applicants.
- Certifications for portfolios and additional interventions.
- Lists of registrants, testing centers, and examinees.
Conclusion
The 2024 A&E Test is a vital opportunity for learners outside formal education systems to earn credentials that can transform their educational and professional trajectories. DepEd, in collaboration with BEA, BAE, and ALS implementers, remains committed to ensuring a fair, accessible, and streamlined process for all eligible participants.
For more details and updates, educators and stakeholders are encouraged to coordinate with their respective Regional Testing Coordinators or visit the DepEd website.
Together, let’s empower learners to achieve their goals through alternative pathways in education!