The test is designed to determine their academic levels, strengths and weaknesses, as well as their knowledge learnt in major subjects throughout the year.
[1] NAT examinations aim to provide observational information on the achievement level of students to serve as guide for principals and teachers in their respective courses of action.
[4] The test is a system-based assessment designed to gauge learning outcomes across target levels in identified periods of basic education.
Empirical information on the achievement level of pupils/students serve as a guide for policy makers, administrators, curriculum planners, principles, and teachers, along with analysis on the performance of regions, divisions, schools, and other variables overseen by DepEd.
[citation needed] The NAT is a standardized multiple-choice test that consists of several competencies with "moderately difficult items" based on Bloom's Taxonomy of Cognitive Objectives/Dimensions.