Determinants of Students’ Participation in the TESDA National Certificate Assessment for Agricultural Crop Production

This study aimed to determine the factors affecting the decision of students to take the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) National Certificate Assessment for Agricultural Crop Production in the Third District of the Division of Camarines Sur, Philippines. Specifically, it sought to identify the factors affecting the decision of students to take the TESDA National Certificate Assessment for Agricultural Crop Production and propose an intervention program to increase the number of students taking the assessment. It utilized descriptive- developmental research design, employing survey questionnaires and interviews with 112 Senior High School students, teachers, and administrators. The study’s results revealed the top three (3) factors that affect students’ decision to take the TESDA NC assessment for ACP, which are: preparedness on competency, classroom and laboratory environment, and family support, while the teacher influence runs the lowest. It is therefore concluded that while progress has been made, a reevaluation of current practices based on the students’ needs is necessary to increase student participation in the certification process. With that, this study proposed an intervention program based on the needs of the ACP students. This intervention program is “Pathway to Success: Senior High Schools’ TESDA Agricultural Crop Production NC II Certification Journey.” The aim is to increase motivation for senior high school students to take the NC Assessment.