DepEd Order No. 39, s. 2007, dated June 15, 2007, sets the modified Qualification Standards (QS) for Head Teachers and Principals in public elementary and secondary schools. It was signed by then Education Secretary Jesli A. Lapus. This page explains what the order does and lists the qualification standards for Principal I to IV, so that teachers aiming for a school head position can see what education, experience, training, and eligibility they need.
On this page 8 sections
Key points
- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) approved further changes to the qualification standards for Head Teachers and Principals through CSC Resolution No. 070520, dated March 19, 2007.
- The modified standards cover these positions:
- Elementary level: Head Teacher I to III and Principal I to IV
- Secondary level: Head Teacher I to VI and Principal I to IV
- The new standards took effect immediately when the order was issued.
- Anyone appointed to these positions after the order must meet the new standards. They are also subject to the guidelines on the selection and promotion of school heads, which include passing the Principalship test for those applying for Principal I.
- All earlier issuances that conflict with this order are repealed or amended.
The qualification standards for Head Teacher positions are discussed on a separate page: Qualification Standards for Head Teachers.
Who it covers
The order is addressed to DepEd Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, Bureau Directors, Regional Directors, and Schools Division and City Superintendents. In practice, it matters most to teachers, master teachers, teachers-in-charge, head teachers, and principals who plan to apply for or move up to a Principal position, and to the offices that process their appointments.
Qualification standards for principals in elementary schools
All Principal positions in elementary schools are Level 2 positions.
| Position | SG | Education | Experience | Training | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Principal I | 18 | Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education; or Bachelor’s degree with 18 professional education units | Head Teacher for 1 year; or Teacher-in-Charge for 2 years; or Master Teacher for 2 years; or Teacher for 5 years | 40 hours of relevant training | RA 1080 (Teacher) |
| Principal II | 19 | Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education; or Bachelor’s degree with 18 professional education units, plus 6 units of Management | 1 year as Principal | 40 hours of relevant training | RA 1080 (Teacher) |
| Principal III | 20 | Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education; or Bachelor’s degree with 18 professional education units, plus 6 units of Management | 2 years as Principal | 40 hours of relevant training | RA 1080 (Teacher) |
| Principal IV | 21 | Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education; or Bachelor’s degree with 18 professional education units, plus 6 units of Management | 3 years as Principal | 40 hours of relevant training | RA 1080 (Teacher) |
Qualification standards for principals in secondary schools
All Principal positions in secondary schools are also Level 2 positions.
| Position | SG | Education | Experience | Training | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Principal I | 18 | Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education; or Bachelor’s degree with 18 professional education units | Head Teacher for 1 year; or Teacher-in-Charge for 2 years; or Master Teacher for 2 years; or Teacher for 5 years | 40 hours of relevant training | RA 1080 (Teacher) |
| Principal II | 19 | Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education; or Bachelor’s degree with 18 professional education units, plus 6 units of Management | 1 year as Principal | 40 hours of relevant training | RA 1080 (Teacher) |
| Principal III | 20 | Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education; or Bachelor’s degree with 18 professional education units, plus 6 units of Management | 2 years as Principal | 40 hours of relevant training | RA 1080 (Teacher) |
| Principal IV | 21 | Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education; or Bachelor’s degree with 18 professional education units, plus 6 units of Management | 3 years as Principal | 40 hours of relevant training | RA 1080 (Teacher) |
What the tables mean
- Principal I is the entry point. Unlike the higher levels, it does not require Management units. Instead, it requires prior experience as a head teacher, teacher-in-charge, master teacher, or teacher.
- Principal II to IV add a requirement of 6 units of Management for those whose bachelor’s degree is not in education. The experience required increases by one year as Principal at each level.
- Training and eligibility are the same for every level: 40 hours of relevant training and RA 1080 (Teacher) eligibility.
- Elementary and secondary standards are the same, except that the education degree must match the level: Elementary Education for elementary schools, Secondary Education for secondary schools.
Text of the order
DepEd Order No. 39, s. 2007
June 15, 2007
Modified Qualification Standards for the Positions of Head Teachers and Principals
To: Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, Bureau Directors, Regional Directors, Schools Division/City Superintendents
- The Civil Service Commission (CSC), under Resolution No. 070520 dated March 19, 2007, has approved further modification to the Qualification Standards (QS) for Head Teachers and Principals in the elementary and secondary schools.
- The modified Qualification Standards for the positions of Head Teacher I to III and Principal I to IV (for elementary level); Head Teacher I to VI and Principal I to IV (for secondary level) of this Department shall take effect immediately.
- Subsequent appointees to said positions should meet the herein newly approved qualification standards, subject to the guidelines on selection and promotion of school heads, which include the passing of the Principalship test for aspirants to Principal I positions.
- All other existing issuances which are inconsistent herewith are deemed repealed or amended.
- For your guidance and compliance.
JESLI A. LAPUS
Secretary
Effectivity
The order states that the modified qualification standards take effect immediately. It applies to people appointed to Head Teacher and Principal positions after its issuance.
Frequently asked questions
What are the qualifications for Principal I under DepEd Order No. 39, s. 2007?
A Principal I needs a bachelor’s degree in Elementary or Secondary Education, or a bachelor’s degree with 18 professional education units. The applicant also needs 1 year as Head Teacher, 2 years as Teacher-in-Charge or Master Teacher, or 5 years as Teacher, plus 40 hours of relevant training and RA 1080 (Teacher) eligibility.
Do I need to pass a test to become a Principal I?
Yes. The order says that appointees are subject to the guidelines on the selection and promotion of school heads, which include passing the Principalship test for those applying for Principal I.
When are Management units required?
For Principal II, III, and IV, applicants whose bachelor’s degree is not in education need 18 professional education units plus 6 units of Management. Principal I does not list Management units.
Are the standards different for elementary and secondary principals?
They are the same except for the education degree. Elementary principals need a degree in Elementary Education, and secondary principals need a degree in Secondary Education, or a bachelor’s degree with the required education units.
Who approved these modified qualification standards?
The Civil Service Commission approved them through Resolution No. 070520, dated March 19, 2007. DepEd then issued them through DepEd Order No. 39, s. 2007.
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