Education is more than academics—it’s about inclusivity, cultural respect, and preparing teachers to meet diverse community needs. In the Philippines, the Department of Education (DepEd) has announced the Qualifying Examination in Arabic Language and Islamic Studies (QEALIS) for the first quarter of 2026. While this may sound like a regional initiative, it reflects global trends in multilingual education and cultural preservation—topics that resonate with educators and policymakers worldwide, including in the United States.
What Is QEALIS?
QEALIS is an entry-level examination for individuals applying to become asatidz (teachers in Filipino Muslim communities). It measures proficiency in Arabic and knowledge of Islamic studies.
This initiative is rooted in DepEd Order No. 41, s. 2017, which formalized Madrasah Education within the K to 12 Basic Education Program. By requiring this exam, DepEd ensures that teachers entering the system are qualified both linguistically and culturally.
Nationwide Testing Centers
DepEd has designated testing centers across the Philippines to ensure accessibility. Examinees will be assigned based on their region of origin.
Examples of Testing Centers:
Ilocos Sur (Region I)
Isabela (Region II)
Baguio City (CAR)
Pampanga (Region III)
Sta. Rosa City, Cavite City, Rizal (Region IV-A)
Makati City (NCR)
Palawan, Oriental Mindoro (Region IV-B)
Legazpi City (Region V)
Iloilo City (Region VI)
Cebu City (Region VII)
Tacloban City (Region VIII)
Bacolod City, Dumaguete City (NIR)
Zamboanga City, Pagadian City, Zamboanga Sibugay (Region IX and BARMM)
Iligan City, Cagayan De Oro City (Region X and BARMM)
Davao City (Region XI)
Cotabato Province (Region XII and BARMM)
General Santos City (Region XII)
Butuan City (Caraga)
This broad coverage highlights the government’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring both urban and rural communities are represented.
Who Can Register?
Registrants must meet the following qualifications:
Be a Filipino citizen aged 18–64 on exam day.
Have completed at least high school education in both secular (English) and Islamic (Arabic) studies.
This dual requirement ensures that teachers are grounded in mainstream academics while also preserving cultural and religious education.
Registration Requirements
Applicants must prepare the following:
Two copies of the registration form with a recent 1x1 ID photo.
Authenticated birth certificate or affidavit of live birth.
Valid ID, barangay clearance, or certificate of residency.
Proof of educational attainment (college transcript, diploma, or high school records).
Certificate of Completion for Thanaawi graduates.
These requirements align with Civil Service Commission (CSC) standards, ensuring consistency nationwide.
Roles of Testing Officials
Division Testing Coordinator (DTC): Serves as Chief Examiner, overseeing all exam activities.
Madrasah Education Program (MEP) Coordinators: Collaborate with DTCs to facilitate the exam.
This structured hierarchy ensures accountability and smooth administration across multiple centers.
Important Deadlines
DepEd has set clear timelines:
February 18, 2026 – Submission of qualified registrants’ lists.
February 20, 2026 – Regional Testing Coordinators send consolidated Form 1 to BEA.
February 24, 2026 – Consultative meeting to finalize allocations.
These deadlines emphasize early preparation and coordination.
Pre-Test Preparations
Registrants and personnel must review official materials available via the DepEd QEALIS Google Drive link:
👉 https://bit.ly/DepEdQEALIS (bit.ly in Bing)
On exam day, registrants must bring:
Signed registration form.
Original copies of submitted requirements.
ID photo with name tag.
Two No. 2 pencils, eraser, and sharpener.
Test Administration and Monitoring
A test monitor from the DepEd Central Office will deliver and retrieve exam materials, ensuring fairness and integrity across all centers.
Scoring and Certification
The cut score will be determined by subject matter experts and curriculum developers.
Successful examinees will receive a Certificate of Rating (COR), indicating individual performance.
Results will be announced via a separate memorandum.
Why This Matters Globally
For U.S.-based readers, QEALIS is a case study in inclusive education. It shows how governments can integrate minority education systems into national frameworks while maintaining rigorous standards.
In a world where multilingualism and cultural literacy are increasingly valued, QEALIS demonstrates how tradition and modern education can coexist.
Conclusion
The 2026 QEALIS exam is more than a qualification—it’s a symbol of inclusivity, cultural respect, and educational progress. By setting clear qualifications, requirements, and procedures, DepEd ensures that aspiring asatidz are prepared to teach future generations.
Globally, QEALIS serves as a reminder that education must adapt to the cultural and linguistic realities of diverse communities.