The National Achievement Test for Grade 12 (NATG12) is the exit assessment for the Senior High School (SHS) program in the Philippines, aiming to evaluate if graduating students meet the learning standards set by the national K-12 curriculum. Unlike the former high school exams which focused solely on basic subjects, the NATG12 is designed to assess both subject area competencies and essential 21st-century skills. Its primary purpose is system evaluation, providing data to the Department of Education (DepEd) to inform policy, curriculum reform, and resource allocation across the nation.

The NATG12 focuses its coverage on the core SHS learning areas, which form the foundation of the K-12 curriculum regardless of the specific academic or technical-vocational track a student is pursuing. These areas generally include Languages (English and Filipino), Humanities, Communication, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, and Philosophy. The test is administered in a multiple-choice format and is conducted in both English and Filipino, reflecting the bilingual policy of instruction within the country.

Crucially, the NATG12 goes beyond simple content recall by assessing higher-order thinking skills (HOTS), integrating competencies critical for success in the modern world. The key 21st-century skills measured include Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving, and Information Literacy. By incorporating these skills, the test aims to determine if students can apply their knowledge in complex, novel situations, aligning the assessment with global standards for high school graduates. The test design is therefore considered "progressive in nature," measuring varying levels of proficiency.

The administration of the NATG12 is mandatory for all currently enrolled Grade 12 learners in both public and private schools, as it serves as a standardized barometer of educational quality. It is overseen by the DepEd’s Bureau of Education Assessment (BEA), with strict guidelines for security and protocol adherence across all testing centers nationwide. The results are ultimately aggregated to provide a national, regional, and school-level analysis of performance in the senior high school exit competencies.

While the NATG12 is a mandatory assessment, DepEd has emphasized that the individual student's score is not a prerequisite for graduation from Senior High School nor is it the sole determinant for college enrollment in the Philippines. Its value is predominantly institutional, serving as empirical evidence to guide policy-makers and school administrators. However, a student's high proficiency on the NATG12 may sometimes be used by higher education institutions (HEIs) for scholarship screening or admission criteria, particularly for grants or specialized programs.