Navigating the National Qualifying Examination for School Heads: Insights from a Multiple Case Study Analysis

This qualitative multiple case study investigates the experiences and strategies of National Qualifying Examination for School Heads (NQESH) passers in their preparation for, administration of, and coping with challenges before, during, and after the exam. The study addresses three research questions: (1) What are the experiences of NQESH passers in the preparation and administration of the examination? (2) How do the NQESH passers cope with the challenges they encountered before and during the examination? (3) What insights and recommendations can the NQESH passers share with aspiring school leaders who plan to take the examination in the future? This study used a qualitative multiple-case study design with three cases of teachers, school heads, and academic heads, utilizing interviews for data collection. The cross-case analysis identified several themes: Comprehensive and Structured Preparation, Balancing Multiple Responsibilities, and Support Systems and Motivation. Passers emphasized setting priorities and time management, seeking social support and encouragement, and mental and emotional resilience. Structured preparation and time management, understanding strengths, continuous learning and professional development, and commitment, patience, and self-motivation were crucial. The study contributes to educational leadership by providing practical recommendations for aspiring school leaders, such as structured preparation, continuous learning, and fostering commitment and self-motivation, to enhance their readiness for the NQESH examination.