Central Data Catalog

The General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (GCE OL) is administered annually by the Ministère des Enseignements Secondaires to grade 11 (ISCED 2) students in general education programmes in public or private schools.

Note that since 2014, students can register for the GCE OL or the Bilingual GCE OL. The Bilingual GCE OL has a more difficult French language test.

The GCE OL/Bilingual GCE OL is a high-stake and mandatory examination that certifies completion of lower secondary general education programmes. It is a requirement for students wishing to pursue an upper secondary education (ISCED 3), in either general or vocational education programmes.

Passing the GCE OL/Bilingual GCE OL allows reintegration of out-of-school children and youth into the school system at the next appropriate grade.

The GCE OL/Bilingual GCE OL is a written examination, administered face-to-face and delivered through paper-pencil tests. All test-takers are presented with the same cognitive booklets or tests, which are aligned with the national curriculum.

The GCE OL/Bilingual GCE OL serves the following purposes:

- student certification for completion of lower secondary general education programmes

- school or educator accountability, especially in private schools

- promoting competition among schools, especially private schools

- sub-national level monitoring of learning outcomes

- monitoring education quality levels

The GCE OL/Bilingual GCE OL accommodates students with special needs, by providing the following arrangements:

- Hearing impairment: providing written instructions and test questions

- Visual impairment: braille

Census (all students at the given grades or ages)

Results are reported at student, school, sub-national and national levels. Examination results are broadcasted on the radio and published in the media.