Central Data Catalog

The Examen National de Fin de 4e Année is administered annually by the Direction de l'Enseignement Basique, Ministère de l'Éducation, de la Culture et de la Science to grade 4 (ISCED 1) students in public schools.

During the school year, grade 4 students take two other assessments, similar to this examination (same subjects assessed). These assessments, which constitutes the “Evaluation Nationale - 4e année”, are intended to monitor students' progress throughout the year. The tests, which are common to all students, are also prepared by the Direction de l'Enseignement Basique. The third round of this assessment, administered at the end of the school year, constitutes the Examen National de Fin de 4e Année.

The Examen National de Fin de Quatrième Année is a high-stake and mandatory examination that certifies completion of primary education. It is a requirement for students wishing to pursue lower-secondary education (ISCED 2). Before the 2010 reform, which introduced the universal and free basic education in Sao Tome and Principe, grade 4 students were awarded a diploma to certify achievement of grade 4. Since 2010, only a simple certificate or "attestation" has been issued.

The Examen National de Fin de 4e Année is administered face-to-face. It comprises of a written component, delivered through paper-pencil tests, and an oral component. All test-takers are presented with the same cognitive booklets or tests, which are aligned with the national curriculum.

The Examen National de Fin de 4e Année serves the following purposes:

- student selection to higher education programmes or admission into specific courses or tracks

- supporting teachers (training, relevant materials, etc.)

- school or educator accountability

Census (all students at the given grades or ages)

Results are reported at the student, school, local, sub-national and national levels. Data are disaggregated by sex.

Results are published in reports that are available in print.