Central Data Catalog

The Diplôme d'Études Fondamentales (DEF) has been administered annually since 1969 by the Ministère de l'Education Nationale to grade 9 (ISCED 2) students in general education programmes in public and private schools.

The DEF 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).

Passing the DEF allows reintegration of out-of-school children and youth into the school system at the next appropriate grade.

The DEF 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 DEF serves the following purposes:

- student certification for completion of lower secondary general education programmes

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

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

- sub-national level monitoring of learning outcomes

- monitoring education quality levels

- planning education policy reforms

The DEF accommodates students with speech disorders as well as deaf-blindness. It also accommodates students with visual impairments by providing test materials in braille.

Census (all students at the given grades or ages)

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

Examination results are broadcasted on the radio, on television and published in the media.