Central Data Catalog

The First Leaving School Certificate (FLSC) is administered annually by the Ministère de l'Education de Base to grade 6 (ISCED 1) students in public and private schools.

The FLSC 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). Students enrolled in the English system register for the FLSC, whereas those in the French system register for the Certificat d'Etudes Primaires (CEP). See separate Catalogue entry for the CEP examination.

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

The FLSC 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 FLSC serves the following purposes:

- student certification for completion of primary education

- 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 FLSC accommodates students with special needs, by providing the following specific 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.