Catalogue de données central

The Certificat d'Études Primaires (CEP) is administered annually by the Ministère de l'Education de Base, Direction des Examens, des Concours et de la Certification to grade 6 (ISCED 1) students in public and private schools.

The CEP 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 French system register for the CEP, whereas those in the English system register for the First Leaving School Certificate (FLSC). See separate Catalogue entry for the FLSC examination.

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

The CEP 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 CEP 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 CEP 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.