CXC implements modified examination process

1428267

The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has announced changes to its regular examination schedule in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement, yesterday CXC said it has made a policy decision to offer a modified examination process.

It said:

1. Administration of at least one common paper (Multiple Choice Assessments);

2. School-Based Assessments (SBAs) and Paper 032s (Alternative to SBA) for private candidates; and,

3. Award final grades based on the moderated SBAs and Multiple Choice Papers.

The following are exceptions to the aforementioned process where candidates will be required to complete additional components:

• Modern Languages (Spanish, French, and Portuguese)

• Human and Social Biology

• Visual Arts

It said, “This strategy will employ the e-Testing modality (online and offline) in order to reduce the administration of the examination processing time resulting in the shortest turn-around time for marking and the release of examination results.”

In addition, CXC said, it will provide an opportunity for the timely presentation of grades to facilitate matriculation to higher education or to access employment.

It added that this also minimizes disruption to the 2020/2021 academic year.

Before presenting the modifications CXC explained that stands in solidarity with the region and the international community, “as we grapple with the impact of COVID-19 on our way of life.”

It said during the past two weeks, it has been monitoring developments across the CARICOM region and working closely with representatives from the Ministries of Education and tertiary institutions to arrive at a regional consensus for the administration of May/June 2020 examinations.

The Council said it recognizes the impact of COVID-19 on the education system in general and, more specifically, on the schedule of CXC’s regional examinations.

It said accordingly, the proposed revised examinations strategy is meant to yield valid grades and minimize the disruption to the education system during these unprecedented times.