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Frequently Asked QuestionsCaribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA)Q: What is CPEA?A: CPEA is an assessment of the literacies required by students exiting the primary school system.Q: What are the components of the CPEA? A: The CPEA has two major components; the internal (project, book report, writing portfolio, Teacher-made Test, Pupil-made Test and Can Do-Skills) and the external (final examination) components. Q: What date is used to administer the CPEA external component?A: The external component of the CPEA is often administered on a Thursday and Friday mid-May each year.Q: What subject areas are students tested on for CPEA external?A: Mathematics, Language Arts, Social Studies and ScienceQ: When does registration for CPEA sitting takes place?A: CPEA registration occurs during the first term each year (September- November).Q: Are there special accommodation for students with special needs to write the CPEA?A: Yes. Request for special accommodation for students with special needs should be made during the registration period. Principals must complete the special needs form with the principal and parent signatures, and submit the same along with the evidential documentation to the Ministry of Education for submission to CXC. Q: Are all Grade 6 students required to write the CPEA?A: Yes. Once students at the Grade 6 level are at least 11 years by the 31st of August during the year of examination, they are eligible to write. Students are only exempted after a review of the circumstances by the Chief Education Officer. Q: Can students who are under 10 years write the CPEA?A: Students who attain 11 years by August 31st within the examination year are allowed to write the CPEA. In rare instances, outstanding students attaining 11 years after August 31st, may be given permission to write after the Chief Education Officer assesses their performances.Q: What is the benchmark for determining which students are assigned to a secondary school?A: All students who receive 50% or more in both the internal and the internal components of the assessment will be assigned to a secondary school.Q: What happens to the students who were unassigned to a secondary school?A: All unassigned students will have an opportunity to repeat the examination the following year.Q: How are students assigned to a secondary school?A: The first three hundred (300) receives their first choice subject to the availability of space. The rest of the students are placed by a scheme of zoning. That is, at a school close to his/her place of residence. Religion-within students’ zone is also considered based on agreed percentages with denominators.Q: Do parents have an opportunity to select the secondary school choice for their students?A: Yes. The parents of all CPEA candidates must complete and sign a placement form during the first term that include parents five secondary school choices.Q: When will I receive my CPEA timetable?A: CPEA timetables are often distributed to schools in April. Principals will then decide the best time to distribute to students before the examination.Q: My name is spelt incorrectly on my timetable. What should I do?A: You should bring it immediately to the attention of the Principal of the school or the Head of the examination centre.Q: Do I have to go to the CPEA centre to write the external component with my timetable?A: Yes. However, if you forget your timetable on the day of the examination, let your supervisor know and you can use your candidate number.Q: How can I access a transfer form?A: Transfer forms can be accessed on the Ministry of Education website () and Facebook pages.Q: What do I do with the transfer form after completing it?A: Email or give the completed form to your child’s principal at the primary school. You can also email the forms to dceoexams@.gd or measurementunitgnd@. The principal will collate all forms and forward to the Ministry of Education. Do not come to the Examination’s Unit to collect or drop off any forms.Q: What are the grounds for CPEA transfers? A: Parents can request a transfer on the following grounds:Change of residency of parents after the submission of placement forms. The school has accommodation and special arrangements for physically challenged students via ramps, transportation, etc.Instances of social issues with deep psychological effects on the child being at this school.Please note that original documentation(s) signed by a medical practitioner, education consultant or psychologist must accompany all transfer requests.Q: When is the deadline to submit CPEA transfer forms?A: All completed forms must be submitted by June 30th every year for consideration. Forms received after the deadline will not be accepted.Q: How long will parents have to wait before they receive a response on the status of their transfers?A: Parents have to wait at least two weeks after the deadline before they receive a response.Q: Who develops CPEA items for the external examination?A: The Caribbean Examination’s Council (CXC) is responsible for the development and marking of CPEA external items.Q: When are CPEA results released every year?A: CPEA results are released at least by the middle of June every year once there are no technical difficulties experienced.Q: How will I know how well my child performed in the CPEA examination?A: Each parent will receive a result slip with the breakdown of his/her child’s scores in each subject area for the internal and external components.Q: What will I do with the CPEA result slip?A: Save a copy of the result slip for registration of your child at the secondary school assigned.Q: Financial institutions are asking for official documents from the Ministry with my child’s CPEA scores before the releasing scholarship funds? Where can I access this?A: The examinations Unit of the Ministry of Education is responsible for the organization of any official document needed for financial institutions through the Permanent Secretary.Q: My child was successful in the CPEA and we are now moving to another Caribbean country to live. Can I get official documentation ascertaining his/success?A: Yes. The Examination’s Unit will make the necessary arrangements for the official documentation.Q: Are CPEA samples of internal assessment moderated?A: Yes. Samples of students’ work are moderated for Projects, Book Reports, and Writing Portfolios. Teachers are also required to submit samples of their tests for review purposes.Q: Who moderates CPEA samples?A: CPEA samples are moderated by team of local experts.Q: Where can I access CPEA past papers?A: Since CPEA external is a multiple choice examination, past papers are not available to the general public. However, the specimen papers can be accessed via CXC’s website ().Q: Are there any demo tests for the CPEA?A: Yes. You can access CPEA demo E-tests via CXC’s website Certificate of Secondary Level Competence (CCSLC)Q: What is CCSLC?A: A competency based assessment designed to certify knowledge, generic competencies, attitudes and values that all secondary school leavers should have attained.Q: What are the subjects offered for CCSLC?A: English, Mathematics, Integrated Science, Social Studies, Spanish, French, Portuguese. Note: English and Mathematics are the core areas.Q: When does registration for CCSLC examination takes place?A: During the period 1st to 3oth of November.Q: What name should be used when registering candidates for the examination?A: The name given on the birth certificate.Q: Are any accommodations made for students with special needs?A: Yes. Requests for special arrangements are made by principals of schools with students with special needs, on the Online Registration System. These requests are then dealt with by the relevant CXC officials. Q: What is the cost of one CCSLC subject?A: Each CCSLC subject costs $ 35.Q: Where can CCSLC past papers be accessed?A: Due to the fact that CCSLC is a multiple choice exam, past paper are not available to students. Specimen papers can be obtained, however, via CXC’s website ().Q: Around what time period are timetables made available to students?A: Online copies can be accessed on the student portal. The physical copy is usually available around the end of March – early April of the examination year. Q: If a candidate misplaces his/her timetable, will CXC issue another one?A: No. CXC does not issue duplicate timetables. Contact the Principal of the relevant school for requisite assistance.Q: Do candidates need to walk with their timetables on the day of the examination?A: Yes. If it is forgotten or lost, however, please indicate to the exam supervisor so that your candidate number can be obtained for use.Q: Are students required to write SBA’s for CCSLC?A: Yes. Each module has a summative assessment(s), (SBA’s) that students must complete prior to writing the examination. Q: When is the deadline for uploading SBA scores?A: All CCSLC SBA scores must be uploaded by 31st December in the year prior to the examination.Q: What is the grading scheme for CCSLC?A: Scores: 75-100: Master50 -74: Competent0-49: Developing CompetenceStudents must achieve either Competent or Master to be considered as having passed a subject.Q: When are CCSLC results released every year?A: CCSLC results are usually released around the middle of August every year.Q: How will candidate results be communicated to them after exams are written?A: (i) A result slip will be sent to students after every sitting of subjects developed by CXC.Q: Do all students who write CCSLC get a CCSLC certificate?A: The CCSLC certificate will be awarded after a candidate achieves a minimum of ‘competent’ in five (5) subjects within a three (3) year period. Q: Can amendments be made to candidate personal data after the registration period?A: Yes. The Local Registrar should be contacted to make arrangements for amendments needed. Please note that there is a cost attached to amendments. The list of fees can be found on the CXC website via the following link: : Where can queries be made regarding exam related matters?A: All queries should be directed to the Local Registrar at the Ministry of Education.Statement of QualificationsQ: What is a statement of Qualifications?A: A Statement of Qualification is an official letter from the Ministry of Education outlining an individual’s qualifications from writing CSEC, CAPE, CCSLC, GCE O’ Levels and A ‘levels and or School Leaving.Q: How long does it take to get a statement of qualification?A: This process takes three days.Q: What is the cost for a statement of qualifications?A: The statement cost $50.00. Payments are made at any Revenue Office.Q: What are the procedures in applying for a statement of qualifications?A: First you pay a fee of $50.00 at the treasury or any Revenue Office, then you carry the receipt from the treasury to the Examination Department. You also must provide a sworn statement indicating the loss or damage of the original certificate. This statement must be signed by a J.P, principal, Minister of Religion or Senior civil servant. When collecting the statement of qualification, please walk with a valid I.D.Q: Is the procedure the same for someone who is living overseas?A: Yes, however, if the person is out of the country, he/she has to fax or email to the Examinations Department a copy of the front page of their passport and an authorization letter for the person coming to collect on the person’s behalf. The individual collecting must walk with a valid ID such as Driver’s license, NIS card, National ID or a passport.Q: Can I certify a copy of my Statement of qualifications for future?A: Yes. You can certify a copy of the statement of qualifications for future use.Q: Will universities, employers and other institutions accept this statement of qualifications?A: The statement of qualifications is an official document and has been accepted by several organizations and institutions.Q: Is the statement of qualifications a replacement certificate?A: No. You need to apply for a replacement certificate from CXC or GCE through the local registrar at the Examination’s unit. Please note that there is a fee attached.Certification of Copies of DocumentsQ: A university asked me for my certificates with my qualifications. Should I send my original copies of the certificates to them? A: No. Certify copies of the certificates and send to the university. Q: Where can I get copies of my certificates certified?A: The Examination’s Unit at the Ministry of Education is responsible for the certification of copies of documents.Q: Is there a cost to certify copies of my certificate?A: No. Certification of documents is presently free.Q: What do I need to walk with?A: You need to walk with your original certificates along with copies of the original certificates. Be sure that the front and back of the certificates are copied and all signatures and borders can be clearly seen.Q: Do I need an ID to certify my certificates?A: No, an ID is not required.Q: How many certificates can I certify? A: There is no limit. Persons can certify copies of any number of certificates that they have. Minimum Competency Tests (M.C.T.)Q. What is Minimum Competency Testing (MCT)? A: MCT is a standardized assessment primarily designed to determine whether students at a particular level have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to adequately function at the next level. It is administered in Mathematics and Language Arts only.Q. Who sets the Minimum Competency Tests?A: The MCT are constructed by expert teachers and supervised by Mathematics, and Language Arts Curriculum Officers, Testing and Examinations Officers, and Teacher Education Lecturers.Q. When is the MCT administered yearly? A. MCT is administered in the middle of June yearly. It is customary for the Examination to be held on a Wednesday.Q: Students from which grade levels sit the MCT?A: Grades 2, 4 and 5Q. Do the students have to be registered to write the MCT?A. Yes. The registration process is completed electronically through the schools during the first term.Q: Are all Grades 2, 4 and 5 students required to write the MCT?A: Yes. Since MCT is used for diagnostic purposes, all students must be registered to write the examination?Q: Do home schooled students have to write MCT?A: Yes. Parents can register home schooled students through the Ministry of Education. These students will write the examination at a school assigned by the Ministry that is most convenient to the students.Q: Are there special accommodation for students with special needs to write the MCT?A: Yes. Request for special accommodation for students with special needs should be made by principals during the registration period. Principals must write a letter with the request, outlining the special arrangements needed for the students. This must be submitted with valid documentation to the Ministry of Education for special accomodation. Q. Who is responsible for the administration and marking of the tests?A: The MCT is invigilated by Ministry of Education assigned Test Administrators, principals and Heads of departments. MCT Grade 4 is marked mainly by primary school teachers and a few lower secondary school teachers during the last week of June.Q. Who marks students’ Grades 2 and 5 scripts? A: Grade two and five scripts are marked by the class teachers using a standardized marking scheme prepared by the Ministry of Education.Q. If a student is absent on the day of the administration of the MCT, will he/she be allowed to write the examination another day? A: The student will be allowed only if a valid reason is provided by the school with the supporting documentation. Note, however, the student will not be allowed to write after a week has passed.Q. Where can I get past papers to help prepare my child for the Minimum Competency Tests? A: The Examinations Unit in the Ministry of Education. Ensure that your child is already exposed to most of the content in the curriculum before using a complete paperQ. What is the minimum acceptable competency level that student writing the MCT should acquire?A. Students attaining 50% or more have attained the minimum competency level.Q: How long does it take to mark the MCT scripts?A: Scripts are marked two weeks after the administration of the MCT. It takes one week for the completion of marking.Q. Are parents allowed to see their children’s marked MCT scripts? A: Yes. Once the scripts are returned to the school, parents can access through the class teachers.Q: Are the MCT data analyzed and reports submitted to schools?A: Yes. Performance reports for each grade level are prepared yearly and disseminated to schools.Q: What should I do with the MCT reports?A: Share it with the entire staff and parents, identify the learning deficiencies, plan a remediation programme and professional development sessions to address noted weaknesses. Then implement and monitor the plan.Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC)Q: What is CSEC?A: This is an examination offered for in-school and private candidates to provide students with the foundation for further studies and entry to the workplace. CSEC subjects are examined for certification at the General and Technical Proficiencies.Q: When does registration for CSEC sittings take place?A: Registration for CSEC January sitting is from September 1st - 30th and October 1st - 31st for the May/June sitting. Q: What is the cost of one CSEC subject?A: The cost of one CSEC subject is $124.00. (Entry fee - $49.00, Subject fee - $50.00, Local fee - $25). For every additional subject $50.00 is added.Q: Can I get past papers for CSEC paper one subjects?A: No. CSEC past papers items are not released to the public. However, you can access released items from their specimen papers in subjects’ syllabi.Q: Where can one get past papers to help prepare for exams?A: Paper 2 and 3 Pass papers can be obtained from the Examinations Unit or they can visit the CXC store at and purchase. No Paper Ones are available.Q: Can private candidates choose to do the SBA instead of Paper 3/2?A: Yes. Private candidates can opt to do the SBA but they must be registered with a CXC certified centerQ: What is the procedure for registration as a private candidate?A: First pay for the subject at any Revenue offices throughout the island. Then carry the receipt to the Ministry of Education Examination’s department to complete the registration process.Q: What should I write at the back of the receipt to complete registration as a private candidate?A: Write the following at the back of the receipt in block letters: First and last names, address, date of birth, gender, the subjects you are writing, your last registration number or the centre where you last wrote (if applicable), the level (CSEC, CAPE), the centre you will be writing the examination in and your email address. This information must remain within the examinations unit for registration.Q: As a private candidate, when can I collect the CSEC timetable?A: The examination’s Unit of the Ministry of Education distributes CSEC timetables in December for the January sitting and April for the May/June sitting.Q: What should a candidate do if there are errors in personal details like spelling of names or incorrect date of birth when they receive their timetable?A: You should bring it immediately to the attention of the Principal of the school or the Head of the examination centre. There is a fee charged for amendments if corrections are to be made after December 31st.Q: What is the cost of making amendments to registration data?A: Amendment fees vary based on the time the amendment is made. From January 1 to 31 the fee is $45.00 Barbados. From February 1 to March 15, $75.00 and $200 after March 15.Q: Do I have to go to the CSEC centre to write the examination with my timetable?A: Yes. However, if you forget your timetable on the day of the examination, let your supervisor at the centre know.Q: Why do private candidates need to present IDs for collection of timetables and certificates and for entering the examination rooms?A: Candidates need to present a picture ID to make certain that timetables and certificates are presented to the correct persons and that the persons entering the examination room are the correct persons.Q: What should candidates do if they do not have a picture ID?A: Candidates who do not have an ID should take two passport size photos to the Examination’s Unit to be certified.Q: How do I obtain a replacement certificate?A: Visit CXC’s website at . You can also make the request through the Local Registrar at the Examination’s Unit, Ministry of Education. The cost of the replacement certificate is BDS $210.Q: Does the Ministry of Education make any provisions for visually impaired or other physically challenged persons to enter for CSEC examinations?A: Yes. The ministry through CXC makes provision for candidates with various challenges such vision, hearing and dyslexia. Persons need to contact the Local Registrar at the examination’s unit about the required procedures.Q: I registered for examinations at the January CSEC sitting but was unable to write the examinations because of sickness. Can I get the registration transferred or rolled over to the CSEC May-June sitting?A: No, examination registration is not transferrable across sittings. You must be re-registered at the May-June sitting.Q: Can I register to write CSEC subjects and CAPE subjects at the same sitting?A: Yes. You are advised however, to check the master timetables on the website to avoid any clashes on your timetables.Q: My login account to the Online Registration System (ORS) has been disabled. How do I get it activated?A: You should contact the ORS Administrator of your school or centre or the Local Registrar at the examination’s Unit of the Ministry of Education to have the account activated.Q: Would a student be permitted to write the examination if they arrive at the examination centre late?A: Candidates who arrive after the start of an examination would be allowed to write the exam but will not be given any extra time to make up for the time lost. Candidates who arrive after 30 minutes of an examination, will not be allowed to sit the examination, unless the candidate had an emergency. Documentation must support the candidate claims.Q: Are candidates allowed to leave the examination room before the examination is finish?A: A candidate is allowed to leave the examination room in some instances like a visit to the bathroom, but the candidate must be accompanied by an invigilator. A candidate may also leave the examination room at any time?after the first 30 minutes of an examination. The candidate would have to hand in all their papers and would not be allowed to reenter the examination room.Q: When are the CSEC results released every year?A: The January CSEC results are released around the end of February and the May/June CSEC results are released around the second week of August.Q: How long is the preliminary slip valid for?A: The Preliminary slips are valid until the certificates are issued. As soon as the certificates become available the Preliminary slips become invalid.Q: When can I collect my CSEC certificates?A: CSEC certificates are available for distribution in November each year. Private candidates will collect their certificates at the Ministry and other candidates at their schools or centres.Q: What is CXC’s web address of the student portal?A: The web address is?: Why is access to the online results portal restricted for some candidates?A: Yes. The Ministries of Education has the right to close the portal to individuals, schools or the entire country. In some instances, this is done to ensure that all fees are paid. ................
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