Caribbean Examinations Council - Examinations

Examinations

The Caribbean Examinations Council offers two levels of examinations and certifications:

• the Caribbean Secondary Education Certification (CSEC)
• the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE)

The CXC Associate Degree Programme was unveiled in 2005, it is a tertiary qualification based on the CAPE certification.

• Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations are usually taken by students after five years of secondary school, and mark the end of standard secondary education. The CSEC examinations are equivalent to the Ordinary Level (O-Levels) examinations and are targeted towards students sixteen and older. The CSEC examinations are often called the CXC examinations as they were the only examinations offered by the CXC from 1979 until 1998.

• Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) examinations are taken by students who have completed their secondary education and wish to continue their studies. Students who wish to sit for the CAPE usually possess CSEC or an equivalent certification. The CAPE is equivalent to the British Advanced Levels (A-levels), they are both voluntary qualifications that are intended for university entrance. Since it was introduced in 1998, the number of subjects offered at CAPE has increased.

While it may vary by territory, the CSECs are generally viewed as an employment qualification certifying the holder as a secondary school graduate. While the CAPE is considered a suitable qualification for entry into tertiary education.

The island territories of Saint Maarten and Saba - both members of the Netherlands Antilles - also conduct exams administered by the Council.