The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) is pioneering a transformative shift in regional assessment methods by implementing fully digital multiple-choice examinations for the January sitting of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC). This landmark initiative will see over 10,000 students participating in mandatory electronic testing, eliminating traditional paper-based answer sheets in favor of computer-based selection.
Dr. Nicole Manning, CXC’s Director of Operations, confirmed in an exclusive interview that this represents a decisive evolution in secondary education assessment across the Caribbean region. While electronic testing isn’t entirely new to CXC, January 2024 marks the first complete transition to digital administration for multiple-choice components.
The examination framework employs a hybrid model for comprehensive assessment. While multiple-choice sections will be fully digital, Paper Two will appear on-screen while candidates write responses on paper, creating a transitional approach that balances technological adaptation with familiar examination techniques.
Infrastructure readiness and examination security have been paramount considerations in this digital rollout. CXC has implemented robust safeguards including the deployment of 18 additional specialized invigilators alongside detailed operational manuals. The council has proactively engaged telecommunications and utility companies across participating territories to ensure uninterrupted internet connectivity and power supply during critical examination periods.
Dr. Manning emphasized that the January sitting was strategically selected for initial implementation due to its smaller candidate pool of approximately 10,000 subject entries, compared to the May/June session which typically involves over 100,000 candidates across nearly 600,000 subject areas. This scaled approach allows for manageable infrastructure testing and operational refinement.
The digital initiative encompasses 13 CSEC subjects including Mathematics, English, Principles of Business, Principles of Accounts, multiple languages, and core sciences. While January participation is compulsory, the May/June 2024 sitting will maintain electronic testing as an optional component, with paper-based alternatives remaining available.
This transition represents a significant step toward CXC’s long-envisioned goal of on-demand examinations, potentially enabling faster results processing and greater administrative agility across the Caribbean education system. The success of January’s digital rollout could pave the way for mandatory electronic testing across all examination sessions in future years.