The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has launched its January 2026 examination period with significant advancements in digital assessment technologies and regional education reform. With over 10,000 candidates participating in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, the council is implementing a strategic shift toward complete digitalization of all testing within the next three to five years.
During a press conference in Kingston, Jamaica, Registrar and CEO Dr. Wayne Wesley unveiled comprehensive updates on CXC’s evolving examination framework. The current January sitting, running through January 29th, utilizes the council’s digital e-assessment and hybrid systems. Following this period, CXC will immediately commence preparations for the May-June examinations, which anticipate over 100,000 candidates and more than 600,000 subject entries across CSEC and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) programs.
Dr. Wesley presented two foundational documents representing CXC’s renewed focus on educational standards: learning standards for literacy and numeracy, and standards with performance criteria for primary exit examinations. These resources establish benchmark proficiencies aligned with regional and international requirements. The literacy and numeracy standards specifically guide pedagogical approaches during the first three years of secondary education, while the updated Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) standards target enhanced primary-level instruction outcomes.
A standout development is the remarkably successful Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC) pilot, exceeding participation projections by more than 50%. Initially designed for 3,000 learners, the program attracted 6,453 candidates across all 13 CXC member states through 48 examination centers. Alton McPherson, supporting the pilot rollout, outlined the structured implementation timeline from January to March. Candidates will receive orientation on the Surpass platform, which will administer Paper One electronically and Paper Two in hybrid format, followed by comprehensive practice testing.
The assessment process incorporates meticulous technical preparation between March and April, ensuring candidates can upload School-Based Assessments (SBAs), download timetables, and meet e-test readiness requirements. CTEC results will be addressed during the July-August results period, with comprehensive data analysis and qualitative feedback informing the full program rollout scheduled for June 2027.
Dr. Wesley also emphasized CXC’s commitment to accessibility, referencing the council’s adherence to the Marrakesh Treaty. For the 2025 examinations, special arrangements accommodated 3,444 candidates with visual impairments and other special needs. The council continues to refine technologies and approaches to ensure full and equitable participation for all candidates regardless of ability.
The Board of Governors has formally approved a comprehensive disaster and business recovery protocol featuring six implementation steps: initial response and support statement, coordination with education ministries, stakeholder consultation, recommendation development, board review, and measured implementation with ongoing evaluation. This protocol ensures continuity when member states experience disasters or unusual events.
Dr. Wesley concluded with an optimistic outlook for 2026, inviting regional partnership in CXC’s mission to “ignite the potential and shape the future of our Caribbean people” through resilient stakeholder engagement, improved operational processes, and inclusively expanded service access.