The Congolese government has announced plans to scrap the Certificat d'études primaires élémentaires (CEPE) exam, a key assessment in the country's primary education system, by June 2027. This decision was made during the official launch of the 2026-2027 school year. The CEPE exam will be replaced by a new format based on continuous assessment, allowing students in the CM2 grade to transition to the 6th grade.
According to the Congolese Ministry of Pre-school, Primary, Secondary Education, and Literacy, this reform aims to improve the education system by reducing the number of students who drop out of school. In the last CEPE session, 149,329 candidates were registered in 655 centers across the country, representing a 7.71% increase from 2025. The ministry also reported that about 5.6% of students who fail the CEPE exam often abandon their studies.
The new system will also reduce the duration of primary education from six years to five years and introduce a single preparatory course to replace the current CP1 and CP2 courses. Additionally, the preschool education sector is expected to undergo significant changes, with plans to make the third year of preschool compulsory. This move is part of the recommendations made during the National Education, Training, and Research Conference in January 2024.
The Congolese government believes that this reform will help to create a more fluid and continuous learning process for students. By adopting a continuous assessment approach, students will no longer have to face the pressure of a single high-stakes exam. This change is expected to reduce the number of students who drop out of school and improve overall educational outcomes.
The decision to scrap the CEPE exam has sparked debate and interest in the education sector. Some experts argue that this move will help to reduce the emphasis on rote memorization and promote a more holistic approach to learning. Others have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the quality of education and the ability of teachers to adapt to the new system.
The Congolese government has assured stakeholders that the implementation of this reform will be carefully monitored and evaluated. The ministry has also announced plans to provide support and training for teachers to help them adapt to the new system. The success of this reform will depend on the government's ability to address the challenges and concerns that arise during its implementation.
The elimination of the CEPE exam is part of a broader effort to reform and improve the education system in the Congo. The government has emphasized its commitment to providing quality education for all students and addressing the needs of the country's rapidly growing population. The impact of this reform on the education sector and the country's future will be closely watched.
Key points
- The Congolese government plans to eliminate the CEPE exam by June 2027 and adopt a continuous assessment approach for primary education.
