August 25, 2026

CXC clarifies that C-TEC not dilution of standards or attempt to improve examination statistics through easier assessments

The Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) has clarified that its new modular certification framework, the Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (C-TEC) is not a dilution of standards or an attempt to improve examination statistics through easier assessments.

The Council’s response follows recent public commentary on the certification programme.

Registrar and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Wayne Wesley, highlighted that the Caribbean faces a longstanding challenge in educational outcomes, particularly in Mathematics.

Dr. Wesley clarified that C-TEC and C-SEC Mathematics modules are derived from the same syllabus, assess the same prescribed learning outcomes and are governed by the same quality assurance principles that underpin established qualifications.

He said that what differs with C-TEC is not the standard but the pathway through which candidates progress.

Instead of requiring learners to demonstrate mastery of all components of a subject in a single terminal examination, C-TEC allows learners to demonstrate competence in focused modules over time.

He noted that the knowledge, skills and competencies being assessed remain aligned to the approved qualification.

The CEO said that universities, professional bodies and certification agencies across the world have long recognised modular and stackable approaches as legitimate ways of organising learning and assessment.

Thus he stated that what matters is whether standards are maintained of which he said, the CXC remains fully committed to ensuring.

Dr. Wesley further noted that for many students, the challenge is not a lack of potential, but the cumulative burden associated with a single high-stakes examination.

He explained that a learner may have mastered substantial portions of the syllabus but leave the examination room without any formal recognition of that achievement because performance on one occasion determines the entire outcome.

This, he said, is addressed by C-TEC through allowing learners to build achievement progressively.

He clarified that the complete qualification is earned only when the required modules have been successfully completed and the prescribed certification requirements satisfied.

The Caribbean Examination Council stated that as implementation continues, it remains committed to transparency, evidence-based decision-making, stakeholder engagement and the maintenance of academic standards.