The Botswana Examinations Council (BEC) plays a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of Botswana by overseeing national examinations and assessments. Established under the Botswana Examinations Council Act No. 11 of 2002, BEC is mandated to conduct examinations and award certifications in general education and technical, vocational education, and training.
Examinations Administered by BEC
- Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE): Taken by students completing their primary education, PSLE assesses foundational knowledge and skills, serving as a gateway to secondary education.
- Junior Certificate Examination (JCE): Conducted at the end of the junior secondary phase, JCE evaluates students’ grasp of subjects before they proceed to senior secondary education.
- Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE): This examination marks the culmination of senior secondary education, determining students’ readiness for tertiary education or entry into the workforce.
Recent Initiatives and Developments
- Digital Transformation: In response to global educational challenges and the need for modernization, BEC has embraced digital solutions to enhance examination processes. Since 2020, BEC has partnered with GradeMaker Pro, a digital authoring platform, to streamline the creation and management of assessments. This collaboration has led to improved security, efficiency, and workflow management in exam development. The partnership has been extended until 2027, reflecting BEC’s commitment to leveraging technology for better assessment practices.
- Special Needs Accommodations: Recognizing the diverse needs of learners, BEC is committed to increasing access for candidates with special needs. The council provides Access Arrangements and Special Consideration to ensure all candidates can participate effectively in their assessments. Resources such as guidelines, application forms, and support documents are available to assist both candidates and examination centers in facilitating these accommodations.
- Security Measures: To uphold the integrity of examinations, BEC has implemented stringent security protocols. These include secure transportation of examination materials, strict supervision during exams, and the use of technology to monitor and manage the examination process. Awareness campaigns have also been launched to educate students about the consequences of cheating and the importance of academic integrity.
Registration and Participation
BEC facilitates the registration process for various examinations through its online platform, MALEPA. This system allows private candidates to register for PSLE, JCE, and BGCSE examinations, ensuring a streamlined and accessible registration experience.