External certification test - CESS 2025
Since the 2010-2011 school year, the common external exams, which take place at the end of secondary education, have been mandatory for all students.
These tests assess mastery of one or more skills in the subjects of French and history.
Please note: the instructions for taking the tests, the questions asked and the marking criteria are the same for all students.
Who are these tests designed for?
The history test is for pupils in the 6th year of general secondary education. as well as the 6th year of transitional technical and artistic secondary education.
In French, the "Qualification" test is aimed at students in the 6th year of qualifying technical and artistic education. and 7th year of vocational secondary education.
The "Transition" French test is for pupils in the 6th year of general secondary education. As well as 6th year transitional technical and artistic secondary education.
Who obtains the CESS 2025 certificate?
The certificate is awarded to students who meet the requirements in all subjects in the year of study. As a result, the test is taken simultaneously in all schools. The class council considers that students who achieve at least 50% in the test have mastered the skill(s) assessed. The results are then added to the pupil's average for the corresponding subject. For students who were unsuccessful or unable to take part in all or part of the test? In this case, the class council may assess their mastery of the skill(s) covered by the test on the basis of their personal file. If the certificate is refused, an appeal may be lodged under certain conditions.
The legal framework governing the external certification tests for the 2024-2025 school year
This framework is defined by the following documents. Circular 8859 of 6 March 2023, which concerns the organisation of these external certification tests. Arrêté of 04 May 2016, which sets out the procedures for registering, distributing, marking and securing these external tests. Decree of 2 June 2006, which concerns the external assessment of pupils' achievements in compulsory education and the basic education certificate. These documents define the guidelines and rules to be followed in organising and conducting the tests. They also set out the assessment criteria and safety standards that apply.
How to obtain the CESS 2025?
The Certificat de l'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (CESS) can be obtained in three different ways:
1/ Via secondary education.
At the end of the 6th year of general secondary education, transitional technical education or qualifying technical education. At the end of the 7th year of vocational secondary education. As part of the "article 49" training organised in the CEFA (Centre d'Education et de Formation en Alternance) of sandwich secondary education.
2/ Through education for social advancement.
Social promotion teaching is aimed primarily at adults and offers training courses with reduced timetables, taking place during the day, in the evening or at weekends.
3/ Via the central jury.
The central jury is a system of examinations organised by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. The central jury tests cover the curriculum of the 5th and 6th years of study in the section chosen. Passing these tests leads to the award of the CESS. The central jury does not organise preparatory courses, only examinations/tests. Candidates must prepare for the exams themselves. It is possible to prepare via the French Community's distance learning system. Or via public schools offering preparation for the central examination board, for a fee. To register for the jury central de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, you need to find a secondary school corresponding to the section and option you have chosen. You then need to obtain the syllabus for the 5th and 6th years of study, and validate your application at the jury headquarters on the basis of this syllabus.
Cogito can help you succeed at CESS 2025
1/ First, we'll work with you to map out your current skills and identify any gaps; 2/ Then, we'll work together to fill these gaps and take you progressively towards a CESS 2024 pass level. Individual lessons, distance learning, during the week or at weekends.
