Page 8 - 2019 CXC Annual Report

CARIBBEAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

World Class Exams

Examinations Administration and Security (EAS)

Strategic Overview The e-SBA application was enhanced to allow greater
The strategic objectives for the period 2018-2020 are: flexibility for the submission of scores and electronic
1. To strengthen our business model through diversification samples. Users were able to upload scores via a pre-
of our examinations portfolio, segment profile and populated spreadsheet, a feature which was welcomed
geographic markets. by teachers with large numbers of students. The upload
2. To secure financial stability through sustainable revenue of samples was also improved since the process included
growth; increased efficiency and expense management. a “drag and drop” feature for moving files from storage to
3. To deliver an enhanced stakeholder experience through the ORS; and users were also able to view the files which
investment in the right people, consistent use of were uploaded and could verify that the correct file was
technology and adherence to quality standards submitted. These features were welcomed by the users.
Some centres experienced issues which were resolved
The Examinations Administration and Security Division (EAS) by the technical team. Training will be provided before the
identified and prioritised activities to strengthen the product next cycle.
offering, reduce the cost of operations in the delivery of
services to our stakeholders and contribute to the overall More subjects completed marking by the stipulated
improvement of the Council’s operation. deadlines when compared with 2018. A few continued
past the deadline and one subject continued into August.
Operational Efficiency EAS will continue to work with the specific subjects to
1. While the same number of components were offered on ensure timely completion of marking.
the e-testing platform in 2018 and 2019, the number of
participating territories and the number of candidates Strengthen Business Model
increased in 2018, resulting in a 174 per cent increase in Support for the expansion of product offerings continued with
the number of examinations sat in electronic mode over the management of the Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and
May-June 2018. Guyana national examinations.

The Division provided support for this activity by arranging In keeping with the organisation’s plan to acquire ISO 9001
orientation/training for Local Registrars and Invigilators certification, the Division continued its work on process reform.
in all participating territories via webinar and virtual
meetings. An EAS Officer presented on e-testing at the Stakeholder Engagement
27th Biennial Conference of the Caribbean Association The monthly meetings with Local Registrars were maintained
of Principals of Secondary Schools (CAPSS) which was to help improve stakeholder engagement. Meetings were also
convened in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in July 2019. convened with individual Local Registrars to gain insight into
At the request of the Ministry of Education, EAS Staff also the specific needs of each Local Registrar and identify areas
conducted training in Jamaica, in August. where specific support may be required.

8