THE Barbados-based Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) says it will soon implement electronic testing to allow learners to take their examinations on a computer or electronic device.

“This exciting, new initiative is in keeping with CXC’s commitment to observe global quality standards in the delivery of examination services and deliver enhanced learner experiences through the consistent use of technology,” the region’s premier examination body said in a statement on its website.

It said that electronic testing will bring regional learners up to speed with worldwide test-taking practices and provide them with the flexibility to interact with images, video, audio, and other resources during their examinations.

“CXC’s electronic-testing format will adhere to world-class security standards which will guarantee the integrity of the test taking. The council will launch this platform for all January 2017 Caribbean Secondary Education Certification (CSEC) multiple choice exams,” said CXC, which is the examining body that provides educational certifications in 16 English-speaking Commonwealth Caribbean countries.

It said that it will pilot its electronic-testing platform during the week of April 25, adding “this is an excellent opportunity for candidates who are registered for the May/June 2016 CSEC and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) to practice ahead of their exams”.

The CXC, established in 1972, said that for both CSEC and CAPE candidates selected to participate in electronic pre-test must be registered for the May/June 2016 examinations.

CXC said the CSEC subjects that will be pre-tested electronically include additional mathematics, information technology, principles of pccounts, biology, Caribbean history, English A, mathematics, office administration, and religious education.

The CAPE subjects to be pre-tested electronically are agricultural science, units 1 and 2; communication studies, environmental science, units 1 and 2; applied mathematics units 1 and 2; and structured papers 2 and 3/2; digital media units 1 and 2, geography units 1 and 2, structured papers 2 and 3/2; Caribbean studies unit 1; entrepreneurship, units 1 and 2, history unit 1, logistics and supply chain units 1, multiple choice, and tourism units 1 and 2.