The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) have signed an agreement to improve the outcomes of finance, accounting and management exams at the regional level.

The institutions reported last week that the collaboration will include teacher workshops, syllabus review and development, incentives for regional top performers, employability initiatives, and marketing and promotion of joint events and activities.

The MOU will be for an initial period of three years.

CXC, with corporate offices in Barbados, was established in 1972 under agreement by the participating governments in the area to conduct and regulate examinations, award appropriate certificates and diplomas, and prescribe the qualification requirements of candidates. Its services also include syllabus and curriculum development, test construction, teacher training and psychometric analysis. CXC has 16 participating countries.

Lauding the MOU signing is a significant step for ACCA in the region, Paula Marcelle-Irish, head of business development said. “ACCA is pleased to partner with CXC, the Caribbean’s premier examinations body to improve education and learning methods established for accounting, finance and management qualifications as the global environment requires a high level of professional skills, technical knowledge and professional ethics.

“ACCA continues to grow in its influence across the region, and partnering with CXC will speak directly to our objectives of providing unlimited possibilities to those possessing the aptitude and attitude for success in finance and accounting. CXC provides quality assurance in education, administration of exams and other forms of assessment, and the meeting of these two bodies can only enhance education on so many levels across the Caribbean,” she continued.

CXC registrar Glenroy Cumberbatch, meanwhile, also welcomed the partnership.

“CXC, a premier provider of globally competitive curriculum development services, examinations, certification and education services, is delighted to partner with a global brand such as ACCA to provide incentives for Caribbean students, and learning and development opportunities for Caribbean teachers,” he said.

Cumberbatch also described the agreement as a significant milestone in regional and international cooperation which leverages a natural synergy between ACCA and CXC.