2025 Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) concludes today

The final (external) component of the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) ends today, Thursday 15 May 2025.

The Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) marks a pivotal academic milestone for primary school students across the region. Designed by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), the CPEA assesses students’ readiness for secondary education through a balanced approach that includes both internal school-based assessments and final examinations.

Beyond testing core subjects like Mathematics, English, Science, and Social Studies, the CPEA emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. This prepares students not just for the next academic level, but for life in a rapidly evolving Caribbean society.

As the 2025 cycle concludes, it highlights both student resilience and the region’s continued commitment to educational progress.

CPEA is open to all students who are 11 years of age on or before 1 September 2025. It consists of 4 multiple-choice papers each with 50 items in the following areas: 

1. Mathematics
2. Language Arts
3. Science
4. Social Studies

Each paper is usually 75 minutes in duration. No mobile telephones and other electronic devices are allowed at the examination centres. Electronic calculators are forbidden. Candidates should bring along HB, 3B or 2B pencils to answer multiple choice questions.

Examination tips: 

Before the Examination

• Get to bed early the night before the examination.
• Do not skip breakfast on the morning of the examination.
• Parents need to encourage their children and provide positive feedback that will help them to relax before the examination.
• Get to school or your centre early on the morning of the examination.
• Display a positive attitude.
• Manage your anxiety by breathing slowly.

 During the examination

• Read the instructions carefully. Make sure you are shading answers correctly and that the number you are shading corresponds with the question number.
• Manage your time wisely.
• If you go blank, skip the question and move on.
• Do not get worried or frustrated if a problem seems tricky. Re-read the question to make sure you understand it.

A special appeal is made to the public to minimise noise and other distractions around schools, during the period 8 am to 1 pm on days of the examinations.

Ministry of Education