The written tests for the Primary School Leaving Certificate (CEPE) began on Monday, May 18, 2026. On this occasion, the Minister of National Education, Literacy and Technical Education, N'Guessan Koffi, visited the Palmeraie school group in Yopougon-Port-Bouët II to encourage the candidates and reiterate his commitment to transparent and fraud-free examinations.

Accompanied by the deputy-mayor of Yopougon, Adama Bictogo, and the Director of Examinations and Competitions (DECO), Kadidiata Diarra, wife of Badji, the minister praised the stability of the 2025-2026 school year, stating that all the logistical and pedagogical conditions were in place to guarantee the success of the students.

Key figures for the 2026 session

This year's exam shows near-perfect parity among candidates spread across the entire Ivorian territory:

1. Total number of candidates: 609,384
2. Boys: 305,912 (50.20%)
3. Girls: 303,472 (49.80%)
4. Examination centers: 2,763

A sincere evaluation for a stronger education system

For Minister N'Guessan Koffi, the rigor of these exams is essential to measure the students' true level.

"These exams should allow us to objectively assess the abilities of our children. It is from this honest assessment that we will be able to identify difficulties, improve what needs to be improved and further strengthen our education system," he stressed.

The minister emphasized that his ministry now has reliable and accurate assessment tools. He also took the opportunity to dispel misconceptions about the supposed weakness of educational standards in Côte d'Ivoire. As a former director of ENSEA and INP-HB, he pointed out that young Ivorians regularly excel in international competitions and gain admission to the world's top universities.

Towards credible and secure examinations

Held under the theme "A Determined Educational Community for Credible Examinations," this session prioritizes the security of the exams. While acknowledging the remaining challenges, the minister commended the massive investments made by the State and President Alassane Ouattara, which have led to a significant improvement in the education system.

Parents and candidates will not have to wait long to find out: the announcement of the CEPE results is officially expected on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 2 p.m.