The Primary School Leaving Certificate (CFEE) exams began on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in a context marked by major reforms aimed at making schools both more inclusive and more effective. This year's exams are distinguished by their fully digital organization. The administrative procedures associated with the exam have been modernized to increase the efficiency of the process while reducing processing times.

As for the correction of the papers and the publication of the results, these are planned for no later than ten days, thanks to the implementation of the system modeled on the models of the BFEM and the baccalaureate.

The fifth-grade students, the spearhead of the educational reform, gathered as early as 7 a.m. in front of the examination centers. Accompanied in some cases by their parents, hand in hand, they are preparing to take a crucial step in their schooling, the one that opens the doors to middle school.

At Matam School No. 1, the atmosphere is both subdued and charged with emotion. A mixture of pride and nervousness is clearly visible on the faces of these young candidates. To ensure a peaceful environment, two law enforcement officers are providing security both inside and around the center. The center director, for his part, is meticulously overseeing the preparations for the smooth running of the exams. Before they begin, an instructor addresses the candidates, reminding them of some essential rules: a strict ban on possessing cell phones, the requirement to present their exam invitation, and the necessity of having the required drawing materials for the exam.  

Nearby, members of the parents' association are attending to every detail to ensure the comfort of the young candidates. During the break, sandwiches and bottles of cold water will be distributed free of charge to make sure no one goes hungry.

“They mustn’t let themselves be overwhelmed by stress. Every little bit helps, especially on that first day, which is always challenging,” says a member of the association. This collective effort provides invaluable logistical and moral support, both for the families and the young participants.

At precisely 8 a.m., under the instructions of the center manager, each candidate checks their summons in hand and goes to their assigned examination room. For many, it is a solemn and unprecedented moment: their first experience in an examination room.

The atmosphere suddenly becomes more serious. The proctors meticulously enforce the established rules, checking IDs and scrupulously ticking off names on the list. Each table is numbered, each seat carefully assigned. Once everyone is seated, the doors close in absolute silence. The CFEE (Certificate of Completion of Elementary Studies) exams can finally begin. The day starts with the language and communication test. The countdown begins.  

Good start to the trials

After touring several examination centers, the deputy governor in charge of development reassured everyone about the smooth running and quality of the end-of-year certificate exams. His visits took him to Matam, Ourossogui, and School No. 1 in Boynadji. Everywhere he went, he observed that the students had begun the exams in good conditions, while the invigilating staff and security forces were mobilized and well-prepared.

Accompanied by education officials, Tafsir Baba Hanne expressed his satisfaction with the adherence to commitments made during the CDD and CRD meetings in Matam, while also highlighting the cooperation of local authorities. Given the number of absences observed, an investigation was requested to identify the reasons for these absences.

Finally, the governor praised the involvement of the School Management Committees (SMCs) as well as that of the entire school community in the success of this important event.

In the region, 11,582 candidates, including 7,552 girls registered for the CFEE (Certificate of Primary Education), will sit for the exams in 102 centers. For this purpose, 102 center directors, 106 secretaries, and 850 proctors have been mobilized. The digital supervisors comprise 15 people, and the number of examiners is 864.