Overseas Examinations Commission to Strategically Address Challenges Impacting Service Delivery

The Overseas Examinations Commission (OEC) will continue to strategically address challenges impacting its services and navigating the shift from traditional to online examination environments during fiscal year 2024/25.

Consequently, the construction of a 32,000 square-foot digital examination hub in Kingston remains an integral component of the OEC’s e-learning framework and business expansion plans.

This multipurpose facility, anticipated to reach 90 per cent completion by March 2025, is poised to be a centre of excellence for local and international examinations.

Details of the OEC’s activities programmed for 2024/25 are outlined in the Jamaica Public Bodies Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the year ending March 2025.

The OEC also plans to commence construction of a 24,000 square-foot complex in Catherine Hall, Montego Bay, which will facilitate examination operations and workforce development in the city.

This endeavour is consistent with the Commission’s dedication to the overall development and provision of digital examination services.

The OEC’s information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure will be strengthened to support all new business ventures, with the creation of a dynamic, flexible and scaled ICT platform capable of delivering its products and services.

The programme encompasses wide-ranging activities, with specific components slated for implementation over the near to mid-term.

Additionally, the Commission will target the completion of work to design and implement/undertake the tracking of school-based assessment submissions using the digital dashboard, testing and installation of Customer Relationship Management software, and provision of ICT support for e-testing in high schools.

The Commission also aims to digitalise its transcript service via its online platform by the fourth quarter of 2024/25.

To effectively oversee the administration of external tests in 2024 and 2025, the Commission will roll out a training programme tailored for examination staff.

This initiative will extend benefits to oral and practical examiners, moderators, supervisors, and quality assurers, among others.

The Commission anticipates a surplus of $7.26 million from its engagements, with a projected staff complement of 58.

The OEC was established by an Act of Parliament in 2005, and is the only organisation mandated by the Government of Jamaica to administer external examinations.

It partners with the Ministry of Education and Youth, as well as external examining bodies, on a number of key initiatives related to the administration of local and international examinations.