Ouagadougou: The Minister of Basic Education launched two professional exams this Tuesday, facilitating the transition for teachers from category C1 to B1. These exams include the Certificate of Pedagogical Aptitude for School Teachers (Primary) and the Certificate of Professional Aptitude for Early Childhood Educators (Preschool), benefiting a total of 5,882 teachers.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Elie Seihon, the Director General of Examinations and Competitions for Preschool, Primary and Non-Formal Education, stated that there are 5,831 candidates for primary education and 51 for preschool. A significant number of women have registered for both exams, with preschool seeing only 10 male candidates compared to 41 female candidates, highlighting women's substantial involvement in children's education.
The exams were launched in Ouagadougou, with the Minister of Basic Education, Sosth¨ne Dingara, in attendance. The minister emphasized the importance of these assessments as they represent the first professional advancement following teachers' continuing education. This development is crucial for teachers' careers, allowing them to move closer to management roles.
Candidates are distributed across 45 provinces. However, those from regions with high security challenges, particularly in the Sahel, have been grouped in Ouagadougou. Early childhood educators, being fewer in number, have also formed a special jury in the capital.
Minister Dingara commended the teachers for their perseverance and resilience, which support the education system's continuity despite various challenges. He also lauded the General Directorate of Examinations and Competitions for successfully organizing the exams despite insecurity-related difficulties. This marks the final professional exam for the year 2025.