Exam Candidates: All will be well if you revise, avoid cheating

Knec has put all requisite measures in place, and will maintain the multi-agency approach to deliver credible examinations. [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

Candidates often experience moments of anxiety as they prepare for transitional examinations or assessments considered to have an impact on their progression, career choices, and/or placement in subsequent levels or even in the job market. This is no exception for the 2022 candidates.

It is not lost that the coronavirus pandemic disrupted learning, occasioning a rescheduling of the school calendar. Political campaigns also did not allow a flawless learning calendar.

Nevertheless, in about two months, all the candidates who registered for the examinations at basic education level will be expected to sit for their national assessment/examinations.

The candidates include the pioneer cohort of learners under the Competency-Based Curriculum, which was rolled out in January 2019. The learners, now in Grade 6, will sit for their national summative assessment between November 28 and 30, 2022.

During the same period, the 2022 KCPE examination candidates will sit for their national examinations. The 2022 KCSE cohort will also sit for examinations between November 21 and December 23, 2022.

The Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) has put all requisite measures in place, and will maintain the multi-agency approach to deliver credible examinations. Indeed, we look forward to a successful administration and management of the examinations as our goal is to transform lives through quality assessment and credible certification.

The candidates are Knec's direct customers and the assessments and examinations define their career paths.

Knec takes this opportunity to implore all candidates to utilise the remaining time well to prepare adequately for the examinations. Adequate preparations are key to one gaining confidence while in the examination room. The candidates need to maintain honesty, integrity and ethics during the examination administration by following all laid down rules and regulations.

Do not fall prey to unscrupulous persons who might entice you to take the route of examination cheating. Adequate revision of what you have learnt is all you need as examinations are set from the approved syllabus, which you have covered.

Further, it is important for candidates to maintain a positive outlook to life in general. A positive mindset as the examinations approach, can boost one's confidence. Just tell yourself that it is going to be alright and plan to be at peace with the outcome. A positive mindset will improve your chances, so why not develop one?

Remember, this is the time to consult on topics or questions that appear difficult to you.

A well-prepared candidate gets their deserved results while those who resort to unorthodox means during examinations stare at results' cancellation.

Do not be part of the examination 'cheats' and risk having your results cancelled. Do your best and walk out proud of yourself. Cheating always has a big price to pay.

Mr Wanyama is a public communications officer at Kenya National Examinations Council