Examinations Committee
Providing strategic oversight, governance, and quality assurance of all examination and assessment activities administered by the Higher Education Examinations Council.
Overview
The Examination Committee is a standing committee of the HEXCO Board responsible for providing strategic oversight, governance, and quality assurance of all examination and assessment activities administered by the Higher Education Examinations Council (HEXCO).
The Committee ensures that examinations are credible, secure, fair, industry-responsive, and aligned with national skills development priorities, thereby upholding public confidence in HEXCO qualifications and supporting Zimbabwe's human capital development agenda.
Committee Highlights
Expert Membership
Industry professionals and education specialists
Quality Standards
Rigorous assessment and moderation processes
Industry Alignment
Assessments reflect current market needs
Security Protocols
Comprehensive examination security measures
Detailed Mandate
The Examination Committee is mandated to uphold the highest standards of examination integrity and quality assurance
Examination Oversight
Oversee the design, approval, moderation, and administration of HEXCO examinations
Quality Assurance
Ensure integrity, validity, reliability, and fairness of all assessment instruments
Policy Compliance
Safeguard compliance with national education policies, regulations, and standards
Industry Relevance
Promote industry relevance in assessment practices across all programmes
Public Confidence
Uphold public confidence in HEXCO qualifications and certifications
Continuous Improvement
Drive innovation and continuous improvement in examination systems
Key Functions
The Committee performs the following core functions to ensure examination excellence
- Review and recommend examination-related policies, regulations, and guidelines
- Ensure alignment with national qualifications frameworks and statutory requirements
- Approve examination structures, grading systems, and assessment methodologies
- Oversee moderation, verification, and standardisation processes
- Monitor examiner performance and assessment consistency
- Oversee examination security protocols, including setting, storage, distribution, and marking
- Address cases of examination malpractice and recommend corrective measures
- Review, ratify and approve examination results prior to official release
- Ensure due process in handling appeals, re-marks, and special considerations
- Ensure assessments reflect current industry standards, occupational competencies, and emerging technologies
- Engage with industry experts and professional bodies in assessment design
- Provide oversight on the adoption of e-assessment, computer-based testing, and digital examination systems
- Ensure technological solutions meet security and accessibility standards
Examinations Administered by HEXCO
HEXCO administers a comprehensive range of national, competency-based, and professional examinations designed to support skills development, industrialisation, and employability in Zimbabwe
All HEXCO examinations are developed, moderated, and administered in accordance with approved policies, quality assurance frameworks, and national qualifications standards to ensure credibility, fairness, and international comparability.
Foundation Certificate Examinations
Entry-level academic and practical competencies for learners transitioning into technical and vocational education and training
National Certificate (NC) Examinations
Comprehensive examinations across technical, vocational, and professional disciplines focusing on occupational skills and practical competencies
Higher National Diploma (HND) Examinations
Practice-oriented programmes offered at universities of technology, polytechnics, and industrial training centres aligned with industry needs
National Diploma (ND) Examinations
Foundational and intermediate technical competencies across various technical and professional disciplines for industry and commerce
Professional and Post-Professional Examinations
Examinations in collaboration with line ministries, professional bodies, and industry stakeholders supporting career progression
Apprenticeship and Industrial Training Examinations
Assessments linked to apprenticeship training and industrial attachment, evaluating theoretical knowledge and practical workplace competencies
Trade Testing and Artisan Examinations
Trade tests and artisan certification examinations assessing occupational competence in skilled trades and crafts
Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET)
Competency-based assessments focused on demonstrable skills and outcomes aligned with national skills standards
Short Course and Skills Certification
Examinations for short courses, skills upgrading programmes, and specialised training responding to emerging technologies
Specialised Sector-Based Examinations
Examinations in Engineering, ICT, Applied Sciences, Business, Built Environment, and Manufacturing sectors
Reporting & Accountability
Meeting Frequency
Commitment to Excellence
Through its work, the Examination Committee reinforces HEXCO's commitment to delivering high-quality, credible, and internationally benchmarked assessments
Quality & Credibility
Transparency & Accountability
Continuous Improvement
Need More Information?
For inquiries about the Examinations Committee or examination-related matters, please contact us