NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has announced the commencement of registration for the 2026 KCSE Qualifying Test (QT), offering learners without a Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) certificate a final opportunity to become eligible for the 2027 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination.
In a notice issued on Thursday, KNEC said the Qualifying Test is intended for candidates who wish to register for the 2027 KCSE examination but do not possess KCPE certificates or equivalent qualifications.
The council noted that the exercise is particularly important because the 2027 examination will be the final KCSE examination administered under Kenya’s ongoing transition from the 8-4-4 system to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
“Interested in registering for the 2027 KCSE examination, but do not have a KCPE certificate? This is your one-time opportunity to regularise your records and become eligible to sit the KCSE exam,” KNEC said.
According to the examination body, all persons without KCPE certificates who intend to sit the 2027 KCSE examination must first undergo a validation process before being allowed to register for the Qualifying Test.
The requirement also applies to learners who missed the 2023 KCPE examination but were allowed by the Ministry of Education to transition to secondary school.
KNEC directed heads of institutions to identify all Form Three learners in 2026 who do not possess KCPE qualifications and ensure they complete the required process within the stipulated timelines.
To facilitate validation, applicants will be required to submit an application letter, report cards or other proof of primary school attendance, and evidence of payment of a Sh3,480 validation fee.
Once the validation process is completed, successful applicants will receive clearance letters authorising them to register for the KCSE Qualifying Test.
KNEC said the registration portal for the examination is already open and will close on July 30, 2026.
The Qualifying Test will be administered online in September 2026 at designated venues identified by County Directors of Education.
Candidates will be required to register at their respective county headquarters and provide a recommendation letter from their school or Sub-County Director of Education, a KNEC equation letter, a digital passport-size photograph, and either a birth certificate or national identity card.
The examination fee has been set at Sh3,000 and will be paid by candidates through the eCitizen platform.
KNEC further clarified that learners with foreign qualifications who are currently in Form Three will also be eligible to sit the Qualifying Test after their academic credentials have been equated by the council.
The results of the examination will determine eligibility for registration for the 2027 KCSE examination.