The Truth Behind the Ethiopian Certificate of Competency Exam Rumors
Various posts on social media claim that everyone who got a degree between 2010 and 2015 (Ethiopian Calendar) has to retake an exam to prove their credentials are real. This is not true. Let’s break down what is actually happening with the Ethiopian Certificate of Competency exam and why so much confusion is spreading online.
The False Claim About the Ethiopian Certificate of Competency Exam
There are so many posts on social media with a message that all students who graduated with a first, second, or third degree between 2010 and 2015 (Ethiopian Calendar) without taking an exit exam, will now need to retake an exam to verify their educational credentials.
This claim is not true. It is a twisted version of a real draft regulation that the Ethiopian Education and Training Authority (ETA) put together and shared with the public. Someone took that draft, extracted the details, and turned it into something misleading. And now it is spreading fast, causing unnecessary panic among graduates.
What the Draft Regulation Actually Says
The regulation is not about punishing every graduate from a five-year window. It’s much more specific than that. This rule only applies to people who completed a first, second, or third degree (master’s or PhD) without ever getting a Level 4 Competency Certification (COC). That certification would normally come after finishing a diploma program, like 10+3, 12+2, or Technical and Vocational Level 4 training.
Who This Regulation Applies To
To keep it simple, here’s who falls under this rule.
- Students who finished a degree program without ever taking the Competency Certification (COC) exam before starting that degree.
- Students who took the COC exam only after they already enrolled in their degree program.
If this is your situation, you may need to take an exam based on your current education level. This exam is meant to verify your educational credentials properly.
Who This Regulation Does NOT Apply To
Now here is the part that matters most for most people. This regulation does not apply to
- Anyone who met standard admission requirements, like having a 12th-grade certificate.
- Anyone who completed a diploma program and passed the COC exam before moving on to a degree.
If that is you, nothing changes. Your credentials get verified the same way they always have. There is no extra exams for you.
The draft is currently open for public comment until July 13, 2018 (Ethiopian Calendar). That means it can still change based on feedback before anything becomes official policy. Sharing unverified information doesn’t help anyone. If you’re not sure about something you read online, it’s worth checking the original source before hitting that share button.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ethiopian Certificate of Competency Exam
Does every degree holder in Ethiopia from 2010-2015 need to retake an exam?
No. This is the false claim circulating online. The actual regulation only applies to specific groups, not every graduate from that time period.
What is the Ethiopian Certificate of Competency exam draft regulation about?
It’s a draft rule from the Ethiopian Education and Training Authority (ETA). It targets people who completed a degree without having a Level 4 Competency Certification from a prior diploma program.
Who needs to take this exam under the draft regulation?
Ethiopian Students who skipped the COC exam before starting their degree, or who took it only after already enrolling in their degree program.
Is this Ethiopian regulation already in effect?
Not yet. It’s still a draft, open for public comment until July 13, 2018 (Ethiopian Calendar). It may change before becoming final.
Moreover, on the other side, Addis Ababa University agreed to let students from the Tigray region stay in the dormitories during summer break. This news comes after the students raised serious concerns about their safety if they tried to return home.
