The education system relies on comprehensive evidence to ensure the quality of competitive examinations
The Education and Training Evaluation Commission in Saudi Arabia continues its tireless efforts to enhance the education system. It has announced the implementation of Assessments (NAFES ) in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education. This initiative represents a comprehensive and accurate survey of the academic achievement of male and female students in all primary and intermediate schools across the Kingdom. This large-scale assessment targets more than 1,550,000 students in the third and sixth grades of primary school, as well as the third grade of intermediate school. These tests are administered in person, either in traditional paper-based formats or modern digital formats, and cover vital areas including mathematics, science, and reading. The aim is to continuously monitor changes in educational standards and provide accurate and reliable data for decision-makers and researchers to improve the educational process.
The national assessment process and the development of competitive tests
are The Nafs tests a natural extension of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's long-standing efforts to reform and develop the education sector. Since its establishment, the Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC) has undertaken the responsibility of building a national assessment system that meets international standards. The idea for these national tests arose in response to the pressing need for accurate performance indicators that measure learning outcomes regularly and objectively. Historically, assessments relied heavily on internal school exams, but with the launch of national assessment programs, it became possible to compare the performance of schools and students on a comprehensive national level, paving the way for bridging educational gaps and aligning outcomes with the requirements of sustainable development.
The strategic impact of the assessment at the local and international levels
The impact of these comprehensive assessments extends beyond the local level, enhancing the Kingdom's standing regionally and internationally. Locally, the results empower school administrators and teachers to identify students' strengths and weaknesses, facilitating the design of effective early intervention programs and remedial plans. Internationally, improved learning outcomes positively impact the Kingdom's ranking in global education indicators such as TIMSS and PIRLS. This progress strengthens the competitiveness of young Saudi talent in the global job market and contributes to achieving the objectives of the Human Capital Development Program, a key component of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to cultivate globally competitive citizens.
Strict schedule and procedural controls
According to the approved procedural guidelines, the field application schedule will run from Sunday, April 5th to April 23rd, 2026. The days from April 5th to 8th are designated for third-year middle school students, and from April 12th to 16th for sixth-grade elementary students. The assessment process will conclude with third-grade elementary students from April 19th to 23rd. To ensure the highest levels of integrity and transparency, strict instructions prohibit the use of mobile phones, calculators, and smartwatches in examination halls, with the use of pencils being the only permitted method for paper copies. The procedural guidelines also emphasize the confidentiality of the booklets' contents. School staff are strictly prohibited from accessing the questions, and strict penalties will be imposed on those who violate these regulations regarding the disclosure of confidential documents.
Test components and time allotted for performance
The number of questions and the time allotted for answering them vary depending on the grade level to ensure the assessment is appropriate for students' age and cognitive abilities. The third-grade elementary exam contains 40 questions, while the number increases to 70 for sixth-grade elementary and third-grade middle school students in paper-based versions. The total time allotted for the exam session is approximately two and a half hours, including necessary preparation and break periods between sections, as well as time for completing questionnaires. The student booklet consists of a cover printed with the student's personal information, sections for the academic subjects, and a student questionnaire that measures socioeconomic factors and their direct impact on academic achievement.
Integrated Assessment System and Digital Transformation
In a move reflecting the trend towards digital transformation, the authority has adopted the advanced “Exam Live” platform for its digital application. The digital test includes 120 questions divided into six main sections, along with helpful technological tools such as a countdown timer, text zoom functionality, and a built-in calculator for certain subjects that require it. The assessment tools in this system are not limited to students; they also include electronic surveys for school administrators, teachers, and parents. This comprehensive approach aims to accurately determine the achievement of core learning outcomes from multiple perspectives and to generate detailed school performance reports that contribute to the sustainable improvement of educational quality.
