Readiness tests for 68,000 university students will begin next week
The Education and Training Evaluation Commission in Saudi Arabia announced the launch of the “Readiness” program tests for the current academic year, beginning early next week. This marks the fourth consecutive year of the program. This strategic initiative is part of ongoing national efforts to measure academic performance in higher education institutions and improve the quality of educational outcomes to ensure their alignment with the rapidly evolving demands of the labor market.
A wide range encompassing 50 universities and colleges
The authority revealed in its statement that this year's tests target a broad segment of students expected to graduate with bachelor's degrees, covering more than 700 academic programs across 51 specialized fields. More than 50 public and private universities and colleges are participating in this massive evaluation process, targeting over 68,000 students, making it one of the largest national assessments of university education outcomes in the Kingdom's history.
The context of Vision 2030 and human capacity development
The “readiness” tests cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader national context; they are a cornerstone for achieving the objectives of the “Human Capability Development Program,” one of the programs under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. This initiative aims to cultivate a globally competitive citizenry by ensuring that educational institutions do not merely focus on theoretical aspects, but also equip graduates with the necessary skills and competencies sought by employers both locally and internationally. Through these tests, the Authority works to provide reliable data that supports decision-makers in universities in developing their curricula.
Bridging the gap between education and the labor market
The paramount importance of these tests lies in their pivotal role in analyzing the gaps between what students learn in classrooms and the actual needs of the economic sectors. The program is implemented in conjunction with the Council of University Affairs and in collaboration with multiple national entities to ensure the comprehensiveness of the standards. The tests cover a wide range of vital disciplines, from engineering (civil, electrical, and mechanical) to future-oriented fields such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, and extending to humanities and administrative sciences like law, accounting, media, and tourism, thus guaranteeing a comprehensive evaluation of the educational system.
