Student Assessment

Assessment in the Bulgarian education system is categorized as either internal or external. Internal assessment is conducted by the subject teacher. External assessment is carried out by the school principal, the school board, or administrative officers from the Ministry of Education and Science, Regional Inspectorates of Education, and National Boards for State Matriculation or Vocational Qualification.

Assessment Formats

Student performance is evaluated through various formats:

• Ongoing Assessment: Continuous evaluation through oral, written, and practical examinations.
• Formal Exams: Includes corrective exams at the end of Grade 12, State Matriculation Exams (Matura), and vocational qualification exams.
• Standards Attainment: Assessments designed to establish the level of achievement regarding state educational requirements for specific grades or educational stages.

The Grading System

Assessments use a six-point rating system. The specific grades are:

At the start of each year, "entrance level" is assessed. Students dissatisfied with their performance in upper secondary education may sit for up to three correction exams per grade upon completing Grade 12.

State Matriculation Exams (Matriculation)

Successful completion of Grade 12 requires passing two compulsory state matriculation exams:

1. Bulgarian Language and Literature (Compulsory).
2. A subject of the student’s choice from the curriculum.

Students may opt for a third exam in a subject of their choice. To continue to higher education, students must pass both compulsory exams to receive a diploma. Those who do not pass receive a certificate of completion, which allows them to retake the exams in subsequent years.

Inclusion and Special Needs

Assessments for National External Assessments (Grades 7 and 10) are recorded in points. Students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) on individual programs are assessed via qualitative indicators such as "Achieves requirements" or "Meets difficulties." Students with SEN who cannot complete written exams may take oral exams instead.

Student Progression

A student is eligible to progress to the next grade if their annual marks in all compulsory and elective subjects are at least Fair (3.00).

• Corrective Sessions: Students with a "Poor (2.00)" mark may sit for corrective exams during two sessions (June/July or September).
• Repeating a Grade: Students who fail a corrective exam or do not attend must repeat the grade, except for those in their final year of upper secondary school.

Certification

The Diploma

A Diploma of Secondary Education is issued to students who complete Grade 12 and pass the state matriculation exams. This diploma is required for university admission.

The Certificate

Students who complete Grade 12 but do not pass the state matriculation exams receive a Certificate of Completion of Upper Secondary Education. This entitles the holder to pursue vocational qualification but not university-level studies.

Vocational Qualification

Vocational education completion is certified by a diploma and a Certificate of Professional Qualification. Under the Vocational Education and Training Act, there are four degrees of qualification, with the second and third degrees typically attained during 4 to 6-year secondary programs.