Frequently Asked Questions About NECTA Exams
Registration & Fees
(Standard Four National Assessment) – This is a national assessment conducted at the end of Standard 4 to evaluate foundational knowledge and skills in primary education.
PSLE (Primary School Leaving Examination) – Taken at the end of Standard 7, this exam assesses pupils’ readiness for secondary school and determines placement.
FTNA (Form Two National Assessment) – Conducted at the end of Form 2, it measures students’ progress in secondary education and readiness for Form 3.
CSEE (Certificate of Secondary Education Examination – O-Level) – Taken at the end of Form 4, this exam assesses students’ knowledge and skills in secondary education subjects.
ACSEE (Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination – A-Level) – Conducted at the end of Form 6, this is the final secondary school exam used for university admission.
GATCE (General Assessment of Tanzania Certificate of Education) – This is a general evaluation used for certain vocational or teacher training programs.
GATSCCE (General Assessment of Tanzania Certificate of Secondary School Education) – A specialized assessment for selected secondary education certifications.
DSEE (Diploma in Secondary Education Examination) – Administered for students pursuing diploma-level secondary education qualifications.
Qualifying Test – A special examination for candidates who wish to qualify for certain educational levels or courses but do not meet the standard entry requirements.
In summary, NECTA manages examinations across primary, secondary, and tertiary preparatory levels, ensuring standardized assessments that guide educational progression and placement within Tanzania.
NECTA+1
Includes SFNA, PSLE, FTNA, CSEE (O-Level), ACSEE (A-Level), GATCE, GATSCCE, DSEE, and the Qualifying Test.The National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA) is responsible for administering a wide range of national and regional examinations in Tanzania. These include:
Registration for the CSEE is managed by NECTA and follows two main periods:
Normal Registration: From January 1 to February 28 each year. During this time, candidates can register without paying any extra fees.
Late Registration (with penalty): From March 1 to March 31, candidates can still register, but a late registration penalty applies.
It’s important to register within the normal period to avoid extra costs and ensure all exam arrangements are completed smoothly.
NECTA
Normal: TZS 50,000; Late: TZS 65,000.
NECTA
FTNA: TZS 10,000 (normal), TZS 15,000 (late); PSLE: TZS 15,000. NECTA
Includes SFNA, PSLE, FTNA, CSEE (O-Level), ACSEE (A-Level), GATCE, GATSCCE, DSEE, and the Qualifying Test.The National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA) is responsible for administering a wide range of national and regional examinations in Tanzania. These include:- When can I register for the CSEE?
Registration for the CSEE is managed by NECTA and follows two main periods:- Normal Registration: From January 1 to February 28 each year. During this time, candidates can register without paying any extra fees.
- Late Registration (with penalty): From March 1 to March 31, candidates can still register, but a late registration penalty applies.
- It’s important to register within the normal period to avoid extra costs and ensure all exam arrangements are completed smoothly.
NECTA
- When can I register for the ACSEE?
Normal: Jul 1–Sep 30; Late (with penalty): Oct 1–Oct 31.
NECTA - What are the registration fees for CSEE and ACSEE?
Normal: TZS 50,000; Late: TZS 65,000.
NECTA - Is there a fee for FTNA or PSLE?
- What are the fees for teacher-level or diploma exams?
Grade A Teachers and Diploma in Secondary Education: same as CSEE/ACSEE.
NECTA - How do I make payment?
Generate a control number on NECTA’s site and pay via mobile money or bank.
NECTA+1 - Can I register online?
Yes—NECTA’s eServices portal supports online registration and applications.
eservices.necta.go.tz - What if I miss the late registration deadline?
You’ll likely be ineligible for that exam cycle—reach out to NECTA promptly. - Are there exemptions or waivers available?
Not typically—standard fees and periods apply to all candidates.
Result Checking & Star Codes
- How can I check NECTA results online?
Visit NECTA’s official site, navigate to “Results,” enter your exam number.
NECTA - Can I get results via SMS?
Yes—dial 15200#, choose option 8 for education, then option 2 for NECTA.
NECTA+1 - What do the star/result codes mean?
- E: Withheld—pending fee payment
- I: Incomplete—missing CA scores
- More codes exist (e.g. ABS, FLD, W)
NECTA
- Can I get results from my school?
Usually—schools post them once NECTA officially releases results. - When are CSEE results released?
Usually between late January and February.
(Exact dates vary year to year) - When are ACSEE results released?
Typically in July.
(Exact dates vary annually) - Is there a fee to check results?
No—access via NECTA’s portal or SMS is free; SMS cost may apply. - What should I do if my code shows “I”?
Submit missing Continuous Assessment components to your school to resolve it. - What does “W” indicate?
Withheld or canceled due to exam irregularities or dishonesty. - What if results are withheld for other reasons?
Contact NECTA through their appeals or release services.
Grading & Divisions
- How are O-Level (CSEE) grades assigned?
A: 75–100 (1 point), B: 65–74 (2), C: 45–64 (3), D: 30–44 (4), F: 0–29 (5)
Iziraa - How are O-Level divisions determined?
Aggregate best 7 subjects:- Division I: 7–17 points
- II: 18–21
- III: 22–25
- IV: 26–33
- 0: 34+ or failures
Iziraa
- How are A-Level (ACSEE) grades assigned?
A: 80–100 (5 points), B: 70–79 (4), C: 60–69 (3), D: 50–59 (2), E: 40–49 (1), S: 35–39 (0.5), F: <35- The A-Level aggregate is a total score used to rank students for university admissions. It is based on the grades obtained in six subjects, typically including three principal (compulsory) subjects and three subsidiary subjects (if applicable). The calculation follows these steps:
- Grades and Points:
Each subject grade is assigned a numerical point as follows: GradePointsA5B4C3D2E1F0 - Select Best Subjects:
- Usually, the three principal subjects are mandatory.
- Any subsidiary or elective subjects can also contribute, depending on the university requirements.
- Add Points:
- Add the points for the best three subjects.
- The maximum possible aggregate is 15 points (if a student scores A in all three subjects).
- University Admission:
- Students are ranked according to their aggregate scores.
- Lower aggregates are better because points are assigned such that higher grades give more points, but some institutions may consider the lowest points first depending on the selection system.
- Example:
- A student scores:
- Physics: A → 5 points
- Chemistry: B → 4 points
- Mathematics: C → 3 points
- Aggregate = 5 + 4 + 3 = 12 points
Iziraa
- How is A-Level aggregate calculated?
Sum of top three principal subjects’ points. - Is the division system still used at A-Level?
It has largely been phased out in favor of point-based evaluation.
Services & Certificates
- What if I lose my certificate?
You can apply for a Replacement Certificate (with photo) or Statement of Results (no photo).
NECTAeservices.necta.go.tz - Are replacement documents refundable?
No—once paid, fees are non-refundable.
eservices.necta.go.tz+1 - How long does it take to receive a replacement?
At least 30 working days post-application.
eservices.necta.go.tz - What documents are needed for replacement or statement?
Valid ID (Voter ID/National ID/Passport/Driver’s license) and a photo.
eservices.necta.go.tz+1 - Can I combine certificates from different sittings?
No—NECTA issues certificates per sitting only.
NECTA - Is NECTA recognized internationally?
Yes, across Africa and beyond.
NECTA - What other services does NECTA offer?
Equivalence, name corrections, results release, appeals, returned certificates.
NECTAeservices.necta.go.tz - What’s required for certificate equivalency?
Certified copies of foreign documents, ID, passport photo, and, if not English/Kiswahili, an official translation.
Scribd - How do I correct my name on a certificate?
Submit a request via NECTA’s “Correction of Names” service.
NECTA - Can I appeal my exam results?
Yes—NECTA provides a formal appeals process.
NECTA - What are returned certificates?
For private candidates (pre-2015) who did not collect certificates and were returned to NECTA.
NECTA - What fees apply for returned certificates?
TZS 30,000 per certificate, via specified banks or mobile payment.
eservices.necta.go.tz
Preparation & Exam Tips
- Where can I find NECTA past papers?
Accessible online for free, offering real exam practice.
Iziraa - How should I use past papers effectively?
Simulate exam conditions, time yourself, and focus on areas of weakness.
Iziraa - What are common exam mistakes to avoid?
Poor time management, ignoring instructions, bad handwriting, not showing work, skipping questions.
tanexams.com - How can I avoid those mistakes?
Underline keywords, allocate time, practice clarity, revise answers, attempt all questions.
tanexams.com - Any subject-specific advice?
Learn concepts, practice calculations, follow past patterns, and prepare answer formats.
tanexams.com - Can radio or TV revision sessions help?
Yes—NECTA sometimes broadcasts review sessions, helpful especially where internet is limited.
Iziraa - Are there mobile apps or quizzes for practice?
Yes—some apps offer NECTA-aligned quizzes and practice tests.
Iziraa - How do I interpret my results slip?
Understand your grades, aggregate points, and what division or qualification they equate to.
Iziraa
General & Administrative
- Where is NECTA headquartered?
Dar es Salaam, with branches in Dodoma and Zanzibar.
NECTA+1 - What are NECTA’s contact details?
Phone: +255-22-2700493–6/9; Email: [email protected].
NECTAeservices.necta.go.tz - What are their working hours?
Monday–Friday: 07:30–16:30; closed on weekends.
NECTA - What laws govern NECTA’s authority?
Regulated under the NECTA Act (Revised Edition 2019).
Scribd - How can NECTA events and news be accessed?
Through their official website under the “Events” and “News” sections.
NECTA
