The primary role of Overseas Examinations Commission is to administer in Jamaica all examinations that originate from overseas. However over the years the role of an inspectorate of schools has been added to its core function, to ensure that Secondary Schools meet standards set for sitting examinations. The OEC’s Examinations Department has been responsible for the administration of examinations for over 52 international colleges, universities, institutes and associations. Most of the examining bodies are British, as based on the Commission’s outstanding record for examinations administration, the British Council in early 2000 recommended that the OEC will be responsible for the administration of their examinations. These include
- Association of Certified Chartered Accountant (ACCA)
- Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
- Associate Business Executive (ABE)
- University of London (UOL)
- Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons
In the 1970’s, education practitioners within the West Indies fought to have the Regions’ own examination, giving birth to Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC). Within, 2 years CXC became Jamaica’s National Secondary Exit Examination. Because CXC is a regional examination, the OEC was again mandated by the Jamaican government to act as the broker between CXC and Jamaica’s Ministry of Education. OEC also carries out the role of Inspectorate Of Schools on behalf of CXC; managing over 300 Examinations Centres across the island: receiving Examination Test Papers, security, supervision and processing of completed examinations scripts.
Additional services offered includes the provision of Educational Support Resource Materials, Results Verification (Transcripts) and the holding of seminars for various subjects offered to Jamaica Private Candidates ( unattached students out of high schools).