Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence (CCSLC) in Dominica

The Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence (CCSLC) is directly relevant to Dominica’s education system, where it is offered in secondary schools as part of national efforts to ensure that every student leaves school with a recognised certification. Introduced by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) in 2007, the CCSLC was quickly integrated by the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence as a bridge for Dominican students who may not pursue a full suite of Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects.

Purpose and Role of CCSLC in Dominica

The CCSLC was developed to guarantee that learners in Dominica attain competence in core areas, regardless of their academic pathway. Its focus on literacy, numeracy, and civic engagement aligns with the island’s national development agenda, which emphasizes education for employability, social responsibility, and lifelong learning. For Dominica, this qualification also supports the goal of reducing educational disparities across rural and urban schools, ensuring that students from the Roseau Valley, the Kalinago Territory, or rural communities have equal opportunities to graduate with valuable credentials.

Subjects and Competency-Based Assessment

In Dominica, students pursuing the CCSLC are generally expected to complete English, Mathematics, Integrated Science, Social Studies, and a Modern Language such as French or Spanish. The structure is competency-based, meaning students are assessed through coursework and projects as much as through external examinations. Teachers play an active role in continuous assessment, marking students as Competent, Master, or Not Yet Competent. This system benefits Dominican students by recognising their practical strengths, including problem-solving, communication, and application of skills, rather than only traditional exam performance.

Connection to TVET and Workforce Readiness

In Dominica, the CCSLC collaborates closely with the Dominica TVET Council, the island’s National Training Agency, which oversees technical and vocational education. Students who earn the CCSLC can transition more seamlessly into vocational training, apprenticeships, and the National Apprenticeship Programme, or even directly into entry-level jobs in areas such as hospitality, construction, or agro-processing. This flexibility ensures that Dominica’s secondary graduates are equipped not just for academic advancement but also for active participation in the workforce.

National Impact

The adoption of CCSLC in Dominica represents a qualification alongside systemic educational reform to strengthen human capital. By raising the minimum threshold of competence, the programme supports the island’s socio-economic goals, particularly in preparing a new generation to contribute to areas like tourism, renewable energy, and agriculture, while also enhancing civic awareness and community responsibility. For many Dominican families, the CCSLC stands as an assurance that no child leaves secondary education without a certificate that validates their abilities.