The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) is awarding Associate Degrees based on performance at Grades I to V in clusters of ten Units for the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).  The clusters provide coherent programmes of study, typically of two years duration.  Candidates however, have up to five years to complete certification  in the Units required to earn the Associate Degree. The Associate Degree programme began in 2005 and  the first awards were made in 2006.

Objectives of CAPE Associate Degree

• To offer a qualification based on successful completion of a coherent programme of post-secondary education that allows for the acquisition of knowledge, skills and attitudes required for the work place and for continuing tertiary level education.
• To provide articulation with degree and other tertiary level programmes.
• To enable persons to obtain Associate Degrees through flexible arrangements.
• To indicate areas of focus for persons continuing education at the post-CSEC level.
• To enhance marketability of post-CSEC qualifications.

Learn about CXC’s Articulation Agreements which transfer the CAPE qualification to degree-granting institutions across the globe here.

The assessment scheme used for measuring, recording and reporting candidates’ performance in CXC Associate Degrees has been designed to reflect two principles: assessment is an integral part of learning and teaching; and assessment influences significantly the way students respond to the courses and how they plan and conduct their studies.
Internal assessment, therefore, makes a significant and unique contribution to both the development of relevant skills and the testing and rewarding of students for the development of those skills.

In ALL programmes Caribbean Studies and Communication Studies are compulsory Units.

Associate Degrees are being offered in the following nine areas:

• Business Studies
• Computer Science
• Environmental Science
• General Studies
• Humanities
• Mathematics
• Modern Languages
• Natural Sciences
• Technical Studies

The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) is awarding Associate Degrees based on performance at Grades I to V in clusters of ten Units for the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).  The clusters provide coherent programs of study, typically of two years’ duration. Candidates, however, have up to five years to complete certification in the Units required to earn the Associate Degree

In ALL programs Caribbean Studies and Communication Studies are compulsory Units

An articulation agreement is an officially approved agreement that matches coursework between schools/institutions. These are designed to help students make a smooth transition when transferring with a CXC CAPE Associate Degrees to a degree-granting institution.

UK National Academic Recognition Information Centre (UK NARIC)

From as early as 1999, UK NARIC conducted an assessment of CAPE and agreed that the qualification is of the highest standard. Here are excerpts from Christopher West, Head of UK NARIC:

“I have been impressed by the structure and content of the CAPE and in particular the flexibility to offer various combinations of breadth and depth. The inclusion of core courses is also helpful in preparing students for higher education in an international context.

In examining the syllabus content and duration of CAPE courses, we have concluded that the qualifications resulting from two-subject courses are comparable to GCE Advanced level i.e. in the following subjects: Accounting, Biology, Chemistry, French, History, Literatures in English, Mathematics, Physics and Spanish and should be acceptable entry qualifications for single subject degrees in these subjects (with the caveat that entrance grades will vary).

We will be pleased to commend CAPE as a higher education entry qualification to UK higher education institutions and to present its full flexibility.  Our objective would be to ensure that CAPE is well understood by the full range of admissions tutors so that students with CAPE qualification will maximise their personal benefits from UK higher education.”

The Grades awarded by CXC for the Associate Degrees will be converted to Grade Points as shown in the table below.