What Parents Need to Know About Ministry Exams

Also known as uniform or compulsory examinations, ministry and higher education exams are held annually, primarily in May and June. Their purpose is to assess students’ learning in the following subjects at a specific point on their academic path.

• French, Language of Instruction (Grade 4 et 6, and Secondary II et V);

• French, as a Second Language (Secondary V Core Program and Enriched Program)

• English, Language Arts (Grade 6 and Secondary V);

• English, as a Second Language (Secondary V Core Program and Enriched Program)

• Mathematics (Grade 6 and Secondary IV);

• Science (Secondary IV);

• History of Quebec and Canada (Secondary IV)

Don't hesitate to click on the links just above to get more information about each exam. And be careful! The anglophone school system's exam dates are not always the same as the francophone school system's dates.

Ministry exams are held on the same dates for all students in Quebec. Some exams last longer than others. Depending on the subject, your child will be entitled to certain tools, such as the following:

• Reference Materials: dictionaries and thesauruses
• Grammar book (in French)
• Calculator (in Mathematics, except for the C2 exam in Grade 6)
• Ruler (in Mathematics)
• Set square (in Mathematics)
• Compass (in Mathematics)
• Etc.

Don’t worry! During class, your child’s teacher will go over these details and explain the material to be reviewed. In all cases, electronic devices (phone, smartwatch, etc.) are prohibited.

This year, here is the weighting given to Ministry exams in the competency assessed. 

• Elementary: 20% 
• Secondary 2: 20% 
• Secondary 4 and 5: 50%

Just as athletes train for weeks before a competition, students need to prepare for exam season. To guide your child along the road to success, encourage them to do the following:
 

• Make a review plan
• Review their subjects using study materials
• Watch Alloprof Crash Courses (virtual tutorials) 
• Do practice exercises or complete those offered by Alloprof
• Learn to manage stress (e.g., meditate, learn breathing techniques, play sports)
• Manage performance anxiety (e.g., put things in perspective, find positive thoughts, work on self-confidence)
• Maintain a healthy diet
• Stick to a routine that promotes sufficient and restful sleep
• Set realistic goals
• Build healthy self-esteem
• Etc.

In addition to helping kids with their homework, our qualified teachers routinely respond to questions from parents. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about ministry exams.

• Who marks the exams?

It depends on the exam. Some exams, like the Secondary V French language of instruction exam, are marked by the Ministère de l’education. Other exams are marked by school teachers according to the uniform marking rubrics specific to each exam.

• When will the results be available?

Exam results are sent to the students by mail. Your child’s achievement record will be issued by the Ministère no later than July 10.

• What happens if my child fails an exam?

If your child fails, a note to this effect will appear in their report card. The note will explain your child’s options, which may include repeating the course or retaking the exam.

•  Can we have a copy of these exams?

You can ask to see your child’s exam once all the exams have been marked.