Each KCSE subject is graded on the basis of a twelve-point scale, with 12 points being the highest score.
And 1 is the lowest these grades are accompanied by an expanded grading system from A, A-, B to E.
Grade boundaries are determined by an Awards committee composed of experts selected from the various levels within the education sector.
The mean grade (which ranges from A to E and 7 to 84) is an average grade based on performance in the 7 subjects as stated in the KCSE certificate award Regulations while aggregate points (AGPT) indicate the total number of grade points based on the 7 subjects.
No mean grade appears if the candidate sits for less than 7 subjects or where one or more subjects are cancelled due to an examination irregularity or where the entry requirements have not been met.
What does Z mean in Kcse?
The letter Z indicates that entry requirements have not been met.
What does P mean in Kcse?
P means your grade is pending for several reasons according to KNEC.
What does Y mean in Kcse?
Y in KCSE means suspected cheating and your results have been cancelled or withheld pending further investigations.
The overall mean grade is indicated by a letter grade ranging from A to E as shown below:
| Compulsory subjects | Group two | Group three | Group four | Group five |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English, Swahili, Mathematics | Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Biological Science (taken by blind candidates) | History and Government, Geography, Christian Religious Education, Islamic Religious Education and Hindu Religious Education | Home Science, Art and Design, Agriculture, Computer Studies, Aviation | French, German, Arabic, Music, Business Studies |
Primary and Secondary Kenya Grade Scale
The grading of the examination is as thus:
| Grade | Percentage mark |
|---|---|
| A | 80-100 |
| A- | 75-79.99 |
| B | 70-74.99 |
| B | 65-69.99 |
| B- | 60-64.99 |
| C | 55-59.99 |
| C | 50-54.99 |
| C- | 45-49.99 |
| D | 40-44.99 |
| D | 35-39.99 |
| D- | 30-34.99 |
| E | 0-29.99 |
Foreign Examinations
The Council registers and administers examinations on behalf of 13 foreign examination boards. However, several other foreign examination boards continue to offer their examinations locally without going through KNEC. The boards working with the Council are:
Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) offering examination in March each year
London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Examinations Board (LCCIEB) offering examinations in April each year
EDEXCEL International (GCE Examinations) Examinations offering for both private and institutional candidates in May/June
Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) offering examinations in June
International Baccalaureate (IB) offering examinations in May
Institute of Actuaries (IA) offering examinations in April
Association of Business Managers and Administrators (ABMA offering examinations in March and June
Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) offering examinations in January and June
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) offering in May
Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) offering examination in June
Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS) offering examinations in June
Association of Business Executives (ABE)offering examinations in May/June
Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) offering examinations in March and May