Belarus has approved a set of changes to the procedures for its centralised examinations, introducing new identity checks, tighter controls on test materials and clearer rules on permitted calculators. The Republican Institute for Content and Educational Quality (RIKZ) confirmed the updates, saying they aim to strengthen exam integrity and standardise administration across venues.
Belarus centralised exam rules
The most visible change affects the personal identifier recorded on examination paperwork. Instead of noting passport series and number on answer sheets, candidates will now enter an identification number composed of digits and Latin letters. Authorities say the move should simplify verification while reducing reliance on physical passport details.
RIKZ also introduced stricter prohibitions on the handling of test materials. Participants in both the centralised exam (CE) and the rehearsal centralised exam (RCE) are forbidden from possessing or removing any notes, recordings or other records that contain test content. The ban applies to all media and devices brought into the examination room and to materials that might be taken from the exam venue.
To minimise opportunities for unauthorised sharing of test content, supervisors will monitor candidate behaviour more closely and inspect items brought into the auditorium. The rules make clear that any attempt to copy, transmit or export test items from the venue will be treated as a serious violation of exam regulations.
Another key clarification concerns calculators. For examinations in chemistry and physics, candidates may use a basic single-line calculator only. Allowed functions include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, extraction of square roots, percentage calculations, reciprocal calculation, sign change and a single memory cell. Scientific functions, programmable features and multi-line displays remain prohibited.
RIKZ explained that the permitted calculator specification is intended to ensure calculators assist with routine arithmetic without providing advanced computational or symbolic capabilities that could give some candidates unfair advantage. Examiners will check devices at entry to exam rooms to ensure they meet the permitted criteria.
The changes come ahead of the rehearsal centralised exam, which is set to take place on 31 January. RIKZ urged candidates to familiarise themselves with the new rules and to arrive at exam venues prepared to present the required identification number and compliant devices. The institute recommended that schools and exam centres provide guidance and practice sessions to reduce the risk of procedural errors on the day.
Education authorities have framed the amendments as part of routine measures to protect the credibility of national assessments. While the updates focus on logistical and security issues, they also reflect an emphasis on uniform procedures across testing sites. Teachers and administrators have been asked to distribute information to students and parents so that candidates understand the practical implications, such as updating personal details and checking calculator models before exam day.
For candidates and observers, the revised rules change how identification is recorded and tighten controls over exam integrity without altering the content of the tests themselves. RIKZ said it will continue to review protocols as necessary and publish further clarifications should operational questions arise in the lead-up to the exams.
Key Takeaways:
- Belarus centralised exam rules now require an alphanumeric identification number on answer sheets instead of passport series and number.
- Test takers are banned from carrying or removing any records of test material from exam rooms or venues.
- Permitted calculators are limited to simple single-line models with basic arithmetic, square root, percentage and one-memory-cell functions.
- The rehearsal centralised exam is scheduled for 31 January, according to RIKZ.
