Savvy, talented and knowledgeable database professionals are always in demand. This article covers some of the best, most in-demand certifications for database administrators, database developers and anyone else who works with databases. 

During the past three decades, we’ve seen a lot of database platforms come and go, but there’s never been any question that database technology is a crucial component for all kinds of applications and computing tasks. 

Database certifications may not be as sexy or bleeding-edge as cloud computing, storage, or computer forensics. That said, there has been and always will be a need for knowledgeable database professionals at all levels and in a plethora of database-related job roles. 

To get a better grasp of the available database certifications, it’s useful to group these certs around job responsibilities. In part, this reflects the maturity of database technology and its integration into most aspects of commercial, scientific and academic computing. As you read about the various database certification programs, keep these job roles in mind: 

• Database administrator (DBA): Responsible for installing, configuring and maintaining a database management system (DBMS). Often tied to a specific platform such as Oracle, MySQL, DB2 or SQL Server. 

• Database developer: Works with generic and proprietary APIs to build applications that interact with a DBMS (also platform-specific, like DBA roles).
• Database designer/database architect: Researches data requirements for specific applications or users, and designs database structures and application capabilities to match.
• Data analyst/data scientist: Responsible for analyzing data from multiple disparate sources to discover previously hidden insight, determine meaning behind the data and make business-specific recommendations.
• Data mining/business intelligence (BI) specialist: Specializes in dissecting, analyzing and reporting on important data streams, such as customer data, supply chain data, and transaction data and histories.
• Data warehousing specialist: Specializes in assembling and analyzing data from multiple operational systems (orders, transactions, supply chain information, customer data, etc.) to establish data history, analyze trends, generate reports and forecasts, and support general ad hoc queries. 

Careful attention to these database job roles highlights two important technical issues for would-be database professionals to consider. 

First, a good general background in relational database management systems, including an understanding of Structured Query Language (SQL), is a basic prerequisite for database professionals of all stripes. 

Second, although various efforts to standardize database technology exist, much of the whiz-bang capability that databases and database applications deliver come from proprietary, vendor-specific technologies. Serious, heavy-duty database skills and knowledge are tied to specific platforms, including various Oracle products (such as the open-source MySQL environment and Oracle itself,) Microsoft SQL Server and IBM DB2. That’s why most of these certifications relate directly to those enormously popular platforms. 

It’s important to note that NoSQL databases – referred to as “not only SQL” and sometimes “non-relational” databases – handle many different types of data, such as structured, semi-structured, unstructured and polymorphic. NoSQL databases are increasingly used in big data applications, which tend to be associated with certifications for data scientists, data mining and warehousing, and business intelligence. Although there is some natural overlap, for the most part, we cover those certs in our annually updated “Best Big Data Certifications.” 

Before you look at our featured certifications in detail, consider their popularity with employers. The results of an informal search on several high-traffic job boards show which database certifications employers look for most when hiring. Though these results vary from day to day (and by job board), such numbers provide a useful perspective on database certification demand in current job listings.

Job board search results (in alphabetical order by certification)*

*See our complete methodology for selecting top five certifications in the “Best Certifications” series.

**Combined totals for MCSA: SQL Database Administration (540), MCSA: SQL Database Development (569), MCSE: Data Management and Analytics (640) and MTA: Database (503).

If the sheer number of available database-related positions isn’t enough motivation to pursue a certification, consider average salaries for database administrators. SimplyHired reports $86,415 as the national average in the U.S., in a range from $60,960 to over $128,000. Glassdoor’s reported average is somewhat higher at $93,164, with a top rung for experienced, senior DBAs right around $135,000.

Top 5 database certifications

Now let’s look at the details of our top five database certification picks for 2020.

1. IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2

IBM is one of the leaders in the worldwide database market by any objective measure. The company’s database portfolio includes industry standard DB2, as well as IBM Compose, Information Management System (IMS), lnformix, Cloudant and IBM Open Platform with Apache Hadoop. IBM also has a long-standing and well-populated IT certification program, which has been around for more than 30 years and encompasses hundreds of individual credentials. 

After redesigning its certification programs and categories, IBM’s major data-centric certification category is called IBM Data and AI, which includes a range of database credentials: Database Associate, Database Administrator, System Administrator, Application Developer and more. It’s a big and complex certification space, but one where particular platform allegiances are likely to guide readers straight to the handful of items that are relevant to their interests and needs. 

Database professionals who support DB2 (or aspire to) on Linux, Unix or Windows should check out the IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2 certification. It’s an intermediate credential that addresses routine administration, basic SQL, and creation of databases and database objects, as well as server management, monitoring, availability and security. 

This certification requires candidates to pass two exams. Pre-exam training is recommended but not required.

IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2 facts and figures

2. Microsoft SQL Server database certifications 

SQL Server offers a broad range of tools and add-ons for business intelligence, data warehousing and data-driven applications of all kinds. That probably explains why Microsoft offers database-related credentials at every level of its certification program. 

Microsoft has taken significant steps over the last year to change its certification program from technology-focused to role-centric, centered on the skills one needs to be successful in specific technology jobs. With these changes in mind, Microsoft now identifies four job tracks in its certification program: Developers, Administrators, Solution Architects and Functional Consultants. You will find a wide variety of skills and technologies within each of those categories, but we’ll concentrate below on the company’s SQL Server certifications.

MTA: Database Fundamentals

The MTA program includes a single database-related exam: Database Fundamentals (98-364). This credential is ideal for students or as an entry-level cert for professionals looking to segue into database support.

MCSA

Microsoft offers several SQL-related credentials at the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) level:

• MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014 (three exams)
• MCSA: BI Reporting (two exams)
• MCSA: SQL 2016 BI Development (two exams)
• MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Administration (two exams)
• MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Development (two exams)

MCSE

There is one SQL database credential at the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert level: Data Management and Analytics. This certification has the MCSA as a prerequisite (a list of valid items follows in the table) and then requires passing one elective exam.

Microsoft SQL Server database certification facts and figures

3. Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator 

Oracle runs its certifications under the auspices of Oracle University. The Oracle Database Certifications page lists separate tracks for Database Application Development (SQL and PL/SQL), MySQL (Database Administration and Developer) and Oracle Database (versions 12c, 12c R2, and 11g, and Oracle Spatial 11g). 

MySQL is perhaps the leading open-source relational database management system (RDBMS). Since acquiring Sun Microsystems in 2010 (which had previously acquired MySQL AB), Oracle has rolled out a paid version of MySQL and developed certifications to support the product. 

A candidate interested in pursuing an Oracle MySQL certification can choose between MySQL Database Administration and MySQL Developer. The Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator (OCP) credential recognizes professionals who can install, optimize and monitor MySQL Server; configure replication; apply security; and schedule and validate database backups. 

The certification requires candidates to pass a single exam (the same exam can be taken to upgrade a prior certification). Oracle recommends training and on-the-job experience before taking the exam.

Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator facts and figures

4. Oracle Database 12c Administrator

Most Oracle DBMS credentials require candidates to attend authorized training classes to qualify for the related exam, but MySQL (and Sun-derived) credentials often do not. Oracle certifications also represent a true ladder, in that it is generally necessary to earn the associate-level credentials first, professional-level credentials second and master-level credentials third, culminating with the expert level. 

Oracle Database 12c R2 is the latest version, which includes enhancements to Oracle Database 12c. Oracle 12c certifications are currently offered at the associate, professional and master levels. 

A Foundations Junior Associate certification (novice level) is also available for Oracle Database 12c, as are three specialist designations: the Implementation Specialist, the Oracle Database Performance and Tuning 2015 Certified Implementation Specialist, and the Oracle Real Application Clusters 12c Certified Implementation Specialist. 

Available expert-level credentials include the Oracle Certified Expert; Oracle Database 12c: RAC and Grid Infrastructure Administrator; Oracle Database 12c Maximum Availability Certified Expert; Oracle Certified Expert; Oracle Database 12c: Data Guard Administrator; Oracle Certified Expert; and Oracle Database 12c: Performance Management and Tuning. Oracle still offers 11g certifications as well. 

Note: Although premium support for Oracle 11g Database ended on Dec. 31, 2014, extended support lasts until December 2020, so it’s probable that Oracle Database 11g will remain in use for the short term. 

We focused on requirements for Oracle Database 12c certifications. One important consideration is that Oracle 11g is forward-compatible with Oracle 12c, but Oracle 12c is not backward- compatible with the prior version. Because Oracle 12c is a newer version, IT professionals with Oracle 11g certifications should consider upgrading their 11g credentials.

Oracle Database 12c Administrator facts and figures

5. SAP HANA: SAP Certified Technology Associate – SAP HANA (Edition 2016)

SAP SE has a large portfolio of business application and analytics software, including cloud infrastructure, applications, and storage. The foundation of the SAP HANA platform is an enterprise-grade relational database management system, which can be run as an appliance on premises or in the cloud. The cloud platform enables customers to build and run applications and services based on SAP HANA. 

SAP offers a comprehensive certification program, built to support its various platforms and products. We chose to feature the SAP Certified Technology Associate – SAP HANA cert because it aligns closely with other certifications in this article and is in high demand among employers, according to our job board surveys. This certification ensures that database professionals can install, manage, monitor, migrate and troubleshoot SAP HANA systems. It covers managing users and authorization, applying security, and ensuring high availability and effective disaster recovery techniques. 

SAP recommends that certification candidates get hands-on practice through formal training or on-the-job experience before attempting this exam. The SAP Learning Hub is a subscription service that gives certification candidates access to a library of learning materials, including e-learning courses and course handbooks. The annual subscription rate for individual users on the Professional certification track is $3,048. This online training program is designed for those who run, support or implement SAP software solutions. Though this may seem like a steep price for online training, you will likely be able to pass any SAP certification exams you put your mind to by leveraging all of the learning resources available to SAP Learning Hub Professional subscribers. 

Typically, SAP certifications achieved on one of the two most latest SAP solutions are considered current and valid. SAP contacts professionals whose certifications are nearing end of life and provides information on maintaining their credentials.

SAP Certified Technology Associate facts and figures

Beyond the top 5: More database certifications

Besides the ones mentioned in this article, other database certification programs are available to further the careers and professional development of IT professionals who work with database management systems. 

While most colleges with computer science programs offer database tracks at the undergraduate, master and Ph.D. levels, there are few well-known vendor-neutral database certifications. The Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP) is part of this unique group, offering its Certified Data Professional and Certified Data Scientist credentials. Find out more about ICCP certifications here. 

EnterpriseDB administers a small but effective certification program, with two primary certs: the EDB Certified Associate and the EDB Certified Professional. PostgreSQL was the fourth-ranked relational database management system in October 2019, according to DB-Engines. 

Credentials from Google, MarkLogic, Teradata and SAS may also be worth considering. All of these credentials represent opportunities for database professionals to expand their skill sets – and salaries. However, such niches in the database certification arena are generally only worth pursuing if you already work with these platforms or plan to work for an organization that uses them. 

Ed Tittel

Ed is a 30-year-plus veteran of the computing industry, who has worked as a programmer, a technical manager, a classroom instructor, a network consultant, and a technical evangelist for companies that include Burroughs, Schlumberger, Novell, IBM/Tivoli and NetQoS. He has written for numerous publications, including Tom’s IT Pro and GoCertify, and is the author of more than 140 computing books on information security, web markup languages and development tools, and Windows operating systems. 

Earl Follis

Earl is also a 30-year veteran of the computer industry, who has worked in IT training, marketing, technical evangelism, and market analysis in the areas of networking and systems technology and management. Ed and Earl met in the late 1980s when Ed hired Earl as a trainer at an Austin-area networking company that’s now part of HP. The two of them have written numerous books together on NetWare, Windows Server and other topics. Earl is also a regular writer for the computer trade press, with many e-books, whitepapers and articles to his credit.

CBSE Board exam 2023: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will be conducting the Class 10 and 12 Board exams for the 2022-23 academic batch from February 15, 2023. According to several news reports, CBSE officials are expected to release a detailed schedule by December 2022. Once released, students can download their date sheet from the board’s official website — cbse.nic.in. The Board will conduct the Classes 10 and 12 board exams in a single shift this year.Also Read - SSB Constable Recruitment 2022: Register For 399 Posts Under Sports Quota at ssbrectt.gov.in. Class 10th Pass Eligible

After a gap of two years, CBSE will hold the examination in the same pattern as the pre-pandemic years. Due to Covid-19 pandemic, the board exams were cancelled in 2020, and candidates were graded using alternative assessment criteria. The board divided the entire academic year into two terms in 2021. Since the examination will be held in the normal format after two years gap, therefore in this article we have some questions answered for you. Also Read - GATE 2023 Registration Extended Till Oct 07; Check exam Date, Documents Required

CBSE trial Papers 2023

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the trial question papers for the current academic year 2022-23 for students of classes 10 and 12. The CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 exam trial papers 2023 were published on September 16. Eligible students can download the trial papers by visiting the official website of the Board at cbseacademic.nic.in. Apart from the trial paper, the marking scheme of the board examination has also been released. With the help of the CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 trial papers 2023, a student will know more about the board exam pattern, types of questions, and others. Also Read - NEET UG 2022 State Counselling Schedule Released at mcc.nic.in. Round 1 Registration Begins From Oct 17

HOW TO download CBSE CLASS 10, 12 trial QUESTION PAPERS?

• Visit the official website of the Central Board of Secondary Education at cbseacademic.nic.in or cbse.gov.in.
• On the homepage, go to the “Sample Question Papers” sections.
• Now click on SQP 2022- 2023.
• Depending upon your class, click on the desired link. Click either on Class XII or Class X option.
• The CBSE trial question papers for classes 10 and 12 will be displayed on the screen.
• Download and take a printout of it for future reference.

WHEN WILL CBSE CONDUCT CLASS 10 AND 12 BOARD EXAMS?

CBSE will be conducting the Class 10 and 12 Board exams for the 2022-23 academic batch from February 15, 2023.  According to several media reports, the detailed schedule is expected to be released by the CBSE officials by December 2022.

HAS THERE BEEN ANY REDUCTION  IN THE CLASS 10TH SYLLABUS?

The Central Board of Secondary Education has released the rationalised syllabus for Class 10 for the academic session 2022-2023. As per the news report, CBSE has reduced the syllabus by removing many important Topics from Social Science. More details are available on the official website of the Board.

What WILL THE CBSE BOARD exam PATTERN BE IN 2023?

The Board has decided to return to the pre-pandemic single-exam format, which means that the class 10 and 12 board examinations are not likely to be divided into two parts.

WHAT IS THE CBSE CLASS 10 SYLLABUS FOR 2023?

The CBSE Board examination for class 10 and 12 students next year will be based on the pre-pandemic syllabus. In other words, the 30% reduction in syllabus offered to students in response to learning loss caused by the covid-induced disruption has been reversed.

The appointment of a new Registration, Recognition and Certification Board (RRCB) is high on the agenda and the process is expected to be completed in short order, according to Natalie Willis, the acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Labour.

The Board has not been operational since May 30, 2022 following the expiry of the term of the chairman and eight members.

This Board is responsible for matters relating to the certification of trade unions as recognised majority unions in accordance with Part II, Section 21 (1) of the Industrial Relations Act, Chapter 88:01 (IRA).

The work of the Board also facilitates workers’ right to freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining by joining a trade union of their choice.

Speaking at the Board’s 50th anniversary, at Crews Inn ballroom, Chaguaramas last Friday, Willis said the Ministry of Labour is working assiduously to complete the process of filling the positions of members needed to constitute the new RRCB.

She noted that under the function of labour administration, the Conciliation Advisory and Advocacy Division of the Ministry and the RRCB have been able to fulfil their obligations to the Industrial Court.

“It has been noted that there was a sharp increase in the number of requests made to the RRCB through the Minister of Labour to ascertain membership in good standing and to also ascertain workers within the meaning of the Act.

“For 2020, there were 27 requests to the RRCB whereas for 2021, there were 96 requests sent for investigation,” Willis highlighted.

She added that it is noteworthy to mention that there has been an increase in the RRCB’s response rate to its stakeholders’ requests, which is attributed to your improved internal processes.

Board secretary and secretariat, Brendon Taitt, who said the Board has determined bargaining units for large organisations thereby giving full benefit to the right to organise and the right to collective bargaining.

Taitt said it must be noted that the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) is the only public service association that has a certificate of recognition from the Board.

He explained that the Board, as the first port of call, has put to rest the burning issue of the recognition of unions, which gives full effect to the right to organise and the right to collective bargaining.

In spite of its challenges, Taitt outlined that the Board continues to fulfil its mandate and the stakeholders must be cognisant of the fact that delays only hurt the worker.

“Therefore, it is my humble view that the powers that be in the new legislation that in order for the Board to be expeditious there is need to remove it from being subjected to judicial review. Any appeal should be to the Industrial Court on points of law,” Taitt stressed.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) works as the censor board in India and regulates feature films, short films, documentaries, trailers, and advertisements. Keep memorizing to learn about CBFC’s history and functioning.

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Board exam 2023: Since life is back to normal after almost two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, several state and Central boards including the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Council For The Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) have decided to conduct the class 10, 12 board exam 2023 in the old format. The boards have also apprised its respective schools to get back to a 100 per cent syllabus, which means, the 30 per cent syllabus cut which was offered as relaxation to the years will be rolled back. In this article, we will know how the boards —from CBSE to West Bengal; Maharashtra to UP will change the exam patterns in 2023.Also Read - CBSE Class 12 Board Exams 2023: Check Class 12th History trial Question Paper, Marking Scheme Here

CBSE: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), earlier this year, issued an official notification confirming that it will hold CBSE Board Exams 2023 only once from the next academic year. “Considering the feedback of stakeholders and other prevailing conditions, the Board will conduct the annual scheme of assessment at the end of the Academic Session 2022-23 and the curriculum has been designed accordingly,” the official notification from CBSE read.

CBSE will also go back to 100 per cent syllabus. Owing to the pandemic, CBSE had conducted the 10th and 12th exams on a reduced syllabus. Like previous years, class 10 and 12th board exam 2023 will be held for 80 marks. 20 per cent of marks will be awarded for the internal assessments or practicals.

CISCE: Like CBSE, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations has decided to get back to its single format. From the next year, the CISCE will conduct ICSE and ISC board exam 2023 once a year. “It has been decided by the CISCE to conduct only one examination at the end of the academic year 2023 at both ICSE and ISC levels. The CISCE proposes to hold the said examinations tentatively in February/ March 2023,” CISCE notification read.

Talview exam Solutions Spotlight Launching and Scaling Certification Programs

SAN MATEO, Calif., Oct. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Talview, the global leader for hiring and exam solutions, will be showcasing methodologies to launch and scale certification programs for organizations of all sizes at TSIA World: Envision, live at the Aria resort in Las Vegas, October 17-19. Talview exam Solutions use an AI-led approach for exam delivery to enable affordable pricing and improved security at a higher scale. Talview will also be unveiling its latest capability, Talview Employer Connect, which enables certification providers to extend an opportunity to professionals who undertake exams on the Talview platform, and who are interested in job openings, to get connected with employers who use the Talview Hiring Solution.

Talview focuses on delivering exams securely, with improved accessibility and a non-intrusive test-taker experience, while providing a more user-friendly, engaging experience.

"In the minds of most customer and education leaders we've spoken with, a top concern is that their certification programs are not ready for the future. They struggle with clunky, legacy platforms that haven't kept pace with the needs of the market," said Sanjoe Jose, CEO, Talview. "Our exam Solutions can help organizations get ready for the future. We have kept users at the center of the platform design and use the latest AI capabilities to Excellerate security and drive down the cost of exam delivery."

A latest survey of certification leaders at top technology companies revealed their principal certification program challenges:

• The high cost of proctoring deters scaling certification programs, particularly entry level certifications

• A poor user experience and the lack of quality Customer Service during the exam process is negatively impacting their brand

• Most feel their certification programs are not ready for the future, especially when it comes to Performance Based Exams

• Concerns about the intrusive nature of the online proctoring experience is preventing the growth of expert communities

• The lack of accessibility and poor multilingual support of their exam platforms

Story continues

Talview exam Solutions deliver a superior user experience through an interface that is modern, multi-lingual, accessibility friendly, and a proctoring experience that is non-intrusive. The Talview Proctoring Solution can integrate into any LMS (Learning Management Systems), exam Engine, or other web platform, allowing organizations to augment their proctoring capacity, use their own proctors if desired, and easily support Performance Based Exams. In addition, Talview is one of the first providers to incorporate an immersive experience for test takers via the Metaverse. Talview delivers a platform to better engage an industry's community with Candidate Management capabilities.

The focus of its newest launch, Talview Employer Connect, is connecting certified professionals with high quality prospective employers. Talview Hiring Solutions are integrated into the recruitment management systems of many leading ITeS employers. Employer Connect provides real-time visibility of talent requirements, and places properly certified professionals directly into the appropriate stage of the hiring process of organizations looking to hire specific skills. Certified professionals have the ability to opt-in for all employers or specific organizations.

"Many certification test takers have a sub-optimal user experience while taking their certification exams," said Sundar Nagarathnam, Advisor to Talview and leading education services industry expert. "This can be especially frustrating when problems are encountered, or legacy platforms simply make it very cumbersome. Take into account additional factors: a lack of accessibility for people with special needs, poor multilingual support, or no support at all. As more and more technical certification processes move online, innovative technologies like Talview's solutions can provide hassle-free administration of exams."

At TSIA World: Envision, Talview will be holding a session, Expert Playbook for Launching and Scaling Certification Programs, presented by Sundar Nagarathnam, Advisor to Talview and an innovative pioneer in technical education and certification programs, along with Sanjoe Tom Jose, CEO, Talview. The focus will be on how innovative, digital-first companies are using AI to deliver low-cost, highly secure, non-intrusive exams.

• October 17 & 18

• 12:30PM - 12:55PM

• Booth #519

Stop by the Talview booth #519 and enter to win an E-Bike. We are holding a drawing for a Swagcycle EB-5 Plus Folding Electric Bike. Pedal or go full throttle with the battery to reach your destination. Free shipping is included for one lucky winner!

Book a meeting with Talview at TSIA in advance and enter to win a folding E-Bike.

ABOUT TALVIEW

Talview offers an award-winning Measurement Platform that orchestrates hiring and exam workflows: screening, interviews, assessments, proctoring, and credentialing. Organizations seeking more efficient, effective, and intelligent decisions throughout the talent lifecycle can access a single, AI-powered platform for intelligent insights. A 360-degree view of talent potential enables quick, confident, and bias-free decisions, providing an equal opportunity for all. Learn more at Talview.com.

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The heads of two major exam boards admitted teenagers were left “stressed and anxious” after thousands of exam results were delayed this summer.

The leaders of OCR and Pearson exam boards made a personal apology in front of MPs after many students taking vocational qualifications failed to be given grades on results days in August.

More than 10,000 BTEC results and 3,200 Cambridge Technical results were handed out late, delaying students from confirming college and university places and excluding some from the university clearing system.

Multiple errors were also found in papers, including a question that was inaccessible to colourblind pupils and a map of Africa labelling Gabon as the Republic of Congo.

MP Robert Halfon, chair of the education select committee, accused exam boards of treating students taking vocational qualifications as second class citizens.

He said exam boards had not done enough to Excellerate the situation for vocational students “because you are all graduates.” He said: “It’s typical of how we treat students who take vocational qualifications in this country”, adding if academic qualifications such as A-Levels had been delayed the exams regulator would have “gone mad”.

Jill Duffy, Chief Executive of OCR, said: “I want to apologise profusely to any student that didn’t receive the Cambridge technical result on results day. We did deliver the vast majority of Cambridge technical results, 39,000 on results day.

“But I know from the calls I had personally with teachers and students who were waiting for a result that this was adding to their stress and anxiety, and I deeply regret that…We are at the moment running an internal review to see what went wrong this year to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

Mike Howells from Pearson, said: “The first thing I want to do on behalf of Pearson is to apologise to everybody affected. I personally am very sorry at the distress this caused for many students and their families.

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“Any delay in a result is unacceptable as far as I am concerned.

“Like OCR we take full accountability for our role in that.

“We are also in the midst of an investigation into exactly what happened.”

MPs also heard that exam boards are investigating a number of cases of malpractice in private schools. It follows concerns that results rocketed in private schools under the teacher assessment system.

Mr Halfon said after exams were reintroduced this year, the proportion of top grades in private schools fell further than in state schools.

He said: “People have suggested this is evidence of private schools gaming the teacher assessed grading system.”

Jo Saxton, chief regulator for Ofqual said the watchdog takes all allegations of malpractice and cheating extremely seriously and there are “ongoing investigations”, but comparisons between 2021, when grades were decided by teacher assessment, and 2022, when exams were reintroduced, is hard because it is a “totally different form of assessment.”

She added: “It is one of the reasons I am incredibly glad we were able to reinstate exams. I think it proves exams are the fairest form of assessment.”

© Provided by The Indian Express

CBSE Board exam 2023 Class 10th 12th Updates:  The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will conduct the Classes 10 and 12 board exams in a single shift this year. The board exam datesheet will be released in December, The Indian Express has learned.

Read |CBSE Class 10th, 12th Exams: Marking scheme, trial question papers released

After a gap of two years, the board will conduct the exam in the same pattern as the pre-pandemic years. In 2020, the board exams were cancelled due to Covid-19, and candidates were marked based on alternate assessment criteria. In 2021, the board divided the entire academic year into two terms. 

Since the exams will be held in the normal format after the gap of two years, here are some important questions answered for you:

Q: What will be the pattern of the CBSE board exam 2023?

A: The Board has decided to restore the pre-pandemic single-exam format, which means the class 10 and 12 board exams are not likely to be split into two parts.

Q: What is the syllabus of Class 10 CBSE 2023?

A: The Board exam for class 10 and 12 students next year will be based on the pre-pandemic syllabus. In other words, the 30 per cent cut in syllabus offered to students in wake of learning loss due to the covid-induced disruption has been rolled back.

Must read |How these National award-winning teachers tackled digital illiteracy in hilly regions

Q: Is the CBSE trial paper for 2023 released?

A: CBSE has released the class 10 and 12 trial papers for board exams 2023 along with the marking scheme. Candidates can download it at the official website - cbse.gov.in.

Q: What is the date of the CBSE Board exam 2023?

A: For both classes, the exams will be conducted from February 15, 2023. Datesheet will be released in December.

Q: Is there any reduction in the syllabus of class 10?

A: CBSE has released the rationalised syllabus for Class 10 for the academic session 2022-2023. The board has cut down the syllabus by dropping many important Topics from Social Science. Detailed is available on the board’s website.