Ethiopia: ETA Proposes Degree Verification Exam for Past Graduates

Last updated on July 25th, 2026 at 03:44 pm

Ethiopia: The Education and Training Authority (ETA) has proposed a degree verification exam for past Ethiopian graduates. The authority has proposed amendments to Regulation 990/2016 regarding the verification of educational credentials and the peer assessment guidelines.

According to the proposal by ETA , from 2010 to 2015 E.C. (2018 to 2023 G.C.) all those who graduated with first degree, second and third degree or those who have a degree without taking the entrance exam are going to be tested again to verify their educational documents. The Authority is proposing amendments to Article 5, sub-article 5 of the regulation. The draft amendments have been presented to the education community and stakeholders, and they have been asked to provide feedback by July 13, 2018 (E.C.).

Proposed Amendments:

For individuals who have completed a diploma / 12+2 / 10+3 or a level four technical and vocational training program, and whose authenticity has been verified by the Authority’s office or a federal or regional technical and vocational education and training institution, and who possess an original certificate or diploma and transcript, but who did not have a level four competency framework and who have completed a first degree:

A) Their educational credentials will be verified for those who graduated starting from 2015 (E.C.) and who have passed the final exam.

B) However, even if they are not included in sub-article 1(A) above, for those who have a first, second, or third degree (BA, MA, and PhD) and who have not taken the final exam from 2010 (E.C.) to 2015 (E.C.), their educational credentials will be verified if they pass the educational level exam issued by the Ministry.

C) From the time this regulation is amended and implemented, any higher education institution must admit and teach students in accordance with the admission requirements issued by the Ministry of Education or any relevant body.

Clarification:

ETA has clarified the issue by releasing following information:

The new regulation applies only to individuals who have completed a first, second, or third degree (MA or PhD) without having a Level 4 Competency Certification (COC) after completing a previous diploma program (10+3, 12+2, or Technical and Vocational Level 4 training). These individuals will be required to take and pass an exam based on their current level of education/degree to verify their educational credentials.

In short, it applies to:

• Students who completed a degree program without taking the Competency Certification (COC) exam before entering the degree program.
• Students who took the Competency Certification (COC) exam after enrolling in the degree program.
• This regulation does not apply to citizens who have met the standard admission requirements (e.g., obtained a 12th-grade certificate) or who have completed a diploma and passed the COC exam before pursuing a degree. Their educational credentials will be verified as before, without any additional exams.

You can send your feedback to the Authority’s email address [email protected].

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