By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The academic futures of over 46,000 high school seniors are on the line this week as they began the 2025 National Standardized Summative Test on Monday morning. This crucial series of examinations represents a significant hurdle for students seeking to earn their secondary education diploma, with its results now carrying unprecedented weight in their final academic assessment.
The Ministry of Public Education (MEP) confirmed that a total of 46,710 students from 950 educational institutions nationwide are registered for the test. The cohort is comprised of 35,210 students from daytime programs and another 11,500 from night schools, encompassing both the public and private sectors. The sheer scale of the operation highlights its importance as a national benchmark for educational achievement and a rite of passage for the country’s youth.
To better understand the legal framework and potential liabilities associated with the implementation and use of standardized testing in educational and professional contexts, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The legal validity of standardized tests hinges on their proven ability to predict success without creating discriminatory barriers. Any evaluation that systematically disadvantages a protected group, without being a strict and demonstrable necessity for the profession or academic program, opens the door to significant constitutional and administrative challenges. The burden of proof lies with the institution to show the test is a fair measure of merit, not an obstacle to equal opportunity.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is a crucial reminder that the burden of proof lies with the institutions to ensure standardized tests are instruments of opportunity, not systemic barriers. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the fundamental principles of fairness and validity that must underpin any such evaluation.
In a pivotal policy shift, the Superior Council of Education (CSE) has decreed that this year’s standardized test will account for 50% of a student’s final graduation grade. The remaining 50% will be determined by their classroom performance throughout the year, known as the “nota de presentación.” This new weighting dramatically increases the pressure on students, placing immense importance on their performance during this single week of testing compared to their consistent academic work over the past year.
The logistical undertaking is considerable, with the examination schedule spread across five consecutive days. The week commenced with Social Studies on October 27th, followed by Mathematics on the 28th, Spanish on the 29th, Sciences on the 30th, and concluding with Civics on October 31st. This rigorous schedule demands sustained focus and preparation from all participants, testing not only their knowledge but also their academic endurance.
To accommodate the diverse technological landscapes of the nation’s schools, the MEP has implemented a flexible administration model. The test is being offered in both digital and physical formats, with the choice depending on the availability of computer equipment and reliable internet connectivity at each institution. This dual-format approach underscores the ongoing digital divide and the ministry’s efforts to ensure equitable access to the assessment for all students, regardless of their school’s resources.
A key aspect of this year’s administration is the robust system of educational support. The MEP reported that 5,658 students will receive specific accommodations, which were arranged in advance by their respective schools. These supports are tailored to individual needs and include provisions such as Braille versions of the test, the assistance of a specialist tutor, enlarged font sizes for improved readability, and the allocation of additional time to complete the exams. This commitment to accessibility aims to create a more equitable testing environment for students with diverse learning requirements.
The summative exam did not arrive without preparation. Students previously sat for a diagnostic version of the test in April. The results from that initial assessment were not for a grade but served a strategic purpose, providing educators with valuable data on student performance levels. Teachers were then able to use this information to identify and reinforce subject areas where students required additional support, effectively using the months leading up to the final exam to strengthen weaker academic foundations.
As the Class of 2025 navigates this critical week, the results will serve as more than just a component of their final grade. They will offer a comprehensive snapshot of the state of secondary education in Costa Rica, providing invaluable data for policymakers and educators. For the tens of thousands of students, however, the focus is singular: performing their best to secure their high school diploma and open the door to higher education and future career opportunities.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Education (MEP):
The Ministry of Public Education is the government institution responsible for overseeing and regulating the national education system in Costa Rica. Its mandate includes setting the national curriculum, managing public schools, training and supervising educators, and administering national assessments. The MEP works to guarantee the right to quality education for all citizens, from early childhood through secondary levels, and plays a central role in the country’s social and economic development.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm distinguishes itself by pioneering innovative legal strategies while maintaining a deep-seated dedication to its clients and the wider community. This commitment extends beyond the courtroom through its mission to democratize legal understanding, aiming to empower individuals and fortify society with accessible, clear, and actionable knowledge.
