The Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) has announced its decision to discontinue the Advanced Craft Certificate program, marking a significant shift in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.
This comes as part of ongoing reforms aimed at streamlining technical and vocational curricula to meet evolving industry standards.
Onesmus Oyesigyire, UBTEB’s Executive Secretary, explained that the decision stems from recommendations made during the 2016 curriculum review.
“Following a comprehensive review of the TVET curriculum, it was recommended that the Advanced Craft Certificate be phased out, and UBTEB has now formalised this process,” Oyesigyire stated, adding that the 2024 examination session will be the last chance for students to take these exams.
Historically, students pursuing technical education had to complete a series of steps that included earning a Uganda Community Polytechnic Certificate, followed by a Junior Craft Certificate, and finally, an Advanced Craft Certificate. This traditional pathway allowed students to continue their education in diploma programs and advance to higher education levels.
However, the curriculum changes introduced in 2016 have shortened this process. The two-year Junior Craft program and the one-year Advanced Craft Certificate have now been merged into a condensed two-year program. Furthermore, the Uganda Community Polytechnic Certificate course, previously a three-year program, has been extended to four years.
Oyesigyire emphasized that students will now be able to pursue a National Certificate upon completing either their Uganda Community Polytechnic Certificate or after finishing Senior Four. This streamlined path is intended to provide a more direct and efficient route for learners aiming for technical qualifications.
The phasing out of the Advanced Craft Certificate comes as a response to a notable decline in student registrations for the program in recent years. Despite the falling numbers, UBTEB continued to allocate substantial resources to conduct the examinations. Oyesigyire noted that the board has taken into account the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and extended the transition period to ensure that students have adequate time to adjust.
In a circular sent to all TVET institutions, UBTEB has urged potential candidates to register for the final Advanced Craft Certificate examinations before the deadline for the November-December session, which closes on November 1, 2024.
The announcement has prompted institutions to inform both current and prospective students of the impending change. “We understand that this decision may impact various stakeholders, and we appreciate the cooperation of all parties in facilitating this transition,” the circular read.
With this reform, the TVET sector in Uganda is expected to align more closely with industry needs, offering students more relevant training that leads directly to national certifications and future career opportunities.
