CCSLC Mathematics
Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence (CCSLC) - Mathematics
More study resources
Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
ExploreKey terms
Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
ExploreStudy plan
Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
ExploreExam-day guide
Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
The Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence (CCSLC) is a qualification developed by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) in collaboration with Participating Territories. CXC first offered it in June 2007. It was created in response to a regional push for universal secondary education and is intended to certify all students who complete secondary school in the participating territories. Mathematics is one of the six subjects in the CCSLC common core, alongside Digital Literacy, English, Integrated Science, Modern Languages and Social Studies. The core was designed to give learners competencies that serve as a foundation for more advanced studies, the world of work, and life as a citizen of the region. The CCSLC certifies knowledge, generic competencies and attitudes and values. The competencies it attests to include Mathematical Literacy, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking and Informed Decision Making, so Mathematics study should build numeracy and reasoning you can apply to real situations, not just routine calculation. To earn the CCSLC, a candidate needs a minimum of 'Competent' in five subjects within a three-year period, and English and Mathematics are compulsory. Results are reported on a composite score scale: 75–100 Master, 50–74 Competent, 0–49 Developing Competence. A Result Slip is issued after every sitting of subjects developed by CXC. There is no candidate fee for CCSLC, but the six CXC-developed subjects incur a subject charge of Bds$25.00 in participating territories (BDS$50.00 in non-participating territories). To prepare, work through the CCSLC Mathematics syllabus and past materials available from CXC, and practise applying mathematical literacy, problem solving, critical thinking and decision making to everyday Caribbean contexts.
What you'll study
About CCSLC Mathematics preparation
Who is the CCSLC Mathematics exam for?
It is intended for students completing secondary school in Participating Territories. The CCSLC curriculum was developed to provide certification for all students who complete secondary school, offering a foundation for further study, entry-level employment and articulation with programmes such as CSEC and TVET.
Is Mathematics compulsory for the CCSLC?
Yes. To be awarded a certificate, a candidate must successfully complete a minimum of five subjects, including two compulsory subjects developed by CXC specifically for the programme: English and Mathematics. The remaining three subjects come from the approved groups and combinations listed by CXC.
What score do I need to be rated Competent?
CXC reports CCSLC results on a composite score scale: 75–100 is Master, 50–74 is Competent and 0–49 is Developing Competence. The CCSLC is awarded after a candidate achieves a minimum of 'Competent' in five subjects within a three-year period.
How long do I have to complete the five subjects?
CXC states that the CCSLC is awarded after a candidate achieves a minimum of 'Competent' in five subjects within a three-year period. Note that the separate group certificate route (level 2) is described over a maximum period of up to five years, so check which route applies to you.
What does the Mathematics subject cover?
The CCSLC common core was designed to build competencies for further study, work and citizenship. Achievement of the CCSLC attests to competencies including Mathematical Literacy, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking and Informed Decision Making, so expect Mathematics to be assessed in applied, reasoning-based contexts rather than pure recall.
How much does it cost to sit CCSLC Mathematics?
There is no candidate fee for CCSLC. However, the six CCSLC subjects developed by CXC, which include Mathematics, incur a subject charge of Bds$25.00 in participating territories. The subject fee for non-participating territories is BDS$50.00. Charges for CSEC and local programmes may also apply.
What results document do I receive after sitting?
CXC issues a Result Slip after every sitting of subjects developed by CXC. Candidates who satisfy the CCSLC requirements are awarded a Certificate conferred by CXC. If you need a replacement later, CXC provides online transcript and certificate request services.
How should I plan my study order?
Start with Mathematical Literacy and Problem Solving, since these underpin the other competencies, then practise Critical Thinking and Informed Decision Making through multi-step, real-life problems. Work through the CCSLC Mathematics syllabus and available CXC materials, and time yourself on practice items to build accuracy before speed.
What are common ways candidates fall short?
Typical weaknesses are treating Mathematics as pure calculation and ignoring the applied reasoning the CCSLC certifies, skipping the compulsory English or Mathematics requirement, and leaving too few subjects completed inside the three-year window. Read each question carefully, show working, and check that your answer fits the real-life context given.