KNEC registration private candidates

KNEC registration private candidates [KCSE private candidate registration 2024]

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Last updated on January 18th, 2024 at 08:02 am

This guide explains the KNEC registration process for private candidates.

And as you might be aware, KNEC provides this option for those who wish to upgrade their KCSE grade (repeating form four) or just get a KCSE certificate for the first time.

Let’s dive right in.

 

KNEC registration private candidates – the process

KNEC has simplified the process of registering for KCSE exams as a private candidate and all you have to do now is download and fill the KNEC private candidate registration form from their website.

You’re then required to present the completed form to your sub-county’s director of education.

The sub county education office will also guide you on the existing KCSE private registration centres in your sub county – you can request to be placed in a center that is convenient for you.

Note that you will sit your exam in one of the schools appointed as a KCSE private exam center in your sub county (KNEC permits only one private K.C.S.E examination centre in every sub county).

 

Official requirements to register as a private KCSE candidate in Kenya

You will be asked to supply the following documents when registering:

  • Passport size photo (2 copies).
  • Birth certificate copy (1 copy).
  • A copy of your KCPE certificate.

Besides, a duration of not less than 3 years should have passed since you wrote  your KCPE exam if you’re a first time private candidate.

Form 4 repeaters were previously required to spend two years out in the cold before re-attempting the KCSE exam but this condition has since been abolished after a review of the KCSE guidelines.

KNEC registration private candidates- how much is the examination fees?

If you’re taking 7 subjects, expect to pay about shs.5500/-.

The charges may, however, go up with an extra shs.200-shs.500 per extra exam depending on whether the paper is practical or theory.

The maximum number of papers you can sit is presently capped at 9.

Note: The fee keep on varying so it is important to contact your local sub-county education office /KNEC for final confirmation

Kenya national examination council registration for private candidates- payment of fees

While regular students ought to deposit the examination fees straight into any of the various KNEC collection bank accounts at National Bank, KCB, Co-operative Bank, or Equity bank branch, private students pay through the account you’re given by the sub-county education officer helping you.

Just request him/her to supply you with the details about the bank account account you are required to pay into- normally, each sub-county will have a unique bank account.

Once you pay, the deposit slip copy should be handed over to your sub county’s director of education along with the rest of the requested registration documents (as explained next).

He/she will ultimately transfer the entire amount (from all the private candidates who have registered through his/her office) to KNEC.

 

KNEC registration private candidates – when is the KCSE registration deadline?

To be eligible, you are supposed to submit the form and pay the applicable exam fees before the expiry of the set KCSE private candidate registration period.

Now, KNEC usually announces the deadline date through the media but I recommend that you contact your sub county’s education office soonest possible for confirmation as it will allow you to make the necessary arrangements.

Important: Keep in mind that the usual deadline for KCSE private candidate registration is 28th February. Of course, this may change as a result of special situations (such as the pandemic) or as KNEC/ministry of education deems fit.  That is why we keep on insisting that the best approach to be sure of deadlines is to get in touch with your sub-county’s education office ASAP.

 

KNEC registration private candidates- A word on late registration

KNEC used to extend the exam registration period by a couple of days after the official deadline but this is no longer the case for both KCSE and KCPE exams.

It’s, therefore, crucial that you adhere to the deadline you’re given by the sub county education official.

 

Final thoughts

To boost your chances of scoring a good grade in your KCSE as a private candidate, consider enrolling in one of the adults secondary schools in Kenya such as Clevers schools or at least a secondary school near you especially for practicals.

There are  schools that offer bridging courses you can consider too accross the country.

You can also hire a private KCSE tutor or use the KCSE study materials at your nearest Kenya National Library Services branch.

Also helpful during revision are KNEC past papers (search for them online or sweet-talk your teachers).

 

PS: You can contact Mr. Michael Obiero of Pan African Girls High School on 0724 679 057 0r 0789 881 380 if you’d prefer to bridge/resit your KCSE exam as a private candidate. He will help with everything including booking you for the resit and enrolling you for classes(if you’d like to be a private candidate).

ALSO READ:

Bridging courses in Kenya

KCSE private tuition in Nairobi (best centers)

You may also like:

KCSE private tuition in Nairobi [The best centers]
Functions of KNEC and Challenges Facing KNEC
KNEC grading system for colleges [All you need to know about KNEC TVET grading system]
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KNEC bridging courses : All you need to know

65 thoughts on “KNEC registration private candidates [KCSE private candidate registration 2024]”

  1. Hi my name is Amon Kiplagat Kwambai and I did my kcse on 2018 and I would like to register as a private candidate for this year 2020 kcse national examination ..

    Reply

  2. Hi. If I did my KCSE in 2003 can I still do a re-sit 2021? Is there a limit to time lapsed since I did my KCSE. Which colleges or university around Thika does this?

    Reply

  3. Hey am Hassan Maloba nilifanya mtihani wa darasa la nane mwaka wa 2019.
    Tulipata shahada zetu hivi maajuzi,lakini tena baadae shirika la mitihani Knec liliitisha hizo shahada zetu.
    Je tutazipata tena??
    Teso North Private.

    Reply

  7. I did my kcse in 2019, i reregistered again in 2020 can i still use my previous certificate?.
    In the future can i still use both certificates?

    Reply

  15. Hey am Sharon sat for my kcse 2021 march but I did not attain the best grade so can I re-sit as a private candidate and do the exams 2022?

    Reply

  17. Am Faith I did my KCSE in 2014 but didn’t get a better grade so wanted to resist so that I can get better grade to go in university direct Kindly can it be possible.

    Reply

    • Just contact the local subcounty education office if you want to resit your KCSE for guidance. I however believe that it’s not a must for you to go to University for you to succeed in your career.

      Reply

  20. I sat for A-Level in 1978 as a private candidate and passed, but never collected my Certificate. How and where can l collect it?
    Thanks,
    Solomon

    Reply

  23. my name is Veronica isn’t go my exam of kcpe on 2010 then on 2011 ijoin secondary up to form 2 then lack of school fees idint finish my school idroup my parent they don’t have money go school fees soo ifesieded to dropout iwas asking if ican register fo kcse

    Reply

  32. hi, I have two questions
    1. are bridging courses still being offered and are they accepted by knec?
    2. I did my kcse in 2008, can I register as a private student to resist and is it possible for to sit for a single subject

    Reply

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