CXC sets rules for artificial intelligence in Caribbean school-based assessments

The Caribbean Examinations Council has urged students, teachers, and parents to approach artificial intelligence with care in school-based assessments. The regional examination body told stakeholders that its stance on AI within SBAs aims to protect fairness for every candidate.

In a public statement, CXC Director of Operations Dr. Nicole Manning said the council rests on fair judgement, human oversight, and faith that Caribbean learners want to demonstrate their own knowledge and ability. Manning stated that CXC does not oppose AI use in SBAs, but schools and candidates must follow the council’s rules.

Responding to questions about AI detection programmes, Manning said such software will never be the only grounds for judging a student’s submission. She emphasised that how teachers know their students—through months of contact, reviewed drafts, classroom dialogue, and day-to-day guidance—still shapes how SBAs are moderated and marked.

Manning added that people will intervene at key points to keep the process equitable. CXC’s guidance allows AI to help learners grasp concepts, brainstorm responses, clarify tough terminology, or organise an outline. Where AI support appears in any part of the work, the candidate must name the sources used and submit the mandated disclosure form and originality report with the finished SBA. If no AI was involved, those papers are unnecessary.

Manning warned that handing in work created in full or in large part by AI without proper recognition counts as academic dishonesty in CXC’s eyes. Those matters are dealt with through the council’s standing irregularities framework, with the student, teacher, and school principal all engaged in the outcome.