Belgium's education system is unique in Europe. With three language communities, each running its own schools and exams, navigating the system can feel overwhelming for students and parents alike. This guide breaks down the major exams, what to expect, and how to prepare effectively.
Understanding the Belgian Education System
Belgium has three distinct education authorities, each managing their own curricula, exams, and certification:
- The Flemish Community (Dutch-speaking), covering Flanders and Dutch-speaking institutions in Brussels
- The French Community (Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles), covering Wallonia and French-speaking institutions in Brussels
- The German-speaking Community, a smaller system serving approximately 80,000 inhabitants in eastern Belgium
Compulsory education runs from age 5 to 18. Primary school lasts six years (ages 6 to 12), followed by six years of secondary school divided into three two-year stages: the Observation stage (exploratory), the Orientation stage, and the Determination stage.
The CEB: End of Primary School
The Certificat d'Études de Base (CEB) is the external exam taken at the end of primary school in the French Community. It evaluates whether students have acquired the fundamental skills needed to succeed in secondary education.
2026 Exam Dates
The CEB exams take place on 18, 19, 22, and 23 June 2026, with all sessions held in the morning.
Subjects Tested
- French: Reading comprehension, written expression, grammar, and spelling
- Mathematics: Number operations, problem-solving, geometry, and data handling
- Sciences: Scientific reasoning and basic scientific knowledge
- History, Geography, and Social Studies: Understanding of the world around them
Passing Requirements
Students must achieve a minimum of 50% in each of the four areas: French, Mathematics, Sciences, and Historical/Geographical formation.
Important change coming: Starting with the June 2027 exams (end of the 2026-2027 school year), the pass mark is rising to 60% as an overall average (with 50% minimum per subject). Students sitting the CEB in future years should be aware of this higher threshold.
Preparation Tips for the CEB
The CEB tests competencies rather than rote knowledge. Students need to:
- Practise reading comprehension with a variety of text types (narrative, informational, instructional)
- Work through word problems in maths rather than just computation drills
- Build scientific vocabulary and the ability to describe observations
- Develop writing skills by practising structured short essays and responses
Starting preparation 3 to 4 months before the exam gives students time to identify and address weak areas without cramming.
The CE1D: End of Lower Secondary
The Certificat d'Études du Premier Degré (CE1D) marks the completion of the first two years of secondary school. It is a more demanding external exam that evaluates competencies across four core subjects.
2026 Exam Dates
- Modern Languages: 19 June
- Mathematics: 22 June
- French: 23 June
- Sciences: 24 June
What to Expect
The CE1D includes a mix of multiple-choice questions, short-answer responses, and longer constructed answers. The mathematics section involves problem-solving and reasoning, not just calculation. The modern languages exam tests reading, listening, and writing skills.
Preparation Strategy
- Start early with languages: The modern languages section requires consistent practice over months. Listening comprehension in particular cannot be crammed.
- Focus on mathematical reasoning: The CE1D rewards students who can explain their thinking, not just produce correct answers. Practise writing out solutions step by step.
- Review past papers: The French Community publishes past CE1D exams. Working through these under timed conditions is one of the most effective ways to prepare.
- Address weak areas with targeted support: If a student struggles consistently with one subject, working with a tutor who knows the CE1D format can make a significant difference.
The CESS: End of Upper Secondary
The Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (CESS) is the final certification of secondary education in the French Community. It opens the door to higher education and is required for university admission in Belgium.
2026 Exam Dates
The French component of the CESS is scheduled for 19 June 2026.
The New 60% Threshold
Starting with the June 2027 exams (end of the 2026-2027 school year), students will need to score 60% minimum in each exam to pass, up from the current 50%. This is a significant change that will affect preparation strategies. Students currently in their second-to-last year of secondary school should start adjusting their targets now.
Preparation Approach
The CESS requires mature, well-structured responses. Students should:
- Practise essay writing with clear argumentation and proper use of evidence
- Review core content systematically rather than selectively
- Build exam stamina by completing full-length practice papers under realistic conditions
- Seek feedback on written work, ideally from a teacher or tutor who can identify patterns in mistakes
University Entrance Exams
Medicine and Dentistry
Belgium's medical entrance exam is highly competitive. In 2026, it takes place on 27 August at Brussels Expo. The exam is scored out of 160 points and consists of two parts:
Part 1: Knowledge and Understanding of Scientific Subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics) Part 2: Communication and Critical Analysis of Information (Reasoning, ethical perception, empathy, communication)
Registration opens on 18 May and closes on 5 July 2026. Given the competitive nature of this exam, most successful candidates begin preparing 6 to 12 months in advance, often combining self-study with specialised tutoring.
Civil Engineering (Ingénieur Civil)
Students aiming for the "burgerlijk ingenieur" or "ingénieur civil" programmes at French Community universities must pass a dedicated entrance exam focused on mathematics (analysis, algebra, trigonometry, geometry).
The Flemish System
The Flemish Community has been moving toward standardised testing more recently. In 2024, they introduced tests for students in the 4th and 8th grades covering Dutch and Mathematics. These assessments are designed to provide benchmarks for schools and students, though they differ from the external certification exams of the French Community.
Flemish students receive their secondary school certificate based on continuous assessment and internal examinations set by their school.
How Online Tutoring Can Help
Belgium's exam system rewards consistent preparation over cramming. The subjects tested require genuine understanding and the ability to apply knowledge to new situations. This is where personalised tutoring shines.
A good tutor can:
- Diagnose specific gaps in knowledge or exam technique
- Provide targeted practice matched to the exact format and difficulty of each exam
- Build confidence through regular mock exams and constructive feedback
- Adapt to the curriculum of the specific community and school network
At iTutorOnline, we connect Belgian students with verified tutors who understand the CEB, CE1D, CESS, and university entrance exams. Whether your child needs help with French essay writing, mathematical reasoning, or science exam technique, our tutors deliver personalised support tailored to the Belgian system.
Key Takeaways
- Belgium has three separate education systems run by its language communities
- The CEB, CE1D, and CESS are the major external exams in the French Community
- Pass marks are rising to 60% from 2026-2027, making preparation more important than ever
- University entrance exams for medicine and engineering require early, specialised preparation
- Consistent, targeted study with feedback is far more effective than last-minute cramming
Preparing for Belgian exams? Find a tutor on iTutorOnline who knows the system inside and out.