KNEC Sets September Dates for 2026 KCSE Qualifying Test — Candidates to Sit Online Assessment at County Headquarters.
Mr. Silas Obuhatsa Chair NPA,/Photo
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has announced that the 2026 KCSE Examination Qualifying Test (QT) will be administered to all registered candidates from 28th to 30th September 2026, starting at 8:30 a.m.
According to a KNEC circular dated 8th September 2026, the assessment will be conducted online at designated venues at County headquarters. The test is intended for learners without KCPE examination results or an equivalent qualification.
ADMINISTRATION OF THE 2026 KCSE EXAMINATION QUALIFYING TEST.pdf
Candidates to Report Earlier for Verification KNEC says registered candidates are required to appear at the venues identified by the respective County Directors of Education (CDEs) on Monday, 28th and Tuesday, 29th September 2026 for:
Verification of registration documents;
Rehearsal; and. Mock e-assessment/online testing.
On the actual examination days, candidates are expected to converge at their designated venues one hour before the start of the test, at 7:30 a.m.
Counties to Provide Tablets and Internet Connectivity
The Council has directed County Directors of Education to facilitate suitable venues with reliable electricity and stable internet connectivity.
Counties will also be expected to source adequate and functional Digital Learner Programme (DLP) tablets according to the number of registered candidates and engage ICT interns deployed to the counties to support candidates during verification, rehearsal, mock assessment and the actual test.
KNEC will provide attendance and candidates’ photograph registers for verification and administration of the assessment.
Results to Facilitate 2027 KCSE Registration
KNEC further states that candidates will receive online printed result slips at the end of the Qualifying Test, for purposes of registration for the 2027 KCSE Examination, in liaison with the Council.
A KNEC officer will support the administration of the assessment and collect the attendance registers and other examination administration documents at the conclusion of the test.
Candidates and other stakeholders with queries regarding administration of the Qualifying Test have been directed to contact KNEC through kcse@knec.ac.ke.
The Kenya National Examinations Council has appealed for continued support in the administration of the assessment.
