In the UAE, we are proudly building an integrated system of education to prepare our promising generations in line with the highest standards of qualification and empowerment. In this context, we have launched six years ago a national, standard, and electronic testing system called the "The Emirates Standardized Test" (EmSAT). It is the first of its kind project that is based on the national standards of the UAE and world-class standards, in order to measure and assess the performance of the students. The EmSAT is currently applied to a number of school grades and it guarantees that the students are acquiring the knowledge, science, and skills required to effectively participate in the knowledge-based economy.

The EmSAT was launched in response to the comprehensive education development process in the country that aims to provide decision makers and educational leadership with accurate information about the entire education system to make the necessary optimization decisions. Modern educational measurement techniques, moreover, including computers that work by matching and simulation, will enable us to provide important data and information in this field.

The EmSAT includes three main categories, the EmSAT Baseline, EmSAT Advantage, EmSAT Achieve -Gr12. The results of the tests will link the inputs and outputs of the three stages of education, namely "early childhood, general education, and higher education." Thus, they will allow filling the gaps in the skills possessed by students and establishing the best educational programs and practices in a comprehensive, integrated manner between the public and higher education sectors.

The EmSAT derives its significance from the fact that it is a basic admission criterion in public universities and some private universities in the country, based on which the decisions related to admissions and determining the level of students at the regional and global levels are made. It is also a prerequisite for scholarships and admission to military colleges and national service.

We always make sure that we provide our students with the best. In this context, we gave them the freedom to choose the time and place appropriate for them to take the test, with a chance to retake the test in 60 days after taking the last test. We have also provided 260 centres for the grade 12 EmSAT test, spreading across the emirates of the country. The ministry is also planning to open eight more accredited centres, which apply the testing standards, in different parts of the country soon, in order to increase the capacity, provide equal opportunities for all, and ensure that no student misses the test.

We trust the potentials and skills of our students and we will not save an effort to provide them with all the capabilities that elevate their scientific level and enable them to develop their skills. This will help achieve the future ambitions of the country to provide a platform for educated, conscious generations that always strive for global excellence and competitiveness within the orientation towards a sustainable knowledge-based economy.

Written by Mrs. Hessa Al-Nuaimi

Director of International and National Exam Application - Ministry Of Education