KNEC Announces Free CBA Training Portal For Teachers

Teachers have been handed a major boost in professional development after the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) unveiled a free online training programme aimed at strengthening modern assessment skills.

The initiative targets senior school teachers and is designed to equip them with practical knowledge and competencies in Competency-Based Assessment (CBA), a core pillar of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

According to KNEC, the self-paced training is hosted on its official online portal and is open to all eligible teachers at no cost. The programme allows educators to learn at their own convenience, making it accessible even to those with busy teaching schedules. Once registered, teachers can begin the course immediately without waiting for physical classes or scheduled sessions.

To enrol, teachers are required to visit the KNEC portal and click on the sign-up option. During registration, participants must create a personal account by completing all mandatory fields marked with red asterisks before submitting their details. After successful registration, teachers gain full access to the platform’s course catalogue.

Within the catalogue, participants are expected to search for the “Senior School & Vocational Skills” course and subscribe to it, which automatically adds the programme to their individual learning profiles. From there, teachers can begin navigating through the modules and track their progress as they advance through the training.

The course content is broad, covering key aspects of assessment under the CBC framework. Teachers are trained on assessment design and blueprinting that aligns with CBC learning outcomes, ensuring that classroom assessments accurately measure learner competencies.

The programme also delves into item writing and test development, helping educators create quality assessment tools that are valid, fair, and learner-centred.

Other critical areas covered include rubric construction and moderation, which are essential for consistent and transparent grading.

Teachers are also guided on portfolio management, an increasingly important component of continuous school-based assessment, enabling them to document and evaluate learners’ progress over time effectively.

In addition, the training introduces participants to psychometrics and quality assurance principles. These modules focus on reliability, validity, and standardisation of marking, ensuring that assessments are consistent and comparable across different schools and regions. This is particularly important as senior school assessment is rolled out nationally.

Digital assessment is another key pillar of the programme. Teachers are trained on the use of digital assessment tools and Learning Management Systems (LMS), including data capture, analysis, and feedback workflows.

This component is aimed at preparing educators for technology-driven assessment processes that support timely feedback and data-informed decision-making.

The programme is structured sequentially, meaning participants must complete each unit in full before progressing to the next module. This approach ensures that teachers fully grasp foundational concepts before moving on to more advanced topics.

Upon successful completion of the course, participants are awarded a KNEC Competency-Based Assessment micro-credential. The credential certifies coverage in assessment design, item writing, rubric development, portfolio management, quality assurance, and the use of digital assessment tools.

KNEC says the certification is intended to standardise assessment practices across the country and align with the quality assurance and reporting formats being introduced in senior schools under the CBC framework.

For teachers who may require additional support, KNEC has also provided optional in-person reinforcement sessions. These will be conducted through county Assessment Hubs as well as at the Education Assessment Resource Centre located at New Mitihani House in South C, Nairobi.

The initiative marks a significant step by KNEC in supporting teachers as Kenya transitions fully to competency-based education, ensuring that educators are well-prepared to implement effective, fair, and modern assessment practices in senior schools nationwide.

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