Education is an essential process in the formation of every individual, and the education system in Romania, although criticized from many points of view, is designed to guide students from the first days of school to professional specialization. Within each level of education, there are important assessments and exams that allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and advance in their academic path. Each stage of education brings with it new challenges and assessments that are designed to ensure a solid preparation for the next stages of learning and entry into the labor market.

1. Preschool Education

Kindergarten (3-6 years): In kindergarten, there are no formal examinations. Children are assessed continuously, based on daily activities and progress in the development of social, motor, cognitive and emotional skills. At the end of kindergarten, the teachers provide parents with an evaluation report on the child's readiness for school.

2. Primary Education

Preparatory Class (6-7 years old) to Class IV (9-10 years old): At this stage, students do not take formal graduation exams. However, at the end of Grades II and IV, national assessments, known as the National Assessment for Grades II and IV, are organized. These tests are designed to measure pupils' basic skills in areas such as reading, writing and math, but do not influence promotion to the next grade. The results are used by teachers to adjust teaching methods and provide additional support to pupils who need it.

3. Secondary education

Class V (10-11 years) to Class VIII (13-14 years): At the end of Class VIII, pupils take the National Assessment, an examination which includes tests in Romanian Language and Literature, Mathematics and, for those studying in national minority languages, an additional test in the mother tongue. The National Assessment is a very important exam, as the marks obtained influence the placement of pupils in secondary schools. The overall average from the National Assessment and the average of the secondary school years form the average for admission to secondary school.

4. High School Education

Class IX (14-15 years old) to Class XII (17-18 years old): At the end of Class XII, students take the Baccalaureat exam, which is the exam for graduating from high school. The Bacalaureate consists of written and oral tests, including Romanian Language and Literature, Mathematics or History (depending on the subject taken), and a test in a subject of their choice, which can range from a foreign language to Physics, Biology or Geography. Baccalaureate results are crucial as they determine access to higher education. Some students may also opt to take the International Baccalaureate, which is recognized worldwide.

5. Vocational and Technical Education

Vocational School (Grades IX-XI): In vocational education, students take practical and theoretical exams at the end of each year, and at the end of grade XI they take the vocational skills certification exam, which allows them to obtain a vocational qualification and enter the labor market or continue their studies.

6. Post-secondary education

Post-Secondary School: After leaving secondary school, graduates can opt for post-secondary education, which lasts between 1 and 3 years, depending on the specialization. At the end of their studies, they take a vocational skills certification exam, similar to the one at vocational school, which allows them to enter the labor market directly.

7. University Education

Bachelor's, Master's and PhD: University studies are structured in three cycles: Bachelor's (3-4 years), Master's (1-2 years) and PhD (3-4 years). At the end of each cycle, students sit final exams. For bachelor's and master's degrees, they have to write and defend a diploma or dissertation. For the doctorate, students must carry out original research and publicly defend a doctoral thesis.

Through exams, the Romanian education system aims to ensure a rigorous and constant assessment of students' knowledge and skills, preparing them for future challenges. From the first tests in primary school to the final exams in higher education, each educational level is a step in the personal and professional development of young people. These assessments not only measure knowledge, but also prepare pupils and students to become responsible and competent citizens, able to reach their full potential in their careers and in life.

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