KCSE Registration 2025: Portal, Requirements, Fees, and Other Details

KCSE Registration 2025: Portal, Requirements, Fees, and Other Details.

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has issued detailed guidelines for KCSE registration, which all county and sub-county education directors and school principals must strictly follow. Schools with fewer than 15 candidates are ineligible to register as KCSE examination centres.

Summary

• The 2025 KCSE registration period started on 27 January 2025 and closed on 21 February 2025.
• KNEC introduced a mid-year exam in July for candidates who missed or wish to retake KCSE.
• The KCSE registration fee is Ksh.7,200 and is compulsory for all candidates.

KCSE Registration Process

Eligibility and Centre Requirements

A school must have at least 15 candidates to register as an examination centre. Institutions with fewer than five candidates must register them at another approved centre. Those with six to fourteen applicants will be assigned a different location by the Sub-County Director of Education.

Registration forms and details of such schools must be submitted to KNEC, ensuring that the hosted school retains its original examination code.

KCSE Registration Deadline

The registration period for 2025 KPSEA and KCSE candidates ran from 27 January to 21 February 2025.

Accessing the KCSE Online Registration System

To access KNEC’s registration portal, users must have a valid username and password. The school code, an 8-digit number, serves as the username.

To obtain the password, a text message should be sent to 22262 in the format KCSE#centrecode. A reply containing an 8-digit login password will be sent.

After entering the username and password, the system prompts first-time users to change their password for security reasons.

Steps to Change KCSE Portal Password

1. Input the received 8-digit number in the ‘Current Password’ field.
2. Create a new password in the ‘New Password’ section.
3. Re-enter the new password in the confirmation box (copy-pasting is not allowed).
4. Click ‘Change Password’ to finalize the update.
5. Click ‘Continue’ to proceed with registration details submission.

KCSE Online Registration Procedure

The headmaster or an authorized official should complete the following steps:

• Visit KNEC’s website.
• Download the candidates’ registration form.
• Fill in the necessary candidate details to create a registration file.
• Log in again to:
  • Upload the completed registration file.
  • Register a new candidate by selecting “new candidate.”

The portal also allows users to modify candidate details, access invoices, download the nominal roll or photo register, and add new applicants.

Candidates can confirm their registration status on the KNEC portal without requiring a username or password. School principals should note that this verification is only possible before the registration deadline. Each candidate will be assigned an index number based on the school’s admission records.

Requirements for New School Registration

Institutions seeking approval to register candidates for KNEC exams must meet the following criteria:

• Submit a valid Ministry of Education registration certificate (for KCPE, KCSE, or Teacher Education examinations).
• Complete and submit an application form for new examination centre registration via the KNEC website.
• Provide a duly filled questionnaire from the Sub-County Director of Education or KNEC, accompanied by an institutional status report.
• If an examination centre relocates, it must request re-inspection by KNEC.

Note: Schools must submit their registration applications at least one year before the candidate registration period begins.

KCSE Private Candidate Registration Requirements

Private candidates intending to sit for the KCSE exams, including those seeking to bridge their qualifications, must meet specific registration conditions set by KNEC.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for registration, applicants must satisfy at least one of the following conditions:

• Possess a valid KCPE certificate, EACE, KCE, or an equivalent foreign qualification, accompanied by a KNEC equation letter.
• Hold a primary school certificate other than KCPE (such as CPE or a foreign equivalent) along with a KNEC-issued KCSE Qualifying Test result slip confirming a pass.
• Demonstrate that they have completed at least three years post-KCPE or equivalent primary examinations before registering for KCSE.
• Provide a confirmation letter from the SCDE or the head teacher of an approved private candidate examination center, verifying where they will sit for practical papers.
• Present a valid National Identity card, passport, or alien card (for foreign applicants). If unavailable, a birth certificate and proof of a National ID application (waiting card) will be required.
• Download and complete the private candidates’ registration form from the KNEC website (www.knec.ac.ke) before reporting to the SCDE for further instructions.

Further details regarding registration requirements can be found on the official KNEC KCSE private candidate registration form. Note that the 2025 KCSE registration deadline for private candidates was on 25th February 2025.

KCSE Registration Fee for Private Candidates

Private candidates must pay a mandatory registration fee of Ksh.7,200 during the application process. Payments should be made individually via the E-Citizen platform, as required by KNEC.

Registration of Candidates with Special Needs

KNEC recognizes students with disabilities under the following categories:

• Visually impaired candidates, including those who are partially sighted or completely blind.
• Candidates who are deaf.
• Candidates with physical disabilities.
• Candidates with mental challenges.

During registration, information such as index numbers, subjects, and the type and degree of disability must be recorded. Upon submission of valid medical documentation from a professional authority, KNEC will provide necessary assistance based on the level of impairment.

KNEC KCSE Online Registration: Photograph Requirements

Candidates must adhere to the following specifications when taking and submitting photos:

• The photo must be passport-sized (45mm by 35mm) and taken with a digital camera.
• The background should be cream or light grey.
• The candidate must have their eyes open and visible, with no sunglasses or spectacles, maintaining a neutral expression while facing straight ahead.
• The image should be sharp and well-lit, with clear contrast between the subject and background.
• The entire face, neck, and shoulders must be visible.
• The photo must be recent, taken within the last six months.
• All candidates should wear their school uniform in the photo.

Uploading Photos for KNEC KCSE Registration

To successfully upload a candidate’s photo for registration, follow these steps:

1. Transfer the digital images to a computer and save them using the candidate’s index number instead of their name.
2. Copy all photos into a new folder.
3. Compress the folder by right-clicking on it, selecting “Send,” and then choosing “Compressed (zipped) folder.”
4. Log in to the KNEC portal using your username and password.
5. Select “Upload candidates’ photos” and proceed.
6. A file manager window will appear; browse to locate the compressed folder and upload it.
7. A confirmation message will be displayed upon successful upload.

KCSE Mandatory Registration Fees and Guidelines

All candidates in both public and private institutions must pay a compulsory registration fee of Ksh. 7,200 for the KCSE examination. This fee applies to the following candidates:

• Non-Kenyan citizens taking the exam
• Private candidates registered at private examination centers within the Sub-county
• Individuals retaking the examination

Private applicants are required to remit their fees directly to KNEC’s designated collection accounts and submit their deposit slips to the Sub-county Director of Education. The director will then forward the slip alongside other registration documents to KNEC.

KNEC Bank Accounts for Payment

• National Bank of Kenya: 0100160314300
• Kenya Commercial Bank: 1116686937
• Equity Bank: 0470294988491
• Co-operative Bank: 01136030120308

KCSE July 2025 Registration Guidelines

KNEC introduced a mid-year exam in July for candidates who either missed their KCSE or wish to retake it. The purpose of this exam is to provide another opportunity to eligible candidates. The guidelines include:

• Registration for the July exam took place from 27th January 2025 to 21st February 2025.
• Eligible candidates include those repeating the exam, those who missed it, and adult learners who were not part of regular schools.
• Learners currently in regular schools who have never taken the KCSE are not eligible.
• The registration fee remains Ksh. 7,200 for all candidates.

KCSE Qualifying Test (QT)

The KCSE Qualifying Test determines a candidate’s eligibility for the KCSE exam. It is conducted in a single day and is open to Kenyan residents and individuals serving in Kenya missions abroad.

Requirements for KCSE Qualifying Test Registration

Applicants must meet specific admission criteria, including:

• Holding a primary school certificate that is not a KCPE certificate, such as the Certificate of Primary Education (CPE).
• Having completed fewer than eight years of primary education and possessing a foreign primary certificate.

The registration process occurs at the County Director of Education’s office from January to March and is conducted online like other KNEC examinations.

KCSE Qualifying Test Fees

Candidates must pay a registration fee of Ksh. 3,000, which should be deposited into KNEC’s designated bank accounts at National Bank, Kenya Commercial Bank, Co-operative Bank, or Equity Bank.

KNEC KCSE Contact Information

For inquiries, including how to check KCPE results online, you can reach KNEC through:

• Telephone: +254 020 3317412 / 3317413 / 3317419 / 3317427 / 3341027 / 3341050 / 3341071 / 3341098 / 3341113 / 2213381
• Mobile: 0720741001 / 0732333860
• Email: [email protected]
• Fax: +254-020-2226032
• Facebook: The Kenya National Examinations Council
• Twitter: @ExamsCouncil

KCSE 2025 Exam Schedule

The KCSE 2025 examination will commence on 21st October 2025, following the official timetable released by KNEC. Rehearsals are scheduled for 17th October 2025.

Repeating KCSE in July

Candidates can repeat the KCSE in July, as KNEC has officially introduced mid-year exams for individuals seeking to retake the test.

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Conclusion

These registration guidelines are crucial for ensuring a smooth KCSE registration process. KNEC’s introduction of the July exam offers a second chance to those who missed or want to improve their previous scores. It is essential to adhere to these guidelines and complete the registration process within the stipulated timeframe.

KCSE Registration 2025: Portal, Requirements, Fees, and Other Details

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