The Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC) announced the launch of the “Readiness” program tests for the current academic year, beginning next week, marking its fourth consecutive year. This national initiative targets over 68,000 male and female students expected to graduate with bachelor’s degrees, making it one of the most comprehensive national assessments of higher education outcomes in the Kingdom. The program is part of ETEC’s ongoing efforts to measure academic performance in universities and colleges, improve the quality of educational outcomes, and enhance their alignment with the evolving demands of the labor market, directly contributing to the objectives of the Human Capability Development Program and Saudi Vision 2030.
General context and objectives of the “Readiness” program
The “Readiness” program is a strategic tool launched by the Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC) to build an integrated and sustainable system for measuring educational outcomes. The program did not emerge in a vacuum; rather, it is a natural evolution of the national vision for education, which seeks to shift its focus from the inputs of the educational process to the evaluation of actual outputs. Previously, evaluation heavily emphasized institutional and program accreditation. Now, with the launch of “Readiness,” the focus has shifted to measuring the extent to which graduates possess the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for success in the job market. The program aims to provide decision-makers in universities and government agencies with accurate and reliable data on the strengths and weaknesses of academic programs, enabling them to make evidence-based development decisions.
Importance and expected impact at the local and national levels
The importance of the “Readiness” tests lies in their multifaceted impact. At the local level, within educational institutions, the test results provide universities and colleges with vital performance indicators that help them review and develop their curricula and teaching methods. At the national level, the program contributes to achieving the goals of Vision 2030 by bridging the gap between educational outcomes and labor market needs. By identifying the skills that graduates lack, educational and training investments can be directed more effectively. This, in turn, enhances the competitiveness of the Saudi economy, reduces youth unemployment rates, and ensures that the national workforce possesses the skills necessary to lead promising economic sectors.
Scope of tests and covered disciplines
The “Readiness” program is distinguished by its broad scope, with the participation of more than 50 universities and colleges, covering over 700 academic programs across 51 university disciplines. The tests encompass a wide range of scientific and theoretical disciplines, including:
- Engineering: with its civil, electrical, mechanical, and chemical branches.
- Computer Science and Information Technology: such as software engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and information systems.
- Administrative and financial sciences: such as economics, finance, accounting, business administration, human resources, and marketing.
- Basic sciences: such as chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology.
- Media, Law and Languages: This includes journalism, public relations, law, and translation.
- Tourism and Heritage: such as tourism management, tourist guiding, and heritage resource management.
This ambitious program is being implemented in conjunction with the Council of University Affairs and in cooperation with a number of national bodies, reflecting a shared national commitment to improving the quality of education and preparing a generation qualified for the future.
