EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL OF ZAMBIA ACT NO. 15 of 1983 (as amended in 1994), CAP 137 OF THE LAWS OF ZAMBIA.
REPEALED AND REPLACED BY ECZ ACT NO. 3 OF 2023

An Act of Parliament established the Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) in 1983 to set and conduct examinations and award certificates to successful candidates. The ECZ fully launched and became operational in 1987 as a semi-autonomous public institution (Parastatal). Prior to the establishment of the Council, the University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate in the United Kingdom was the examining and awarding body.

FUNCTIONS OF THE COUNCIL
The functions of the Council as stipulated in the Examinations Council of Zambia Act, No. 3 of 2023 are to:

Section 4(1)
(a) prepare and administer examinations at a basic school, high school and school for continuing education;
(b) monitor and supervise examinations at a basic school, high school and school for continuing education;
(c) promote the integrity of the system of examinations at a basic school, high school and school for continuing education;
(d) formulate examination syllabi and assessment schemes;
(e) formulate and enforce examination guidelines;
(f) accredit examination centres;
(g) appoint examination officers;
(h) register candidates for examinations;
(i) award certificates to candidates who pass examinations;
(j)cause the training of examination officers;
(k) formulate a code of ethics and conduct for examination officers;
(l) collaborate with Government departments and institutions in the administration of examinations in the Republic;
(m) invite a person or body in, or outside, the Republic to assist the Council in the administration of examinations;
(n) collaborate with the Zambia Qualifications Authority for the verification of examination qualifications conferred by the Council;
(o) promote the international recognition of qualifications conferred by the Council;
(p) provide advice to a State institution on the development and use of any system of examining when requested to do so; and
(q) carry out research in examinations.

Section 4(2)
The Council may determine—
(a) the fees payable for an inspection conducted or other services rendered for the purposes of this Act; and
(b) what portion of any fee is payable in respect of any part of a year and the date on which the fee or portion ofthe fee is payable.