Czech High School Diploma Gaining an International DimensionAll Articles >>

Prague, May 18, 2022

The Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports has approved experimental testing of international Advanced Placement (AP) exams for use in high school graduation diplomas.  AP exams are globally recognized exams taken by five million high school students worldwide each year.  With the support of the Ministry, Czech high school students will now have a unique opportunity to take exams with international validity.

Two equally rigorous and demanding secondary education systems dominate worldwide: International Baccalauréate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP).  Their goal is to prepare students as well as possible for university studies.  The content and academic rigor are based on requirements set by leading universities.

AP depends only on the student's interest.  It is flexible, affordable, and therefore suitable for public schools students.  Designed by the American Colege Board, the AP system entails a set of 38 AP courses exceeding standard high school requirements and extending to the beginnings of university studies.  Motivated and hard-working students, who want to be among the best in the world, could even obtain an international high school diploma - AP Capstone Diploma.

CTM students take AP courses online, each guided by an instructor from start to finish.  CTM is a partner of the American College Board for administration of AP exams for Czech and Slovak students.  CTM students are among the best performers on AP exams.  Their average grade is consistently above 4. (3 = qualified; 4 = well qualified; 5 = extremely well qualified.)  The global AP average is 2.89, for about 7 million exams taken annually in May.  CTM courses have helped many Czech and Slovak students earn admissions and scholarships to top universities including Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, NYU, and MIT.

“In addition to subject matter knowledge and excellent English, students gain a range of soft skills such as critical thinking, understanding topics in context, time management, and the ability to communicate effectively.  In all respects, students are ready and often gain admission to universities of their dreams.  Since 2010, CTM has prepared over 900 Czech students for the AP exams.” says Jeanne Bočková, CTM director.

The experimental testing program was prepared by the Ministry in cooperation with the Center for Talented Youth (CTM), the National Pedagogical Institute (NPI) and the Association of Grammar School Principals (AŘG).  More about the program is on the CTM website>>