Secondary 5 ministry exams
Secondary 5 is not harder than Secondary 4, but it counts more: the marks end up in the R score that decides CEGEP admission, and the uniform exams are worth 50% of every mark they touch. At the heart of the year: the French writing exam, English for everyone, and math for those who continue it.
The May-June 2027 dates will be published by the ministry in the fall: our exam calendar is updated as soon as they appear.
The exams of the year
French, language of instruction: writing (uniform exam)
3 h 15 · in 2026: June 8, 2026The exam of the year in the French sector. Students receive a preparatory dossier (3 to 5 texts on a theme) a few days ahead, then write an argumentative text of about 500 words defending a clear thesis based on the dossier. Reference works are allowed. The mark feeds directly into the R score used for CEGEP admission.
English as a Second Language (core or enriched)
several components · in 2026: late May and early June 2026Every Secondary 5 student in the French sector writes it. The core program includes reading comprehension and an oral interaction; the enriched program adds a written production. It is less a knowledge exam than a fluency exam: short conversations in English in the preceding weeks prepare better than hours of grammar.
Mathematics (Secondary 5 CST, TS or SN)
3 h · in 2026: June 18, 2026Only for students taking a math course in Secondary 5, that is, those whose target CEGEP program requires it. The big difference with Secondary 4: the exam combines several concepts in a single problem, which rewards full exams done under real conditions over isolated exercises. To go further: math tutoring.
Three sessions a year: the main May-June session, the late July and early August retakes, and the January session for students finishing a course mid-year. Exact dates are on the ministry exam calendar.
Practise under real conditions
For French writing, nothing replaces practising the exact format: a dossier, 3 h 15, one complete argumentative text. Our practice exam follows the official format and evaluation criteria, answer key included.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Secondary 5 French writing exam?
In 2026 it took place on Monday, June 8, from 9:00 to 12:15 (3 h 15). The 2027 calendar will be published by the ministry in the fall; our dates page is updated as soon as it appears. The preparatory dossier is handed out in class a few days before the exam.
Why does the French exam matter for the R score?
The uniform exam is worth 50% of the final Secondary 5 French mark, and that mark follows the student into CEGEP admissions. A few points on the argumentative text can echo into selective program admissions, well after high school.
My child is in an English school. Which exams apply?
In the English sector, Secondary 5 students write the French as a Second Language ministerial exam, and the Secondary 4 uniform exams (history, science, mathematics) exist in English as well. The exact list varies with the pathway, so confirm it with your school or school board.
Does my child have to write the English exam? And the math one?
English, yes: every Secondary 5 student in the French sector writes the ESL exam, core or enriched depending on the program. Mathematics, only if the student takes a Secondary 5 math course (CST, TS or SN); those who stopped after Secondary 4 have no ministry math exam.
What happens after a failed Secondary 5 exam?
A retake session runs in late July and early August: in 2026, French writing was retaken on July 27 and English on July 27, 28 and 29. For a graduating student, the retake can condition the diploma and fall CEGEP entry: targeted preparation between the two sessions is not optional.
If the French mark worries you, it gets fixed before the exam, not after: five or six targeted sessions on the structure of the argumentative text can raise a final mark by several points. Our packages and prices are on the pricing page, and matching with a tutor takes 24-48 h.