ECZ grading system: grades 1 to 9 and best-six points
Each subject is graded 1 (Distinction) to 9 (Unsatisfactory). The best six subjects, English always among them, add up to the points; lower is better. Type the marks to work it out.
ECZ grades (1-9)
| Grade | Marks | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Distinction | 75–100% | 1 |
| 2 Distinction | 70–74% | 2 |
| 3 Merit | 65–69% | 3 |
| 4 Merit | 60–64% | 4 |
| 5 Credit | 55–59% | 5 |
| 6 Credit | 50–54% | 6 |
| 7 Satisfactory | 45–49% | 7 |
| 8 Satisfactory | 40–44% | 8 |
| 9 Unsatisfactory | 0–39% | 9 |
In Msingi a school can set its own mark ranges. Grade a whole class →
How it works
The ECZ grading system, explained
ECZ grades secondary subjects from 1 to 9: 1 and 2 are a distinction, 3 and 4 a merit, 5 and 6 a credit, 7 and 8 a satisfactory pass, and 9 unsatisfactory. Each grade counts as its number.
The points add up the best six subjects, and English is always one of them, so 6 is the best possible. The mark ranges here are the defaults Zambian schools commonly use for their own tests; ECZ sets its own for the national examination.
How are ECZ points calculated?
Add the grade numbers of English and the best five other subjects. Six grade 1s give 6 points, the best possible.
Does English always count?
Yes. English is always one of the six subjects counted, whatever its grade.
What grade is a credit?
Grades 5 and 6. Grades 1 and 2 are distinctions and 3 and 4 merits.
Is this ECZ’s calculator?
No. It is a free tool by Msingi and cannot predict an ECZ result.
Msingi does this for every learner
Teachers enter marks once. Grades, points, positions and the report card for a whole class come out, the way Zambia schools print them.