The secondary school course is validated by the European Baccalaureate at the end of year 7. The certificate awarded is fully recognized in all the European Union countries, as well as in a number of others. Those awarded the certificate enjoy the same rights and advantages as other holders of school-leaving certificates in their respective countries, including the same right as nationals with equivalent qualifications to seek admission to any university or institution of higher education in the fifteen European Union countries.

The Examining Board, which oversees the examinations in all the language sections, is led by a designated chairman and is composed of examiners from each of the European Union countries. They are appointed annually by the Board of Governors and must meet the requirements laid down in their home countries for appointment to examining boards of the same level.

The Baccalaureate examination assesses performance in the subjects taught in years 6 and 7, and to qualify for admission students must have completed at least the last two years of the secondary course at the European School.

 The assessment of each candidate consists of two elements:

1. A preliminary mark based on course-work, oral participation in class and tests set throughout year 7, to which a total of 40 marks are possible.
   
2. At the end of year 7
   
   a) 5 written examination, including basic language (mother tongue), first foreign language and mathematics, which are compulsory choices for all candidates, to which a total of 36 marks are possible.
   b) 4 oral examinations, including basic language (mother tongue) and first foreign language, which are compulsory choices, as is history or geography if a written examination has not been taken in the subject, to which a total of 24 marks are possible.

The pass mark is 60 marks out of 100.

Close scrutiny by the Examining Board, with examination scripts marked twice (three times, if necessary), ensures that high standards are maintained and that the BAC certificate is only given to those who have fulfilled the standards necessary to qualify for higher education.

European BAC Regulations