Haiti Education System & Credential Evaluation

A guide to the Haiti education system and how your credentials compare to US standards for immigration, university admissions, and employment.

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Overview of the Haiti Education System

Haiti follows a 13-year system of education regulated by the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP). French and Haitian Creole (Kreyòl ayisyen) are both official languages; French is the primary medium of instruction though Creole is increasingly used. The academic year runs from October to July. Haiti's education system faces significant challenges related to poverty, natural disasters, and infrastructure — a large proportion of schools are private. Haitian credential evaluation is frequently requested as Haiti has a large diaspora in the United States, particularly in Florida, New York, and Massachusetts.

Structure of the Education System

Fundamental Education — Cycle 1 (4 Years, Ages 6–9, Grades 1–4)

Covers French, Creole, Mathematics, Sciences, Social Studies, Arts, and Physical Education.

Fundamental Education — Cycle 2 (4 Years, Ages 9–12, Grades 5–8)

Expanded curriculum. Students sit the Certificat d'Études Primaires (CEP) at the end of Grade 6 for primary completion.

Fundamental Education — Cycle 3 (2 Years, Ages 12–14, Grades 9–10)

Concludes the fundamental education cycle. Students sit the Brevet d'Études du Premier Cycle (BEPC) — the lower secondary certificate.

Secondary Education — 3 Years (Ages 14–17, Grades 11–13)

Academic or Technical track. Culminates in the Baccalauréat (Bac I after Grade 12, and Bac II after Grade 13), administered by the Office du Baccalauréat. The Bac II is the primary qualification for university admission.

University Education

Université d'État d'Haïti (UEH) is the main public institution. Bachelor's degrees typically take 4–5 years. Private universities also operate widely. Many Haitians pursue higher education in France, Canada, and the United States.

Grade Conversion Scale for Haiti

Grade Scale	Description	US Equivalent
16–20	Excellent	A
14–15.9	Very Good (Très Bien)	B
12–13.9	Good (Bien)	C
10–11.9	Pass (Passable)	D
0–9.9	Fail (Insuffisant)	F

Key Credentials

Certificat d'Études Primaires (CEP) — primary completion (Grade 6)
Brevet d'Études du Premier Cycle (BEPC) — lower secondary certificate
Baccalauréat I (Bac I) — after Grade 12
Baccalauréat II (Bac II) — after Grade 13; equivalent to a US high school diploma
Licence/Bachelor's Degree — 4–5 years

US Equivalency of Haiti Credentials

The Baccalauréat II is equivalent to a US high school diploma
The Bac I alone is not a full high school diploma equivalent
A Haitian Licence/Bachelor's degree is equivalent to a US Bachelor's degree

Why You Need a Credential Evaluation

A formal credential evaluation is required for US university admissions, employment-based immigration petitions (H-1B, EB-1A, EB2-NIW, O-1, L-1), and professional licensing.

If your documents are in French or Haitian Creole

All Haiti academic documents must be accompanied by certified English translations. Evaluation World offers French or Haitian Creole-to-English translation services combined with your evaluation order.