The external assessment of Year Three Practicum is an important component of the assessment process to certify teachers completing the teacher education programme in Jamaica. Students are required to complete nine credit hours* (16 weeks) of practicum, distributed over the three years of intramural study at the teacher education institution. The period of practice in the first and second years is assessed internally, with the third year externally examined (Joint Board of Teacher Education 2003). The examining board for the practicum is the Joint Board of Teacher Education (JBTE) under the aegis of the University of the West Indies. Currently 12 teacher education institutions in Jamaica seek certification through the JBTE in four programmes: Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary, and Special Education. Within the Secondary Programme there are 24 subject areas.