The National Assessment for 8th grade students represents the method of external summative evaluation of the competencies acquired during lower secondary education.

The exam is conducted annually, in a single session. Both candidates from public education and those from private education have the right to take the National Assessment without a fee.

The average obtained at the National Assessment is a decisive criterion for admission to high school education.

The national-level coordination of designing, organizing, and conducting the National Assessment, as well as the utilization of its results, is ensured by the Ministry of Education through the National Center for Assessment and Examination (CNEE).

The development of specific evaluation procedures is carried out by CNEE, after consulting the specialized departments of the ministry.

The coordination at the county level/for Bucharest of organizing the National Assessment, as well as the utilization of its results, is ensured by the school inspectorate.