Minister Kumbaro Says the National Agency for Educational Services Will Be Public, in Line with Albanian Law but with the Highest International Standards

During an interpellation in Parliament, Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro clarified the establishment and operation of the National Agency for Educational Services (AKSHA). She emphasized that the new institution will be a public, autonomous agency under Albanian legislation and will be supervised by the Ministry of Education.
The minister stated that the creation of AKSHA aims to modernize the national assessment system, improving the quality, reliability, and transparency of educational services. AKSHA will take over a wide range of services currently provided by the Educational Services Center (QSHA), which processes around 158,000 services per year.
The process of establishing the agency began in 2019 in cooperation with Cambridge University Press & Assessment as part of the education assessment system reform. Kumbaro stated that the draft law was prepared following consultations with the European Commission within the framework of obligations under the EU integration process and Chapter 26.
The minister highlighted the Albanian-American Development Foundation’s (AADF) support in providing expertise, technology, and infrastructure. Also, clarified that the foundation will act as a donor and technical partner while the Albanian state retains full administrative and decision-making authority.
AKSHA’s autonomy is expected to modernize the State Matura exam and other national assessments, improve data management, and ensure more efficient recognition of foreign diplomas, student enrollment processes, and expanded capacities for regulated professions and international assessments.
Another component of the reform relates to improvements in logistical and technological conditions. The new agency is planned to have a dedicated building with modern infrastructure, including examination halls that meet Cambridge standards, security and surveillance systems, and technological equipment for administering thousands of exams per month.
The minister emphasized that the findings of international experts highlight the need to modernize the assessment system and transition gradually toward digital processes. The minister considers this a necessary step toward aligning with international and European Union standards.
The Ministry of Education will oversee AKSHA’s activities, and the Ministry of Education and the Council of Ministers will review key financial decisions, fees, and high-impact issues. The agency will be required to submit annual reports and will undergo thematic, legal, and financial audits by state institutions.