How the BEM Average and Passage to Secondary School Are Calculated in Algeria
Passage average for 1AS = (BEM average + 4AM annual average) ÷ 2, and it must reach at least 10/20. Here is the method, common coefficients and a worked example.
In Algeria, the BEM average is a weighted average: multiply each subject mark by its coefficient, add up the results, then divide by the total of the coefficients. Moving up to the first year of secondary school (1AS) usually depends on the passage average = (BEM average + 4AM annual average) ÷ 2, which must be at least 10 out of 20. In other words, your work across the whole year counts as much as exam day. This guide walks through both calculations, gives a full worked example, explains what happens if you fail the BEM, and shows how to use coefficients to decide what to revise first.
How is the BEM average calculated?
The formula is the same for everyone: BEM average = sum of (mark × coefficient) ÷ sum of coefficients. Every mark is out of 20, and the coefficient reflects how much the subject weighs. One extra point in a coefficient-5 subject adds 5 points to your total; one extra point in a coefficient-1 subject adds just 1.
- 1Write down your actual or expected mark in each subject, out of 20.
- 2Multiply each mark by that subject's coefficient.
- 3Add up all the results.
- 4Divide the total by the sum of the coefficients to get your BEM average.
What are the BEM subject coefficients?
These are the coefficients most commonly used in recent years. They can change by decision of the Ministry of National Education, so always confirm the official table with ONEC (the national exams office) or your middle school (CEM).
- Arabic: coefficient 5
- Maths: coefficient 4
- French: coefficient 3
- History and geography: coefficient 3
- English: coefficient 2
- Islamic education: coefficient 2
- Natural sciences: coefficient 2
- Physical sciences and technology: coefficient 2
- Civic education: coefficient 1
- Tamazight (for students who take it): coefficient 2, counted under its own rules
With these values the coefficients add up to 24, excluding Tamazight. Arabic and maths alone account for 9 out of 24, more than a third of your average.
How is the passage average to 1AS calculated?
The 4AM annual average is usually the mean of your three term averages, each calculated from tests and term exams using the same coefficients. Once BEM results are out, the passage average is (BEM average + annual average) ÷ 2. If it reaches 10/20, the student moves up to 1AS and is placed in a common core (science and technology, or literature) based on results, preferences and available places. A student who scores at least 10/20 in the BEM is also generally admitted, but the exact rules can be adjusted, so check the ministry circular for the current year.
A worked example, step by step
Take Amina, a student at a middle school in Sétif wilaya, with these BEM marks:
- Arabic 12 × 5 = 60
- Maths 9 × 4 = 36
- French 11 × 3 = 33
- History-geography 14 × 3 = 42
- English 13 × 2 = 26
- Islamic education 15 × 2 = 30
- Natural sciences 11 × 2 = 22
- Physical sciences 10 × 2 = 20
- Civic education 16 × 1 = 16
Total = 285. Divided by 24, that gives a BEM average of about 11.88. Her 4AM annual average is 12.40, so her passage average = (11.88 + 12.40) ÷ 2 = 12.14. Amina earns her BEM and moves up to secondary school comfortably. Her weak spot is clearly maths (9/20): raising it to 13 would have added 16 points to her total, roughly 0.67 on her average.
Run this calculation after every term with your own marks. You will quickly see what BEM score you need to secure a passage average above 10, and which subject offers the biggest gain.
What if you fail the BEM but have a good annual average?
This is exactly why the passage average matters. Take Youcef: he scores 9.20 in the BEM, so he does not earn the certificate, but his annual average is 11.50. His passage average = (9.20 + 11.50) ÷ 2 = 10.35, so he moves up to 1AS even without the BEM itself. On the other hand, a student with an annual average of 8 needs at least 12 in the BEM to reach a passage average of 10.
If the passage average stays below 10, the student usually repeats 4AM or, depending on age and circumstances, may be directed towards vocational training. The lesson is simple: do not neglect the first and second terms. Every point earned during the year takes pressure off exam day.
How to use coefficients to prioritise your revision
- Start with high-coefficient subjects where your mark is average, often maths and Arabic: each point there is worth 4 or 5 points in the total.
- Do not neglect history and geography (coefficient 3): organised memorisation brings reliable points.
- Keep your strong subjects ticking over with light review, because losing easy points is expensive.
- Compare potential gains: raising French from 8 to 11 (+9 points) can be easier and more useful than raising civic education from 14 to 18 (+4 points).
To turn these priorities into a weekly routine, read our BEM success tips. If a high-coefficient subject is dragging your average down, a few sessions with a specialist teacher can make the difference: you can find a teacher on Tadreasy by subject and wilaya and contact them directly. The same logic applies later at the Baccalaureate, as explained in our guide to how the Bac average is calculated.
Frequently asked questions
What average do you need to pass the BEM? You need a BEM average of at least 10/20 to earn the certificate; moving up to secondary school is usually decided by the passage average, which combines the BEM and the annual average.
Can you move up to 1AS without the BEM? Yes, in most cases, if the passage average (BEM + annual average) ÷ 2 reaches 10, even when the BEM average itself is below 10.
Do the coefficients change every year? The values above are the most common ones, but they can be changed by ministerial decision. Check the official table on the ONEC website or with your school.
How is the 4AM annual average calculated? It is usually the mean of the three term averages, each combining tests and term exams with the subject coefficients.
