An Act of Parliament established the Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) in 1983 to set and conduct examinations and award certificates to successful candidates. The full launch and operationalisation of the ECZ was in 1987 as a semi-autonomous public institution (Parastatal). Prior to the establishment of the Council, the University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate in the United Kingdom was the examining and awarding body. 

FUNCTIONS OF THE COUNCIL

The functions of the Council as stipulated in the Examinations Council of Zambia Act, No. 3 of 2023 are to:

Section 4(1)

(a) prepare and administer examinations at a basic school,
high school and school for continuing education;
(b) monitor and supervise examinations at a basic school,
high school and school for continuing education;
(c) promote the integrity of the system of examinations at a
basic school, high school and school for continuing
education;
(d) formulate examinations syllabi and assessment schemes;
(e) formulate and enforce examination guidelines;
(f) accredit examination centres;
(g) appoint examination officers; 

(h) register candidates for examinations;
(i) award certificates to candidates who pass examinations;
(j)cause the training of examination officers;
(k) formulate a code of ethics and conduct for examination
officers;
(l) collaborate with Government departments and institutions
in the administration of examinations in the Republic;
(m) invite a person or body in, or outside, the Republic to
assist the Council in the administration of examinations;
(n) collaborate with the Zambia Qualifications Authority for
the verification of examination qualifications conferred
by the Council;
(o) promote the international recognition of qualifications
conferred by the Council;
(p) provide advice to a State institution on the development
and use of any system of examining when requested to
do so; and
(q) carry out research in examinations.

Section 4(2)

The Council may determine—
(a) the fees payable for an inspection conducted or other
services rendered for the purposes of this Act; and
(b) what portion of any fee is payable in respect of any part
of a year and the date on which the fee or portion of
the fee is payable.