BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) -- The Palestinian Authority Ministry of Education has approved a new high school exam system, an official told Ma'an on Friday.

Basri Salih, undersecretary for planning and development, said that a simplified system for "Tawjihi" exams has been developed after months of consultations and discussions.

The new system was prepared by a commission headed by Salih and submitted to the PA education ministry on April 28.

As part of the changes, tenth and eleventh graders will be tested on 12 subjects over a two year period.

The final grade will be an average of exam results over the two years. In the old system, students would sit an exam at the end of their twelfth year which would determine their grade.

When finalized, the new system will come into effect for tenth graders next year.

President Abbas has welcomed the new system and approved the amendments, Salih said.

The Tawjihi, administered every year for Palestinian students seeking the high school qualification, is required for those who wish to enter Palestinian universities. The score on the test determines which programs a would-be student can enter.

Over eighty nine thousand students completed their Tawjihi exams on July 3 in the West Bank and Gaza.

Students often complain about the difficulty of the exams.