Mexico teacher promotion exam controversy

In early August 2026, Mexico’s Unidad del Sistema para la Carrera de las Maestras y los Maestros (USICAMM) administered the Promotion Horizontal exam to nearly 53,000 teachers. Many participants received a test that did not match their professional profile, prompting USICAMM to announce a re‑programming of the exam. The same session revealed misconduct such as mobile‑phone use, identity fraud with printed photographs, and offers of payment for assistance, leading teachers to demand a transparent re‑evaluation process.

A few days later, the National Union of Education Workers (SNTE) reported that a technical failure on 2 August had given about 25,000 candidates in the first shift a test intended for managerial positions. The error was corrected, and teachers were offered a retake later that day or the option to postpone to 9 August. Union leader Alfonso Cepeda Salas urged participants to continue the process to secure salary incentives. Roughly half of the affected teachers completed the exam on the same day, while the remainder chose to reschedule. USICAMM also noted ongoing irregularities, including suspected identity fraud and cellphone use, which could result in disqualification. Final results on salary increases are expected between August and October.

By mid-August, the controversy expanded to the state of Querétaro, where approximately 150 educators expressed concerns regarding the promotion and assignment process for director positions and new teaching posts. Local officials from the Unidad de Servicios para la Educación Básica del Estado de Querétaro (Usebeq) clarified that while they assist with document reception, the USICAMM platform and evaluation process are managed exclusively by the federal government. Usebeq has contacted federal authorities to address these technical difficulties and to support teachers in ensuring a transparent evaluation.