7-point grading scale
The grading system used in all state-regulated education since August 2007 is the 7-point grading scale.
| Grade | Description | ECTS | Old scale (00-13) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | For an excellent performance displaying a high level of command of all aspects of the relevant material, with no or only a few minor weaknesses |
A |
13 11 |
| 10 | For a very good performance displaying a high level of command of most aspects of the relevant material, with only minor weaknesses |
B | 10 |
| 7 | For a good performance displaying good command of the relevant material but also some weaknesses |
C |
9 8 |
| 4 | For a fair performance displaying some command of the relevant material but also some major weaknesses |
D | 7 |
| 02 | For a performance meeting only the minimum requirements for acceptance | E | 6 |
| 00 | For a performance which does not meet the minimum requirements for acceptance |
Fx |
5 03 |
| -3 | For a performance which is unacceptable in all respects | F | 00 |
02 is the minimum grade for passing an exam.
Apart from the 7-point grading scale, pass/fail assessment may also be used.
The student's performance must be assessed according to academic targets set for the specific subject or course (absolute grading method). The relative grading method must not be used.
For more information about the 7-point grading scale and conversion of grades from the old grading scale of 00 to 13 see the executive orders on the grading scale.
-
Ministry of Education Order on the Grading Scale and Other Forms of Assessment (pdf)
- Ministerial Order on the Grading Scale and Other Forms of Assessment of Study Programmes Offered under the Ministry of Higher Education and Science (pdf)
The old grading scale
Factsheets
- Grading system of Danish general upper secondary education - including cumulative averages (pdf)
- Grading system of Danish higher education (pdf)
Grades in vocational education and training
In addition to the 7-point grading scale (see above), various "verbal scales" are used for the final exam in several programmes. These scales include distinction grades. For example, one such scale includes the following grades: ”Accepted/silver medal”, ”Accepted/bronze medal”, “Accepted with distinction”, “Pass”, ”Fail”. Hairdressing is the only field of education where a "gold medal" indicates the highest possible grade.
The "verbal" grades are indicated on the journeyman's certificate.