The Direction des Examens et COncours (DECO) is an organization of the Education Nationale which came into being on May 15, 1957 with the creation of the Conseil de Gouvernement, which put an end to the direct responsibility of the colonial administration in Ivorian affairs, in the wake of the loi cadre.

On that date, the Territorial Assembly created the first twelve (12) ministries. Decree n°30004/CAB1 of May 25 1957, setting out the remit of the Ministry of National Education, also created the DECO, with the following essential missions

- the preparation and organization of school and teaching examinations and competitions under the responsibility of the Minister of National Education;

- the preparation of documents relating to the various national examinations and competitions organized by the Ministry of National Education;

- certifying, authenticating and issuing diploma equivalents;

- drawing up and issuing diplomas, certificates and attestations;

- representing the Ministry at inter-ministerial and inter-state examinations and competitions.