The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) General Certificate Examination (GCE) is an opportunity for students who missed out on taking their exams during their secondary school years or want to improve their existing results.

Whether you’re aiming for higher education or career advancement, WAEC GCE can help you achieve your academic goals.

What is WAEC GCE?

WAEC GCE is a standardised exam conducted by the West African Examinations Council for private candidates. It’s an alternative to the traditional school-based WAEC exam, offering flexibility for anyone who couldn’t complete their secondary education or need to retake specific subjects.

Whether you’re a recent secondary school graduate seeking better results, an adult yearning for higher education, or a professional aiming for a career shift, WAEC GCE can help you .

This post will show you all you need to know about the WAEC GCE from registration form, eligibility criteria to exam preparation tips.

Who Can Take WAEC GCE?

WAEC GCE opens doors for a diverse range of individuals. Here are some who can benefit the most:

  1. Secondary School Leavers:

    Didn’t achieve the desired grades in your final WAEC exams? WAEC GCE allows you to retake specific subjects and improve your overall performance. This can significantly enhance your chances of gaining admission into your preferred tertiary institution.

  2. Adults Seeking Further Education:

    Maybe you didn’t pursue higher education right after secondary school, but now you’re determined to make a change. WAEC GCE is your gateway. Earning a WAEC certificate can unlock doors to universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, allowing you to pursue your academic aspirations.

  3. Career Changers:

    Perhaps you’re looking to switch careers, but the desired path requires specific WAEC subject qualifications. WAEC GCE allows you to acquire the necessary credentials, making your career transition smoother.

Eligibility Criteria

To register for the WAEC GCE, you need to meet certain requirements:

  1. Age Requirement: you must be at least 16 years old at the time of registration.
  2. Previous Education: You must have have completed your secondary education or its equivalent.
  3. Documentation: You will need a valid ID, (you can use either  NIN, Voters card, etc), passport photographs, and proof of previous exam results if applicable.

Registration Period

The registration for the WAEC GCE 2024/2025 session usually opens in the first quarter of the year and runs for several months.

It’s important that you register as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline.

The exact dates will be announced on the official WAEC website.

WAEC GCE Subjects

You are required to select the other subjects you wish to register,  a minimum of Seven (7) and a maximum of Nine (9) subjects are allowed (English Language and Mathematics inclusive)

  • English Language  (compulsory)
  • Mathematics (compulsory)
  • Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
  • Social Sciences (Government, History, Economics)
  • Humanities (Literature, Religious Studies)
  • Business Studies
  • Technical Subjects (Depending on availability, subjects like Computer Science and Catering may be offered).
The syllabus for each subject is available on the WAEC website. It’s essential to review the syllabus and use recommended textbooks and resources for your study.

Price for WAEC GCE Registration Form

The price for registration of WAEC GCE is  Twenty Seven Thousand Naira only (N 27,000)

WAEC GCE Registration Process

The registration process for WAEC GCE is simple but you need extra attention to avoid mistakes:

  1. Create an Account: Visit the official WAEC registration portal and create an account.
  2. Fill in Personal Details: Enter your personal information accurately.
  3. Select Subjects: Choose the subjects you wish to take.
  4. Upload Documents: Upload required documents, including your ID and passport photographs.
  5. Make Payment: Pay the registration fee using the available payment methods.
  6. Confirm Registration: Review your details and submit your application. Print out the confirmation slip for future reference.
Note :  Candidates who may wish to register for the examination after the close of the entry period will be considered as Walk-in Candidates, provided the walk-in takes place less than 24 hours before the paper.
Walk-in registration is Forty-Five Thousand Naira (N 45,000.00) only per candidate.
Registration must be done not less than twenty-four hours to the scheduled time of the paper(s) intended to sit for

Guidelines For Examination

  1. Candidates should note that registration fee is not refundable.
  2. Candidates should print the examination Timetable at the completion of their registration.
  3. Entries must be uploaded with good quality passport size photographs.Entries with unacceptable passport photographs will be rejected.
  4. The background of such photographs MUST NOT BE BLUE OR RED.
  5. Candidates should study the Regulations and Syllabuses as well as the Timetable for the examination which they can download from WAEC website  using the Registration PIN.
  6. Candidates must go to examination halls in casual clothes, no uniforms.
  7. No professional uniform of any kind will be allowed in the examination halls. .
  8. Smoking is not allowed in the examination hall.
  9. Any candidate that comes into the examination hall with mobile phone(s) and /or electronic gadget(s) will have his or her entire results cancelled.
  10. Candidates must ensure that their entries are correctly completed before uploading as the Council will not be held responsible for errors in candidates’ particulars.
  11. Request for correction will NOT BE entertained on any information which a candidate voluntarily gives at the point of registration as soon as the examination commences.
  12. Candidates must come into the examination hall with their original Photo Cards.
  13. Candidates who engage in examination malpractice will not only have their results cancelled, but may be prosecuted. Candidates must ensure they provide valid email address and telephone number (s) during registration.

Results and Grading System

WAEC GCE results are usually released within three months after the exams.

You can check your results online using your registration number and a result checker PIN.

The grading system ranges from A1 (Excellent) to F9 (Fail), and understanding this scale helps you gauge your performance.

Re-sit and Supplementary Exams

If you don’t pass all your subjects, you have the option to re-sit the exams.

WAEC often provides a supplementary exam schedule for candidates needing to improve their grades.

The registration process for re-sits is similar to the initial registration.

Preparing for WAEC GCE

Here are some tips to help you prepare effectively for your WAEC GCE exams:

  1. Review the WAEC Syllabus: understand WAEC GCE, the exam format, content areas, and marking schemes for each subject.
  2. Develop a Study Timetable: Create a well-organized study timetable that will allow you prepare for each subject with the time you have available.
  3. Study Past Questions: Practice with past WAEC GCE exam papers to understand the question styles and improve your exam technique.
  4. Hire a personal tutor if needed
  5. Online Resources: use online resources like practice tests and study guides.

Exam Day Tips

  • Arrive Early: Make sure to arrive your exam venue early to avoid any last-minute stress.
  • Bring Required Materials: Come prepared with all necessary exam materials like writing instruments, calculators (if allowed), and your WAEC registration slip.
  • Stay Calm and Focused: Manage your exam time effectively and answer questions to the best of your ability.
  • Follow Instructions Carefully: Read instructions thoroughly and ensure you answer questions within the specified format.

Conclusion

WAEC GCE offers a valuable opportunity to achieve your academic and professional goals. By carefully planning, diligently preparing, and following the right strategies, you can successfully navigate the WAEC GCE exams and open doors to a brighter future.

Additional Resources:

  • WAEC Official Website
  • Check this website consistently for more updates