WASSCE: West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination

What is WASSCE?

The Acronym WASSCE means West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination, is a standardized test in West Africa, administered by WAEC. It’s available to students in Anglophone West African countries, granting a West African Senior School Certificate upon passing, marking their secondary education graduation.

What is WAEC?

The Acronym WAEC stands for the West African Examination Council, a body that is responsible for conducting the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination WASSCE, a standard, and widely recognized external examination for students of the five Anglophonic nations of West Africa.

The WAEC’s West African Senior School Certificate (WASSCE) with grades A1, B2-B3, C4-C6 in at least 6 subjects is equivalent to the high school final exams at the advanced level.

The NECO Senior School Certificate with grades A1 or B2-B3 in at least 6 subjects is also equivalent to the high school final exams at the advanced level.

What is the Difference Between WASSCE & WAEC?

WASSCE is the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination, a standardized examination in West Africa, administered by WAEC, while WAEC is a body whose primary obligation is to conduct the Senior Certificate across the five Anglophonic nations i.e The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana, Nigeria.

History Of WAEC

Established in 1952, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) aims to be a premier examining body in West Africa, enhancing educational objectives for stakeholders.

WAEC is mandated by law to administer and certify examinations across English-speaking West African nations, aligning its standards with international equivalents. Their mission is to uphold educational quality, foster academic and moral excellence, and support sustainable human resource development and global cooperation.

For over seven decades, WAEC has partnered with governments, ministries of education, NGOs, educational institutions, and examining boards to deliver standardized educational services globally. We prioritize best practices and utilize ICT for quality assurance, maintaining standards, and staying relevant in the technology-driven world.

WASSCE2025: West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination 2025/2026

To register for the WAEC 2025/2026 WASSCE, start by visiting the registration portal at www.waecdirect.org, where you can complete your registration online. This guide will provide detailed steps and essential information for a successful registration.

WAEC Registration Timeline for 2025/2026

Event	Date	Fee
WAEC 2025 Registration Starting Date	5th February 2025
WAEC Registration Deadline	26th March 2025
WAEC 2025 Registration Fee		N18,000
WAEC 2025 Examination Date	30th May 2025

Requirements For WAEC 2025 Registration

To register for WAEC 2025, you will need several key documents, including a passport-sized photograph, your school identification card, your birth certificate or affidavit, your signature, and a receipt for your examination fee payment.

Additionally, having your National Identification Number (NIN) is essential, as it is now a mandatory requirement for registration. Ensure all personal details, such as your surname and other names, are accurately entered into the registration system.

You will also need to take a photograph using a webcam with specific requirements: a minimum resolution of 2.0MP and 720p, and a recommended model is the Microsoft LifeCam HD 3000 for optimal results.

Ensure you provide your complete contact information, including your telephone number, email address, and residential details. Choose your preferred state and town for the examination venue, although the system will automatically assign the exam center.

The registration process requires that English Language and Mathematics be selected as compulsory subjects, and you must choose between seven and nine additional subjects.

Carefully review and confirm all details in the declaration section before submitting your application, as no changes can be made afterward. After submission, print your admission notice/photo card, which you will need to present at the exam hall.

How to Register for WAEC 2025/2026

To register for WAEC and purchase the form online, visit the nearest WAEC office or secondary school and request the 2025/2026 registration form.

Provide the required information and submit it. An official will help you complete the online registration, including enrolling your fingerprints and capturing your details with the WAEC Biometric Data Capture software. After submission, the system will assign an exam center and generate your examination number.

WAEC forms for 2024 are now available for final-year secondary students. Registration for the WAEC exams has begun, with the first series starting on December 20th.

To apply, you’ll need to make a payment of around eighteen thousand naira for the form. For convenience, you can also pay through your school management. This article provides details on the registration process and other important WAEC information.

Frequently Asked Questions