WAEC 2026 Registration Guidelines, Requirements, Dates, Fees and Important Updates

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) conducts the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for final year secondary school students in Nigeria and other West African countries. This examination is one of the O'Level requirements needed for university admission, polytechnic entry, and employment opportunities.

WAEC offers two main examination periods:

• WASSCE for School Candidates (May/June) - for students currently in SS3
• WAEC GCE (November/December) - for private candidates who have left school

WAEC 2026 Registration Requirements

For School Candidates (May/June WASSCE):

• You must be a registered SS3 student in a organised secondary school
• Your school must be registered with WAEC
• Valid school identity card
• Recent passport photograph
• Your school handles the registration on your behalf

For Private Candidates (GCE Nov/Dec):

• You must have completed secondary school
• Valid means of identification (National ID, Voter's card, Driver's license, or International passport)
• Recent passport photographs (6 copies)
• Registration is done individually at WAEC offices or accredited centres

WAEC 2026 Registration Fees

WASSCE (School Candidates) - May/June

WAEC GCE (Private Candidates) - Nov/Dec

Important Dates for WAEC 2026

Dates for WASSCE (School Candidates) - May/June 2026:

Dates for WAEC GCE (Private Candidates) - First Series 2026:

WAEC Registration Process for School Candidates

If you're a current SS3 student, your school will handle most of the registration. Here's what happens:

Step 1: School Purchases Registration Cards

Your school purchases WAEC scratch cards in bulk from authorised WAEC offices or banks.

Step 2: Data Collection

Your school collects the following information from you:

• Full name (as it appears on your birth certificate or official documents)
• Date of birth
• State of origin
• Local Government Area
• Gender
• Subjects you're registering for (usually 8-9 subjects)
• Recent passport photograph

Step 3: Online Registration

Your school's WAEC coordinator logs into the WAEC portal and registers all students using the information collected.

Step 4: Verification

After registration, your school will print out a provisional registration slip for you to verify your details. Check everything carefully - your name, date of birth, subjects, and examination number.

Step 5: Biometric Capture

WAEC officials will visit your school to capture your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph). This is mandatory and helps prevent examination malpractice.

Step 6: Get Your Examination Number

Once biometric capture is complete, you'll receive your official WAEC examination number. Keep this number safe as you'll need it to check your results.

WAEC GCE Registration Process for Private Candidates

If you're registering as a private candidate for the November/December GCE, follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit WAEC Office or Accredited Center

Locate the nearest WAEC office or accredited registration center in your state.

Step 2: Purchase Registration Form

Buy the WAEC GCE registration scratch card. The price depends on the number of subjects you're registering for.

Step 3: Complete Registration Online

1. Visit the WAEC GCE portal: gce.waeconline.org.ng
2. Click on "Register for Examination"
3. Scratch your card to reveal the serial number and PIN
4. Enter the serial number and PIN
5. Fill in your personal information carefully
6. Select your examination town (choose a center close to you)
7. Choose your subjects (minimum 5, maximum 9)
8. Upload your passport photograph (JPEG format, not more than 50KB)
9. Review all information before submitting
10. Submit and print your registration slip

Step 4: Biometric Capture

Visit the WAEC office for biometric data capture. Bring:

• Your registration slip
• Valid ID card
• 6 passport photographs

Step 5: Print Your Final Documents

After biometric capture, print your examination slip and keep it safe.

WAEC Subject Combinations: What to Register

You must register for a minimum of 5 subjects and a maximum of 9 subjects. Here are recommended combinations for different career paths:

For Science Students (Medicine, Engineering, Pharmacy, etc.)

Core Subjects:

• English Language (compulsory)
• Mathematics (compulsory for most science courses)
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology

Additional Subjects (choose 3-4):

• Further Mathematics (recommended for engineering)
• Agricultural Science
• Technical Drawing (for engineering)
• Economics
• Any Nigerian language or French

For Commercial/Business Students

Core Subjects:

• English Language (compulsory)
• Mathematics (compulsory)
• Economics
• Commerce
• Accounting

Additional Subjects (choose 3-4):

• Business Studies
• Government
• Civic Education
• Financial Accounting
• Any Nigerian language

For Arts/Humanities Students

Core Subjects:

• English Language (compulsory)
• Literature in English
• Government
• History

Additional Subjects (choose 4-5):

• CRK/IRK (Christian/Islamic Religious Knowledge)
• Economics
• Geography
• Civic Education
• French
• Any Nigerian language (Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa)

Important Tips:

• English Language is compulsory for everyone
• Mathematics is compulsory for most university courses
• Register for at least 8 subjects to have better options
• Check your intended university's O'Level requirements before choosing subjects

How to Check Your WAEC Examination Center

About 2-3 weeks before the examination:

1. Visit waeconline.org.ng
2. Click on "Check Examination Center"
3. Enter your examination number
4. Your examination centre will be displayed
5. Print your examination slip

Visit your centre before the exam day to know the exact location and how to get there.

What to Bring on Examination Day

• Your examination slip (printed)
• Transparent examination pouch
• Mathematical set (for Mathematics and Science subjects)
• Blue or black pen (multiple pens recommended)
• Valid ID card or school ID
• Pencils and eraser

Do NOT bring:

• Mobile phones
• Electronic devices
• Books or notes
• Bags (except transparent pouches)
• Smart watches