Building Construction is a technical subject designed for students pursuing careers in building technology and construction trades, and it is examined as part of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). For the 2026/2027 academic session, WAEC will continue to include this subject in its technical and vocational education curriculum. This syllabus acts as a detailed guide, outlining the topics, skills, and knowledge areas you must master to perform well in the examination.

The WAEC Building Construction syllabus is structured to give students a solid grasp of the principles, techniques, and materials involved in construction work. It combines theoretical learning with practical drawing skills, helping candidates build a strong foundation in construction practices. Whether you are sitting for the school based or private examination, this guide contains everything you need to prepare effectively.

Examination Scheme for WAEC Building Construction 2026/2027

There will be three papers, Papers 1, 2 and 3, all of which must be taken. Papers 1 and 2 shall be composite papers to be taken in one sitting.

PAPER 1:

This will consist of 40 multiple choice objective questions, all to be answered in 45 minutes, worth 40 marks.

PAPER 2:

This will consist of five short, structured essay questions. Candidates will be required to answer any four in one hour for 60 marks.

PAPER 3:

This will be a practical test. It will consist of two sections, Sections A and B. The paper will take 2½ hours and will carry 100 marks.

The following sections are available:

Section A:

This will be for candidates in Nigeria, Sierra Leone and The Gambia only. It will be on BUILDING DRAWING and shall consist of four questions, including a compulsory one. Candidates will be required to answer the compulsory question and any two of the other questions.

Section B:

Section B will be for candidates in Ghana only. It will consist of six essay questions, including a compulsory one. Candidates will be required to answer the compulsory question and any three of the other questions.

RELATED ARTICLE:

WAEC Syllabus 2026/2027 for All Subjects: SSCE & GCE

WAEC Syllabus for Building Construction 2026/2027

SECTIONTOPIC
Introduction to Building

Definition of building

Classification and types

Introduction to National Building Codes. (Building regulations and Byelaw requirements)

Building Construction and Construction Team

Definition, purpose and procedures for building construction

Parties in the construction team. (Client’s team, contractor’s team and statutory personnel).

Function of the team members.

Relationship of the parties

Safety Practices

Definition of safety, rules and regulation.

Hazards in the workshop and construction site.

Causes and method of accident prevention.

Safety equipment and measures at the construction site.

First aid equipment, procedures, and safety wear.

Safety in working with dangerous equipment and materials (electricity, scaffolding, formwork, cement, roof, etc.).

Basic tools, equipment and machines

Identification and functions of basic.

Tools and equipment.

Care of tools and equipment.

Site clearing and levelling

Operations involved in site clearing.

Tools and equipment for site clearing and levelling.

Basic site levelling operations

Site Organization and Layout

Preliminary operations in building construction.

Procedure for site layout.

Location, boundary lines, hoarding, hutments and access road.

Excavation and earthwork

Classifications, types and properties of soil.

Definition and function of excavation.

Methods of excavations.

Tools, equipment and plant used for excavation.

Solution to excavation problems (Earthwork support, timbering battering and dewatering).

Safety rules during excavations.

DOWNLOAD WAEC SYLLABUS FOR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 2026

Recommended Texts

  • Barry’s Introduction to Construction in Buildings
  • Blocklaying and Concreting
  • The Construction of Buildings Vols I to V
  • Building Technology Ivor H. Seeley
  • Building Construction S. C. O. A. Ezeji
  • Brickwork Vols 1 to 3 Nash
  • Building Construction Handbook R.  Chudley
  • Building Construction Vols 1 to 4 W. B. McKay
  • Principles of Construction Roger Greeno
  • Building Construction for Senior Secondary Schools, Vols 1 to 3 (Ilesanmi) Adesokan, and  M. O. Adeniyi
  • Construction Technology Vols 1 to 4 R. Chuelley
  • Advanced Building Construction Vols 1 & 2 C. M. H. Barritt