Chemistry is a core science subject with a vital role in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). For the 2026/2027 session, WAEC will continue to examine Chemistry as part of its science curriculum. This subject serves as a gateway to careers in medicine, pharmacy, engineering, and other science based fields.

The WAEC Chemistry syllabus helps students understand basic chemical principles and concepts, interpret scientific data, see how chemistry relates to other sciences, and apply chemical knowledge to industry and everyday life. Whether you are preparing for the school based or private exam, this guide provides everything you need to succeed.

The syllabus is your roadmap for preparation. Studying without it is like navigating unfamiliar territory without direction. To succeed, you must have a firm grasp of the entire syllabus so your preparation stays on course.

Examination Structure

The WAEC Chemistry examination consists of three papers, all of which must be taken:

Paper 1: Objective Test

  • Format: 50 multiple choice questions
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Marks: 50 marks
  • Content: Covers the entire syllabus

Paper 2: Theory

  • Format: Two sections:
  • Section A: 5 short structured questions (compulsory)
  • Section B: 4 essay type questions (answer any 3)
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Marks: 100 marks

Paper 3: Practical or Alternative to Practical

  • Format: Practical test or alternative to practical for candidates without access to laboratory facilities
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Marks: 50 marks
  • Note: The practical paper tests your ability to perform experiments, make observations, and draw conclusions from chemical reactions.

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

WAEC Syllabus for Chemistry 2026/2027

SECTIONSTOPIC
INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY

Measurement of physical quantities

Scientific measurements and their importance in chemistry.

Scientific Methods

STRUCTURE OF THE ATOM

Gross features of the atom.

Atomic number/proton number, number of neutrons, isotopes, atomic mass, mass number.

STANDARD SEPARATION TECHNIQUES FOR MIXTURES

Classification of mixtures.

Separation techniques

Criteria for purity.

PERIODIC CHEMISTRY

Periodicity of the elements.

Different categories of elements in the periodic table.

Periodic law:

Trends on periodic table;

Periodic gradation of the elements in the third period (Na to Ar)

STOICHIOMETRY AND CHEMICAL REACTIONS

Symbols, formulae and equations

chemical symbols

Empirical and molecular formulae

Chemical equations and IUPAC names of chemical compounds

Laws of chemical combination

Amount of substance

STATES OF MATTER
 

Kinetic theory of matter.

Changes of state of matter.

Diffusion

ENERGY AND ENERGY CHANGES

Energy and enthalpy

Description, definition and illustrations of energy changes and their effects

ACIDS, BASES AND SALTS

Definitions of acids and bases.

Physical and chemical properties of acids and bases.

Acids, bases and salts as electrolytes

Classification of acids and bases.

Concept of pH

SOLUBILITY OF SUBSTANCES

General principles

Practical application of solubility.

CHEMISTRY OF CARBON COMPOUNDS

Classification

Functional group

Separation and purification of organic compounds.

Petroleum/crude oil

CHEMISTRY, INDUSTRY AND THE ENVIRONMENTChemical industry

DOWNLOAD WAEC SYLLABUS FOR CHEMISTRY 2026

Recommended Texts

While specific textbook titles vary, the following are commonly recommended for WAEC Chemistry preparation:

  • New School Chemistry by Osei Yaw Ababio
  • Comprehensive Chemistry by Godwin O. Ojokuku
  • Essential Chemistry by I. A. Odesina
  • Understanding Chemistry by O. J. Egbo
  • WAEC Past Questions and Answers for Chemistry