The West African Examinations Council has officially started registration for the 2026 WASSCE for Private Candidates, Second Series, popularly known as WAEC GCE. Thousands of candidates across Nigeria use this examination every year to gain admission, improve grades, or complete missing O Level requirements.

For the 2026 edition, WAEC announced that the examination will be conducted through the Computer Based Test format. Candidates are therefore advised to prepare early and become familiar with CBT before the examination begins.

See the latest announcement: 2026 WASSCE Second Series Registration Now Open for Private Candidates

Registration is currently ongoing, and interested applicants are expected to complete their biometric capture and online registration before the deadline. Candidates should also ensure that every detail entered during registration is correct to avoid issues later.

WAEC GCE 2026 Registration Period

Activity

Date

Registration Begins

Sunday, 4 May 2026

Closing Date for PIN Generation

Friday, 31 July 2026

Deadline for Biometrics and Online Registration

Sunday, 2 August 2026

WAEC GCE Registration Fee 2026

Candidates are required to pay:

Payment Type

Amount

Registration Fee

₦37,000

Bank or Agent Commission

₦500

Walk In Candidate Fee

₦45,000

Approved Banks for WAEC GCE Registration

Candidates can obtain their registration PIN from approved banks, including:

  • Access Bank

  • Ecobank

  • Fidelity Bank

  • First Bank

  • FCMB

  • GTBank

  • Heritage Bank

  • Jaiz Bank

  • Polaris Bank

  • Stanbic IBTC

  • Standard Chartered Bank

  • Sterling Bank

  • Union Bank

  • UBA

  • Unity Bank

  • WEMA Bank

  • Zenith Bank

Available Online Payment Platforms

Candidates can also purchase registration tokens through approved online payment channels such as:

  • Paga

  • PalmPay

  • Interswitch

  • Etranzact

  • CoralPay

  • Unified Payments

  • Bancwize

  • Xpress Payment

  • IQ Pay

  • Paycom

  • Kudi

Who Can Apply for WAEC GCE 2026?

The examination is open to:

  • School leavers

  • Candidates rewriting failed subjects

  • Workers needing O-level qualifications

  • JAMB candidates lacking admission requirements

  • Individuals upgrading previous results

  • Mature candidates seeking educational advancement

How to Register for WAEC GCE 2026

Follow these steps carefully:

  1. Purchase the WAEC registration PIN from an approved bank or payment platform

  2. Visit the official WAEC registration portal at https://www.waeconline.org.ng/

  3. Log in using the purchased PIN

  4. Fill in your personal information correctly

  5. Select your examination subjects carefully

  6. Choose your preferred examination town

  7. Capture your biometric details and fingerprint

  8. Upload a clear passport photograph with a plain contrasting background

  9. Review all details before final submission

  10. Print your Admission Notice and registration slip after successful registration

Important Registration Guidelines

Candidates should take note of the following:

  • Registration must be completed within two weeks of first accessing the portal

  • The examination will be computer based

  • Objective questions will be fully CBT

  • Essay and practical questions will be displayed on screen, while answers will be written in answer booklets

  • Candidates must provide valid phone numbers and email addresses

  • Candidates should print and keep their Admission Notice safely

  • Registration fees are not refundable

WAEC GCE CBT Examination Format

WAEC confirmed that the 2026 private candidates' examination will follow the CBT format.

Examination Section

Format

Objective Questions

Fully CBT

Essay Questions

Questions displayed on screen, answers written in a booklet

Practical Tests

Hybrid format

An online mock examination will also be organised for interested candidates before the main examination.

Candidates With Special Needs

Candidates with disabilities can also register online, but must clearly indicate their condition during registration.

Examples include:

  • Visual impairment

  • Low vision

  • Hearing impairment

  • Speech difficulty

  • Spastic condition

Walk In Candidates

Candidates who miss the normal registration period may still register as walk in candidates, provided registration is completed at least 24 hours before the scheduled paper.

The walk in registration fee is ₦45,000.

Important Examination Rules

  1. Candidates must note the following rules carefully:

    • Mobile phones and electronic gadgets are prohibited in examination halls

    • Candidates caught in malpractice may have all results cancelled

    • Multiple centre registration can lead to result cancellation

    • Candidates must come with their original Admission Notice

    • Smoking is prohibited inside examination halls

    • No professional uniforms are allowed during the examination

Documents Needed for Registration

Applicants should prepare:

  1. Valid phone number

  2. Functional email address

  3. Passport photograph

  4. Means of identification

  5. Payment funds

  6. Personal details

WAEC GCE Preparation Tips

Candidates are advised to:

  1. Practise CBT regularly

  2. Study WAEC past questions

  3. Use the official WAEC syllabus

  4. Improve computer navigation skills

  5. Start preparation early

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is WAEC GCE registration for 2026 ongoing?
A: Yes. Registration for the 2026 WAEC GCE Second Series is currently ongoing.

Q: How much is the WAEC GCE registration fee for 2026?
A: The registration fee is ₦37,000, excluding additional bank or agent charges.

Q: When will WAEC GCE registration close?
A: PIN generation closes on Friday, 31 July 2026, while biometric capture and online registration end on Sunday, 2 August 2026.

Q: Is the 2026 WAEC GCE examination CBT?
A: Yes. WAEC confirmed that the examination will be computer based.

Q: Can I combine WAEC GCE with NECO or NABTEB?
A: Yes. Most institutions allow candidates to combine O Level results, depending on their admission policy.

Q: What happens if I miss the registration deadline?
A: Candidates who miss the deadline may register as walk in candidates or wait for the next examination cycle.

Q: Is biometric capture compulsory for WAEC GCE registration?
A: Yes. Biometric registration is compulsory for all candidates.