WAEC 2026 Registration Guidelines and Important Update

Planning to register for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 2026? You must understand the registration process, requirements, and deadlines to avoid issues that could jeopardise your exam.

WAEC 2026 Registration Timeline

Here's the complete registration schedule that was announced for 2026:

Who Can Register for WAEC?

Before registering, make sure you meet these eligibility requirements:

For School Candidates

For Private Candidates

If you're not currently in secondary school, you can register as a private candidate through:

• WAEC GCE (General Certificate Examination)

• Different registration timeline (usually June-August for Nov/Dec exams)

• Higher registration fees

• No school support during preparation

WAEC 2026 Registration Requirements

Here's everything you need to have ready before registration:

Biometric Requirements

WAEC captures your biometric data during registration:

• Fingerprints (all 10 fingers)

• Passport photograph (taken live during registration)

• Digital signature (in some cases)

Your biometric data is used to verify your identity on exam day. Make sure the photo captured looks clear and recognisable.

Subject Registration Guidelines

You must register for a minimum of 7 subjects and a maximum of 9 subjects.

Subject Categories

Common Subject Combinations

Choose subjects that match your JAMB requirements for your desired university course. You cannot change subjects after registration closes.

WAEC 2026 Registration Fees

Fees vary slightly by state and whether you're registering through your school or as a private candidate. Private candidates typically pay more.

How to Register for WAEC 2026

Here are three methods you use to apply for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE):

Method 1: School Based Registration (Most Common)

This is how most SS3 students register:

Step 1: School Announces Registration

• Your school will inform students when WAEC registration opens

• Usually happens in September/October

• School collects students' information

Step 2: Provide Your Information

• Give your school all required documents

• Your NIN (most important!)

• Date of birth, state of origin

• Parent/guardian contact information

• Subject choices

Step 3: Pay Registration Fee

• School announces the fee (₦18,000-₦21,000)

• Pay to school's designated account or bursar

• Collect your payment receipt

• Keep this receipt safe!

Step 4: Choose Your Subjects

• School gives you subject selection form

• Choose 7-9 subjects carefully

• Make sure they align with your university course

• Consult your teacher or guidance counselor

• Submit your form

Step 5: Biometric Capture

• School schedules biometric session

• Visit the registration centre on your assigned date

• Your fingerprints will be captured

• Your photograph will be taken

• Provide your digital signature

Step 6: Verification

• School will give you a printout of your registration

• Check ALL details carefully:

  • Your name (must match NIN exactly)

  • Date of birth

  • All 7-9 subjects registered

  • Your photograph

• Report any errors immediately

Step 7: Receive Exam Number

• You'll be assigned a unique WAEC candidate number

• This is your identity for the examination

• Keep it safe, you'll need it to check results

Method 2: Online Registration (For Some Schools)

Some schools use WAEC's online portal:

Method 3: Private Candidate (WAEC GCE)

If you're not in school, register as a private candidate:

Timeline: Different from school-based (usually June-August for Nov/Dec exams)
Fee: Higher (₦20,000-₦25,000)
Process: Self-registration online
Venue: Visit WAEC registration center yourself

WAEC 2026 New Exam Format

WAEC 2026 introduces CB-WASSCE (Computer Based WASSCE), a hybrid format combining CBT and paper based testing.

Unlike before, WAEC 2026 exams are centre based, not school based:

What this means:

• You won't write exams in your school

• You'll be assigned to a pooled examination center

• Multiple schools will write at the same center

• Applies to both CBT and paper portions

Don't panic about CBT! The questions remain the same. Only the method of selecting answers changes from shading to clicking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When does WAEC registration typically open?
A: Usually in September (for exams the following year). For 2026 exams, registration opened September 16 (offline) and September 22 (online), 2025.

Q: How long does registration last?
A: Approximately 9-11 weeks. Offline closes earlier (mid-November), online closes later (mid-December).

Q: Has WAEC 2026 registration closed?
A: Yes, it closed on December 12, 2025.

Q: Can I register late for WAEC?
A: No official late registration is offered. Once the deadline passes, registration closes completely.

Q: How much does WAEC registration cost?
A: ₦18,000-₦21,000 for school candidates. Private candidates pay ₦20,000-₦25,000.

Q: Can I change my subjects after registration?
A: No. Subject selection is final once registration closes. Choose carefully.

Q: How many subjects can I register for?
A: Minimum 7 subjects, maximum 9 subjects.

Q: Is English Language and Mathematics compulsory?
A: Yes, absolutely. Every candidate must register for both.

Q: What if my school doesn't register me?
A: Talk to your principal immediately. If unresolved, visit WAEC office in your state for assistance.

Q: Can I register for WAEC without being in SS3?
A: For school based WASSCE, you must be in SS3. However, you can register as a private candidate for GCE at any age.

Q: When will WAEC 2026 exams start?
A: Expected late April or early May 2026 (official dates not yet announced).

Q: Is the CBT format difficult?
A: No. The questions are the same. Only the method of answering changes (clicking instead of shading).

Q: Where will I write the exam?
A: At an assigned pooled centre (may or may not be your school). Your exam centre will be announced closer to exam time.