West African Senior School Certificate Examination
The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is a type of standardized test in West Africa. It is administered by the West African Examinations Council. It is only offered to candidates residing in Anglophone West African countries. The academic school-leaving qualification awarded upon successful completion of the exams is the West African Senior School Certificate (WASSCE).
The examinations
There are two different types of the examination:
- WASSCE (November/December) - Also known as the General Certificate Examinations (GCE), by its former name; all students from private and public schools are allowed to take this examination, and uniforms are not compulsory. However, other rules and regulations are applied on every candidate. This examination is only offered during the autumn season, and the results are available by December.It is also called private examinations of which now its compulsory to register biometrically.
- WASSCE (May/June) - Also known as the Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE), by its former name; this examination is made for all private and public schools in West Africa. They must also wear distinctive uniforms as described in the standards set by the school boards. This examination is offered during the summer (May to June), and the results are available by August.
WAEC grading system
| Grades | Definition | Interpretation | equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Excellent | 75% - 100% | 1 |
| B2 | Very good | 70% - 74% | 2 |
| B3 | Good | 65% - 69% | 3 |
| C4 | Credit | 60%- 64% | 4 |
| C5 | Credit | 55% - 59% | 5 |
| C6 | Credit | 50% - 54% | 6 |
| D7 | Pass | 45% - 49% | 7 |
| E8 | Pass | 40% - 44% | 8 |
| F9 | Fail | 0% - 39% | 9 |
Official guidelines for university admission
Candidates are advised that they will be required to satisfy not only the university's general entrance requirements but also the requirements of the particular faculty which they wish to enter and that these requirements vary considerably. Particulars of entrance requirements and exemption regulations may be obtained from the universities or professional bodies concerned.
Nigeria
Students who choose to study in Nigerian universities are required to sit for the entrance examinations administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) also known as the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
United Kingdom
Universities in the United Kingdom may in addition, require candidates to complete a one-year foundation course or acceptable alternative.[1]