WAEC registration 2025 requirements and procedures

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WAEC Registration 2025: Requirements and Procedures

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) conducts two major exams annually, which are vital for academic and career progression in West Africa. These exams include the WAEC for school candidates and the WAEC GCE (General Certificate Examination) for private candidates. Understanding the requirements and procedures for these exams is essential for successful registration and participation.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the types of WAEC exams, delve into the specific registration requirements for both GCE  and school candidates in 2025, and provide a step-by-step guide to completing the registration process.

Types of WAEC Exams

The WAEC body administers two primary types of exams tailored to different categories of candidates:

WAEC for School Candidates (Public Exam):

This type of WAEC exam is conducted annually for students enrolled in recognized secondary schools. The school candidates’ WAEC exam is part of their academic curriculum, and registration is usually facilitated by the schools. It serves as a gateway for students aiming to transition to tertiary institutions or vocational studies.

WAEC GCE (Private Exam)

The WAEC General Certificate Examination (GCE) is designed for private candidates who, for various reasons, are not enrolled in secondary schools. These candidates might include school leavers, workers seeking to improve their academic qualifications, or individuals seeking to retake subjects they failed in the school candidates’ exam. The GCE is conducted in two series annually:

    • First Series (January/February): This is the early-year exam for private candidates.
    • Second Series (August/September): This series caters to private candidates later in the year.

The GCE offers flexibility in subject selection and allows candidates to write the exam at any approved WAEC center.

WAEC GCE Registration Requirements in 2025

To successfully register for the WAEC GCE in 2025, candidates must meet specific requirements. These include:

  1. Personal Information:
    • Full name (as it should appear on the certificate).
    • Date of birth (minimum age requirement is typically 16 years).
    • Gender and nationality.
    • Valid phone number and email address for communication.
  2. Passport Photograph:
    • A recent, clear passport photograph with a white or light background.
    • Image size should meet WAEC’s specified dimensions, typically between 160 x 160 pixels and 1 MB in size.
  3. Subjects to Register:
    • Candidates can select a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 9 subjects, depending on their academic goals.
    • English Language and Mathematics are mandatory for most candidates.
  4. Valid Identification:
    • A government-issued ID, such as a National Identification Number (NIN) card, International Passport, Voter’s Card, or Driver’s License.
  5. Payment for Registration:
    • Candidates must pay the required registration fee, which covers the cost of examination materials and administration. For the 2025 GCE, the fee is expected to be in line with previous years (subject to official announcements).
  6. Fingerprint Biometrics:
    • Candidates are required to complete biometric verification during registration to prevent impersonation and fraud.
  7. Approved Registration Center:
    • Registration must be completed at any official WAEC GCE registration center or online via the WAEC portal.

WAEC GCE Registration Procedure for 2025

Registering for the WAEC GCE in 2025 requires careful attention to detail. Below is a step-by-step guide to completing the process: Go to a cyber cafe that has been approved by the government to get your fingerprints and passport photo taken. Once you have done that, come back to the website and get started

  1. Visit the Official WAEC GCE Portal:
  2. Create a Profile:
    • Click on “Start Registration” to create an account.
    • Enter your email address, phone number, and other required details.
    • Generate a unique profile ID and password for future access.
  3. Make Payment:
    • Pay the GCE registration fee through any of the approved payment methods, such as online banking, debit/credit cards, or e-wallets.
    • Obtain the registration PIN or e-voucher to proceed.
  4. Fill in Personal and Academic Details:
    • Log into your account using your credentials.
    • Enter your biodata, including your full name, gender, date of birth, and nationality.
    • Select your preferred subjects and examination center.
  5. Upload Passport Photograph and Biometric Data:
    • Upload a recent passport photograph that meets WAEC specifications.
    • Complete the biometric fingerprint capture at an approved registration center.
  6. Cross-Check and Submit Your Application:
    • Review all the information you have entered for accuracy.
    • Ensure that your selected subjects align with your academic or professional goals.
    • Submit the registration form online.
  7. Print Your Photocard:
    • After submission, print the candidate’s photocard, which contains your unique registration number, examination schedule, and other details.
    • Keep this document safe, as it will be required during the examination.
  8. Prepare for the Exam:
    • Begin studying using WAEC-recommended textbooks and past questions.
    • Stay updated with any announcements or changes from WAEC regarding the 2025 GCE examination

WAEC Registration for School Candidates in 2025

While the WAEC GCE is designed for private candidates, the WAEC for school candidates caters to students enrolled in secondary schools. Unlike the GCE, the registration process for school candidates is handled directly by their respective schools, simplifying the process for students. Below, we’ll outline the requirements and registration procedure for WAEC school candidates in 2025.

WAEC School Candidate Registration Requirements in 2025

To register for the WAEC school candidates’ examination, students need to meet the following requirements:

  1. Enrollment in a Recognized School:
    • Students must be enrolled in a WAEC-recognized secondary school. Only schools approved by WAEC are eligible to register their students for the exam.
  2. Personal Information:
    • Full name (to appear on the certificate).
    • Date of birth, gender, and nationality.
    • Valid contact information, including a phone number.
  3. Subject Selection:
    • Students are required to select a minimum of 8 subjects and a maximum of 9 subjects, including core subjects such as English Language, Mathematics, and one science subject.
  4. Passport Photograph:
    • A recent, clear passport photograph with a plain white or light background. Schools typically handle the process of obtaining these photographs for students.
  5. Payment of Registration Fees:
    • Students are required to pay their registration fees directly to their school. The exact fee varies depending on the school, as some schools add administrative or logistic charges.
  6. Biometric Data Capture:
    • Biometric registration is mandatory for all candidates. Schools are responsible for capturing students’ fingerprints and uploading them to the WAEC registration portal.

WAEC School Candidate Registration Procedure for 2025

The registration process for WAEC school candidates is coordinated entirely by the schools. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide:

  1. Collection of Personal Data:
    • Schools collect the necessary personal information from students, including their biodata and subject choices.
  2. Payment of Registration Fees:
    • Schools determine the registration fees and communicate this to students and parents. Students pay the fees directly to their school, and the school, in turn, remits the payment to WAEC.
  3. Compilation of Student Details:
    • Schools compile students’ details and upload them onto the WAEC portal using the official registration software provided by WAEC.
  4. Biometric Capture:
    • Each student’s biometric data, including fingerprints, is captured at the school’s premises or at an authorized WAEC registration center. This is a mandatory step to prevent impersonation and fraud.
  5. Cross-Checking and Submission:
    • Schools review all submitted data to ensure accuracy and completeness. Once confirmed, the data is submitted on the WAEC portal.
  6. Issuance of Photocards:
    • After successful registration, schools issue examination photocards to students. These photocards contain essential details such as the student’s unique exam number, subjects registered, and the examination schedule.
  7. Preparation for the Exam:
    • Students are encouraged to begin preparing for the exam by studying with WAEC-approved syllabuses and past questions.

WAEC Registration 2025 Deadline

The registration deadline for both WAEC GCE and school candidates varies yearly and depends on the official timetable released by WAEC. Typically, schools ensure that all candidates are registered before the official closing date. For WAEC GCE, the deadline is often announced a few months before the exam, while school candidates’ registration is handled by their schools within the stipulated timeframe.

  • WAEC GCE First Series:
    • The normal registration deadline was Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 11:59 PM.
    • The deadline for generating a PIN was Monday, January 20, 2025.
  • WAEC for School Candidates:
    • The registration deadline has not yet been officially announced but will be communicated to schools by WAEC.

Candidates are advised to adhere strictly to the deadlines to avoid any inconveniences.

How Much Is WAEC Registration Fee in 2025?

For WAEC GCE candidates in 2025, the registration fee is determined by WAEC and will be officially announced on the WAEC website. Historically, the fee has ranged between ₦18,000 and ₦20,000 for private candidates.

For school candidates, the registration fee varies depending on the school. While WAEC sets a base fee, schools often add administrative charges, which can bring the total fee to around ₦25,000 or higher. Parents are advised to confirm the exact fee with their child’s school.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. How much is the 2025 WAEC registration fee?
    • For GCE candidates, the fee is typically around ₦18,000 to ₦20,000. For school candidates, the fee varies depending on the school but may range from ₦25,000 upwards.

  2. Which day is WAEC registration closing?

    • The closing date for the 2025 WAEC Private Candidate First Series Normal Registration was Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 11:59 PM. The deadline for generating a PIN was Monday, January 20, 2025, closing date for school candidate is not yet out

  3. How many WAEC exams are held in a year?

    • WAEC conducts two exams yearly:
      • WAEC for school candidates (held once a year).
      • WAEC GCE for private candidates (held twice yearly – January/February and August/September).

  4. Is there an age limit for WAEC registration?

    • The age limit for taking the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WAEC) is 18 years old. This age limit was enforced by the Federal Government of Nigeria

  5. Who founded WAEC?

    • WAEC was established in 1952 through the collaborative efforts of West African governments.

  6. When is the WAEC exam date?

    • For school candidates, WAEC exams usually take place between April and June. For GCE candidates, the January/February series occurs in the first quarter of the year, while the August/September series happens in the third quarter.

Conclusion

The WAEC examination remains a critical gateway for academic and career advancement in West Africa. Whether you’re registering as a private candidate for the GCE or as a school candidate through your institution, understanding the requirements and procedures is crucial to a successful registration process. By meeting all deadlines and preparing effectively, candidates can maximize their chances of achieving excellent results.

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