The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is one of the most recognized examination bodies in West Africa. It conducts standardized examinations across several countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Liberia. WAEC results are a vital determinant for academic progress, particularly for admission into higher institutions or employment opportunities. To understand how WAEC results are graded, it is essential to delve into the grading system and how students’ performances are evaluated.
This blog post explains the WAEC grading system for 2025, from A to F, and provides a detailed guide on how to calculate grades based on percentage scores.
About WAEC: How It Is Done
WAEC organizes examinations for both senior and junior secondary school students. For the senior school category, the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is the most prominent. The WASSCE is conducted in two formats:
- School Candidate Examination: Held once a year, typically for students in their final year of secondary school.
- Private Candidate Examination: Held twice a year, for external candidates who may not be enrolled in a secondary school.
WAEC ensures standardized testing by setting questions and grading scripts based on a unified marking scheme. Results are usually released within 60-90 days after the examination, and grades are assigned based on specific performance bands.
The WAEC grading system uses letters and corresponding grades to reflect a candidate’s performance in each subject. The grading spans from A (Excellent) to F (Fail), with each grade representing a range of percentage scores. Let’s explore the grading system in detail.
WAEC Grading System From A to F.
below is how WAEC result is been graded
A1: Excellent (75% – 100%)
This is the highest grade a student can achieve in the WAEC examination. A1 represents an excellent understanding of the subject matter. Candidates who score between 75% and 100% demonstrate mastery, critical thinking, and the ability to apply knowledge effectively.
Example: If a student scores 85% in Mathematics, they earn an A1 grade, which showcases outstanding performance.
B2: Very Good (70% – 74%)
B2 is awarded to students who exhibit a very good grasp of the subject. Though slightly below the A1 threshold, it still represents an impressive performance.
Example: A student with a 72% score in English Language earns a B2, indicating a solid understanding and application of the subject.
B3: Good (65% – 69%)
This grade signifies a good performance. While it falls short of the excellent and very good grades, it shows that the candidate has a commendable knowledge of the subject.
Example: Scoring 67% in Biology earns a B3, reflecting a satisfactory performance.
C4: Credit (60% – 64%)
C4 represents the beginning of the credit grades. It indicates that the student has a clear understanding of the subject but may have minor deficiencies in certain areas.
Example: A candidate with 62% in Economics earns a C4 grade.
C5: Credit (55% – 59%)
C5 is another credit grade and reflects a performance that meets the expectations but shows more noticeable gaps compared to C4.
Example: Scoring 57% in Physics would result in a C5 grade.
C6: Credit (50% – 54%)
C6 is the lowest credit grade in the WAEC grading system. It signifies a basic level of understanding sufficient to pass the subject but may lack in-depth comprehension.
Example: A candidate with 52% in Chemistry earns a C6 grade.
D7: Pass (45% – 49%)
D7 represents a marginal pass and is the minimum requirement for passing certain exams or securing entry-level qualifications. However, it is generally not considered sufficient for competitive opportunities such as university admission.
Example: Scoring 47% in Geography earns a D7 grade.
E8: Pass (40% – 44%)
E8 is another passing grade but reflects a weaker performance than D7. It indicates minimal understanding of the subject.
Example: A student with 42% in Agricultural Science earns an E8 grade.
F9: Fail (0% – 39%)
F9 is the lowest grade and signifies a failure to meet the minimum requirements. Candidates with this grade demonstrate insufficient knowledge or understanding of the subject.
Example: Scoring 35% in Literature in English results in an F9 grade.
How to Calculate WAEC Grades Based on Percentage
WAEC grades are determined by combining the scores from different sections of the examination. The total percentage is calculated based on how much each section contributes to the overall mark. Here’s an explanation of how it works for subjects with and without practical components:
For Subjects with Practical (e.g., Chemistry, Physics, Biology)
Subjects like Chemistry have three main sections: the practical section, the objective section, and the theory section. Each section has a specific weight:
- Practical Section: This accounts for 35 percent of the total mark. Your performance in practical experiments is critical, as it contributes significantly to your overall grade.
- Objective Section: This consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, contributing 25 percent of the total score. The questions test your ability to recall and apply basic concepts.
- Theory Section: This makes up the remaining 40 percent of the total mark. It assesses your deeper understanding of the subject through structured and essay-type questions.
To calculate your final percentage, you determine how much of the total marks you scored in each section. For example:
- If you perform well in practicals, your high score will boost the 35 percent allocated to this section.
- A good objective score will help you gain marks from the 25 percent allocated to that section.
- A strong performance in the theory section will ensure you maximize the 40 percent allocated to it.
When you add the contributions from all three sections, the result is your total percentage, which determines your grade.
For Subjects Without Practical (e.g., English, Economics)
Subjects like English or Economics only have two sections: the objective section and the theory section. The weight of each section is as follows:
- Objective Section: This usually consists of 50 to 80 multiple-choice questions and contributes 40 percent of the total marks. The questions focus on testing your knowledge of basic facts and principles.
- Theory Section: This section makes up 60 percent of the total marks and includes essay-type or structured questions. It is designed to evaluate your ability to explain, analyze, or discuss concepts in detail.
To determine your overall grade:
- Calculate how much of the 40 percent you scored in the objective section based on the number of correct answers.
- Calculate how much of the 60 percent you earned in the theory section based on your answers.
- Combine the contributions from both sections to get your total percentage. Your grade is then determined based on where your percentage falls within the WAEC grading system.
By understanding the percentage contribution of each section and how it impacts your overall score, you can evaluate your performance and identify areas where you need improvement. This method ensures that every part of the exam contributes fairly to your final grade, giving you a clear picture of how well you did
FAQ: WAEC Grading System
How do WAEC grade their scores?
WAEC grades scores based on a specific percentage range. The grades are:
- A1: 75% – 100% (Excellent)
- B2: 70% – 74% (Very Good)
- B3: 65% – 69% (Good)
- C4: 60% – 64% (Credit)
- C5: 55% – 59% (Credit)
- C6: 50% – 54% (Credit)
- D7: 45% – 49% (Pass)
- E8: 40% – 44% (Pass)
- F9: 0% – 39% (Fail)
WAEC calculates the final grade based on the total percentage achieved in the examination, with no continuous assessment included.
How to calculate O level result?
Your O level result consists of individual grades for each subject. To calculate your aggregate score for admission purposes, select the best six subjects (including core ones like Mathematics and English). Assign points to each grade:
- A1 = 1 point
- B2 = 2 points
- B3 = 3 points
- C4 = 4 points
- C5 = 5 points
- C6 = 6 points
- D7 = 7 points (not accepted by most institutions)
- E8 and F9 = Fail (not counted)
Sum the points of the six subjects to get your aggregate score.
What percentage is C6 in WAEC?
C6 in WAEC corresponds to a percentage range of 50% to 54%. It is the lowest credit grade and signifies a basic level of understanding of the subject.
What does D7 mean in the WAEC result?
D7 represents a score between 45% and 49%. It is classified as a pass grade but is often not acceptable for admission into most higher institutions. However, it may be sufficient for certain programs or certifications.
How can I calculate my aggregate?
To calculate your aggregate for university admission, follow these steps:
- Select the required subjects (e.g., English, Mathematics, and four other relevant subjects).
- Assign points to the grades (A1 = 1 point, B2 = 2 points, etc.).
- Add the points of the best six subjects to get your total aggregate score. Institutions use these scores to rank candidates for admission.
Is D7 a pass or fail?
D7 is considered a pass grade in WAEC, as it falls within the range of 45% to 49%. However, it is typically not acceptable for competitive courses or institutions that require credit passes (C6 and above).
What is F9 in WAEC?
F9 is the lowest grade in WAEC, representing a percentage range of 0% to 39%. It indicates a failure to meet the minimum requirements in the subject