WAEC Moves Private WASSCE Fully Computer-Based as 2026 Registration Opens

Registration has opened for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates, Second Series, with the West African Examinations Council confirming a full transition to computer-based testing for the diet.

The council announced that registration began on May 4 and will close on July 31, 2026, giving prospective candidates a defined window to complete the process ahead of the examination.

At ₦37,000 per candidate, the exercise follows the established structure of the private WASSCE, which caters to individuals outside the formal secondary school system.

However, the decision to conduct the examination entirely as a Computer-Based Examination marks a significant shift in how candidates will be assessed.

The move aligns with ongoing efforts by examination bodies to strengthen integrity, reduce malpractice, and improve operational efficiency through technology-driven processes.

Candidates have been advised to confirm available examination towns at the nearest WAEC office before proceeding with registration, a step the council says is necessary to avoid logistical complications.

Beyond the logistics, the examination remains a critical pathway for candidates seeking to obtain or improve their O’level results for admission into tertiary institutions, employment opportunities, or personal advancement.

The transition to a fully digital format introduces a new layer to that pathway, requiring candidates to navigate not just subject content but also the demands of computer-based testing.

WAEC has encouraged early registration, citing the need for candidates to prepare adequately and avoid last-minute congestion as the deadline approaches.

As the registration window progresses, attention will shift to how candidates adapt to the new format and how effectively the system delivers on its promise of a more secure and efficient examination process.

Credit: ThePunch