WAEC Results 2026: Complete Guide to Check, Interpret & Use Your Certificate

Expected Release Date: 45 days after the last paper

WAEC Results Timeline

• May/June WAEC 2026:
  • Exams: April - June 2026
  • Results release: Late July to Mid-August 2026
  • Fastest release: ~42 days after last paper
  • Average release: 45-60 days after last paper
• Nov/Dec WAEC (GCE) 2025:
  • Exams: November - December 2025
  • Results release: January - February 2026

How to Know When Results Are Out

1. Official WAEC Website: www.waecdirect.org (check announcements section)
2. WAEC Twitter/X: @waecnigeria (they announce release date)
3. SMS Alert: WAEC sometimes sends SMS to registered phone numbers
4. News Media: Major Nigerian news outlets report WAEC results release
5. School Notification: Your school will be notified by WAEC

There are 3 official methods to check WAEC results:

Method 1: Check Results Via WAEC Official Portal (Most Common)

What You Need:

• WAEC examination number (10 digits)
• Examination year (e.g., 2026)
• Card PIN (₦2,500 scratch card or online payment)
• Card serial number (on scratch card)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Buy WAEC Result Checker Scratch Card (₦2,500)
   • Available at WAEC offices, selected banks, and authorized vendors
   • Or pay online via Quickteller, Remita, etc.
2. Visit WAEC Results Portal:
   • Go to: www.waecdirect.org
   • Click: "Result Checker" or "Check Results Online"
3. Select Examination Type:
   • Choose: WASSCE (May/June) or WASSCE (Nov/Dec/GCE)
4. Enter Required Information:
   • Examination Year: 2026
   • Examination Number: Your 10-digit exam number (found on exam timetable/card)
   • Card Type: Select "WAEC Result Checker Card"
   • Card Serial Number: 12-digit number on scratch card
   • Card PIN: 10-digit PIN (scratch to reveal)
5. Click "Submit"
   • Wait 5-10 seconds for page to load
   • Your result will display on screen
6. Screenshot/Print Your Result
   • Take screenshot for your records
   • Or use browser print function (Ctrl + P)

Method 2: Check Results Via SMS

Instructions:

1. Buy WAEC Result Checker Scratch Card (₦2,500)
2. Send SMS in this format:

Example:

3. Send to: 32327
4. Wait for SMS response with your result

Note: SMS method shows grades only, not detailed subject-by-subject breakdown like the portal.

Method 3: Check Results at School

If you can't access the internet or purchase a scratch card:

• Visit your school 2-3 weeks after results release
• Schools receive printed copies of students' results
• Request to see your result from the principal's office
• This is FREE (no scratch card needed)

Common Errors When Checking Results (And Fixes)

Error Message	Cause	Solution
"Invalid PIN"	Wrong PIN entered	Double-check PIN on card, ensure no spaces
"No result found"	Wrong exam number or year	Verify exam number from exam card/timetable
"Result withheld"	Investigation by WAEC	Contact your school principal immediately
"Card expired"	Used card or past validity	Buy a new scratch card
"Server error"	Website overloaded	Wait 1-2 hours and try again (peak traffic)

WAEC uses a grading system from A1 (best) to F9 (worst). Here's what each grade means:

WAEC Grading Scale

Grade	Score Range	Interpretation	University Acceptance
A1	75 - 100%	Excellent/Distinction	✅ Pass (Credit)
B2	70 - 74%	Very Good	✅ Pass (Credit)
B3	65 - 69%	Good	✅ Pass (Credit)
C4	60 - 64%	Credit	✅ Pass (Credit)
C5	55 - 59%	Credit	✅ Pass (Credit)
C6	50 - 54%	Credit	✅ Pass (Credit)
D7	45 - 49%	Pass	⚠️ Pass (but NOT credit)
E8	40 - 44%	Pass	⚠️ Pass (but NOT credit)
F9	0 - 39%	Fail	❌ Fail (must retake)

What "5 Credits" Means (Most Important!)

For university admission, you need:

• 5 Credits (C6 or better) in relevant subjects
• Including English Language (compulsory credit)
• Including Mathematics (for most courses, especially sciences)
• In not more than 2 sittings (WAEC + NECO, or 2 WAEC attempts)

Examples:

Good Result (Qualifies for University):

• English: B3 ✅
• Mathematics: C5 ✅
• Biology: B2 ✅
• Chemistry: C4 ✅
• Physics: C6 ✅
• Economics: D7
• Result: 5 credits including English and Math → University admission possible!

Insufficient Result (Needs Retake):

• English: C5 ✅
• Mathematics: D7 ❌ (not a credit)
• Biology: B3 ✅
• Chemistry: C6 ✅
• Physics: C4 ✅
• Government: B2 ✅
• Result: 5 credits but WITHOUT Math → Must retake Mathematics!

Course-Specific Requirements

Medicine/Pharmacy:

• English, Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics (all credits)
• Preferably B3 or better in sciences

Engineering:

• English, Math, Physics, Chemistry (all credits)
• Math and Physics preferably B3 or better

Law:

• English, Literature, Government + any 2 other credits
• Math not compulsory for Law

Accounting/Business:

• English, Math, Economics + any 2 other credits

There are 2 types of WAEC certificates:

1. Online Result Printout (Temporary)

What it is: The result you print from waecdirect.org

Validity: Accepted by most Nigerian universities for admission screening

How to get it:

1. Check your result on waecdirect.org
2. Click "Print" or take screenshot
3. Save as PDF for university applications

2. Physical Certificate (Original/Official)

What it is: Official printed certificate with WAEC seal and signature

When available: 3-6 months after results release

How to collect it:

1. Through Your School (Free):
   • Most common method
   • WAEC sends certificates to schools in bulk
   • Visit your school 4-6 months after results release
   • Bring: Exam number, means of identification
2. Directly from WAEC Office (If Urgent):
   • Visit nearest WAEC office
   • Fill certificate collection form
   • Pay collection fee (if applicable)
   • Collect within 2-4 weeks

What to Do If Certificate Has Errors

If you notice spelling mistakes in your name or other errors:

1. Report to your school principal immediately
2. School will contact WAEC to request correction
3. Fill WAEC amendment form (available at WAEC offices)
4. Submit supporting documents (birth certificate, school ID)
5. Pay amendment fee (₦10,000 - ₦15,000)
6. Corrected certificate ready in 4-8 weeks

Result withheld means: WAEC is investigating suspected examination malpractice.

Common Reasons for Withheld Results

• Suspected cheating or collusion
• Similarity in answers with other candidates
• School under investigation for mass malpractice
• Incomplete payment of exam fees by school
• Administrative errors (wrong subject combinations)

What to Do Immediately

1. Don't Panic: Some withheld results are released after investigation
2. Contact Your School Principal: They can liaise with WAEC on your behalf
3. Write to WAEC: Formal letter requesting reason for withholding
4. Provide Evidence: If you're innocent, submit any proof (prior performance, mock results)
5. Wait for Investigation: WAEC will communicate outcome (2-8 weeks)

Possible Outcomes

• Result Released: If investigation clears you
• Result Cancelled: If malpractice confirmed (you must retake exam)
• Ban from WAEC: In severe cases (usually 2-3 years ban)

Prevention: Never engage in malpractice. It's not worth risking your future!

Good news: You can retake failed subjects through WAEC GCE (Nov/Dec).

What is WAEC GCE?

• Full name: General Certificate Examination
• Purpose: For candidates who want to improve grades or retake failed subjects
• When: November - December (every year)
• Registration: August - October
• Open to: Anyone (not just SS3 students)

How to Register for WAEC GCE Retake

1. Registration Period: August - early October
2. Where to Register:
   • Your former school (if they offer GCE registration)
   • WAEC registration centers nationwide
   • Online via WAEC portal (for private candidates)
3. Registration Fee: ₦18,000 - ₦25,000 (varies by registration center)
4. Documents Needed:
   • Original O'Level result (May/June WAEC)
   • Birth certificate or age declaration
   • Passport photographs (4 copies)
   • Registration fee
5. Select Subjects: Only register for subjects you failed or want to upgrade

WAEC GCE vs May/June WAEC: Key Differences

Aspect	May/June WAEC	GCE (Nov/Dec)
Who can write	Only SS3 students	Anyone (graduates, private candidates)
Registration	Through school only	School or as private candidate
Difficulty	Standard	Slightly easier (anecdotally)
University acceptance	Fully accepted	Fully accepted (equal status)
Results release	45-60 days	60-90 days (slower)

Combining WAEC Results (Two-Sitting)

Most universities accept: Combining May/June WAEC and GCE results to form "5 credits"

Example:

• May/June WAEC 2026: English (B3), Biology (C5), Chemistry (C6), Physics (D7), Math (F9)
• GCE Nov/Dec 2026: Physics (C4), Math (C5)
• Combined Result: English (B3), Math (C5), Biology (C5), Chemistry (C6), Physics (C4) = 5 credits! ✅

Important: Check your desired university's policy. Some courses (Medicine, Law) may require all 5 credits in ONE sitting.

Step-by-Step University Admission Process

1. Check Your WAEC Result:
   • Confirm you have 5 credits (including English + Math/relevant subjects)
2. Write JAMB UTME:
   • Register for JAMB (usually January - March)
   • Choose 4 subjects relevant to your course
   • Score competitive JAMB score (180+ minimum, 250+ competitive)
3. Apply for Post-UTME Screening:
   • After JAMB, universities conduct post-UTME screening
   • You'll need to submit your WAEC result online
4. Submit O'Level Result to University:
   • During post-UTME registration, upload WAEC result
   • Enter: Exam number, exam year, grades for each subject
   • Universities verify directly from WAEC database
5. Await Admission:
   • Universities consider: JAMB score + WAEC result + Post-UTME performance
   • Admission lists released August - November
6. Present Original Certificate:
   • When you gain admission, you'll submit original WAEC certificate during clearance
   • Universities verify authenticity

Important Notes for University Admission

• ✅ WAEC results are valid indefinitely (no expiration)
• ✅ You can use WAEC + NECO combination
• ✅ Most universities accept 2-sitting results (WAEC + GCE)
• ❌ Don't use fake results (universities verify directly from WAEC)
• ❌ Don't forge certificates (criminal offense, permanent ban)