The Council usually advertises entry periods and entry procedures in national newspapers. In respect of the WASSCE for example, the Council conducts two exams each year; the first in May/June for school candidates and the second in October/November for private candidates.
Registration for either May/June or the November/December WASSCE is done through the Internet (online). The May/June exam is for school candidates and all entry formalities are undertaken by the schools presenting candidates.
In the case of the private candidates' examination, entry is on an individual basis. A prospective candidate purchases the entry scratch card which enables him/her to complete the entry form on the Council's registration website-www.waeconline.org.ng. A registered candidate subsequently prints out from the website the identification photo card, which contains vital information about the candidate's centre name, location, number and the subjects entered for. The examination timetable and subject syllabuses are also made available to prospective candidates on the website.
It is important to note that once the prescribed fee is paid to the accredited selling agent, a prospective candidate obtains two scratch cards, one for the online registration and the other for the online checking of results.
In the case of the school examination, the prospective candidate must be in the SS 3 class in a recognized school, For the private candidates' examination, any one of the following categories may enter for the WASSCE:
- Those who have attempted the WASSCE in previous years;
- Those who have attempted the GCE and obtained a pass in at least three subjects;
- Those who have passed the Teachers’ Grade two examination.
WAEC does not prepare candidates for its examinations by establishing secondary schools or tutorial centres, and no such institutions are affiliated to the Council.
WAEC provides feedback in the form of Chief Examiners' Report on candidates' perofrmance in the various papers for each examination diet, which helps schools and private candidates to prepare adequately for subsequent examinations. The Chief Examiners' Reports are avialable for sale at the Council's offices nationwide.
Candidates can collect their certificates from WAEC Zonal and Branch offices in charge of the state where they sat for the examination.
Results are partially released due to queries arising from one or a combination of the following mistakes:
- Wrong transfer of examination numbers in one or more papers;
- Failure to shade examination numbers;
- Shading objective sheets with biro pens instead of pencil;
- Mistakes in entries leading to duplication of subjects.
Results are cancelled when candidates are found guilty of examination malpractice.
