The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) GCE registration for the 2025 first series is ongoing. The registration process involves online registration, payment of fees, and providing personal details, including biometric information. Interested candidates can visit the official WAEC registration portal via registration.waecdirect.org to begin their registration.

The West African Examinations Council’s General Certificate Examination (WAEC GCE) is a vital opportunity for students who missed the regular WAEC SSCE, NECO, or want to improve their grades. With the WAEC GCE 2025 drawing near, this detailed guide covers every aspect from registration to results.

What Is WAEC GCE and Why Should You Care in 2025?

The WAEC GCE is the General Certificate Examination offered by WAEC for private candidates. Unlike the school-based Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), the GCE is available twice a year: 1st series around April–May, and 2nd series around October–November.

Why it matters in 2025:

• It remains a critical pathway for university admission.
• Gives second-chance for better grades.
• Essential for adult learners, out-of-school candidates, and workers seeking qualification.

WAEC GCE is accepted across Nigerian tertiary institutions and many universities abroad, especially where WAEC SSCE alone isn’t enough.

When Will WAEC GCE 2025 Registration Start?

Every year, WAEC releases an official registration timetable. For the 2025 1^st Series, waec.gov.ng typically opens registration in early March. The 2^nd Series usually starts in late August or early September.

2025 Dates (estimated):

• 1st Series registration: Likely open from March 1 to April 30, 2025.
• 2nd Series registration: Expected from September 1 to October 31, 2025.

Registering early is wise to avoid late-fee penalties and secure your exam centre choice.

How Do I Register for WAEC GCE 2025?

1. Visit the official WAEC GCE portal at waecdirect.org.
2. Click “GCE 2025 Registration” and choose your series (1st or 2nd).
3. Create an account or log in.
4. Complete personal information (name, DOB, address).
5. Select up to 9 subjects—you must choose at least 5 to sit for WAEC GCE.
6. Upload passport photo (max 20 KB; must be white background, jpg/png).
7. Print out registration slip and proceed to any First Bank or GTBank to pay your fee.
8. Complete biometric data capture at WAEC office (fingerprints). Expect to wait up to 2 hours.
9. Return to check and print admission slip featuring your photo and exam details.

How Much Is WAEC GCE 2025 Registration Fee?

WAEC usually sets the fee at ₦23,500 per subject. Registration cost depends on the number of subjects:

• 5 subjects: ₦117,500
• 9 subjects (max): ₦211,500

Additional fees:

• ID card replacement: ₦2,000
• Late registration: ₦5,000 + per-subject charge
• Name correction: ₦1,000

Payment options include direct bank deposits, ATM transfers, and limited POS services at WAEC offices.

What Are the Requirements for WAEC GCE Registration?

• Identification: A valid ID (voter’s card, national ID, WAEC registration number).
• Passport photo: Recently taken, white background, ≤20 KB, JPEG or PNG.
• Biometric capture: You must attend WAEC office in person.
• Waec school/reg number: Especially for SSCE/GCE renewal candidates.
• Payment receipt slip: After fee payment.

What Subjects Offered in WAEC GCE 2025?

WAEC GCE covers all SSCE disciplines:

Science Subjects

• Biology
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Technical Drawing
• Further Mathematics
• Agricultural Science
• Computer Science

Arts & Social Sciences

• Government
• Economics
• History
• Literature in English
• Christian Religious Studies (CRS)
• Islamic Religious Studies (IRS)
• Geography
• French
• Literary in English

Commercial Subjects

• Financial Accounting
• Commerce
• Principles of Costing
• Principles of Commerce
• Insurance
• Office Practice / Shorthand

WAEC Timetable 2025 – Second Series (Final International Schedule)

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC)
West African Senior School Certificate Examination for Private Candidates, 2025 – Second Series
Final International Timetable (Released July 15, 2025)

Friday, 24th October 2025

• PC7023 – Foods and Nutrition 3 (Practical) Planning Session – 1hr (08:30–09:30)
• PC7033 – Home Management 3 (Practical) Planning Session – 1hr (09:30–10:30)

Monday, 27th October – Saturday, 15th November 2025

Project Work (6 hours daily for 5 days) — Dates arranged by the Council.

• PC7073 – Basketry 3
• PC7083 – Ceramics 3
• PC7103 – Graphic Design 3
• PC7113 – Jewellery 3
• PC7123 – Leatherwork 3
• PC7133 – Picture Making 3
• PC7143 – Sculpture 3
• PC7153 – Textiles 3

Monday, 3rd – Friday, 14th November 2025

Oral and Practical Papers – Times arranged by the Council.

• PC3013 – Arabic 3 (Oral)
• PC7054 – Music 3B (Performance Test)
• PC3043 – French 3 (Oral)
• PC7013 – Clothing and Textiles 3 (Practical)
• PC7023 – Foods and Nutrition 3 (Practical)
• PC7033 – Home Management 3 (Practical)

Sample Excerpts of Later Dates

Below are examples of other scheduled exam days. For the full timetable, scroll down through this document.

• Monday, 10th November: Engineering Science, Animal Husbandry
• Tuesday, 11th November: Further Mathematics, Clerical Office Duties
• Wednesday, 12th November: Financial Accounting, Government, Electronics
• Thursday, 13th November: Nigerian Languages (Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba) and Auto Mechanics
• Friday, 14th November: Home Management, Ceramics, Electronics Practicals
• Saturday, 15th November: Economics and Visual Art

Notes for Candidates

1. Difference in Time: Where the time on the question paper differs from the timetable, follow the question paper.
2. Advance Papers:
   • Visual Art 3 – Supervisors receive instructions two weeks prior.
   • General Knowledge-in-Art 3 – Given to candidates two weeks prior.
   • Project Work Papers – Basketry, Graphic Design, Leatherwork, Ceramics, Sculpture, Picture Making, Textiles, Jewellery: distributed two weeks before the exam.
3. Extra Time for Special Needs: Blind, deaf, and dumb candidates receive one and a half times the normal duration.

Country Availability

• * – Available to candidates in Ghana only
• ** – Available to candidates in Nigeria only
• *** – Available to candidates in The Gambia and Sierra Leone only
• **** – Available to candidates in Liberia only
• ***** – Available to candidates in Sierra Leone only
• ****** – Available to candidates in The Gambia only