The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially commenced registration for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates – Second Series, popularly known as WAEC GCE. This exam offers a golden opportunity for school leavers, private candidates, and individuals who may want to improve their results or obtain their first O’Level certificate outside the traditional school system.
For the 2025 GCE second series, the registration fee is ₦27,000 (twenty-seven thousand naira only). The process is carried out strictly online, and candidates must ensure they follow all registration instructions carefully to avoid errors that could affect their examination or result.
In this detailed guide, we will cover everything you need to know about WAEC GCE 2025 registration, including eligibility, how to obtain the registration PIN, step-by-step online registration, subject selection, photo and biometric capture, deadlines, and the official rules guiding the examination.
What is WAEC GCE (2nd Series)?
The WAEC GCE (General Certificate Examination) is an external version of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) conducted by WAEC. Unlike the May/June school candidates’ exam, this one is specifically for private candidates.
The exam is usually conducted twice yearly:
First Series (Jan/Feb): For candidates who prefer an early-year examination.
Second Series (Aug/Sept/Oct): This is the more popular option, allowing more candidates to register, write the exam, and use the result for university, polytechnic, or college admission.
The 2025 Second Series is particularly important because it gives students another chance to meet admission requirements for the 2025/2026 academic session in Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions.
Eligibility Requirements for WAEC GCE 2025 (Second Series)
Before registering, candidates must confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria set by WAEC. Below are the basic requirements:
Educational Background:
- Candidates must have completed secondary school or have equivalent learning.
- First-time applicants or those seeking to improve on previous WAEC results are both eligible.
Minimum Age Requirement:
- Candidates must be at least 16 years old at the time of registration.
Valid Identification:
- Applicants are required to have a valid national ID card, NIN slip, or international passport for verification.
Personal Information:
- Full name (same as on birth certificate/ID).
- Date of birth.
- Valid email address and phone number.
- Biometric Fingerprint Capture:
All applicants must undergo biometric fingerprint capture, which is compulsory for validation during exams.
Registration Fee:
- The approved fee for the 2025 second series is ₦27,000.
- Extra charges may apply for late registration or correction of errors.
WAEC GCE 2025 Registration Fee Breakdown
The standard cost for registration is ₦27,000. However, candidates should also be aware of extra charges that may apply:
- Registration Fee: ₦27,000
- Bank/Service Charges: ₦500 – ₦1,000 (depending on outlet)
- Late Registration Fee (if applicable): Extra ₦5,000 – ₦10,000
- Correction of Data (after submission): ₦2,500 per correction
This means candidates are advised to register early to avoid unnecessary extra costs.
How to Obtain WAEC GCE 2025 Registration PIN
The e-PIN is the unique code required to complete the online registration. Without it, candidates cannot access the WAEC registration portal.
- You can obtain the WAEC GCE e-PIN through:
- Banks & Accredited Agents:
- Pay the ₦27,000 fee at approved commercial banks (UBA, Access, First Bank, Zenith, GTB, etc.) or accredited WAEC agents across Nigeria.
- You will be issued a printout with your e-PIN and serial number.
Online Purchase (WAEC Portal):
- Visit the official WAEC registration portal at www.waecdirect.org
- Select “Buy Registration PIN” and make payment with your ATM card.
- A PIN will be generated for you immediately.
Authorized Retailers & Business Outlets:
Some accredited cybercafés, business centers, and online payment platforms also sell WAEC GCE PINs.
REGISTRATION PERIOD:
WASSCE for Private Candidates, 2025 – SECOND SERIES Registration has commenced on Monday, June 09, 2025. Closing date for Generation of PIN is Friday, August 22, 2025. Intending candidates are therefore advised to complete their Biometrics capturing and Online registration by 11:59pm on Sunday, August 24, 2025
MODE OF PAYMENT:
Candidates are expected to pay a registration fee of Twenty Seven Thousand Naira (N27,000) only, at branches of any of the following banks or any accredited agent and obtain the Registration PIN and information VCD:
-Access Bank Plc
-Ecobank Plc
-Fidelity Bank Plc
-First Bank of Nig
-First City Monument Bank Plc
-Guaranty Trust Bank Plc
-Heritage Bank Plc
-Jaiz Bank
-Polaris Bank Ltd
-Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc
-Standard Chartered Bank Plc
-Sterling Bank Plc
-Union Bank of Nigeria Plc
-United Bank for Africa Plc
-Unity Bank Plc
-WEMA Bank Plc
-Zenith Bank Plc
In addition, Candidates will be requested to pay five hundred naira (N500.00) commission to the banks/accredited agents.
Candidates can also explore any of the following cashless payment channels included in the new advert to procure registration token with credit/debit card.
*Bancwize Limited
*Bring Africa
*Broadshift Technologies Ltd
*Citiserve Ltd
*Xpress payment
*Paga
*Palmpay
*Paycom
*System Specs Ltd
*Interswitch
*Coralpay
*Etranzact
*IQ Pay
*Cyberspace Ltd
*Fidelity Bank
*Itex
*Unified payments
*UBA
*Capricorn Ltd
*Kudi
WALK-IN-CANDIDATES:
Candidates who wish to register for the examination after the close of entries may be accommodated as “Walk-in-Candidates” provided they register not less than twenty-four hours to the scheduled time of the paper(s) they intend to write. The “Walk-in-Candidate” fee is Forty-Five Thousand Naira (N45,000.00) only.
CANDIDATES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS:
Candidates with special needs will also register online like other candidates but they must clearly state their Impairments e.g Visual, Low vision, Spastic, Speech, Hard to hear, etc
WHERE TO REGISTER
Candidates can visit accredited banks, Cyber Cafes, WAEC offices and “WAEC REGISTRATION POINTS” nearest to them for PIN purchase and registration
COMPLETION OF REGISTRATION:
Candidates MUST conclude registration within two weeks of first access to the website during the registration period. They should ensure that their names, gender, passport photographs, dates of birth and subjects are correct. They are also to print the Admission Notice, as Evidence of successful registration, which will serve as identification during the examination. The Result Checker PIN will also be on the Admission Notice. The acceptable fingerprint Scanner is UareU digitalPersona fingerprint device.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
The examination will be computer based test. The objective papers will be fully CBT, while the essay and test of practical examinations will be hybrid examination where the questions will be displayed on the screen and the candidates will capture the answers on paper.
There will be an online Mock examination for interested candidates who registered for the examination and want to familiaraise themselves with the testing environment.the date and modalities for the mock will be communicated to candidates via SMS, emails and all social media platforms.
-Candidates must note that registration fee is nit refundable.-Candidates should continue to check the website for the examination Timetable
-Entries must be uploaded with passport photographs captured with digital camera. The specification of the digital camera should be Microsoft HD 3000. The passport photographs must be of good quality BLACK & WHITE OR COLOUR (JPEG File only, 275 by 314 pixels with 72 dbi resolution) and with a CONTRASTING BACKGROUND. There must be no obstructive items. Please note that the submission of a defaced or poor quality photography by a candidate would automatically invalidate the entry of the candidate. For further details, visit www.waecnigeria.org
-Candidates should study the Regulations and Syllabuses for the examination which they can download from WAEC website (www.waeconline.org.ng) using the Registration PIN
-Candidates must go to examination halls in mufti and without arms. No professional uniform of any kind will be allowed in the examination halls
-The entire result of candidates who sit for the examination in more than one centre will be cancelled
-Smoking is not allowed in the examination hall
-Any Candidate that comes into the examination hall with mobile phone(s) and /or any other electronic gadget(s) will have his or her entire results cancelled
-Candidates must ensure that their entries are correctly completed before uploading as the Council will not be held responsible for errors in candidate’s particulars. Request for amendments will NOT BE entertained on any information which a candidate voluntarily gives at the point of registration.
-Candidates must come into the examination hall with their original Admission Notice
-Candidates who engage in examination malpractice will not only have their results cancelled but may be prosecuted
-Candidates must ensure they provide valid email and telephone number(s) during registration
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the registration fee for WAEC GCE 2025 (Second Series)?
The fee is ₦27,000 only. Extra charges apply for late registration or correction of errors.
2. Who can apply for the WAEC GCE?
Any candidate who has completed secondary school, workers, or individuals seeking to improve their grades can apply.
3. Can I register for the exam without a NIN?
Yes, but WAEC strongly encourages candidates to use valid identification such as NIN or international passport for verification.
4. How many subjects can I register for?
Candidates can register for a minimum of 7 subjects and a maximum of 9 subjects, including English Language and Mathematics as compulsory.
5. Is there late registration for WAEC GCE?
Yes. Late registration is usually allowed for 1–2 weeks after the deadline but attracts extra charges (₦5,000 – ₦10,000).
6. Can I use WAEC GCE results to gain admission into universities abroad?
Yes. WAEC GCE results are internationally recognized in many English-speaking countries. However, some schools may request additional entrance exams like IELTS or TOEFL.
7. When will WAEC GCE 2025 results be released?
Results are generally released 6–8 weeks after the last paper, which means around December 2025 for the second series.
Conclusion
The WAEC GCE (2nd Series) 2025 registration is now ongoing, and all interested candidates are encouraged to complete their registration on time to avoid last-minute difficulties. With a registration fee of ₦27,000, this examination provides an opportunity for school leavers, private candidates, and individuals aiming to improve their grades to secure a recognized O’Level certificate.
By following the guidelines in this article – from obtaining your registration PIN, filling your form correctly, capturing biometrics, and preparing for the exam – you will have a smooth registration and examination experience. Always remember to check the official WAEC portal (www.waeconline.org.ng