WASSCE facts for kids

The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is a very important test for students in West Africa. It's like a big final exam for high school. The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) creates this test. Students in five English-speaking countries take it: Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Liberia.

Taking the WASSCE Exams

There are two main times when students can take the WASSCE exam each year. Each version has slightly different rules about who can take it and when.

WASSCE (November/December)

This exam is open to students from both government and private schools. You don't need to wear a school uniform for this test. However, students must still follow all other rules given by the examiners. This exam happens in the fall, usually in November or December. The results for this test are ready by December. This version used to be called the G.C.E. (General Certificate Examinations).

WASSCE (May/June)

This exam is mainly for students who attend government schools. If you go to a well-known private school, you might still take this exam. However, you would need to take it at a government school. Students taking this exam must wear a specific uniform, as decided by the teachers. This test takes place in the spring, usually in May or June. The results are typically available by August of the same year. This version was once known as the S.S.C.E. (Senior School Certificate Examinations).

Understanding Your Grades

After you take the WASSCE exams, you get a certificate with your grades. These grades show how well you did on each subject. Here's what each grade means: