How to Collect Your Original WAEC Certificate: Do you need to collect your original WAEC certificate or want to know how much it costs? In this post, I will explain the process and the costs involved.
WAEC, the West African Examination Council, was established to conduct and award examination certificates in English-speaking West African countries. The original WAEC certificate is different from the statement of results that schools provide or the online printout. Here’s how to collect your original WAEC certificate and how much it will cost.
Why Collect Your WAEC Certificate?
It has been reported that many people who wrote their WAEC exams as far back as 1960 still haven’t collected their original certificates. This is surprising because most people only collect their certificates when they need them for something important.
Cost of Collecting the Original WAEC Certificate
WAEC charges a fine for not collecting certificates on time, which depends on how long the certificate has been in their office:
- 0 to 4 years: N3,500
- 5 to 9 years: N8,500
- 10 to 14 years: N13,500
- 15 to 19 years: N18,500
- 20 years and above: N23,500
It’s best to collect your certificate as soon as possible to avoid higher fines.
Types of WAEC Examinations
WAEC conducts four different types of examinations:
1. International Exams:
- WASSCE for Private Candidates (January to February)
- WASSCE for School Candidates (March to May)
- WASSCE for Private Candidates, MAIN GCE (September to October)
2. National Exams:
- Junior Secondary School Certificate for Nigeria and the Gambia
- Junior and Senior High School Certificate Examinations for Liberia
- National Primary School and Basic Education Certificate Examinations for Sierra Leone
- Basic Education Certificate Examinations for Ghana
- Senior School Certificate Examinations for Ghana
3. Jointly Conducted Exams:
Conducted with other examining bodies like the City and Guilds of London Institute and the Royal Society of Arts.
4. Exams Conducted on Behalf of Other Bodies:
Includes international exams like the JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) exam outside Nigeria.
How to Collect Your WAEC Certificate
Whether you are from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, the Gambia, or Liberia, you can collect your original WAEC certificate without much stress. WAEC issues certificates within one year after the results are released.
For School Candidates (Internal WAEC Candidates):
- Collect your certificate from your school. The requirements and fees vary, so check with your school for details.
For Private Candidates:
- Collect your certificate from the nearest WAEC office.
If your certificate has been in WAEC’s custody for more than 3 years, you will need to pay a “custody fee,” which depends on how long it has been kept.
Requirements for Collecting Your WAEC Certificate
To collect your original WAEC certificate, you will need:
- Application Letter
- Online Result Printout
- Identity Card
- Passport Photograph
- Affidavit from the High Court
Important Note
- Your date of birth will be written on your WAEC certificate, and WAEC does not allow changes to the date of birth after results are released.
- After collecting your certificate, do not laminate it. Instead, keep it safe in a transparent waterproof file to prevent damage.
Conclusion
Collecting your WAEC certificate is important and should be done as soon as possible to avoid extra costs. Whether you’re a school candidate or a private candidate, following these steps will ensure you get your original certificate without hassle.
