How Much Does It Cost to Get Original WAEC Results?

If you’ve recently completed the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or are preparing to, one question that may be on your mind is, “How much does it cost to get the original WAEC results?” Whether you’re planning to apply for higher education, apply for a job, or pursue other goals, the WAEC result is a vital document you need to keep handy.

The cost, process, and importance of obtaining this document may vary depending on several factors. In this article, we’ll break down all you need to know about the cost and steps involved in getting your original WAEC result.

What Is the WAEC Result and Why Is It Important?

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) result is a certificate that confirms a candidate’s academic performance in the WASSCE. This document is highly valuable for students in Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Liberia, as it serves as proof of secondary school completion and showcases the student’s grades in core subjects.

But why is it so important? The original WAEC certificate is often required for:

1. Admission into tertiary institutions – Most universities, polytechnics, and colleges demand the WAEC result during admission processes.
2. Job applications – Many employers, especially in the public sector, require a WAEC result as part of the hiring criteria.
3. Scholarship applications – Many scholarship providers request the WAEC result to evaluate a student’s eligibility.
4. Personal documentation – It serves as a key academic document that proves educational achievements.

How Much Does the Original WAEC Result Cost?

The cost of obtaining your WAEC result can depend on when and how you choose to get it. Let’s explore the main costs:

• Cost of WAEC Exam Registration: Generally, the registration fee for WAEC includes the initial cost of receiving your results on WAEC’s official online portal. This fee varies across the five West African countries but usually ranges between 13,000 to 18,000 Naira (about $25 to $35 USD) in Nigeria. For other countries, it can be roughly similar when converted.
• Cost of WAEC Online Result Verification: If you need to access your result online, WAEC offers an e-PIN service for verifying results. Each verification e-PIN costs about 500 Naira. While this does not directly give you a physical certificate, it allows you to verify or reprint your online result anytime.
• Cost of WAEC Scratch Card: To access your WAEC result on the official portal, you need a scratch card, which costs approximately 500 Naira in Nigeria. This card allows you to check your result up to five times, after which a new scratch card may be required.

Getting the Original WAEC Certificate: What Does It Involve?

If you’ve checked your result online and confirmed the grades, the next step is obtaining the physical WAEC certificate. Here’s the breakdown of the associated costs and process:

1. First Collection Cost

For candidates who wish to collect their certificate for the first time, there is usually no additional fee. Typically, WAEC certificates are available for collection at your school within a year of taking the exam. However, this depends on the school and examination year, so it’s best to confirm directly with your school.

2. Late Collection Fee

If you fail to collect your certificate within a certain period, WAEC may charge a late collection fee. As of recent updates, the cost varies depending on how long you delay, but generally:

• 1 to 4 years after release – Around 3,500 to 4,000 Naira
• 5 to 9 years after release – Approximately 10,000 Naira
• 10 years or more – Costs can go up to 15,000 Naira

How Can You Obtain Your Original WAEC Result?

1. Collecting Through Your School

The first point of contact for your WAEC certificate should be the school where you took the exams. Schools often receive the original certificates directly from WAEC and distribute them to students. This usually happens a year after the examination, so you can check with your school if it has already arrived.

2. Visiting WAEC Offices

If your school is unable to provide the certificate or if it’s been several years, you can also collect it directly from WAEC offices. Just be prepared with identification and any applicable late collection fees.

3. Online Application for Duplicate Certificates

If your certificate is lost, damaged, or if you need a certified copy, WAEC allows for online applications for duplicate certificates. However, note that the process and associated fees may be more expensive than the standard collection cost.

Can You Access Your WAEC Results Online?

Yes, you can access your WAEC results online by visiting the official WAEC result-checking portal. Here’s how:

1. Visit the WAEC result-checking portal.
2. Enter your WAEC examination number and select the year and type of examination.
3. Enter the e-PIN from your scratch card and complete the verification.

The online printout is typically accepted for verification purposes, but it is not a substitute for the official certificate. If you’re using this for job applications or further studies, it’s advisable to get the original certificate.

How Long Does It Take to Get the Original WAEC Certificate?

After the WAEC results are released, it generally takes about one year for the original certificate to be ready. However, the availability timeline can vary depending on your country and school’s administration.

What If You Need Your WAEC Certificate Urgently?

If you find yourself needing the certificate urgently, for instance, for job applications or visa purposes, contact WAEC directly or your school’s administration. In some cases, WAEC can expedite the process, but this may come with additional costs.

Additional Services and Costs

WAEC Attestation of Results

If you have lost your original WAEC certificate, WAEC provides an attestation of results, which serves as an official document confirming your grades. The attestation document typically costs about 10,000 Naira and can be applied for directly through WAEC offices.

Duplicate WAEC Certificate

If you lose your WAEC certificate, getting a replacement can be costly. WAEC may charge between 10,000 and 20,000 Naira for a duplicate certificate, depending on the processing period and the country.

Why Are the Original WAEC Results So Important?

When it comes to credibility, employers, institutions, and even immigration officials often require original documents. Your WAEC result is a recognized standard across West Africa, serving as an official record of your academic abilities at the secondary school level.

Conclusion

Getting your original WAEC result is a necessary step for advancing your academic or professional journey. The costs involved can range from a minimal online check fee to more substantial fees for late collection or replacement. It’s best to collect the certificate from your school within a year of release to avoid these additional charges.

With this information, you’re well-equipped to budget for any WAEC-related expenses and understand the process involved. Holding your original WAEC result is one way to stay prepared for the next step, whether it’s further education, a job application, or personal documentation.

FAQs

How much does it cost to check my WAEC result online?

It typically costs about 500 Naira for a scratch card, which you need to access your WAEC results on the official WAEC portal.

Is the WAEC online printout the same as the original certificate?

No, the online printout serves as a provisional result but does not replace the official WAEC certificate, which you need to collect from your school or WAEC office.

How long does it take for the WAEC certificate to be available?

The original WAEC certificate is generally ready about one year after the release of the results.

What should I do if I lose my WAEC certificate?

If your WAEC certificate is lost, you can apply for a duplicate or an attestation of result at a WAEC office. Fees for these services vary.

Is there a late collection fee for WAEC certificates?

Yes, if you collect your certificate late, WAEC charges fees that range from 3,500 Naira to 15,000 Naira, depending on the delay.