How to Successfully Register for WAEC May/June and GCE Private Exams

If you’re a student or candidate in Nigeria aiming to move forward academically, understanding how to register for WAEC, GCE and May/June exams is your gateway to success. These standardized exams-though different in structure-open doors to higher education, professional qualifications and international opportunities.

While most people recognize these exams as stepping stones, many candidates still make costly mistakes during the registration process. From errors in subject selection to missed deadlines and mismanaged payments, the consequences can be frustrating. This is why knowing exactly how to register for these exams isn’t just useful-it’s essential.

Before diving into the actual registration process, it’s crucial to clarify which exam you’re signing up for:

May/June: This is the school candidate exam, typically registered through secondary schools.
GCE (First and Second Series): Designed for private candidates, GCE is conducted in two batches-First Series (Jan/Feb) and Second Series (Aug/Sept).

Each has a slightly different registration route. The steps we’ll discuss apply across the board but with slight modifications depending on your category.

Breakdown of How to Register for WAEC, GCE and May/June Exams

Step 1: Know the Official Portal to Use

To begin the WAEC exam registration process, always start at the official portal:

For GCE Private Candidates: https://registration.waecdirect.org/
For School Candidates (May/June): Registration is done through the school admin portal, not individually.

Avoid third-party sites that claim to register for you. Stick with official channels.

Step 2: Generate Your WAEC Registration PIN (For GCE Candidates)

If you’re registering as a private candidate, you’ll need a Registration PIN. This can be obtained from:

WAEC-approved banks like Access Bank, First Bank, Zenith and others.
Online vendors on the WAEC portal.

Note: The PIN is not free. Ensure you collect the payment receipt as you’ll need it for troubleshooting.

Step 3: Biometric Capture and Digital Passport Upload

Biometric data is non-negotiable for WAEC registration. After PIN purchase:

Visit any accredited registration center for biometric data capture.
This includes your fingerprints and a real-time passport photo upload.
Your details will be synced with the WAEC database to prevent impersonation.

Step 4: Fill the Registration Form Properly

You’ll need to fill the WAEC or GCE registration form online or through your school, depending on your exam type. Ensure you:

Enter your full name (as it appears on your official documents).
Provide an active email and phone number.
Select your subjects wisely.
Choose your exam town and center correctly (cannot be changed once selected).

Step 5: Select Subjects That Align with Your Career Path

Choosing subjects is not just a formality; it’s strategic. For example:

Aspiring doctors must take Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Future lawyers need Literature-in-English, Government and CRS.
Engineering-bound students must prioritize Physics, Mathematics and Further Mathematics.

Be aware of both core subjects (like English and Mathematics) and electives specific to your intended field.

Step 6: Review and Submit Your Application

Before submission:

Crosscheck your bio-data and subject selection.
Review your biometric confirmation slip.
Confirm your preferred exam town is correctly selected.

Once you click submit, you cannot reverse the process unless WAEC reopens corrections (usually for a fee).

Step 7: Print Your WAEC/GCE Photo Card

After a successful submission, your Photo Card becomes your identification tool. It contains:

Your exam number
Exam center
Date and time of papers

Print two copies and keep them safe. You’ll need one for each exam day.

Important Dates to Keep in Mind for WAEC and GCE Registration

Each year comes with a new schedule. For instance:

May/June registration usually opens around November to February.
GCE First Series (Jan/Feb) typically begins October of the previous year.
GCE Second Series (Aug/Sept) opens around May.

Always check WAEC’s website for specific deadlines.

Common Mistakes Candidates Make During Registration

Avoid these to ensure you don’t get penalized:

Using fake emails or wrong phone numbers
Registering through cyber cafes that aren’t accredited
Choosing the wrong subject combination
Skipping biometric capture
Not saving your PIN and Photo Card details

How to Pay for WAEC or GCE Registration (Detailed Fee Breakdown)

Fees vary slightly by year and exam type. On average:

May/June (School Candidates): Handled by the school; fees range from ₦20,000 to ₦30,000.
GCE First/Second Series: Self-sponsored; costs between ₦18,000 and ₦20,000.

Payment can be made:

Online through Remita or Interswitch gateways
In banks via direct WAEC payment teller

After Registration – What’s Next?

Download the Timetable: Know your exam dates and plan early.
Start Reading: Focus on WAEC-approved syllabi.
Attend Tutorials or Classes: Especially for tricky subjects like Mathematics, Physics and Literature.

How to Retrieve a Lost WAEC GCE Registration PIN

Losing your PIN is not the end. Here’s what to do:

Check the email inbox you used during registration.
Contact the bank or vendor you bought from.
If all fails, reach out to WAEC through the contact form on their official portal.

Can You Edit Your WAEC Registration After Submission?

School Candidates: Your school might offer a brief window for corrections.
GCE Candidates: WAEC sometimes opens a Correction Portal-but only for a limited time and usually with a fee attached.

How to Confirm Your WAEC or GCE Registration Was Successful

Confirmation comes in two ways:

A printed photo card.
A confirmation message sent to your phone and/or email.

If you don’t receive any confirmation, return to the portal or center and verify manually.

Exam Day Requirements for WAEC, GCE and May/June Candidates

On your exam day, come with:

Your Photo Card
HB Pencil and Eraser
Calculator (non-programmable)
Facemask and sanitizer (as per current health protocols)

How to Prepare Mentally and Academically

Registration is one thing-preparation is another. To ensure success:

Practice past questions frequently.
Group study works wonders-choose a serious group.
Avoid cramming; instead, focus on understanding concepts.
Use WAEC-recommended textbooks.

Checking Your WAEC or GCE Result Post-Exams

Once the exams are done and WAEC announces the result release:

Visit https://www.waecdirect.org
Enter your exam number and PIN
Choose your exam type (May/June or GCE)

Your results will be displayed and you can print or save them for future use.

Register smart, prepare early and you’ll be on your way to academic victory. If you ever feel stuck, consult your school exam officer or visit an accredited center for proper guidance.

Stay informed, stay sharp-and remember, registration is the foundation of success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register for WAEC and GCE in the same year?

Yes, you can register for both WAEC May/June (for school candidates) and GCE (private candidate exams) in the same year. Many students do this to increase their chances of better results or meet specific university requirements. However, you’ll need to register separately and sit for both exams at different times.

What is the difference between WAEC May/June and GCE registration?

WAEC May/June is for in-school candidates and is usually coordinated by the school administration. GCE, on the other hand, is for private candidates who register individually via the WAEC online portal. Each has different timelines, fees and procedures, so it’s crucial to understand both when learning how to register for WAEC, GCE and May/June exams.

When does WAEC May/June registration typically begin?

Registration for WAEC May/June usually starts around October and runs through January or February. Schools may set earlier internal deadlines to collect data and process registration before the official WAEC cutoff.

Is biometric fingerprint capture mandatory during WAEC or GCE registration?

Absolutely. Whether you’re registering for WAEC in school or going the GCE route as a private candidate, biometric fingerprint enrollment is mandatory. This helps curb impersonation and examination malpractice and is a key part of the registration process.

Can I correct mistakes after completing my GCE or WAEC registration?

You can correct certain errors like subject combination or passport image if you act before final submission. However, once your data is submitted and your photo card is generated, only limited changes (like name corrections) can be made-and they usually require official WAEC approval, affidavits and a processing fee.

Where can I register for the GCE exam?

To register for the GCE exam, visit www.waeconline.org.ng and use a valid registration PIN purchased from a bank or authorized vendor. You’ll also need to complete biometric fingerprint verification at an accredited WAEC cybercafé or biometric center.

What documents are required to register for WAEC or GCE?

You’ll need a recent passport photo, your bio-data (name, date of birth, gender, etc.), a valid email address and contact information. For GCE registration, you’ll also need a PIN or token and access to a biometric scanner.

What happens if I miss the WAEC or GCE registration deadline?

If you miss the WAEC May/June registration deadline, your only option is to wait until the next cycle or register for the upcoming GCE. In some cases, WAEC may open a late registration window for GCE (not for May/June), which comes with an additional fee.

Can I change my exam center after registering for WAEC or GCE?

Unfortunately, changing your exam center after registration is not allowed in most cases. WAEC strictly enforces this to maintain exam integrity. Be sure to select your preferred exam town and center carefully during the registration process.

How to Successfully Register for WAEC May/June and GCE Private Exams