Every year, over 1.5 million Nigerian students sit the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). After weeks of waiting, the results are finally released — and the first thing every candidate wants to know is: did I pass? This guide covers exactly how to check your WAEC result in 2026, whether you are using a smartphone, computer, or a scratch card.
Quick answer: Go to results.waecdirect.org, enter your exam number, select your exam year and type, then enter your scratch card serial number and PIN. Your result will display instantly.
Before checking your WAEC result online, make sure you have the following ready:
1. Your WAEC examination number — This is a 10-digit number on your exam card or timetable. It usually follows the format: State code / School number / Candidate number / Year (e.g., 4250101001).
2. A valid WAEC scratch card — You need a genuine WAEC result checker card. As of 2026, a single result check costs ₦1,000. You can buy scratch cards from authorised WAEC vendors, your school, or selected banks. Do not buy from roadside vendors — fake cards are common.
3. Internet access — Any smartphone, tablet or computer with internet access will work. Mobile data is fine.
Open your browser and visit results.waecdirect.org. This is the only official WAEC result checking website. Ignore any other website claiming to show WAEC results.
Type your 10-digit WAEC exam number in the field provided. Double-check for errors — a wrong digit will give you a "candidate not found" error.
Choose WASSCE (Private) or WASSCE (School Candidate) depending on how you sat the exam. Then select the year — for 2026 candidates, select 2026.
Use a coin to gently scratch the silver panel on your result checker card. The PIN is usually 12–15 digits. Enter the serial number (printed on the front of the card) and the PIN in the fields provided.
Click the Submit button. Your result will appear on screen showing all your subjects and grades. Take a screenshot immediately and save it — each PIN can only be used a limited number of times.
| Grade | Mark Range | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 75–100% | Excellent |
| B2 | 70–74% | Very Good |
| B3 | 65–69% | Good |
| C4 | 60–64% | Credit |
| C5 | 55–59% | Credit |
| C6 | 50–54% | Credit |
| D7 | 45–49% | Pass |
| E8 | 40–44% | Pass |
| F9 | 0–39% | Fail |
For university admission in Nigeria, you generally need a minimum of five credits (C6 and above) including English Language and Mathematics in one sitting or a maximum of two sittings. Check the specific requirements of your desired institution and course.
If your result shows as "withheld," it means WAEC has placed a hold on your result, usually for one of the following reasons: examination malpractice, outstanding fees, or an administrative issue with your school's registration. You will need to visit the nearest WAEC office with your exam card to resolve this. Withheld results are not the same as failed results.
If you believe your result is wrong or you underperformed in a subject you were confident about, you can apply for a re-mark through the WAEC office. The process involves paying a re-marking fee per subject, submitting a formal application, and waiting for WAEC to review your script. Re-marking can take 6–8 weeks. Results can go up, stay the same, or — rarely — go down.
| Exam | Period | Status |
|---|---|---|
| WASSCE May/June 2026 | April – June 2026 | In Progress |
| WASSCE Nov/Dec 2026 | October – December 2026 | Upcoming |
| BECE (Junior WAEC) | July 2026 | Upcoming |
WAEC also offers result checking via SMS. To use this service, send your exam number, exam type, and scratch card PIN to the WAEC SMS shortcode as specified on your scratch card. SMS results checking is useful when you have limited internet access but works best with a strong mobile network signal.
Once your result is out, take the following steps: screenshot and save the result on multiple devices, request your official WAEC certificate from your school (this takes several months to arrive), and make certified copies of your result slip for use in applications before the original certificate arrives. Universities and employers in Nigeria generally accept result slips for initial applications.