The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is an organization that tests students in English-speaking West African countries. They conduct important exams, like the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), which is crucial for university admissions and employment in the region. In this article, we will guide you on how to get your original WAEC certificate.
how to obtain your original WAEC certificate
Obtaining an original WAEC certificate cannot be done online, as the process typically involves offline procedures. However, we can provide you with essential information on how to obtain your certificate. Here are the general steps:
- Contact your school: First, reach out to the school you attended when you took the WAEC exam. They may have your original certificate or can help you through the process.
- Visit the WAEC office: If your school doesn’t have the certificate, go to the WAEC office in your country or region. You can find the office address and contact information on the official WAEC website or by asking your school.
- Provide necessary information: At the WAEC office, you’ll need to give them your full name, the year you took the exam, and your examination number. These details will help the officials locate your records.
- Complete the required forms: The WAEC office may have specific forms for you to fill out. These forms usually ask for personal details and may require a fee for certificate issuance.
- Verification process: The WAEC office will verify your information and check their records to confirm your exam results and eligibility for the certificate. Keep in mind that this process may take some time, so be patient and prepared to wait.
- Collection: Once your certificate is ready, the WAEC office will notify you. Visit the office with the necessary identification documents to collect your original WAEC certificate.
Requirements for Collecting Your Original WAEC Certificate at the WAEC Office:
To ensure a smooth collection process, make sure to have the following requirements with you when visiting the WAEC office:
- Sworn Affidavit
- Online result print-out
- One passport-size photograph
- Photo Card
- Identity Card
Note: Private candidates using the WAEC office for their request will also need to pay a collection fee, which is currently set at N4,700. It’s crucial to collect your certificate within the specified time to avoid monetary penalties ranging from N3,500 to N23,500, depending on the duration of delay.
The Original WAEC Certificates Collection Fee:
Currently, the fee for collecting the Original WAEC Certificate is N4,700. This fee remains the same as long as candidates collect their certificates within the designated timeframe.
Monetary Penalties for Delayed Collection:
However, if you don’t collect your certificate on time, you may have to pay monetary penalties. Here are the penalty amounts based on the duration of the delay:
- 1-4 years: N3,500
- 5-9 years: N8,500
- 10-14 years: N13,500
- 15-19 years: N18,500
- 20 years and above: N23,500
Ways to Make Payment for Your Original WAEC Certificate:
Private candidates processing their certificate online can make payment through the following methods:
- Card Payment: Pay online using your debit card on the Card Payment Option.
- USSD: Use your bank’s USSD code to make payment to the designated bank account.
- Bank-in-Branch: Make an offline payment from one bank to another at a bank branch.
How to Retrieve a Lost Original WAEC Certificate:
If you’ve lost your original WAEC certificate, follow these steps to retrieve it:
- Police report: Obtain a police report to confirm the loss of your original WAEC certificate.
- Recent passport: Provide a recent passport photograph.
- Affidavit for WAEC attestation of result: Obtain an affidavit for the loss.
- Online Result Printout: Bring the printout containing your necessary information.
- Request retrieval: Request the retrieval of your lost certificate through any WAEC official. Follow the instructions given to you. Remember to bring the certificate collection fee, which can cost up to N25,000.
WAEC Result Sample (Sample Of Original WAEC Certificate)

Original Waec Certificate
Frequently Asked Questions About Obtaining Your Original WAEC Certificate
How long does it take for the original WAEC result to be out?
WAEC certificates are typically ready 90 days after the release of the results.
How can I retrieve my WAEC GCE examination number?
Visit a court and obtain a sworn affidavit for the loss of the examination number or photo-card. Take the affidavit, along with a passport photograph, to any WAEC office. A fee of 2,500 Naira will be charged for this service.
Do WAEC GCE results expire?
No, WAEC results do not expire.
Can I check my GCE result without a PIN?
No, it is not possible to check your WAEC result without a PIN. The WAEC PIN is a secure code necessary for accessing the WAEC result database.
How can I print my GCE result?
If you are using a desktop or laptop, go to the file menu and select print when the WAEC certificate appears. If you checked your result using a phone, save the page, and take it to a cyber café for downloading and colored printing.
Can I get my original WAEC result online?
While you can’t obtain the original WAEC certificate online, WAEC provides a service that allows candidates to print their certificates directly from their website.
In conclusion, obtaining an original WAEC certificate requires offline procedures. You cannot obtain it online. Contact your school or visit the WAEC office for the necessary steps. Ensure you fulfill the requirements and pay the collection fee to receive your certificate. In case of a lost certificate, follow the retrieval process and provide the required documents.