The 2019 edition of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) begins today being 08 April 2019.

Final year Senior High School (SHS) students are expected to take part in the exams in various centers across the country.

The examination is commencing with Basketry 3 project work.

Per the timetable, the first core paper which is the English Language paper 3 (orals) exam will, however, be written on April 23, 2019. The 2019 WASSCE will end on June 7, with the Elective Information and Communication Technology.

WAEC to verify 2019 WASSCE candidates biometrically to check impersonation

The exam body – West African Examinations Council (WAEC) will, for the first time, capture the fingerprints of candidates who would be writing the papers as part of measures to curb impersonation.

“In order to nip in the bud the growing trend of impersonation, the registration exercise for the 2019 examination for school candidates, for the first time, will capture fingerprints of candidates. Every candidate for this year’s examination would be biometrically verified,” Mrs. Wendy E. Addy-Lamptey, the Head of the National Office, WAEC has noted.

WAEC to introduce CCTV cameras, e-marking software to curb exam malpractice

WAEC has also stated that it has introduced the application of modern techniques such as computer-based testing, e-marking software among others to curb examination malpractice.

The council says it will adopt the use of CCTV cameras in examination centers.

“There is, therefore, the need for a collective and collaborative effort by all stakeholders to reduce the exam malpractice. This stakeholder effort is necessary to protect the integrity of our educational systems and credibility of certificates issued by WAEC for use in the sub-region and beyond.”

WAEC, however, explained that there will also be a review of the WAEC Law for stiffer punishment to be meted out to students who engage in examination malpractice.

The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is administered to school candidates in the third year of their West African Senior School courses and to Private Candidates.

The examination is for both selections to tertiary institutions and for certification. Dates of the Examination.
It is conducted in May / June for School candidates only and in October/November for Private Candidates.