The West African Examinations Council has extended the registration deadline for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination for Private Candidates, Second Series, popularly known as WAEC GCE.

The council announced the extension on Saturday, giving prospective candidates additional time to complete their registration for the examination.

According to WAEC, registration will now close on Friday, August 28, 2026.

The examination body made the announcement through its official X account, urging candidates who are yet to register to take advantage of the extended deadline.

“Registration for the WASSCE for Private Candidates, 2026 – Second Series has now been extended to Friday, 28 August 2026,” the council stated.

The new deadline replaces the earlier July 31 closing date.

Examination to be conducted by computer

WAEC said the 2026 Second Series examination will be conducted entirely as a Computer-Based Examination.

The private-candidate examination is targeted at individuals who are not enrolled in regular secondary schools but require an O’Level qualification or wish to improve grades obtained in previous examinations.

The examination provides an opportunity for school leavers and other eligible candidates to obtain or improve their West African Senior School Certificate Examination results.

Candidates who need better grades for further education, employment or other purposes can also use the examination to retake relevant subjects.

Registration fee remains N37,000

The registration fee for the examination remains N37,000, according to the council.

WAEC advised prospective candidates to complete their registration before the new deadline and ensure that all information supplied during the process is accurate.

The council also urged candidates to visit the nearest WAEC office in their respective states to confirm available examination towns before completing their registration.

This, the examination body said, would enable candidates to make appropriate choices regarding their examination centres.

Examination scheduled for September and October

The 2026 WAEC GCE Second Series examination is scheduled to take place between September and October.

Registration for the examination commenced on May 4, 2026, with the initial deadline set for July 31.

The latest extension to August 28 gives candidates who were unable to complete their registration before the previous deadline another opportunity to participate in the examination.

WAEC has urged eligible candidates to make use of the additional period and avoid waiting until the final days of registration.

The council’s private-candidate examination remains an important route for individuals seeking to obtain an O’Level certificate or improve their previous academic results.