WAEC Releases 2026 CB-WASSCE Timetable for Private Candidates
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has formally released the examination timetable for the 2026 Common-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for Private Candidates, First Series, setting the stage for the conduct of the examination later this week.
The timetable, which details the subjects, dates and examination times, was made public through an announcement on WAEC’s official X (formerly Twitter) platform. The council described the release as part of its statutory responsibility to provide candidates with adequate information ahead of the examination.
In the public notice, WAEC stated, “Here’s the timetable for the CB-WASSCE for Private Candidates, 2026 – First Series,” and directed candidates to its official website for full details. The council also extended goodwill to candidates, wishing them success throughout the examination period.
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According to the released schedule, the 2026 CB-WASSCE for Private Candidates, First Series, is scheduled to commence on January 28. The examination will be conducted entirely as a computer-based test (CBT), in line with WAEC’s ongoing transition from the traditional paper-based format.
WAEC advised private candidates to study the timetable carefully and familiarise themselves with their specific examination dates and requirements. The council also reminded candidates to strictly comply with all examination rules and guidelines to avoid disqualification or other sanctions.
The Common-Based WASSCE for Private Candidates was introduced by WAEC as part of broader reforms aimed at improving flexibility, efficiency and integrity in examination administration. Unlike the conventional school-based WASSCE, the private candidates’ examination allows individuals who are no longer in secondary school, or who wish to improve previous results, to sit for the examination at designated centres.
In recent years, WAEC has steadily expanded the use of computer-based testing for private candidates, citing improved examination security, faster processing of results and reduced logistical challenges. The council has maintained that the CBT format also aligns with global best practices in large-scale assessment.
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The release of the timetable marks a critical phase in preparations for the 2026 examination, as candidates finalise registration, revise subject materials and make logistical arrangements for the test.
WAEC has consistently emphasised that only information published through its official channels should be relied upon by candidates and other stakeholders, noting that unauthorised or misleading examination schedules could lead to confusion and missed papers.
The council has not indicated any changes to existing policies governing the conduct of the CB-WASSCE for Private Candidates, and all established examination procedures are expected to apply throughout the 2026 First Series.