Difference between a WAEC private candidate and a school candidate

We have received a lot of messages from candidates about “What is the difference between a WAEC private candidate and a school candidate?” and today, masterWAEC.com is here to provide clear differences between the 2 candidates, their advantages, and which one is best for you. Without wasting time, let’s dive in!

The West African Examination Council (WAEC) is conducting exams 3 times in a year, which include the WAEC GCE first series, WAEC May/June, and WAEC GCE Nov/Dec exams. Two of the exams are written by a private candidate, and one is written by a school candidate.

Who Is a WAEC Private Candidate?

A private candidate is a person or a candidate who registers for the WAEC exam independently without being a student of any school or being affiliated with any school.

A private candidate is someone who registers for either the WAEC GCE First Series or WAEC GCE Second Series exam because he or she failed some subjects in the main WAEC exam during school time and is willing to retake the exam in order to obtain good grades, or someone who missed their school exams, or someone who needs a WAEC result for career or academic purposes.

WAEC private candidates register online via the official WAEC portal and also have the option to choose their preferred exam centres during the registration process.

Who Is a WAEC School Candidate?

A WAEC school candidate is a final-year secondary school student from either a government or private school who writes the WAEC exam as part of their school curriculum, which is officially known as WAEC SSCE or WAEC May/June.

The school handles registration for all eligible students, and the registration fees are often subsidised by the government or school. School candidates write their exams in their respective schools, and the WAEC SSCE exam is written once a year.

Difference between a WAEC private candidate and a school candidate

 

WAEC PRIVATE CANDIDATE WAEC SCHOOL CANDIDATE
Registration is done by candidate via WAEC portal Registration is handled by the school
Privates candidates write WAEC GCE School candidates write WAEC SSCE
Any person can register as private candidate (eg; students, adult, workers) Only final year secondary school student can register as a school candidate
Private candidates registration fees are high School candidats pay less because its been subsidized by government or school
Privates candidates prepare on their own School candidates receive structured guidance through teachers and class mates
Private candidates select exam centers where they want to sit for their exams School candidates write their exams in school classes or halls

Advantages of Being a Private Candidate

  • WAEC GCE is conducted twice a year, therefore as a private candidate, you multiple opportunities to write the exam.
  • You can chose the center where you want to sit for the exam by your self.
  • Anyone can register as a private candidate regardless of age or status.

Disadvantages

  • Registration fees are typically higher compared to school candidates.
  • Private candidates may lack the structured preparation environment provided in schools.
  • No access to school support during the examination process.

Advantages of Being a School Candidate

  • School candidates registration fees are often subsidized by governments or schools.
  • School candidates benefit from teacher guidance, class mates support, and mock exams.
  • No registration stress.

Disadvantage

  • As a school candidate, you must follow the school timeline for registration and preparation.
  • School candidates are restricted to writing exams only once a year.

How to Decide Between Being a Private or School Candidate

Deciding whether to be a private or school candidate depends on your situation. Consider these factors:

  • Are you in school or not? Only students can be school candidates.
  • Can you afford the fees? Private candidates pay more.
  • Do you need flexibility? Private candidates can take exams multiple times and set their own time (i.e: Jan/Feb or Nov/Dec)
  • Do you need help preparing? School candidates get guided support.

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Conclusion

The choice between being a WAEC private candidate and a school candidate depends on your needs, goals, and circumstances. Private candidates enjoy flexibility and independence, while school candidates benefit from structured preparation and lower costs.

Regardless of your category, success in WAEC requires early preparation, dedication, and determination. Choose wisely, register on time, and begin studying to achieve the results you desire.

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