If you’ve written the WAEC exam then a big congratulations to you. But guess what? You’re not completely done until you collect your WAEC certificate.
This document [ WAEC Certificate] is your official proof that you passed the West African Senior School Certificate Examination — and you’ll need it for university admissions, job applications, scholarships, and even visa processing.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the basic and necessary requirements for collecting your WAEC certificate, important pro tips, and FAQs that will make the process super easy for you.
Why It’s Important To Collect Your WAEC Certificate Early
Before we dive into the requirements, here’s something important you should know:
WAEC charges a penalty fee if you delay collecting your certificate.
Typically, if you fail to collect your certificate within a certain number of years after your exam (sometimes 2–4 years), you’ll pay an extra fine, sometimes even up to ₦25,000 or more!
Also, many schools, employers, and foreign embassies request to see the original WAEC certificate, not just your online result printout.
So, don’t delay — it’s smarter to collect it early and avoid extra charges or stress.
Basic/Necessary Requirements For Collection of WAEC Certificate
Here’s a simple list of what you’ll need when going to collect your WAEC certificate:
1. Valid Means of Identification
You must present a valid ID. Accepted IDs usually include:
- National ID card (NIN slip or card)
- Voter’s card
- International Passport
- Driver’s license
- School ID card (for recent graduates)
Tip: If you don’t have any of the above, a temporary NIN slip often works too. Just make sure it has your photo and full name.
2. WAEC Examination Number
This is very important. Your WAEC exam number is like your identity in their system.
You can find it on your WAEC result slip (both online and hard copy).
Tip: Write it down somewhere safe before going, and double-check that it’s correct.
3. Proof of Payment (Collection Fee)
Yes, you’ll need to pay a fee before collecting your WAEC certificate.
- The amount varies depending on how long it has been since you wrote the exam.
- Fresh graduates (within 1-2 years) usually pay around ₦3,000 – ₦5,000.
- Delayed collections (after many years) attract higher fees and penalties.
Important: The payment is usually made at the school you wrote your WAEC or directly at the WAEC office.
4. Passport Photograph
Some WAEC offices require you to come along with two (2) recent passport-sized photographs.
- Preferably white background.
- Should be very clear and sharp.
- Must look like your current appearance.
Tip: Take extra copies just in case.
5. Authorization Letter (If Collecting For Someone Else)
If you are collecting the WAEC certificate on behalf of someone else (a brother, friend, etc.), you’ll need:
- A signed authorization letter from the person.
- A copy of their ID.
- Your own valid ID card.
Important: Some WAEC offices may not allow third-party collection unless the person is seriously ill, outside the country, or has other strong reasons.
6. School Clearance (Sometimes Required)
If you wrote your WAEC in a secondary school, the school might ask you to:
- Clear all outstanding fees
- Return any library books
- Get a clearance letter before handing over your certificate.
This depends on your school’s policy, but it’s common.
Conclusion
Collecting your WAEC certificate isn’t hard, it just requires a little preparation. Ensure you have your ID card, exam number, passport photos, and proof of payment ready. And remember: the sooner you collect it, the better for your plans!
If you have any more questions about WAEC certificates, feel free to drop them in the comments — I’m always happy to help
FAQs About Requirements For Collection of WAEC Certificate
1. Can I collect my WAEC certificate at any WAEC office?
No. You must collect it at the school where you sat for the examination or at the WAEC office assigned to your exam center.
2. How much does it cost to collect a WAEC certificate?
The cost depends on how many years have passed.
- Recent graduates: About ₦3,000 – ₦5,000
- Older candidates (after several years): ₦20,000 or more (including penalties)
3. What happens if I lost my WAEC exam number?
If you’ve lost your exam number, visit the school where you wrote the exam or the WAEC office.
They can help retrieve it — but you may need to provide details like:
- Exam year
- School name
- Your full name
4. Can I collect my WAEC certificate without an ID card?
No. A valid means of identification is mandatory for the collection of your WAEC certificate.
5. Is there a deadline for collecting the WAEC certificate?
There’s no official deadline, but the longer you wait, the more money you’ll pay as penalties.
It’s better to collect it within 2 years after your exam.
