WASSCE grading system: Full guide

Key takeaways

• The WASSCE grading system uses letter grades from A1 (excellent) to F9 (fail).
• The exam scores are a total of your continuous assessment (30%) from school activities and the external exams (70%).
• The minimum passing grades are D7 and E8, but for university admissions, a credit pass (A1 to C6) is required.

Thousands of students across Ghana and West Africa take the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

In this guide, we discuss how the exams are graded and what the exam results mean for your academic and career goals.

WASSCE grading system explained

The WASSCE grading system is a standardised assessment for secondary school students in Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia.

Administered by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), this system uses letter grades to indicate a student’s performance—ranging from A1, which is the highest, to F9, the lowest.

Here’s a breakdown of the WASSCE grading scale:

Before WASSCE, Ghanaian students wrote the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSSCE), which used a simpler grading structure with grades from A to F.

The shift to WASSCE introduced a more precise grading scale for universities and other relevant institutions to assess students’ performance.

How WASSCE is graded?

WASSCE grades are determined through two key components: continuous assessment (30%) and the external exam (70%).

• Continuous assessment: Class assessments contribute 30% of the final score. This includes tests, assignments, and end-of-semester exams during the school year.
• External exam score: The WASSCE contributes 70% of the overall score. This exam has multiple sections: objectives (MCQs), essays, and practicals, for subjects like Physics and Ceramics.

When totaled, your continuous assessment and external exam scores determine your final score. Based on where this score falls within the ranges outlined above, your grade is assigned.

Why your WASSCE grade is important

Here are three key ways WASSCE results impact students:

Admissions to universities and colleges

Your WASSCE grades are essential for gaining admission to tertiary institutions, both locally and internationally.

Universities have set minimum grade requirements and cut-off points (aggregate score) for each subject (usually A1 to C6), depending on the programme of study.

For instance, programmes like Medicine and Law often require strong grades such as A1 and B2.

Scholarship opportunities

Excellent WASSCE grades can make you eligible for scholarships that cover tuition and sometimes living expenses. To qualify for this opportunity, you often need consistent A1s and B2s across all subjects.

Employment prospects

While WASSCE grades are not the only criterion for employment, some institutions use it as a baseline qualification for entry-level positions. Employers may look at relevant subjects’ grades to ensure you have the necessary foundational knowledge.

FAQs

Can I retake WASSCE if I fail?

If you fail the WASSCE, you can retake it by registering for the WASSCE for Private Candidates exams conducted by WAEC. This allows you to rewrite selected subjects or even the entire exam.

What grade is considered a pass in WASSCE?

The minimum passing grades in WASSCE are D7 and E8. However, many tertiary institutions accept only credit passes (A1 to C6) and do not consider D7 or E8 strong passes. Aim for at least a C6 in all your subjects.

How do I calculate my WASSCE aggregate?

To calculate your WASSCE aggregate, add the points of your three best core subjects and three best elective subjects.

Final words

Understanding how your grades are calculated is important as you prepare for the WASSCE exam.

Remember that each subject grade reflects your understanding and hard work. So, if you’re aspiring for top grades, make sure to study well and effectively.

Have any questions? Share them in the comment section.