Waec Grading System: What Do The Grades Mean? (Official Guide)

If you're preparing for WAEC or awaiting your results, understanding the WAEC grading system is essential. The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) uses a clear scale to assess students' performance in each subject, ranging from A1 to F9.

This guide explains what each WAEC grade means, how scores are calculated, and what qualifies as a pass or fail.

WAEC Grading System Explained

What Counts as a Pass in WAEC?

• Credit Pass: Grades A1 to C6 are considered credit passes.

• Ordinary Pass: Grades D7 and E8 are ordinary passes (not accepted for most competitive courses).

• Fail: Grade F9 indicates failure in the subject.

WAEC Result Interpretation Example

If your result reads:

• English Language – B3 (Good)

• Mathematics – C5 (Credit)

• Biology – A1 (Excellent)

• Civic Education – C6 (Credit)

• Physics – D7 (Pass)

In this case, you've earned credit passes in English, Maths, Biology, and Civic Education but only a pass in Physics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the highest grade in WAEC?

A: The highest grade is A1, which represents a score of 75% to 100%.

Q: What grade is a fail in WAEC?

A: F9 represents a fail, meaning your score is below 40%.

Q: Can D7 be used for admission?

A: Most Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education require a minimum of C6 (Credit Pass). D7 may be accepted for non-competitive courses in some colleges, but not for university admission.

Q: Are WAEC and GCE grading systems the same?

A: Yes, both WAEC (School Candidates) and GCE (Private Candidates) use the same grading system.

WAEC Grading System Chart (Quick View)

🎯 Conclusion

Understanding your WAEC grades is important for making decisions about your education and career. Aim for credit passes (A1–C6) to keep your university admission chances strong. Whether you're sitting for WAEC or GCE, this grading system helps assess your academic performance accurately.