WAEC CBT 2026: What Nigerian Students Should Know About the New Exam Format

In a significant update, WAEC has officially postponed the full rollout of its Computer-Based Testing examination system to 2027. The 2026 WASSCE will now serve as a pilot year, with students having the choice between CBT and traditional paper-and-pen format.

This decision came after concerns from stakeholders about infrastructure readiness across Nigerian schools. For students preparing for 2026 WASSCE, understanding these changes is essential for making informed decisions about your exam format.

What Changed: The 2027 Shift

WAEC's National Nigeria Committee announced that no candidate sitting the 2026 WASSCE will be disenfranchised. Students will have the option to choose their preferred format based on their comfort level and school infrastructure.

The full CBT implementation, where all candidates must take computer-based exams, is now scheduled for 2027. This gives schools, students, and education stakeholders additional time to address infrastructure gaps and digital literacy challenges.

Key Points for 2026 WASSCE

• CBT format will be available but not mandatory
• Paper-and-pen option remains for students who prefer it
• Schools with adequate ICT facilities can opt for CBT
• Students won't need to travel more than 2 kilometres to exam centres
• Community-based CBT centres will support schools without infrastructure

Subject Structure Changes for 2026

Alongside the CBT transition, WAEC announced curriculum adjustments. Candidates for the 2026 and 2027 examinations will sit three core subjects: English Language, General Mathematics, and one Trade Subject. Students then select five or six electives, bringing their total subject load to eight or nine.

Citizenship and Heritage Studies and Digital Technologies will not be examined in 2026. These subjects may be introduced gradually as the new curriculum stabilizes.

Why the Postponement Matters

The digital divide between urban and rural schools remains a significant concern. Many schools lack functional computer laboratories, reliable electricity, or internet connectivity. Teachers in some areas have limited experience with computer-based instruction.

WAEC conducted trial computer-based essay tests in November 2025, with senior secondary students participating to familiarize themselves with the format. These trials help identify technical issues before full implementation.

The postponement acknowledges these realities while maintaining the transition goal. Rather than forcing unprepared students into an unfamiliar format, the phased approach allows for gradual adaptation.

How to Prepare for CBT Format

Whether you choose CBT in 2026 or prepare for mandatory CBT in 2027, developing computer skills now gives you an advantage.

Build Basic Computer Skills

Start with fundamentals: turning computers on and off, using a mouse effectively, typing at reasonable speed, and navigating basic interface elements. These skills seem simple but require practice if you've had limited computer exposure.

If your school has a functional computer lab, use it regularly. For students without school access, look for community technology centres, public libraries, or affordable cyber cafes offering practice time.

Practice with CBT Platforms

Experiencing computer-based testing before your exam reduces anxiety significantly. Ulearngo's CBT practice system simulates exam conditions with timed sessions, on-screen navigation, and WAEC past questions.

Regular practice helps you develop speed in digital navigation, comfort with on-screen reading, and confidence with the format. The Ulearngo mobile app provides additional practice, though computer-based practice remains most relevant for CBT preparation.

Develop Typing Skills for Essays

When CBT covers essay components, typing proficiency matters. You don't need professional speed, but you should express ideas efficiently within time limits. Practice typing essays, summaries, and extended responses on computer to build both speed and comfort.

Master Digital Reading

Reading on screens differs from reading on paper. Some students find lengthy passages harder to process digitally. Practice comprehension passages, textbook chapters, and practice questions on screen. Adjust brightness for comfort and learn to maintain focus despite on-screen elements.

Making Your 2026 Format Decision

If you're taking WASSCE in 2026, consider these factors when choosing between CBT and paper format:

Choose CBT If:

• You're comfortable using computers regularly
• You type at reasonable speed without significant errors
• You've practiced with CBT platforms and feel confident
• Your school has reliable CBT facilities
• You want to build skills for future computer-based assessments

Choose Paper Format If:

• You have limited computer experience
• Typing feels slow or frustrating
• You've had minimal CBT practice
• Your school lacks reliable computer infrastructure
• You perform better with handwritten responses

Neither choice is inherently better. Select the format where you can demonstrate your knowledge most effectively.

What Schools Should Do

Educational institutions should use the extended timeline productively. Schools should assess current computer laboratory status and identify upgrade needs, train teachers in computer-based instruction and assessment, integrate regular computer practice into curriculum, conduct mock CBT sessions for interested students, and address power supply and connectivity issues.

Schools without infrastructure should explore partnerships with community CBT centres and engage education ministries about support programmes.

Timeline for Students

2026 WASSCE Candidates (Current SS2)

You have the choice between formats. Assess your computer skills honestly. If choosing CBT, intensify practice now. If choosing paper, maintain your preparation strategies while building computer skills for university assessments.

2027 WASSCE Candidates (Current SS1)

CBT will be mandatory for your exams. Use the next two years to develop strong computer proficiency. Regular practice now means confidence during your exams.

2028 WASSCE Candidates (Current JSS3)

You have significant preparation time. Make computer skill development part of your regular routine. By SS3, the CBT format should feel natural.

Benefits of CBT Preparation

Beyond WAEC, computer-based testing is becoming standard across Nigerian education. Many universities use CBT for continuous assessment. Professional certifications and aptitude tests often require computer proficiency. Building these skills now provides advantages throughout your educational and professional journey.

WAEC's data from previous CBT examinations shows lower malpractice rates and improved candidate performance. The format, once familiar, may actually support better outcomes.

Addressing Common Concerns

Technical Problems During Exams

WAEC will implement backup systems, protocols for exam interruptions, and the ability to resume after technical issues. Centres will have power backup systems. These safeguards draw from JAMB's decade of CBT experience.

Rural Student Access

WAEC committed that no student will travel more than 2 kilometres to exam centres. Community-based CBT centres will serve areas where schools lack infrastructure. Mobile CBT centres are being considered for underserved regions.

Unfamiliarity With Digital Format

The 2026 optional year specifically addresses this concern. Students uncomfortable with CBT can take paper exams while developing skills for 2027. Use this transition period productively.

Take Action Now

The extended timeline is an opportunity, not a reason to delay preparation. Start building computer literacy through whatever means available. Practice regularly with CBT platforms to develop both subject knowledge and digital exam skills.

Whether you take CBT in 2026 or 2027, preparation determines success. The format change is coming; your readiness determines whether it becomes an obstacle or simply another exam to pass.