The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) grading system can be confusing for students, parents and educators. In this post, we have break down the WAEC grading scale, explaining Pass, Credit and Distinction grades.
Understanding the WAEC Grading System
WAEC uses a letter-grade system, combining percentages and grades. The grading scale varies slightly for BECE (Basic Education Certificate Examination) and WASSCE (West African Senior School Certificate Examination).
BECE Grading System
The Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) grading system is used by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to evaluate student performance. Here’s a breakdown of the grading scale:
BECE Grading Scale
- Distinction (A): 80-100%
- Credit (B): 65-79%
- Pass (C): 50-64%
- Fail (F): Below 50%
Interpretation of BECE Grades
- Distinction (A): Excellent performance, demonstrating mastery.
- Credit (B): Good performance, showing competence.
- Pass (C): Satisfactory performance, meeting minimum requirements.
- Fail (F): Unsatisfactory performance, requiring improvement.
WASSCE Grading System
The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) grading system is used by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to evaluate student performance.
WASSCE Grading Scale
- Distinction (A1-A3): 80-100%
- Credit (B1-B3): 65-79%
- Pass (C4-C6): 50-64%
- Fail (F9): Below 50%
Interpretation of Grades
- Distinction (A1-A3): Excellent performance, demonstrating mastery.
- Credit (B1-B3): Good performance, showing competence.
- Pass (C4-C6): Satisfactory performance, meeting minimum requirements.
- Fail (F9): Unsatisfactory performance, requiring improvement.
How To Calculated WAEC Results Grades
Calculating WASSCE (West African Senior School Certificate Examination) results in Ghana requires understanding the grading system, interpreting results and determining the aggregate score. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough.
Calculating WASSCE Aggregate
- Select Core Subjects: Choose your best three core subjects (English Language, Mathematics and Integrated Science for science students or Social Studies for general arts students).
- Select Elective Subjects: Choose your best three elective subjects.
- Add Total Scores: Sum the scores of your selected core and elective subjects.
- Determine Aggregate: The total score becomes your overall aggregate.
Aggregate Score Interpretation
- Lower aggregate scores indicate better performance and higher university admission chances.
Science Student Aggregate Calculation
- Select Mathematics, English Language and Integrated Science as core subjects.
- Choose three elective subjects (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Biology).
- Add the six subject scores to obtain your total aggregate.
General Arts Student Aggregate Calculation
- Select English Language, Mathematics and Social Studies as core subjects.
- Choose three elective subjects (e.g., Geography, History, Literature).
- Add the six subject scores to obtain your total aggregate.
Example Calculation
Core Subjects:
- English Language: B2 (70%)
- Mathematics: A1 (85%)
- Integrated Science: B3 (65%)
Elective Subjects:
- Physics: A1 (90%)
- Chemistry: B2 (75%)
- Biology: C5 (55%)
Aggregate Score: B2 + A1 + B3 + A1 + B2 + C5 = 14
What is the minimum pass mark for BECE?
The minimum pass mark for BECE is 50%, which corresponds to Grade C6 or “Low Average” in the grading system . To pass a subject, you need to score at least 50%
What is the minimum pass mark for WASSCE?
The minimum pass mark for WASSCE is 40% across all two parts of the examination, and scoring between 45% to 49% earns a D7 grade, while 40% to 44% earns an E8 grade .
“Thank you for choosing GHResults! Check your exam results instantly, explore our resources, and stay connected with Ghana’s leading education community.”