Frequently Asked Questions about the BECE
The Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) is a mandatory examination for students in the ninth year of their basic education class and third year of the Junior Secondary School.
Why is the BECE important?
There are three main reasons why the BECE is important for you:
Who Conducts The BECE in Nigeria?
The Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) is conducted by the West African examination council (WAEC) and the National Examination Council (NECO). The two examination boards have similar but different responsibilities for conducting the BECE.
The West African Examination Council (WAEC) is authorized to conduct the BECE for all public secondary schools and approved private secondary schools in Nigeria. The WAEC BECE is often called the Junior WAEC. Candidates in the third year of the Junior Secondary School are qualified to sit for the junior WAEC in June/July of every year.
For students who intend to continue their senior secondary school education in any Federal Unity Colleges, Armed Forces Secondary Schools, and other Federal establishments operating Secondary schools in Nigeria, such student must sit for the NECO BECE. Private Secondary schools also take part in the NECO BECE provided they are recognized by their State Ministries of Education.
When can you sit for the BECE?
The BECE is held once a year usually in June and July. The exact dates may differ from state to state.
How is the BECE structured?
The West African Examination Council (WAEC) and the National Examination Council (NECO) have a similar format for their BECE.
The BECE is structured into two major parts for all subjects. The first is the test of objective questions. The objective question contains a list of questions and options of possible answers. Candidates are expected to tick the appropriate answers as it relates to the questions. The objective questions tests are usually written with a pencil and paper.
The second part is the theory segment. The theory segment contains questions that students are expected to provide answers for. The theory segment does not contain any answer options. Students are expected to write the correct answers. The theory segment is usually written with a ball point pen and paper.
How do you Register for the BECE?
Students who are qualified to sit for the BECE can register for the examination at their secondary school. All public or government-owned secondary schools in Nigeria can register candidates for the BECE.
Federal government approved private secondary schools or State Ministry of Education approved private secondary schools can also register candidates for the BECE.
What are the subjects in the BECE?
Twenty five subjects are administered at the BECE level. A candidate is expected to sit for a minimum of ten subjects and a maximum of thirteen. A candidate is deemed to have passed the BECE if he/she has passes in six subjects including English and Mathematics.
The following are the major subjects in the BECE:
How is the BECE graded?
WAEC and NECO have similar grading system for the BECE. The BECE grading system is as follows:
A – Distinction
C – Credit
P – Pass
F – Fail
To pass any subjects in the BECE candidates are expected to have a grade of Pass or above. Any candidate that failed to pass English language and Mathematics has automatically failed the BECE and must retake the BECE again the next year.
Why is the BECE important?
There are three main reasons why the BECE is important for you:
- It decides the selection of students that will promote from Junior Secondary School to Senior Secondary School
- It is necessary to be awarded the basic education certificate
- It is required for admission into technical institutes
Who Conducts The BECE in Nigeria?
The Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) is conducted by the West African examination council (WAEC) and the National Examination Council (NECO). The two examination boards have similar but different responsibilities for conducting the BECE.
The West African Examination Council (WAEC) is authorized to conduct the BECE for all public secondary schools and approved private secondary schools in Nigeria. The WAEC BECE is often called the Junior WAEC. Candidates in the third year of the Junior Secondary School are qualified to sit for the junior WAEC in June/July of every year.
For students who intend to continue their senior secondary school education in any Federal Unity Colleges, Armed Forces Secondary Schools, and other Federal establishments operating Secondary schools in Nigeria, such student must sit for the NECO BECE. Private Secondary schools also take part in the NECO BECE provided they are recognized by their State Ministries of Education.
When can you sit for the BECE?
The BECE is held once a year usually in June and July. The exact dates may differ from state to state.
How is the BECE structured?
The West African Examination Council (WAEC) and the National Examination Council (NECO) have a similar format for their BECE.
The BECE is structured into two major parts for all subjects. The first is the test of objective questions. The objective question contains a list of questions and options of possible answers. Candidates are expected to tick the appropriate answers as it relates to the questions. The objective questions tests are usually written with a pencil and paper.
The second part is the theory segment. The theory segment contains questions that students are expected to provide answers for. The theory segment does not contain any answer options. Students are expected to write the correct answers. The theory segment is usually written with a ball point pen and paper.
How do you Register for the BECE?
Students who are qualified to sit for the BECE can register for the examination at their secondary school. All public or government-owned secondary schools in Nigeria can register candidates for the BECE.
Federal government approved private secondary schools or State Ministry of Education approved private secondary schools can also register candidates for the BECE.
What are the subjects in the BECE?
Twenty five subjects are administered at the BECE level. A candidate is expected to sit for a minimum of ten subjects and a maximum of thirteen. A candidate is deemed to have passed the BECE if he/she has passes in six subjects including English and Mathematics.
The following are the major subjects in the BECE:
- Mathematics
- English
- Literature-in-English
- Agricultural Science
- Integrated Science (Basic Science)
- Fine Art
- Physical Health Education
- Yoruba
- Hausa
- Igbo
- Social Studies,
- Business Studies,
- Christian Religious Studies
- Islamic Religious Studies
- Music
- Computer Science
- Home economics
- Basic technology
- French language
How is the BECE graded?
WAEC and NECO have similar grading system for the BECE. The BECE grading system is as follows:
A – Distinction
C – Credit
P – Pass
F – Fail
To pass any subjects in the BECE candidates are expected to have a grade of Pass or above. Any candidate that failed to pass English language and Mathematics has automatically failed the BECE and must retake the BECE again the next year.
