How to Collect Your WAEC GCE Certificate in Nigeria (Full Guide)

If you sat for the WAEC General Certificate Examination (GCE) as a private candidate, your journey doesn’t end after checking your results. To complete the process, you need to collect your original WAEC GCE certificate, an essential document for higher education, employment, and professional opportunities.

Unlike school candidates who collect their certificates through their secondary schools, GCE candidates must collect their certificates directly from WAEC offices.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through where to go, what to bring, how much to pay, and what to expect when collecting your WAEC GCE certificate. Let’s dive in!

Where to Collect Your WAEC GCE Certificate

You can collect your certificate at any WAEC Zonal or Branch Office across Nigeria. WAEC does not send GCE certificates to exam centers or online platforms.

Major WAEC Offices in Nigeria include:

• Yaba, Lagos (National Headquarters)

• Ogba, Lagos (Testing and Training Centre)

• Wuse, Abuja

• Enugu

• Port Harcourt

• Kano

• Ibadan

• Benin City

• Uyo

• And other state capitals and major cities.

You can find addresses closest branch to you via the official WAEC Nigeria website.

Documents Required for Certificate Collection

Before heading to the WAEC office, ensure you have these essential documents with you:

1. WAEC GCE Photocard – This is your exam admission slip. It proves you were a legitimate candidate.

2. Valid ID Card – Acceptable IDs include:

   • National ID (NIN slip or card)

   • International Passport

   • Driver’s License

   • Voter’s Card

3. Two Recent Passport Photographs – Preferably with a white background.

4. Payment Receipt – This is the receipt for the certificate collection fee, paid at the WAEC office.

5. (Optional) Online Reference Slip – If you used the WAEC Certificate Request Portal.

All documents must be in good condition and clearly legible. WAEC won’t issue a certificate without proper documentation.

WAEC GCE Certificate Collection Fees

Yes, collecting your WAEC GCE certificate comes at a cost, but it depends on how long it’s been since the result was released.

Payment is made at the WAEC office via POS, bank transfer, or official payment desk. Avoid roadside vendors or unofficial agents.

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Step-by-Step: How to Collect Your WAEC GCE Certificate

Step 1: Locate the Nearest WAEC Office

Head to the WAEC office nearest to you. It’s advisable to go early to avoid long queues, especially in larger cities like Lagos or Abuja.

Step 2: Submit Your Documents

At the office, approach the GCE Certificate section. Present your photocard, ID, passport photos, and payment receipt.

Step 3: Verification & Payment

WAEC officials will verify your information. Once confirmed, you’ll be directed to make payment if you haven’t already done so.

Step 4: Certificate Issuance

After successful verification and payment, your original certificate will be issued to you immediately. Make sure to:

• Check the spelling of your name

• Verify your exam year and number

• Ensure all subjects and grades are correct

If there’s an error, report it before leaving the office. Corrections may require supporting documents and an additional fee.

 Online Option: The WAEC Certificate Request Portal

In some cases, WAEC allows candidates to initiate the process online via the Certificate Request Portal.

These platforms allow private candidates to:

• Request physical certificates to be delivered to their preferred WAEC office.

• Check status and make payments (via card).

• Track requests, reducing in‑person visits to WAEC centers

Steps to Request Your WAEC Certificate Online

1. Access the Portal

• Visit the CertRequest Portal to request a certificate delivery to a WAEC office you choose.

• Or use WAEC’s Request Management System (e‑CertMan) to purchase tokens, apply and track various result or certificate services

2. Choose Request Type

In e‑CertMan, you’ll need a token to:

1. Request information (requirements only), or

2. Request the service (apply and pay)

3. Make Payment

• Online payments are via card only; offline (eBillsPay) method is suspended

• Fees for private candidate certificate requests vary depending on exam year:

  • ₦10,600 (2019 2nd series to date)

  • ₦13,000 (2016–2019 first series)

  • Etc. Up to ₦32,500 for very old exams

4. Track Your Request

• Enter your Exam Number and Reference Number on the portal to check status

• If you’ve forgotten your reference number, the portal can send it to your registered email

5. Certificate Processing & Collection

• Processing time: 10 to 30 days after payment

• Once ready, pick up at the WAEC office you selected during the application

• You must present ID upon collection.

Even with online processing, physical collection at a WAEC office is still required.

FAQs

Can I collect my certificate without my photo card?

Yes, but you’ll need to present a sworn affidavit and other valid ID documents.

What if my certificate is missing or damaged?

You can apply for a Certificate Attestation Letter, as WAEC does not reissue lost certificates.

Is the collection fee the same across all offices?

No, the fee may slightly vary depending on the office or how long your result has been released.