Published: August 18, 2025
MONROVIA — The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) will begin administering computer-based tests in Liberia starting in 2026, a landmark shift in how public school students take national assessments.
WAEC head Dale Gbotoe made the announcement Friday while releasing the 2025 results of national and regional examinations, including the Liberia National Assessment Test, Primary School Certificate, Junior High Certificate, and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
“This innovation will modernize testing in Liberia and better prepare our students for global competitiveness,” Gbotoe told reporters.
Expansion to Vocational and Technical Education
In a major curriculum overhaul, WAEC also disclosed that 30 new vocational and technical subjects will be introduced beginning in 2026. Students will now be able to select from a pool of 39 subjects instead of the current nine, covering fields such as auto mechanics, building construction, catering, tailoring, agriculture, and information technology.
“This expansion means vocational and technical students will sit exams in their areas of expertise,” Gbotoe said. “It is a critical step in bridging the gap between academic learning and practical skills.”
2025 Examination Results
WAEC reported that 46,653 candidates sat the 2025 WASSCE across 379 centers in Liberia and neighboring Guinea. Pass rates showed improvements, with 87.41 percent passing History and more than 60 percent earning credits in Chemistry, Geography, and Literature.
For lower levels, 31,690 third graders, 46,742 sixth graders, and 49,440 junior high students completed their respective exams.
Gbotoe said the results were “encouraging” compared to the inaugural nationwide administration in 2018, with both Arts and Science candidates registering stronger outcomes across multiple subjects.
Persistent Challenges
Despite progress, WAEC flagged challenges including late student registrations, unregistered “walk-in” candidates showing up at exam centers, widespread exam fraud, and supervisors’ refusal to use metal detectors to prevent cellphones from entering exam halls.
Investigators found that at some centers, supervisors and invigilators allegedly facilitated malpractice by sneaking exam papers into “dark rooms,” solving them, and smuggling answers back into the halls.
“These acts undermine the integrity of our education system and must be addressed firmly,” Gbotoe warned.
Fees and Government Support
Registration for the 2026 exams will open September 29 and run until December 31, WAEC said, with fees unchanged: $1,150 for the Liberia National Assessment Test, $2,150 for the Primary Certificate, and $5,150 for the Junior High Certificate.
The Liberian government covered the 2025 WASSCE fees for all public school candidates, as well as fees for junior high students, a commitment Gbotoe praised as vital to expanding access.
Results Access
Schools began accessing results through WAEC’s online portal Friday night, while individual candidates will be able to check their results starting August 20 using identification numbers and result-checker pins.
WAEC assured the public that provisional results would be updated once all queries are resolved.
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