WAEC explains the shift of WASSCE and BECE from paper to digital

The management of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has explained its decision to move the conduct of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) from paper and pen format to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format.

The Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, John Kapi, in an interview monitored by Pretertiary.com, said the shift of WASSCE and BECE from paper to digital is a deliberate step to align with global trends in education.

The WAEC official also said the digital or Computer-Based Test format forms part of broader reforms aimed at curbing the growing menace of examination malpractice and modernizing assessment systems.

“This is not related to the current examinations or the results of what has happened this year. The move is part of our long-term vision to digitalize the conduct of examinations, reduce human involvement, and strengthen credibility,” he explained.

Mr. Kapi revealed that the West Africa Examinations Council (WAEC) – Ghana has been working closely with its regional partners, including Nigeria, which has already piloted the Computer-Based Test with positive results.

The Computer-Based Test (CBT) system, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the not-for-profit-making organization explained, will centralize the examination process, making it more secure and efficient.

“By the click of a button, candidates across the country will access their examination papers on computers and submit their responses directly to a central unit for marking.

This will eliminate the risks associated with paper leakages, photocopying, and other malpractices that have plagued the system for years,” Mr Kapi said, speaking on Accra-based Starr FM’s Starr Today show.

Mr. Kapi said the computer model is designed to address these concerns, with features such as randomized questions and automated submissions expected to minimize opportunities for cheating.

He indicated that the Council has considered issues of internet connectivity, especially in rural areas, saying the West African Examinations Council will roll out plans to ensure no candidate is disadvantaged.

“While we are moving digital, we also recognize that some areas do not have reliable internet access. These challenges have been considered in our planning, and we will adopt solutions that allow every candidate to participate regardless of location,” he stated.

The spokesperson for the Examinations Council said his outfit intends to begin the Computer-Based Test examination format with pilot programs in selected regions before its full expansion nationwide.

Mr Kapi further said the Council is also collaborating with international technology partners to ensure the platform is secure and robust enough to handle the scale of examinations conducted annually.

Mr. Kapi stressed that the successful implementation of Computer-Based examinations would not only help curb malpractice but also prepare students for a future where digital literacy is essential.

“If we are able to roll this out successfully, it will mark a turning point in our examination system. It will enhance credibility, reduce malpractice, and align Ghana’s assessment system with global standards,” he emphasized.

Speaking in a different interview, the WAEC spokesman said the Council already held technical discussions on the proposal and intends to pilot it with a smaller exam before rolling it out nationwide.

“Gradually, we are also thinking about computer-based testing, which is something that we have thought about. We have had a technical committee meeting,” John Kapi stated.

The Head of Public Relations indicated that the Computer-Based Test (CBT) will be piloted with the General and Advanced Business Certificate Examination, which has a low candidature.

“We want to pilot that with one of our small examinations, the general and advanced business certificate examination,” the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) spokesman said.

Explaining the West African Examinations Council’s decision to pilot the Computer-Based Test with the General and Advanced Business Certificate Examination, Mr Kapi said it’s because the examination has low candidature.

“This is an examination that does not have a large candidature, so we can manage them at the regional capital, where we are sure of internet connectivity, and once we are able to do that, we believe we can begin the process, so that if that works, we can replicate,” the WEC official said on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily.