Examinations Conducted in Sierra Leone

The Council conducts four categories of examinations: International Examinations, National Examinations, examinations conducted in collaboration with other examining bodies, and examinations conducted on behalf of other examining bodies.

The international examination taken in all five countries with the WAEC ordinance is the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). In Sierra Leone it is offered for school candidates and for private candidates in the first series (January–February) and the main GCE series (September–October).

National examinations taken in Sierra Leone are the National Primary School Examination (NPSE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). These assessments reflect national education policy while meeting the Council’s quality standards.

The Council issues credible and reliable certificates to candidates who participate in the examinations. The WAEC Ordinance empowered the Council to award certificates provided they do not have a lower standard compared with equivalent certificates of examining authorities in the United Kingdom.