Key takeaways
- WASSCE grades range from A1 (Excellent) to F9 (Fail).
- For school candidates, your grade is a combination of 30% continuous assessment (classwork and tests) and 70% final exam.
- You can register for the WASSCE Private exam and retake subjects to improve your results.
Ever looked at your WASSCE results and felt lost? The WASSCE grading system can feel overwhelming at first. But don’t worry, we’ll break it down in this guide and explain each grade’s meaning.
What is the WASSCE grading system?
The WASSCE grading system is the standardised scale used to evaluate the performance of students who sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination.
It uses nine letter grades, ranging from A1 to F9, with each grade tied to a specific percentage range. Grades A1 to C6 are credit passes and essential for university admission.
2025 WASSCE grading system
The 2025 WASSCE grading scale is broken down as follows:
| Grade | Score (%) | Interpretation |
| A1 | 100–75 | Excellent |
| B2 | 74–70 | Very Good |
| B3 | 69–65 | Good |
| C4 | 64–60 | Credit |
| C5 | 59–55 | Credit |
| C6 | 54–50 | Credit |
| D7 | 49–45 | Pass |
| E8 | 44–40 | Pass |
| F9 | 39–0 | Fail |
What constitutes your final subject score?
In Ghana, your final grade in each WASSCE subject isn’t just based on the external exam. WAEC uses two components:
- Continuous assessment: Makes up 30% of your final grade. This includes tests, assignments, projects, and other classroom activities recorded throughout your SHS years.
- The WASSCE exam: Makes up 70% of your final score. If the subject includes a practical or oral component, it’s counted as part of your 70% exam score.
For WASSCE private (Nov/Dec) candidates, your final grade is based solely on the exam results. Continuous assessment does not apply here. You’ll be graded on the objective, essay, and, if applicable, practical and oral performance.
To calculate your WASSCE aggregate score, you must select your best six subjects after the exam; three best core subjects and three best elective subjects.
How to prepare for the WASSCE exam
Preparation is key to passing the WASSCE. Here’s how to get ready:
- Review the WAEC syllabus and create a study plan to cover the entire syllabus before the exam.
- Solve past questions under timed conditions to build confidence and improve accuracy.
- Don’t just study what you are good at. Focus more on subjects and topics you find challenging to improve your performance.
- Study in groups. Discussing challenging topics with peers can deepen your understanding.
- Your continuous assessment contributes to your final grade, so take every test and project seriously.
FAQs
What counts as a passing grade in the WASSCE?
Grades A1 to C6 are credit passes. D7 and E8 are low passes, while F9 means fail.
How do I calculate my total WASSCE aggregate score?
To calculate your total WASSCE aggregate score, add the grade points (A1 = 1, B2 = 2, etc.) of your best three core subjects, including English and Core Maths, and your best three elective subjects.
What is the minimum requirement for admission to a Ghanaian university with the WASSCE?
Most Ghanaian universities require at least credit passes (A1-C6) in English, Core Maths, science or social studies, and three other relevant subjects. Specific cut-off points vary, so check with your school of interest.
Can I improve my WASSCE grades after the results are released?
Yes. You can retake any subject during the next NOV/DEC. Your new grade will replace the previous one.
Wrapping up
Your final subject score is based on your schoolwork and final exams, with grades ranging from A1 (excellent) to F9 (fail).
If you’re aiming for university, use our University Eligibility Checker to find programmes that match your results. If your results don’t meet your goals, don’t panic. You can always retake subjects and improve.
If you have any questions, please share them in the comments.
