WAEC Adopts CBT  for the upcoming exams,  this is how to prepare

Before the previous year wrapped up, the management of the West African Examination Council announced that WAEC candidates would now have to write their examinations using the CBT (Computer Based Test) which means no more paper and pen/pencil. The innovation is set to commence with the administration of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for private candidates scheduled for February 2024. 

WAEC mentioned that while the "Objective Tests" will be entirely computer-based, the "Essay and Test of Practical Papers will adopt a hybrid method. This means that the examination questions will be displayed on the screen, and candidates will be expected to write their answers in the answer booklets provided to them. 

Also, considering that this is a new thing to do, the exam body has reportedly promised to conduct a mock test to help students who might want to get acquainted with the whole system before D-day. 

Now, if you will be writing any WAEC exam this year and you are looking to pass excellently with this method, here are some time tips to guide you. 

Read instructions as many times as you need to 

Many people have failed examinations because "they don't know". Most times, reading instructions can give some or all of the information that you need to pull through an examination. So, never skip that part, read over and over until you get a perfect idea of what the examiner is requesting. If you do not read instructions before starting an examination, chances are you might make terrible mistakes that will cost you a good result. The moment you log into your examination, read the instructions until you are sure that you understand everything written in it. 

Take the Mock Exam 

While the mock exam may come off as optional or not, ensure that you register for it. The CBT system is a new method designed by WAEC and you don't want to walk into the examination hall completely clueless when you have an option. This option that you have is to write a mock WAEC exam before the real exam. Taking this exam prepares you for whatever is to come in the main exam as you have already familiarized yourself with the whole system and nothing will look strange to you when you are ready to move. 

Understand every term connected with the examination 

"WAEC mentioned that while the "Objective Tests" will be entirely computer-based, the "Essay and Test of Practical papers will adopt a hybrid method." A hybrid method implies the integration of different elements within the examination process. Simply put, the essay and practical test sections will include a blend of digital delivery of questions on a screen alongside traditional written responses on physical answer booklets. It is important to have a complete understanding of how this works before moving in for your exam. 

While you read on your own, check in with reading groups too

Some people love to read alone and while this is not entirely a bad idea, you may want to check in with reading groups too as they provide opportunities for different perspectives, lively discussions, and deeper understanding of the subjects you will be writing in your exam. But, make sure that you are not replacing your personal reading time with as it allows for undisturbed focus and personal interpretation of the material. Checking in with groups should be an icing on the already-baked cake. 

Don't hesitate to ask for help 

Nobody is an island of knowledge and this means that it is possible that you don't know how certain things work. Instead of keeping to yourself, ask the right people the right questions. Don't go about assuming that it is what you think it is. Remember daily, even before the exams, that it is okay to ask questions about what you do not understand. In the long run, you may save yourself a lot when you ask questions and get the right answers. 

The private WAEC exam is in February and this means that all preparations have started or should start right away as you have limited time to get ahead. We are rooting for you and hope that you pass your exams brilliantly.