As anticipation builds for the release of the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results, many candidates, parents, and teachers are preparing to check their grades online.
While WAEC has not yet released the results, it’s important to understand the status codes that may appear alongside or in place of subject grades once the results go live.
These codes are not errors—they are official indicators used by WAEC to explain delays, issues, or decisions regarding a candidate’s performance.
This guide breaks down each code and offers practical advice on what to do if you encounter one.
What Are WAEC Result Status Codes?
WAEC uses result status codes to communicate specific issues or updates about a candidate’s examination record.
These codes may appear temporarily while WAEC completes investigations or processing, or they may indicate permanent decisions such as cancellation or failure.
Full List of WAEC BECE Result Status Codes
| Code | Meaning | Explanation |
| P | Pending | WAEC is still processing or investigating this paper. Grade may be released later. |
| X / ABS | Absent | Candidate was absent for the paper. No marks awarded. |
| W | Withheld | Result held due to suspected malpractice. May be released or cancelled after investigation. |
| F | Failed / Cancelled | Candidate failed the paper or the result was cancelled. |
| INC | Incomplete | Part of the result is missing (e.g., practical work not submitted). |
| NR | No Result | Result cancelled due to irregularity. May affect one paper or the entire exam. |
| Z | Centre Issue | Problem at the exam centre. WAEC is investigating. |
| INDEBTED | Fees Owed | Candidate’s school owes WAEC fees. Results will be blocked until payment is made. |
| OMR | Objective Marking Error | Issue with the multiple-choice answer sheet. WAEC is reviewing it. |
| TBA | To Be Announced | Grade will be released later. |
| CAN | Cancelled | Subject or entire result cancelled due to confirmed malpractice or other serious issues. |
What to Expect When Results Are Released
Once WAEC officially releases the BECE results:
- Candidates will be able to check their grades online via the WAEC Ghana results portal.
- If a subject shows a status code instead of a grade, it means WAEC is still finalizing that part of the result.
- Some codes may be resolved within days, while others may require follow-up by the candidate or school.
What Should Candidates Do If They See a Status Code?
Here’s how to respond to each type of code:
Temporary Codes: P, TBA, OMR
- Be patient. These are usually resolved after final checks.
- Keep checking the portal for updates.
Final Codes: X, ABS, F
- These indicate absence or failure. They are unlikely to change.
- Consider resitting the exam if necessary.
Investigative Codes: W, NR, Z, CAN
- WAEC is reviewing these cases. Results may be released or cancelled.
- Contact your school or WAEC office for updates.
- If you believe there’s an error, request a formal review through your school.
Financial Code: INDEBTED
- Your school must settle the debt with WAEC before results are released.
- Follow up with your school administration immediately.
Missing Work: INC
- This may be due to missing coursework or practicals.
- Your school should contact WAEC to resolve it.
Where to Get Help
- WAEC Ghana Website: https://www.waecgh.org
- School Authorities: They can liaise directly with WAEC.
- Regional WAEC Offices: Visit in person for clarification.
Final Advice
While the 2025 BECE results are yet to be released, understanding these codes now will help candidates and parents respond quickly and appropriately when results go live.
Most issues can be resolved with time, communication, or action—so stay calm, stay informed, and follow up as needed.
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