The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) conducts the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) every year for Junior High School students in Ghana. This examination is very important because it determines whether students will gain admission into Senior High Schools under the Ministry of Education (Ghana) and the Ghana Education Service (GES) educational structure.
Because of the importance of the BECE, strict rules and regulations are established to guide candidates during the examination period. These rules help maintain fairness, honesty, and discipline throughout the examination process. One important rule concerns the items that candidates are not allowed to take into the examination hall.
Did you know the BECE candidates are not permitted to enter into exam hall with some items? I am going to walk you through with those items. They include;
1. Mobile Phones
Candidates are strictly prohibited from bringing mobile phones into the examination hall. Phones can easily be used to store information or communicate with others during the exam, which could lead to cheating. If a candidate is caught with a phone, it may lead to cancellation of their entire results.
2. Smartwatches and Digital Watches
Just like mobile phones, smartwatches and other electronic watches can store information or connect to the internet. Because of this, candidates are not allowed to wear them during the examination.
3. Tablets and Electronic Devices
Any electronic gadget such as tablets, iPads, Bluetooth devices, or communication gadgets are not allowed in the exam hall. These devices can easily be used to access information that gives unfair advantage to candidates.
4. Calculators
For the BECE, calculators are not permitted in the exam hall. Candidates are expected to solve all mathematical problems manually using the knowledge and skills they have acquired during their studies.
5. Books and Printed Materials
Textbooks, notebooks, pamphlets, revision guides, and any printed learning materials are strictly prohibited. Candidates must rely only on their knowledge and what they remember from their preparation.
6. Written Notes or Pieces of Paper
Sometimes candidates attempt to hide small pieces of paper containing answers or formulas. These are considered examination malpractice materials and are not allowed under any circumstance.
7. Bags and Pouches
School bags, handbags, and pouches are usually not allowed inside the examination hall. Candidates are normally instructed to leave them outside the hall to prevent concealment of unauthorized materials.
8. Cameras or Recording Devices
Recording devices such as cameras, voice recorders, or any device capable of recording information are also prohibited in the examination hall.
9. Earphones and Headsets
Earphones, headphones, or wireless listening devices are not permitted because they can be used to receive information from outside the examination hall.
10. Any Suspicious Materials
Invigilators have the authority to confiscate any material they consider suspicious or capable of aiding cheating during the examination.
Why These Items Are Prohibited
The restrictions are not meant to punish students but to ensure that the examination remains fair and credible for everyone. When all candidates follow the same rules, the results truly reflect each student’s knowledge and effort.
Examination malpractice can damage the credibility of national examinations. That is why WAEC, together with the Ghana Education Service, takes strict measures to prevent cheating during the BECE.
Students who violate these rules may face serious consequences such as:
- Cancellation of their examination results
- Being barred from future examinations
- Investigation for examination malpractice
Final Advice to BECE Candidates
Candidates preparing for the Basic Education Certificate Examination should focus on studying and following all examination rules. Before going to the examination centre, it is advisable to carry only the essential items such as:
- Pens and pencils
- Mathematical sets (when required)
- Your examination index number and identification
Avoid bringing any unauthorized items to the examination hall. Following the rules will help you write your exams confidently without fear of punishment.
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