WAEC Woodwork Syllabus 2026/2027: Complete Guide to Exam Structure, Practical Skills, Tools, Machines & Safety
Are you a student? The WAEC Woodwork Syllabus 2026/2027 is a vocational curriculum designed to equip students with practical woodworking skills, technical knowledge, safety awareness, and design competence. This subject prepares candidates not only for success in the WAEC examination but also for self-employment, technical careers, and further studies in areas such as furniture making, carpentry, joinery, interior fittings, and industrial wood technology.
Woodwork is one of the most skill-based subjects offered by WAEC, combining theory, design, and hands-on practical assessment, In this detailed guide, you will find everything you need to know about the WAEC Woodwork syllabus 2026/2027, including aims and objectives, examination structure, assessment objectives, detailed topic breakdown, and the full list of tools, machines, and materials required in a woodwork workshop.
Table of Content
Overview of WAEC Woodwork Syllabus 2026/2027
Aims and Objectives of WAEC Woodwork 2026/2027
Examination Guides and Scheme of Examination
Paper 1: Objective Test
Paper 2: Theory, Design, and Drawing
Paper 3: Practical Woodwork Test
WAEC Woodwork Assessment Objectives
WAEC Woodwork Syllabus 2026/2027 : Complete Guide to Exam Structure, Practical Skills, Tools, Machines & Safety
Workshop Safety in Woodwork
Tools, Machines, and Materials for Wood Workshop
Importance of Woodwork as a Vocational Subject
Career Opportunities for Woodwork Students
Practical Tips to Pass WAEC Woodwork
Conclusion

Overview of WAEC Woodwork Syllabus 2026/2027
WAEC Woodwork is a skill-oriented technical subject that tests students on their ability to safely and effectively use hand tools, woodworking machines, and design principles to produce functional wooden items.
The syllabus focuses on:
Workshop and machine safety
Identification and use of hand tools
Operation of woodworking machines
Timber classification and wood technology
Joint making and construction techniques
Design, drawing, and finishing
The assessment is balanced across theory, drawing, and practical execution, making it essential for candidates to prepare holistically.
Aims and Objectives of WAEC Woodwork
The WAEC Woodwork syllabus 2026/2027 aims to ensure that candidates:
Develop creative, mental, and practical skills in woodworking
Acquire solid knowledge of design principles and working drawings
Learn how to plan and follow a logical sequence of work operations
Understand challenges facing the wood and timber industry
Gain functional skills that can serve as a means of livelihood
These objectives reflect the role of woodwork in technical education, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment.
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WAEC Subject Combination for 2026 Examination (Science, Arts & Commercial)
Examination Guides and Scheme of Examination
The WAEC Woodwork examination consists of three compulsory papers: Papers 1, 2, and 3.
Papers 1 and 2 are taken together as a composite paper
Paper 3 is a practical examination
Paper 1: Objective Test
Format:
40 multiple-choice questions
Duration: 40 minutes
Total Marks: 40
Paper 1 tests candidates on:
Woodwork terminology
Safety rules
Tools and machines
Basic construction principles
Materials used in woodworking
This paper emphasizes theoretical understanding.
Paper 2: Theory, Design, and Drawing
Paper 2 is divided into two sections, with a total duration of 2 hours 20 minutes.
Section A: Short Structured Questions
Section A is further divided into three parts:
Part I: Ghana only
Part II: Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia
Part III: All candidates
Part III consists of two questions, from which candidates must answer one.
Section B: Design and Drawing
All questions must be answered
Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes
Total Marks: 40
This section tests:
Interpretation of design briefs
Production of working drawings
Technical accuracy and layout
Paper 3: Practical Woodwork Test
Format:
Duration: 3 hours
Total Marks: 100
Candidates are required to:
Produce a test piece using supplied drawings
Demonstrate correct use of tools and machines
Apply finishing techniques
Observe safety rules throughout the exercise
This paper carries the highest weight and is critical to overall performance
WAEC Woodwork Assessment Objectives
Candidates are assessed based on three key competencies:
1. Knowledge and Understanding
Candidates must demonstrate understanding of:
Woodwork terminology
Materials used in woodworking
Care and maintenance of tools and machines
Workshop safety precautions
Principles of design and construction
2. Practical Skills
Candidates should be able to:
Interpret and produce working drawings
Follow design briefs accurately
Use tools, machines, and materials in sequence
Prepare surfaces and apply appropriate finishes
3. Evaluation and Judgment
Candidates should be able to:
Compare finished items
Critically assess workmanship
Write appraisal reports on artifacts
WAEC Woodwork Syllabus 2026/2027 : Complete Guide to Exam Structure, Practical Skills, Tools, Machines & Safety
Practical Activities
This section focuses on hands-on woodworking operations, including:
Use of hand tools and portable power tools
Operation of basic woodworking machines
Working from sketches, written descriptions, and scaled drawings
Use of nails, screws, and adhesives
Types of Joints
Widening Joints
Butt joints
Dowelled joints
Tongue and groove
Rebated butt
Loose tongue
Slot screw joints
Angle Joints
Dovetail joints
Finger joints
Housing joints
Halving joints
Plain mitre joints
Framing Joints
Mortise and tenon
Bridle joints
Mitre joints
Dowelled joints
Operations
Shaping: chamfering, rounding, beveling, tapering
Planing and surfacing
Assembling and cramping
Testing squareness
Surface preparation and finishing
Workshop Safety (Theory)
Safety is a core component of the syllabus.
Personal Safety
Importance of safety in the workshop
Use of protective equipment: goggles, aprons, gloves, boots, respirators
Safety Relating to Tools and Environment
Safe handling of hand tools
Safe operation of machines
Electrical safety
Proper lighting and ventilation
Safety Devices
Fire extinguishers
Push sticks
Jigs and fences
First Aid
Contents of a first aid box
Treatment of cuts, burns, and minor injuries
Tools, Machines, and Materials for Wood Workshop
Hand Tools
Rip saw, cross-cut saw, tenon saw, coping saw
Chisels, gouges, planes
Spokeshaves, rasps, files
Measuring and Marking Tools
Tape measure
Marking gauge
Try square
Sliding bevel
Boring and Holding Tools
Brace and bits
Hand drill
Bench vice
G-cramps and sash cramps
Woodworking Machines
Circular saw bench
Band saw
Dimension saw
Portable Power Tools
Router
Jigsaw
Power drill
Sanders
Materials
Timber
Plywood
Nails and screws
Adhesives
Abrasives
Finishes and thinners
Importance of Woodwork as a Vocational Subject
Woodwork contributes to:
Skill acquisition and self-employment
Technical education development
Furniture and construction industries
Youth empowerment and entrepreneurship
Career Opportunities for Woodwork Students
Students can pursue careers as:
Furniture makers
Carpenters and joiners
Interior fitters
Workshop instructors
Small-scale entrepreneurs
Practical Tips to Pass WAEC Woodwork 2026/2027
Master workshop safety rules
Practice joint construction regularly
Learn tool identification thoroughly
Improve drawing and design skills
Focus on neat finishing in practical exams
- You can also do Online CBT Practice by Visiting http://www.Myschool,ng or by Visiting https://www.waecnigeria.org/ For more Updated information.
Conclusion
The WAEC Woodwork Syllabus 2026/2027 provides a strong foundation in woodworking theory, design, and practical execution. With proper preparation, candidates can excel in the examination and acquire valuable skills that support lifelong learning and economic independence. We wish you Goodluck as you prepare for the upcoming Examination…Cheers!
