WAEC Basic & Applied Electricity Syllabus 2026/2027 | Recommended Textbooks

Basic & Applied Electricity combines theoretical knowledge, practical competence, and strict safety awareness, making it one of the most skill-oriented subjects in the WAEC curriculum. Candidates are expected to understand electrical principles, use tools correctly, diagnose faults, and apply safe working practices.

This blog provides a detailed breakdown of the WAEC Basic & Applied Electricity, Examination structure, Complete syllabus topics, and Study focus areas to help students prepare effectively for the 2026/2027 examination.

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Aims and Objectives of 2026/2027 WAEC Basic & Applied Electricity Syllabus

The WAEC Basic & Applied Electricity syllabus for 2026/2027 is designed to ensure that candidates acquire both conceptual understanding and hands-on technical skills. By the end of the course, candidates should be able to demonstrate the following:

1. Understanding of Electrical Principles

Candidates must show a clear understanding of the basic concepts and principles of electricity, including current flow, resistance, voltage, power, and energy.

2. Practical Use of Tools and Equipment

Students are expected to develop the ability to safely use electrical tools and instruments for installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical and electronic devices.

3. Knowledge of Electrical Devices and Systems

The syllabus ensures that candidates understand the principles of operation and applications of simple electrical and electronic devices used in homes, workshops, and industries.

4. Safety Awareness

A strong emphasis is placed on safe working procedures, proper handling of equipment, and safety precautions in domestic and industrial electrical installations.

These objectives reflect WAEC’s focus on producing candidates who are not only academically sound but also technically competent and safety-conscious.

WAEC Basic & Applied Electricity 2026/2027 Examination structure

The WAEC Basic & Applied Electricity examination consists of three compulsory papers, designed to test knowledge, reasoning, and practical ability.

Paper 1: Objective Test

• Multiple-choice questions

• Covers the entire syllabus

• Tests understanding of definitions, principles, symbols, and calculations

Paper 2: Theory Paper

• Essay and structured questions

• Tests candidates’ ability to explain concepts, solve numerical problems, and describe processes

Paper 3: Practical Test

• Hands-on practical examination

• Candidates demonstrate skills in wiring, measurement, fault diagnosis, and safety procedures

This three-paper format ensures a balanced assessment of theory, application, and practical competence.

WAEC Basic & Applied Electricity Syllabus 2026/2027 | Recommended Textbooks

Below is a detailed explanation of the major topics contained in the WAEC Basic & Applied Electricity syllabus.

1. Direct Current (DC) Circuit Theory

This topic introduces candidates to the fundamentals of electrical circuits.

Key Areas Covered:

• Structure of matter

• Conductors, insulators, and resistors

• Ohm’s Law

• Kirchhoff’s Laws

• Electrical power and energy

Candidates must be able to calculate current, voltage, resistance, power, and energy, as well as analyze simple DC circuits.

2. Magnetic Field and Electromagnetism

This section explains the relationship between electricity and magnetism.

Key Concepts Include:

• Fundamentals of magnetism

• Electric fields

• Capacitors and capacitance

• Electromagnetic fields

• Self and mutual induction

Understanding this topic is essential for grasping how transformers, motors, and generators function.

3. Measuring Instruments

Accurate measurement is critical in electrical work.

Instruments Covered:

• Moving-coil instruments

• Moving-iron instruments

• Digital measuring instruments

Candidates must understand how these instruments work, their advantages, limitations, and correct usage.

4. Digital Electronics

This topic introduces the basics of modern electronics.

Core Areas:

• Binary number system

• Logic gates

Students are expected to understand digital logic, which forms the foundation of computers, automation, and control systems.

5. Alternating Current (AC) Circuit Theory

AC theory is a core area in applied electricity.

Topics Include:

• Generation of e.m.f. in a single-turn coil

• AC quantities (frequency, peak value, RMS value)

• RLC circuits

Candidates must understand how AC differs from DC and how it is applied in power systems.

6. Transformers

Transformers are vital components in electrical power systems.

Areas Covered:

• Types of transformers

• Principle of operation

• Losses and temperature rise

• Efficiency of transformers

• Cooling methods

This topic helps students understand voltage transformation and power transmission.

7. Power Supply

This section focuses on converting electrical energy into usable forms.

Key Topics:

• Power supply units

• Rectification

Candidates learn how AC is converted to DC for electronic devices.

8. Electrical Machines

Electrical machines convert electrical energy to mechanical energy and vice versa.

Machines Covered:

• Single-phase AC motors

• Three-phase AC motors

• Alternators

• DC generators

• DC motors

Students should understand construction, principles of operation, and applications of each machine.

9. Electrical Energy Supply

This topic introduces candidates to power generation.

Key Area:

• Generating stations

Candidates learn about different types of generating stations and how electricity is produced on a large scale.

10. Electrical Wiring

This is one of the most practical and important sections of the syllabus.

Topics Include:

• Electrical installation methods

• Wiring systems

• Wiring protection

• Earthing

• Maintenance and fault diagnosis

• Testing of installations

• General workshop safety

Strong performance in this section is crucial for success in the practical examination.

Section B: Ghana Candidates Only

Electron Emission

• Electron emission

• Thermionic emission

• Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)

Semiconductor Devices

• Semiconductor theory

• Diodes

• Transistors

Communication Systems

• Electromagnetic waves

• Modulation

• Amplifiers

• Operational amplifiers

Section C: Nigeria, Sierra Leone & The Gambia

Electricity Transmission and Distribution

• Transmission of electricity

• Distribution networks

Maintenance and Repair of Electrical Appliances

• Maintenance procedures

• Repair of common electrical appliances

This section emphasizes real-world electrical maintenance skills relevant to everyday life.

Why Basic & Applied Electricity Is Important for WAEC Candidates

Studying WAEC Basic & Applied Electricity Syllabus:

• Builds technical and vocational skills

• Prepares students for engineering and technical careers

• Encourages safety consciousness

• Provides practical knowledge useful for self-employment

• Supports national development through skilled manpower

Study Tips for WAEC Basic & Applied Electricity Syllabus 2026/2027 | Recommended Textbooks

• Practice circuit diagrams regularly

• Understand formulas instead of memorizing them

• Pay attention to workshop safety rules

• Practice wiring and fault diagnosis

• Revise past questions and practical tasks. Students can visit http://www.Myschool.ng for an Online CBT Test for all the past questions.

• Always visit the WAEC Official E-learning Portal https://www.waeconline.org.ng/ for information that you could not find here as it holds more updated information for Candidates.

Conclusion and final Thoughts

The WAEC Basic & Applied Electricity Syllabus 2026/2027, designed for WAEC Candidates who are going to sit for the upcoming Exam to guide and assist them in their preparation, following the WAEC Syllabus has many times helped Candidates come out with good grades, therefore we urge every Candidate to follow WAEC strict Protocols, We wish you Good luck as you write your Exams, Cheer’s!!!