Are you a WAEC Candidate, here is for you, Download and understand the WAEC Book-Keeping Syllabus 2026/2027 and Textbooks. This complete guide explains the exam structure, detailed syllabus topics, recommended textbooks, and smart preparation tips to help candidates pass with ease.
The WAEC Book-Keeping Syllabus 2026/2027 serves as an official roadmap for students preparing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Book-Keeping is a practical and career-oriented subject that equips students with essential financial recording and accounting skills required in modern business environments.
This comprehensive guide explains the exam format, syllabus topics, objectives, recommended textbooks, and effective preparation strategies. Whether you are a student, teacher, or private candidate, understanding this syllabus early gives you a strong advantage.
What Is WAEC Book-Keeping All About?
Book-Keeping is the systematic recording, classification, and summarization of financial transactions of a business. The WAEC Book-Keeping examination is designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application of accounting principles as used in real-life business situations.
The subject aims to:
Develop basic accounting and business skills
Promote an understanding of bookkeeping rules and principles
Encourage accuracy, discipline, and financial responsibility
Prepare students for careers in accounting, finance, entrepreneurship, and business management
WAEC Book-Keeping Syllabus 2026/2027
WAEC Book-Keeping Examination Structure (2026/2027)
The WAEC Book-Keeping examination consists of two papers, both written in one sitting.
Paper 1: Objective Test
40 multiple-choice questions
Time: 50 minutes
Marks: 40 marks
Covers the entire syllabus, including theory and calculations
Paper 2: Theory and Practical
Duration: 2 hours
Total Marks: 80 marks
Section A – Theory of Book-Keeping
4 questions provided
Candidates answer any 2
20 marks
Section B – Practice of Book-Keeping
5 questions provided
Candidates answer any 3
60 marks
This structure emphasizes not just memorization but practical competence and problem-solving ability.
WAEC Book-Keeping Syllabus 2026/2027 and Textbooks
Below is a simplified and student-friendly breakdown of the official syllabus topics.
1. Introduction to Book-Keeping
This topic lays the foundation of accounting knowledge.
Key areas include:
Meaning, definition, history, and importance of bookkeeping
Functions and uses of bookkeeping
Career opportunities and beneficiaries
Qualities and ethical values of a good bookkeeper
Assets and Liabilities
Definitions and differences
Classification and examples
Business Transactions
Meaning and types
Parties involved in transactions
Classification of Accounts
Personal accounts
Real accounts
Nominal accounts
Source Documents
Meaning and importance
Types such as invoices, receipts, debit notes, credit notes, and cheques
2. Accounting Concepts and Conventions
Meaning of accounting concepts
Meaning of accounting conventions
Differences between concepts and conventions
Examples include:Going concern
Consistency
Prudence
Accrual concept
3. Books of Original Entry
This topic focuses on the first stage of recording transactions.
Students should understand:
Meaning and purpose
Types of books of original entry
Format and preparation
Examples include:
Cash book
Sales day book
Purchases day book
Returns inwards and outwards
4. Ledger and Principles of Double Entry
Meaning and types of ledgers
Format and preparation of ledger accounts
Double Entry Principle
Meaning and historical background
Rules of double entry
Making correct debit and credit entries
5. Cash Book
Students must master:
Meaning and purpose
Types and preparation of:
Single column cash book
Double column cash book
Three column cash book
Petty cash book
6. Bank Reconciliation Statement
This topic tests reconciliation skills.
Focus areas:
Meaning and purpose
Banking terminologies and documents
Reasons for differences between cash book and bank statement balances
7. Trial Balance and Errors
Meaning and functions of a trial balance
Rules and preparation
Errors
Meaning and types of errors
Correction of errors
Preparation of suspense accounts
8. Financial Statements of a Sole Proprietor
Students should understand how to prepare final accounts.
Includes:
Trading Account
Profit and Loss Account
Balance Sheet
Also covers:
Stock valuation methods (FIFO and LIFO)
9. Adjustments to Financial Statements
Key adjustments include:
Prepayments and accruals
Depreciation
Bad and doubtful debts
Methods of depreciation:
Straight-line method
Reducing balance method
10. Control Accounts
Meaning of control accounts
Preparation of:
Sales Ledger Control Account
Purchases Ledger Control Account
11. Single Entry and Incomplete Records
Meaning and limitations
Preparation of final accounts from incomplete records
12. Accounts of Not-for-Profit Organizations
Purpose and characteristics
Preparation of:
Receipts and Payments Account
Income and Expenditure Account
13. Partnership Accounts
This topic is crucial and often examined.
Includes:
Meaning of partnership
Partnership deed
Capital and current accounts
Profit and Loss Appropriation Account
Admission of new partners
Goodwill account
14. Joint Venture Accounts
Meaning and purpose
Differences between joint venture and partnership
15. Departmental and Branch Accounts
Importance of departmental accounts
Preparation of departmental accounts
Simple branch accounts
16. Introduction to Company Accounts
Formation of companies
Common terminologies
Preparation of simple company financial statements
17. Interpretation of Accounts
Students must calculate and interpret ratios such as:
Gross profit margin
Net profit margin
Stock turnover
Quick ratio
Acid test ratio
Return on capital employed
18. Purchase of Business
Reasons for purchasing a business
Relevant terminologies
Preparation of purchase accounts
19. Consignment Accounts
Meaning and terms
Preparation of simple consignment accounts
20. Hire Purchase Accounts
Meaning of hire purchase
Preparation of accounts in:
Seller’s books
Hirer’s books
21. Contract Accounts
Meaning and purpose
Important terminologies
Preparation of contract accounts
22. Cooperative Accounts
Meaning and objectives of cooperative societies
Basic accounting treatment
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WAEC Book-Keeping Syllabus 2026/2027 and Textbooks
Students are encouraged to study from approved and widely accepted textbooks such as:
Business Accounting Vol. 1 & 2 – Frank Wood
Book-Keeping and Accounts – Spicer & Peggler
Introduction to Accounting for Business Studies – F.P. Langley
Accounting I & II – Jennings
Essential Financial Accounting for Senior Secondary Schools – O.A. Longe & R.A. Kezeem
These books align closely with the WAEC syllabus and provide numerous practice questions. Visit the official WAEC Portal for updated information about the Syllabus and other related information https://www.waeconline.org.ng/
Smart Tips to Study WAEC Book-Keeping Syllabus 2026/2027 | Recommended Textbooks
Practice calculations daily
Master double entry rules
Understand formats, not just theory
Solve past questions consistently, visit http://www.Myschool.ng for a Complete CBT Practice
Manage time properly during exams
Use ruled notebooks when practicing accounts
