WAEC Building Construction Syllabus 2026/2027 | Recommended Textbooks : Complete Exam Guide
Are you a Candidate writing WAEC Building Construction? The WAEC Building Construction Syllabus 2026/2027 equips candidates with technical knowledge, safety awareness, and hands-on competence needed for modern construction practices. It also prepares learners for employment, entrepreneurship, and further education in construction-related fields.
OVERVIEW OF THE WAEC BUILDING CONSTRUCTION SYLLABUS 2026/2027 | RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS
In this detailed Blog, you will find the official curriculum released by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to guide candidates preparing for the Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and GCE in Building Construction. This syllabus combines theory, drawing, and practical construction skills, making it one of the most important vocational subjects for students interested in engineering, architecture, construction management, and skilled trades;
The WAEC Building Construction examination structure
A complete breakdown of the 2026/2027 syllabus
Key areas candidates should focus on
A list of recommended WAEC Building Construction textbooks
Smart tips to pass WAEC Building Construction successfully
NOTE: This article combine both Ghana and Nigeria WAEC Building Construction Syllabus 2026/2027 | Recommended textbooks
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WAEC Building Construction Examination Guideline 2026/2027: Complete Exam Guide
The WAEC Building Construction examination consists of three compulsory papers: Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3.
Papers 1 and 2 are taken together as a composite paper
Paper 3 is a practical examination
PAPER 1: Objective Test
Duration: 45 minutes
Total Marks: 40
Paper 1 consists of 40 multiple-choice questions covering:
Safety practices
Tools and equipment
Construction materials
Building processes
Technical drawing fundamentals
All questions must be answered.
PAPER 2: Short-Structured Essay
Duration: 1 hour
Total Marks: 60
Paper 2 contains five short-structured essay questions.
Candidates are required to answer any four questions.
This paper tests:
Understanding of construction principles
Explanation of tools, materials, and methods
Application of theoretical knowledge to real construction situations
PAPER 3: Practical Test
Duration: 2½ hours
Total Marks: 100
Paper 3 is divided into two sections, depending on the candidate’s country.
Section A (Nigeria, Sierra Leone & The Gambia)
Focuses on Building Drawing
Contains four questions, including one compulsory
Candidates answer the compulsory question and any two others
Section B (Ghana Only)
Consists of six essay questions, including one compulsory
Candidates answer the compulsory question and any three others
WAEC Building Construction Syllabus 2026/2027 | Recommended Textbooks
WAEC Building Construction Syllabus 2026/2027: Complete Exam Guide
Below is a simplified and well-explained breakdown of the major topics in the WAEC Building Construction syllabus.
1. Introduction to Building
This topic introduces candidates to the fundamentals of building.
Key Areas:
Definition of a building
Classification and types of buildings (residential, commercial, industrial, public)
Introduction to National Building Codes
Building regulations and by-laws
Candidates should understand why building regulations exist and how they ensure safety and quality.
2. Building Construction and the Construction Team
This section explains how construction projects are organized.
Topics Covered:
Definition and purpose of building construction
Construction procedures
Members of the construction team:
Client and consultants
Contractors and subcontractors
Statutory authorities
Functions and responsibilities of each team member
Professional relationships among parties
3. Safety Practices in Building Construction
Safety is a critical topic in WAEC Building Construction.
Key Concepts Include:
Meaning of safety
Construction site hazards
Causes of accidents
Methods of accident prevention
Safety equipment and protective clothing
First aid equipment and procedures
Safety when working with:
Electricity
Cement
Scaffolding
Roofing materials
Heavy equipment
4. Basic Tools, Equipment, and Machines
Candidates must identify, describe, and state the uses of construction tools.
Examples Include:
Hand tools (trowels, hammers, chisels)
Measuring tools (tape, spirit level)
Power tools
Construction machines
Proper care and maintenance of tools is emphasized.
5. Site Clearing and Levelling
This topic deals with preparing land for construction.
Content Includes:
Site clearing operations
Removal of vegetation and debris
Tools and equipment used
Basic levelling methods
Importance of proper site preparation
6. Site Organization and Layout
Candidates learn how construction sites are planned.
Key Areas:
Preliminary site operations
Procedures for site layout
Boundary lines and hoarding
Temporary structures (hutments)
Access roads and material storage
7. Setting Out
Setting out ensures that buildings are constructed accurately.
Topics Covered:
Meaning of setting out
Methods:
3:4:5 method
Builder’s square method
Tools used in setting out
Step-by-step procedures
8. Building Drawing
This is one of the most important areas in the syllabus.
Key Topics Include:
Drawing tools and plane geometry
Building symbols
Use of scales
Production drawings:
Plans
Elevations
Sections
Details
Doors and window schedules
Pictorial and perspective drawings
Introduction to AutoCAD
9. Excavation and Earthwork
This section explains ground preparation for foundations.
Topics Include:
Types and properties of soil
Definition and purpose of excavation
Methods of excavation
Excavation tools and machines
Earthwork support methods:
Timbering
Battering
Dewatering
Safety rules during excavation
10. Foundation
Candidates must understand how buildings are supported.
Key Areas:
Meaning and functions of foundations
Types of foundations
Factors influencing foundation choice:
Soil type
Load
Cost
Site conditions
11. Ground Floors
This topic explains the construction of ground floors.
Content Includes:
Types of ground floors
Functions and requirements
Construction methods
Basement definition and functions
Comparison between buildings with and without basements
Basement construction problems
12. Suspended Floors
Candidates learn about upper floors.
Key Topics:
Definition and functions
Concrete floors
Timber floors
Construction methods
13. Concrete
Concrete is a core topic in WAEC Building Construction.
Areas Covered:
Definition and types of concrete
Materials used:
Cement
Aggregates
Water
Types and properties of cement
Alternatives to cement:
Pozzolana
PFA
Rice Husk Ash
Local aggregates (periwinkle, palm kernel shell)
Reinforcement types
Concrete production process
Concrete tests
14. Walls
This section focuses on wall construction.
Topics Include:
Types and functions of walls
Walling materials and properties
Manufacturing of blocks and bricks
Sizes of bricks and blocks
Mortar mixes
Wall construction methods
Timber walls
Lintels and arches
15. Doors and Windows
Candidates learn about building openings.
Key Areas:
Functions of doors and windows
Types
Methods of fixing frames
16. Staircases
This topic explains vertical circulation in buildings.
Content Includes:
Definition of staircases
Types and classifications
Materials used
Finishing methods
17. Plumbing Installations and Drainage Systems
This section introduces basic plumbing concepts.
Topics Covered:
Plumbing systems
Sanitary fittings
Drainage principles
WAEC Building Construction Syllabus 2026/2027 | Recommended Textbooks
Recommended textbooks include:
Barry’s Introduction to Construction in Buildings
The Construction of Buildings Vols I–V
Building Technology – Ivor H. Seeley
Building Construction – S.C.O.A. Ezeji
Building Construction Handbook – R. Chudley
Principles of Construction – Roger Greeno
Building Construction for Senior Secondary Schools – Adesokan & Adeniyi
Tips to Pass WAEC Building Construction
Master safety practices
Practice building drawing regularly
Understand concrete mixing and testing
Learn local construction materials
Revise past WAEC questions. You can visit http://www.Myschool.ng For an Online CBT TEST Or visit the WAEC E-Learning Portal https://www.waeconline.org.ng/ For Updated Information.
Conclusion
The WAEC Building Construction Syllabus 2026/2027 | Recommended Textbooks provides students with essential technical, practical, and professional skills required in the construction industry. With focused preparation and consistent practice, candidates can excel in the examination and build a strong foundation for future careers.
