WAEC Shorthand Syllabus 2026/2027: Complete Exam Guide, Requirements, Topics & Recommended Textbooks
The WAEC Shorthand Syllabus 2026/2027 is a crucial guide for students offering Shorthand at the senior secondary school level. This syllabus is designed to test a candidate’s speed, accuracy, listening skills, and ability to transcribe dictated passages correctly using a typewriter. Understanding the structure of the examination, the nature of the dictated passages, and the required transcription standards is essential for success.
In this comprehensive guide, you will find a detailed breakdown of the WAEC Shorthand examination format, syllabus content, recommended textbooks, and preparation strategies for the 2026/2027 examination year.
Contents
Overview of WAEC Shorthand 2026/2027
Importance of the WAEC Shorthand Syllabus
WAEC Shorthand Examination Guide 2026/2027
Structure and Timing of the Shorthand Examination
WAEC Shorthand Syllabus 2026/2027 Explained
Nature of Dictation Passages
Transcription Rules and Requirements
Materials Required for the Examination
WAEC Shorthand Syllabus 2026/2027 | Recommended Textbooks
Career Opportunities for Shorthand Students
Practical Tips to Pass WAEC Shorthand
Conclusion
Overview of WAEC Shorthand Syllabus 2026/2027
Shorthand is a skill-based subject that focuses on rapid writing using shorthand symbols, followed by accurate transcription into longhand using a typewriter. The WAEC Shorthand examination is primarily practical and tests how well candidates can listen, record, interpret, and transcribe spoken English at a specified speed.
For the WAEC Shorthand Syllabus 2026/2027 session, the syllabus maintains the traditional structure used in previous years, with dictation speed set at 80 words per minute. While the exam format remains consistent, WAEC continues to emphasize accuracy, clarity, and adherence to examination rules/
WAEC Shorthand Syllabus 2026/2027
Importance of studying the WAEC Shorthand Syllabus 2026/2027 | Recommended Textbooks
The WAEC Shorthand syllabus is important because, it helps the Candidates to:
Clearly outlines what candidates are expected to know and practice
Helps students prepare specifically for dictation and transcription
Guides teachers in structuring effective shorthand lessons
Reduces exam anxiety by familiarizing candidates with timing and expectations
Builds practical skills applicable in modern office environments
Following the syllabus closely helps candidates focus on relevant practice areas, rather than wasting time on unnecessary content.
WAEC Shorthand Examination Guide 2026/2027
The WAEC Shorthand examination consists of one practical paper that combines dictation and transcription.
Key Examination Features
Two passages will be dictated
Dictation speed: 80 words per minute
Interval between passages: 2 minutes
Duration of each passage: 3 minutes
Syllabic intensity: 1.35 – 1.40
After dictation, candidates are allowed time to review their notes before transcription begins.
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Structure and Timing of the Shorthand Examination
The total duration of the examination is 1 hour and 13 minutes, broken down as follows:
6 minutes – Dictation (two passages)
7 minutes – Intervals between dictation and preparation
1 hour – Transcription
Additional Timing Details
5 minutes are allowed after dictation for candidates to read through their shorthand notes
Transcription must be completed within one hour
All transcription must be done on a typewriter
This structured timing tests not only shorthand skill but also time management and concentration.
WAEC Shorthand Syllabus 2026/2027 |Recommended Textbooks Explained
The syllabus focuses on two major categories of dictated passages, ensuring that candidates can handle both professional and general communication.
1. Business Matters
One of the dictated passages will be based on business-related communication. This reflects real-life office situations and tests candidates’ familiarity with formal language.
Examples include:
Business letters
Memoranda (memos)
Reports
Notices
Minutes of meetings
Circulars
Other office correspondence
Candidates must be able to write these passages accurately in shorthand and transcribe them into clear, professional English.
2. Literary Matters
The second dictated passage will be literary in nature and based on the candidate’s general experience.
Key characteristics include:
Simple narrative or descriptive passages
Everyday life experiences
Non-technical language
Non-political and non-controversial content
This section tests a candidate’s ability to handle general English dictation rather than specialized vocabulary.
Nature of Dictation Passages
WAEC ensures fairness and clarity in dictation by enforcing the following rules:
Quarter-minute time indications are printed on each passage
Words must be pronounced clearly and distinctly
Punctuation is not dictated, but indicated by voice inflection
A preliminary passage lasting 2 minutes is dictated before the actual exam
The preliminary passage allows candidates to become familiar with the reader’s voice and speed. It does not form part of the examination and must not be transcribed.
Transcription Rules and Requirements
After dictation:
Candidates must transcribe only on the typewriter
Shorthand notes must be attached to the typed scripts
English and Shorthand dictionaries are allowed
No carbon copies are permitted
Only typing papers supplied by WAEC may be used
The accuracy of transcription, correct spelling, punctuation, paragraphing, and formatting all contribute significantly to the final score.
Materials Required for the WAEC Shorthand Examination 2026/2027
Candidates are expected to provide the following:
A functional typewriter
Shorthand notebooks
Pens or pencils for shorthand writing
Other basic writing materials
WAEC will supply:
Specially marked typing papers for transcription
Candidates must ensure their equipment is in good working condition before the examination day.
Role of Teachers and Invigilators
The shorthand reader may be the candidate’s teacher
The invigilator must monitor dictation time and accuracy
A signed certificate confirming the actual dictation time must be submitted with scripts
After dictation, the reader must leave the examination hall with the passages
These measures ensure standardization and examination integrity.
WAEC Shorthand Syllabus 2026/2027 |Recommended Textbooks
Although WAEC does not mandate a single textbook, the following materials are highly recommended:
Core Shorthand Textbooks
First Course – Pitman
First-Course Review – Pitman 2000
Pitman 2000 Phrase Book
First Dictionary Shorthand – Pitman 2000
700 Common Words – Pitman 2000
Speed Development Resources
Speed Development – Pitman 2000
Speed Builder – Bryan Coombs
Supplementary Materials
Office Skills magazines
Professional journals for reading and transcription practice
Regular practice with these materials improves speed, accuracy, and confidence.
Career Opportunities for Shorthand Students
Shorthand remains relevant in many professional fields, including:
Secretarial and administrative roles
Legal and court reporting
Journalism and media transcription
Office management
Executive assistance
Students with strong shorthand skills often have an advantage in office-based careers that value speed and accuracy.
Practical Tips to Pass WAEC Shorthand
Practice dictation daily at 80 words per minute or higher
Focus on accuracy before speed
Learn common Pitman brief forms thoroughly
Practice transcribing under exam conditions
Improve listening and concentration skills
Familiarize yourself with business vocabulary
Consistent practice is the key to success in shorthand. You can visit this website http://www.myschool.ng to Practice Online CBT Test
Conclusion
The WAEC Shorthand Syllabus 2026/2027 |Recommended Textbooks provides a clear framework for students to develop professional shorthand and transcription skills. With proper preparation, understanding of exam rules, and regular practice, candidates can perform excellently and acquire skills that are valuable beyond the classroom. You can visit the Official WAEC Website https://www.waeconline.org.ng/ For Updated information.
Shorthand is not just an examination subject, it is a career-enhancing skill. Shorthand is a skill-based subject that focuses on rapid writing using shorthand symbols, followed by accurate transcription into longhand using a typewriter. We wish you success as you Prepare to write for the examination.
