Commerce is one of the most popular business subjects in WAEC and GCE examinations. It provides students with an understanding of trade, industry, transportation, banking, insurance, and business management.
Whether you're a school candidate or a private GCE candidate, mastering the WAEC & GCE Commerce syllabus for 2025 is your first step toward success in the exam and a foundation for careers in business, finance, and administration.
Objectives of the WAEC/GCE Commerce Syllabus
The syllabus aims to:
- Equip students with knowledge of commercial activities.
- Promote awareness of business operations and their role in economic development.
- Introduce students to the environment in which business operates.
- Help students understand consumer rights and responsibilities.
- Prepare students for further studies in commerce and business-related fields.
WAEC & GCE Commerce Exam Format (2025)
Paper 1 – Objective Test
- Content: 50 multiple-choice questions
- Duration: 50 minutes
- Marks: 50
Paper 2 – Essay (Theory Paper)
- Content: 5–7 essay questions; candidates must answer 4
- Duration: 2 hours
- Marks: 100
2025 WAEC & GCE Commerce Syllabus Topics
1. Introduction to Commerce
- Definition, scope, and functions
- Commerce and related subjects (Economics, Accounting, etc.)
- Importance of commerce in the economy
2. Occupation
- Types: Industrial, commercial, and services
- Factors influencing the choice of occupation
3. Production
- Types of production: Primary, secondary, tertiary
- Factors of production
- Division of labor and specialization
4. Trade
- Home and foreign trade
- Terms of trade (FOB, CIF, etc.)
- Role of customs and excise authorities
5. Aids to Trade
- Banking, insurance, advertising, communication, warehousing, transportation
- Roles and importance of each in commercial activities
6. Business Units
- Sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability companies
- Co-operatives and public enterprises
- Formation, features, advantages, and disadvantages
7. Marketing and Advertising
- Concepts of marketing and market segmentation
- Types of advertising and their impact
8. Transportation
- Modes of transportation (land, water, air)
- Advantages and disadvantages of each
9. Communication
- Traditional and modern methods
- Impact of ICT in commerce
10. Insurance
- Principles and types of insurance
- Role of insurance in business and risk management
11. Banking
- Types of banks (commercial, central, development)
- Functions and services
- Cheques, bank drafts, and e-banking
12. Stock Exchange
- Meaning and functions
- Role in economic development
- Differences between stock exchange and capital market
13. Business Documents
- Invoices, receipts, order forms, debit/credit notes
- Their uses in trade transactions
14. Consumer Protection
- Rights and responsibilities of consumers
- Government agencies and consumer rights bodies
15. Business Management
- Elements: planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling
- Importance of effective management
16. Legal Aspects of Business
- Contract, sales of goods, and laws affecting commerce
- Roles of business law in trade and commerce
Recommended Textbooks for WAEC/GCE Commerce
- Essential Commerce – O.A. Longe
- Comprehensive Commerce – J.U. Anyaele
- Commerce for Senior Secondary Schools – O. Abiola
- WAEC/GCE Past Questions and Answers
Top Exam Tips to Pass WAEC/GCE Commerce in 2025
- Study Past Questions
Identify common patterns and recurring topics in WAEC/GCE Commerce exams. - Master Definitions and Principles
Be ready to define and explain key commercial concepts clearly. - Use Real-Life Examples
When answering essay questions, include relevant, everyday business examples. - Focus on Application
Understand how each topic applies to real-world business operations. - Practice Time Management
Allocate time wisely during the essay paper to avoid leaving questions unanswered. - Stay Updated on Current Affairs
Be familiar with recent business trends, tech tools, and government policies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Commerce compulsory in WAEC or GCE?
No, it’s an elective subject, but highly recommended for students in the business or commercial track.
2. What is the difference between WAEC and GCE Commerce?
The content and syllabus are the same. GCE is for private candidates, while WAEC is for school candidates.
3. Can I combine Commerce with other business subjects?
Yes. Commerce complements subjects like Economics, Accounting, and Business Management.
4. Are diagrams needed in Commerce exams?
While not always necessary, diagrams like trade flow charts or business structure illustrations can enhance your answers.
5. How do I handle difficult essay questions?
Choose questions you're most confident about first. Outline your answer before writing and give real-life examples where possible.
Conclusion
Success in WAEC or GCE Commerce lies in a strong grasp of the syllabus and smart preparation. Focus on understanding the concepts, linking them to real-life applications, and practicing past questions. With the 2025 Commerce syllabus as your roadmap, consistent study and revision will help you secure excellent results.
