WAEC Computer Studies past questions and answers

Checked by the Skolra question team · Last updated 23 October 2026

WAEC Computer Studies: 299 objective past questions from 7 papers between 2015 and 2024, each with the answer and an explanation. Here are ten.

1. 1.Key skills of a system analyst include the following except
   1. A
      Technical skill
   2. B
      Communication skill
   3. C
      Driving skill
      Correct
   4. D
      Analytical skill
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   Answer: C

   A systems analyst studies how a business or organisation works and designs computer-based systems to solve its problems. To do this job well, the WAEC Computer Studies syllabus lists these as key skills:

   Technical skill — understanding of hardware, software and how systems are built, so the analyst can judge what is possible.
   Analytical skill — the ability to study a problem, break it into parts, and work out the best solution.
   Communication skill — needed to interview users, gather requirements, and explain the proposed system clearly to both management and technical staff.

2. 2.The program that is loaded into a special area on a microprocessor or ROM on a one-time basis and becomes part of the hardware is called?
   1. A
      Software
   2. B
      Operating system
   3. C
      Firmware
      Correct
   4. D
      Middleware
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: C

   Firmware is the correct answer.

   Firmware is a program that is written permanently into a special memory area on a microprocessor or onto a ROM chip, usually at the time a device is manufactured. Once it is loaded, it stays there on a one-time basis and effectively becomes part of the hardware itself, controlling the low-level operation of the device (for example, the startup instructions in a computer or the control program inside a printer or washing machine).

3. 3.Duplicating copyrighted electronic or digital content without the authors approval is considered?
   1. A
      Cracking
   2. B
      Plagiarism
   3. C
      Hacking
   4. D
      Piracy
      Correct
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   Answer: D

   Piracy is correct. In computer studies, piracy is defined as the unauthorized copying, duplication or distribution of copyrighted electronic or digital material (software, music, films, e-books, etc.) without the permission of the owner or author. Duplicating copyrighted digital content without the author's approval is exactly this offence.

4. 4.A subroutine is called in a flowchart through the use of?
   1. A
      A decision symbol
   2. B
      An input/output symbol
   3. C
      A connector symbol
   4. D
      A predefined process symbol
      Correct
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: D

   A subroutine is called in a flowchart through the use of a predefined process symbol. This symbol is drawn as a rectangle with an extra vertical line close to each side (a rectangle within a rectangle). It represents a named block of steps (a subroutine or sub-procedure) that has already been defined elsewhere, so instead of drawing out all its steps again, the flowchart just shows this symbol to mean "go and run that subroutine, then come back here."

   So the correct symbol for calling a subroutine is the predefined process symbol.

5. 5.Quantitative data can exist in
   1. A
      qualitative and quantitative forms
   2. B
      structured and unstructured forms
   3. C
      continuous and discrete forms
      Correct
   4. D
      primary and secondary forms
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   Answer: C

   Data used in computer studies is first classed as qualitative (descriptive, non-numeric) or quantitative (numeric). Quantitative data is then further split into two forms:

   Continuous data can take any value within a range, including fractions and decimals — for example a person's height or weight, which can be measured to any level of precision.

6. 6.Data loss in a computer cannot be prevented by the use of?
   1. A
      Regular backup of files
   2. B
      Up-to-date antivirus software
   3. C
      Formatting the storage disk
      Correct
   4. D
      An uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: C

   Formatting the storage disk is correct because formatting wipes the data stored on a disk — it is a cause of data loss, not a way to prevent it. If anything, you must back up data before formatting, otherwise you lose it.

7. 7.In a database, a primary key is a field which contains?
   1. A
      a formula that calculates values from other fields
   2. B
      a unique value that identifies each record distinctly
      Correct
   3. C
      the largest piece of data stored in the table
   4. D
      values that may repeat across several records in the table
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: B

   A primary key is a field (or set of fields) in a database table that uniquely identifies every record. No two records in the table can share the same primary key value, and it cannot be left empty (null). This is what makes it possible to pick out one exact record, such as one student's registration number, without confusing it with another.

   So the correct idea is that a primary key field contains a unique value identifying each record distinctly.

8. 8.The windows shortcut key for closing an active application is
   1. A
      Ctrl + F4
   2. B
      Ctrl + W
   3. C
      Alt + F4
      Correct
   4. D
      Ctrl + Alt + Delete
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: C

   Alt + F4 is the Windows shortcut key that closes the active application (the whole program window) completely.

   Ctrl + F4 is a common distractor: it closes only the active document or tab inside a program (for example, one Word document or one browser tab), while the application itself stays open.

   So when a candidate wants to shut down the whole application that is currently active, the correct combination is Alt + F4.

9. 9.Which of the following is not a biometric data?
   1. A
      Password
      Correct
   2. B
      Retina scan
   3. C
      Voice pattern
   4. D
      Fingerprint
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: A

   Biometric data refers to measurements of a person's unique physical or behavioural traits, used to identify that specific individual. Examples include fingerprints, retina (eye) scans, and voice patterns — all of these are features of the body itself and cannot be handed to another person.

   So the correct answer is password, since it is not a biometric data type, while fingerprint, retina scan, and voice pattern are all genuine biometric identifiers.

10. 10.QBASIC keywords do not include?
    1. A
       DISPLAY
       Correct
    2. B
       INPUT
    3. C
       PRINT
    4. D
       LET
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer: A

    INPUT, PRINT and LET are all genuine QBASIC keywords: INPUT accepts data typed by the user, PRINT sends output to the screen, and LET assigns a value to a variable (e.g. LET x = 5).

    So the keyword that does not belong to QBASIC is DISPLAY.

The questions come from past JAMB, WAEC and NECO papers. We use software to help write the answer options and explanations, and every answer is checked twice before it goes on the site. How we check

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