ABOUT CSSPS
What is the CSSPS?
The Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) is an automated placement system introduced in 2005 to:
- Ensure transparency and fairness in school placement
- Reduce human interference
- Eliminate favouritism and corruption
- Place qualified students into available schools based on merit and choices
Purpose of the School Placement System.
The system aims to:
- Place students based on their performance in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE)
- Match students to schools based on their selected choices
- Ensure balanced distribution of students across schools nationwide
- The BECE is conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
How the School Placement System Works
School Selection
Before writing the BECE:
- JHS students select up to 7 schools in different categories (Category A, B, C, etc.).
- Students also select preferred programs (e.g., General Science, Business, Technical).
Selections are submitted through their schools.
BECE Results
After students write the BECE:
- WAEC releases results.
- Student aggregate scores are calculated.
- Placement processing begins.
Computerized Placement
The GEDP-CSSPS software:
- Matches students’ BECE raw scores
- Considers school choices
- Considers available vacancies
- Places students based on merit, program availability and boarding status.
Students with better higher raw-score aggregates have higher chances of getting their top choices.
Release of Placement Results
GES releases placement results online.
Students can:
- Check placement using a placement checker card if necessary.
- Print placement forms.
- Proceed to the assigned school for admission.
What If a Student Is Not Placed?
If a student is not placed automatically:
- They can use the Self-Placement Module.
- This allows students to choose from schools with available vacancies.
SELF PLACEMENT
What is Self-Placement?
Self-Placement is an online module that allows unplaced BECE candidates to choose from schools that still have available vacancies after the main placement exercise.
Instead of being automatically assigned, the student selects a school and program personally from the available list.
When Does Self-Placement Apply?
A student qualifies for self-placement when:
- They were not matched to any of their selected schools.
- All their chosen schools were fully occupied.
- Their aggregate did not meet the cut-off for their chosen schools.
- They did not complete school selection properly.
Step-by-Step: How the Self-Placement Process Works
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Check Placement Status
After placement results are released:
- • Candidate visits the official GEDP-CSSPS portal.
- • Enters index number and placement checker PIN.
- • If not placed, the system displays a message indicating eligibility for self-placement.
Access the Self-Placement Module
The portal redirects the candidate to the Self-Placement page where:
- • Available schools are displayed.
- • Programs with vacancies are listed.
- • Regions and school categories are shown.
- • Only schools with available spaces appear.
Search for Available Schools
The candidate can filter schools by:
- • Region
- • School name
- • Program (e.g., General Arts, Business, Technical, Home Economics)
- • Boarding or Day option
The system shows only schools where the candidate’s aggregate qualifies.
Select School and Program
The candidate:
- • Chooses one school.
- • Selects an available program.
- • Confirms the selection carefully.
- • Select Boarding or Day Status.
Once confirmed, the selection may not be easily changed.
Confirm and Print Placement Form
After confirmation:
- • The system generates a new placement form.
- • Candidate prints the form.
- • The form shows: School name, Program, Reporting date, Prospectus requirements
Report to Assigned School
The student must:
- • Report to the assigned school within the stated period.
- • Submit required documents.
- • Complete admission procedures.
- • Failure to report may result in losing the placement.
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Important Things to Consider During Self-Placement
- Choose schools with realistic cut-off aggregates.
- Consider day options if boarding spaces are limited.
- Choose programs carefully based on strengths and interest.
- Act quickly before vacancies are filled.
Common Reasons Students Are Not Placed Automatically
- Choosing only highly competitive schools.
- Poor BECE performance.
- Limited vacancies in selected programs.
- Errors during school selection.
The Self-Placement module under GEDP-CSSPS ensures that no qualified BECE candidate is left without placement. It gives students a second opportunity to secure admission into available Senior High Schools or TVET institutions.
Avoiding these mistakes increases a student’s chances of getting a preferred school after the BECE conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Placement
Many students select only Category A or very popular schools.
Problem:
- These schools have limited vacancies.
- Cut-off aggregates are usually very low (high competition).
- Students with average aggregates may not gain placement.
Solution:
- Balance choices: Include Category B and C schools.
- Mix competitive and less competitive schools.
Some students choose schools without realistically assessing their academic performance.
Problem:
- If your raw score and aggregate is too poor, you may not qualify for selected schools.
- This increases the risk of not being placed automatically.
Solution:
- Seek advice from teachers.
- Select schools based on your academic ability.
Choosing only one program (e.g., General Science) in all selected schools can be risky.
Problem:
- Some programs are highly competitive.
- Limited spaces are available.
Solution:
- Choose alternative programs you are interested in.
- Include less competitive but relevant options.
Many students choose only boarding schools.
Problem:
- Boarding facilities are limited.
- You may qualify academically but miss placement due to lack of boarding space.
Solution:
- Include day options where possible.
- Consider schools near your residence.
Mistakes may occur when entering: School codes, Program codes, Personal details
Problem:
- Wrong codes can lead to incorrect placement.
- Incomplete forms may affect processing.
Solution:
- Carefully cross-check entries.
- Seek guidance from teachers before submission.
Submitting choices after the deadline can create issues.
Problem:
- Data may not be properly captured.
- Risk of system errors.
Solution:
- Submit school choices early.
- Confirm submission with your school authorities.
For students not placed automatically:
Problem:
- Delaying selection during Self-Placement may result in vacancies being filled.
- Limited options remain later.
Solution:
- Act quickly once placement is released.
- Select available schools promptly.
Some people claim they can influence placement.
Problem:
- Placement is computerized and merit-based.
- Risk of fraud and financial loss.
Solution:
- Trust only official information from GES.
- Do not pay unofficial agents.
Final Advice
To avoid placement problems:
- Choose schools wisely.
- Balance your options.
- Consider both boarding and day.
- Select programs carefully.
- Follow official instructions strictly
