August 26, 2025 – The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced that it will begin the full migration from the traditional Pen and Paper Test to Computer Based Examination (CBE) with effect from the 2025 November/December Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External.
NECO is inviting applications from interested Computer Based Centre Operators to apply for registration with the Council based on specified criteria and guidelines.
The Council has released detailed requirements for system, hall, and facilities that each Computer Based Examination centre must meet. These include computer specifications, network structure, CCTV monitoring, power backup, and personnel integrity. NECO stressed that only operators who meet these standards will be considered for accreditation.
System Requirements:
1. Minimum of 150 functional Computer Systems/Laptops with 10% (i.e., 15) backups with the following minimum specifications: Intel Based processor: Dual core Celeron/Pentium, Ram: 4GB Ram, HD: SSD Preferred, 32GB minimum, Windows 10, 100/1000 MB RJ45 Network Port, Browser (Latest version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge).
2. Minimum 15 inches flat screen Computer monitor for desktops or 17 inches for laptops.
3. The computer systems must be connected to a robust computer server with capacity to carry a minimum of 150 systems concurrently.
4. Provision of up-to-date Antivirus and all the systems must be virus free.
5. All the computer systems must be linked together in a star topology on Cable Local Area Network topology (LAN), (Wireless Computer connection is not allowed).
6. Switches must be on uninterrupted power source throughout the examination.
7. Gigabit switches are the recommended switches and each centre must have 2 backup switches.
Hall Requirements:
1. Provision of individual cubicle with minimum length of 26 inches, breadth of 18 inches and height of 18 inches and appropriate seat for each system.
2. Availability of adequate and functional air-conditioners and lighting.
3. Availability of prescribed CCTV network with IP Cameras for monitoring.
4. The CCTV must be cabled; no wireless CCTV will be allowed.
5. Exposed or flying cables are not allowed in the examination hall; all cables must therefore be trunked.
6. Network coverage: There must be strong MTN or AIRTEL signal at the location of the centre.
7. There must be enough Wall Clocks that will be visible to all candidates in the hall as candidates would no longer be allowed to bring in Wrist Watches to the examination hall.
8. Make-shift CBE centres are not allowed; all centres must therefore be dedicated CBT centres that are used and maintained as such all year round.
9. The centre must not be in shared premises such as cinema hall, shopping mall, market, etc.
Facilities and Personnel Requirements
1. Availability of back-up power supply (power generating set of minimum 40kva for a centre with 250 systems and UPS/inverters that can carry all systems for a minimum of three (3) hours.
2. Adequate CBE personnel, two technical personnel (2) and one (1) network engineer.
3. The CBE centre personnel (including technical staff) should be dependable and trustworthy. They are to be men of high integrity that can ensure the credibility of the examination process.
4. Provision must be made for adequate holding room or reception facility e.g canopy with chairs, etc.
5. There must be internal toilets (inside the CBE hall).
6. Adequate security personnel for the CBE Facilities.
7. The centre must be adequately fenced.
How to apply:
Every proposed CBE centre is required to download the requirements and guidelines from NECO website, complete and submit the application form with the necessary documents via the link https://cblt.neco.gov.ng.
According to the Council, “The centre that scales the application process will go through adequate inspection and accreditation and would be required to abide by all regulations stipulated by the Council for CBE centres.”
Attached below is NECO’s prototype CBE centre with cubicle measurement lenght (26 inches) by breadth (18 inches) by height (18 inches):
