NECO to Migrate to CBT Starting Nov/Dec SSCE, Lists Requirements for Operators

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The National Examination Council (NECO) has announced that it is finalizing plans to migrate to Computer Based Examinations this year. In this regard, the council has released the guidelines for interested CBT operators. This article contains all you need to know - from systems to hall requirements.

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The National Examinations Council (NECO) has concluded arrangements to migrate from Pen Paper Test (PPT) to Computer Based Examination, starting from the 2025 November/December Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External.

Interested Computer Based Centre Operators are invited to apply for Registration with the Council based on the following criteria:

NECO COMPUTER-BASED EXAMINATION (CBE) CENTRE REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES

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, 10/100MB RJ45 Network Port, Browser (Latest versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge).
2. Minimum 15 inches flat screen Computer monitor for desktop or 17 inches for the computer systems.
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 computer systems must be linked together in a star topology on Cable Local Area Network topology (LAN).
6. (Wireless Computer connection is not allowed).
7. Switches must be on uninterrupted power source throughout the examination.Gigabit switches are the recommended switches and each center must have 2 backup switches.

Also See: How to Check NECO Results

Hall Requirements

8. 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.

9. Availability of adequate and functional air-conditioners and lighting.

10. Availability of prescribed CCTV network with IP Cameras for monitoring.

11. The CCTV must be cabled; no wireless CCTV will be allowed.

12. Exposed or flying cables are not allowed in the examination hall; all cables must therefore be trunked.

13. Network coverage: There must be strong MTN or AIRTEL signal at the location of the centre.

14. 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.

15. 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.

Facilities and Personnel Requirements

16. The centre must not be in shared premises such as cinema hall, shopping mall, market, etc.

17. 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.

18. Adequate CBE personnel, one (1) network engineer, two technical personnel (2) and one (1) invigilator.

19. 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.

20. Provision must be made for adequate holding room or reception facility e.g canopy with chairs, etc.

21. There must be internal toilets (inside the CBE hall).

22. Adequate security personnel for the CBE facilities.

23. The centre must be adequately fenced.

Also See: WAEC Extends Registration Deadline

Note:

① Every proposed CBE centre will download, requirements and guidelines form the website, complete and submit the application with the required documents via the link provided: https://cbt.neco.gov.ng

② Through adequate inspection and accreditation process, will be required to abide by all regulations stipulated by the Council for CBE centres.