JAMB CBT Centre Accreditation 2025: Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to Requirements, Costs & Approval

Introduction

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) mandates that all CBT centres be accredited before they can register and examine candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) exercises. Accreditation ensures that centres meet stringent standards for reliability, security, and fairness in examination delivery. This process is a critical checkpoint, as only approved centres can participate in JAMB’s UTME exercise.

Why Accreditation Matters

Accreditation serves several vital functions:

1. Quality Assurance: It guarantees that CBT centres adhere to JAMB’s minimum technical and operational standards, reducing risks of system failure during high-stakes exams.

2. Security and Integrity: Accredited centres employ robust security measures, including CCTV and secure networks, which uphold the integrity of the examination process.

3. Trust and Credibility: Candidates, schools, and regulatory bodies recognise accreditation as a hallmark of reliability, enhancing the centre’s reputation and client base.

By investing in accreditation, centre operators signal their commitment to excellence and compliance with national examination standards.

Requirements for JAMB CBT Centre Accreditation

All requirements below are extracted directly from JAMB’s official documentation for new CBT centres.

Hardware Requirements

• Workstations: Minimum of 250 functional laptops or desktops, with a 10% (25 units) backup capacity.

• Processor & RAM: Dual-core Intel Celeron/Pentium processors with at least 4 GB RAM per unit.

• Storage & OS: SSD preferred with at least 32 GB capacity; Windows 10 operating system.

• Display: Minimum 14″ screen size for laptops (15″ minimum for desktops).

Facility Requirements

• Cubicles: Individual testing cubicles measuring at least 26″ (L) × 18″ (B) × 18″ (H) with ergonomic seating.

• Holding Room: A secured reception/waiting area (e.g., canopy with chairs) adjacent to the exam hall.

• Dedicated Premises: Centre must be standalone (no shared premises like cinemas, malls, or markets).

Security Requirements

• Fencing: Adequate perimeter fencing around the facility.

• CCTV: Compulsory IP camera installations covering all exam areas (specifications provided by JAMB).

• Antivirus: All systems must run up-to-date antivirus software and be virus-free at all times.

Network and Power Requirements

• Server: Robust server capable of handling 250 concurrent connections.

• LAN Topology: Wired LAN only; wireless connections are not permitted.

• Switches: Gigabit switches (minimum 24 ports), with 25% of switches on standby UPS power.

• Backup Power: Generator (40 kVA for 250 systems; 60 kVA for 350; 100 kVA for >350) plus UPS/inverters supporting all systems for at least 2 hours.

Personnel Requirements

• Technical Staff: Minimum of five technical personnel and one network engineer on-site during exams.

• Training: All centre staff must be familiar with JAMB’s AutoBot/AutoTest software and accreditation procedures.

Steps to Get Accredited

1. Review Requirements: Download and study the CBT Centre Requirements from JAMB’s website.

2. Notification of Intent: Notify JAMB in writing—addressed to the Registrar via your State Coordinator or Zonal Director—of your desire to undergo accreditation.

3. CMS Portal Registration: Await account creation on JAMB’s Centre Management System (CMS) portal by your Zonal/State Office.

4. Pre-accreditation Test: Conduct mandatory AutoBot/AutoTest session on a date communicated by JAMB; centres must achieve satisfactory performance.

5. Mock & Dummy Exams (Optional but Recommended): Run mock exams and a dummy exam one day before official accreditation to iron out issues.

6. Physical Accreditation Visit: JAMB’s accreditation team visits your centre to verify compliance with all requirements. Centers that pass will be officially accredited.

7. Approval and Listing: Successfully accredited centres are listed on JAMB’s “Accredited Centres” portal and can register UTME/DE candidates.

Costs Involved

All fees are directly drawn from JAMB’s Payment & Services schedule.

Note: No other fees should be charged by centres; all payments are remitted through JAMB’s designated channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many computers does a JAMB CBT centre need?
   You need at least 250 functional computer systems, plus 25 for backup—i.e., 10% of your total units.

2. What is the cost to become a JAMB-accredited CBT centre?
   The primary accreditation fee is ₦700, as per JAMB’s Payment & Services schedule.

3. How long does the accreditation process take?
   From notification to listing, the process typically spans 4–6 weeks, depending on scheduling of AutoBot tests and physical visits.

4. Can any computer centre become a CBT centre?
   Yes, provided it meets all technical, facility, security, and personnel requirements outlined by JAMB.

5. What happens if a centre fails the AutoBot test?
   Centres that do not meet the required performance must undergo reconfiguration at their own cost and repeat the test; failure to pass disqualifies them from physical accreditation visits.

Common Misconceptions

• “Wireless networks are acceptable.”
  False. JAMB strictly prohibits wireless LAN; all connections must be cabled to ensure stability and security.

• “Small centres with fewer than 250 computers can get accredited.”
  False. The minimum standard is 250 systems plus backups; smaller centres must upgrade equipment first .

• “Local banks set their own accreditation fees.”
  False. All fees are standardised by JAMB and must be paid through approved channels; centres cannot charge additional fees for accreditation.

• “Once accredited, centres never need re-accreditation.”
  False. Centres must migrate to new security or software updates (e.g., HikVision CCTV, AutoBot versions) and may undergo periodic reviews by JAMB.

By following the detailed requirements, steps, and cost guidelines provided—directly sourced from JAMB’s official documentation—you are fully equipped to navigate the CBT centre accreditation process and secure your centre’s place among JAMB’s approved testing sites.