how to apply for accreditation as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre for upcoming university entrance examinations 2026

1. What Is a CBT Centre?

how to apply for accreditation as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre for upcoming university entrance examinations 2026;  A CBT (Computer-Based Test) centre is an officially approved facility equipped with computers, servers, internet connectivity, and security systems used to conduct digital examinations such as:

• University entrance exams

• Post-UTME or admission screening tests

• Professional certification exams

• National qualifying or placement tests

Accreditation authorizes your centre to host these exams under the supervision and standards of the examining body.

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2. Who Can Apply for CBT Centre Accreditation?

Typically, the following entities are eligible to apply:

• Private education companies

• Universities, polytechnics, and colleges

• ICT training institutes

• Private schools with sufficient facilities

• Registered businesses or NGOs with exam-ready infrastructure

You must be a legally registered organization (not an individual) to qualify.

3. Key Benefits of Becoming a CBT Centre

• Steady income during exam seasons

• Long-term partnerships with examination bodies

• Increased institutional reputation

• Opportunity to host multiple exams annually

• Job creation (IT staff, invigilators, security personnel)

4. General Requirements for CBT Centre Accreditation

how to apply for accreditation as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre for upcoming university entrance examinations 2026;   Although requirements differ slightly by examination board, most accrediting bodies require the following:

A. Legal and Administrative Requirements

• Certificate of business registration or incorporation

• Tax Identification Number (TIN)

• Evidence of physical address (utility bill or lease agreement)

• Bank account details of the organization

• Application or accreditation fee (non-refundable in most cases)

B. Infrastructure and Facility Requirements

1. Computer Systems

• Minimum of 100–300 functional desktop computers (depending on board)

• Uniform system specifications recommended:

  • Core i3/i5 processor or higher

  • Minimum 4GB–8GB RAM

  • SSD or fast HDD

  • USB ports disabled (security requirement in many cases)

2. Server Room

• Dedicated local server with backup server

• UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

• Restricted access (authorized personnel only)

3. Internet Connectivity

• Reliable broadband connection

• Minimum bandwidth requirement (often 5–20 Mbps dedicated)

• Backup internet (second ISP or mobile router)

C. Power Supply

• Stable public electricity supply

• Backup generators

• UPS systems for all computers and servers

• Automatic change-over switch recommended

D. Examination Hall Setup

• Adequate spacing between computers (to prevent malpractice)

• Comfortable seating and ventilation

• Clearly numbered systems

• CCTV coverage (mandatory in most cases)

E. Security Arrangements

• CCTV cameras covering:

  • Exam halls

  • Server room

  • Entry and exit points

• Secure lockers or storage for candidates’ personal items

• Trained security personnel

• Biometric verification systems (fingerprint or facial recognition)

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5. Staffing Requirements

You must demonstrate availability of qualified staff, including:

• Centre Administrator

• IT Officers / System Engineers

• Network Engineer

• Technical Support Staff

• Invigilators

• Security Personnel

Staff may be required to undergo training or certification by the examining body.

6. Step-by-Step Process to Apply for CBT Centre Accreditation

Step 1: Identify the Examination Body

Determine which university entrance examination board or testing body you want to work with (e.g., national admissions board, university consortium, or testing council).

Step 2: Obtain Accreditation Guidelines

Visit the official website of the examination body and download:

• CBT centre accreditation guidelines

• Technical requirements document

• Application forms

Step 3: Complete the Online or Physical Application

You will be required to:

• Fill out an accreditation application form

• Upload supporting documents

• Pay the required accreditation or inspection fee

Step 4: Submit Required Documents

Commonly requested documents include:

• Certificate of incorporation

• Photographs of the centre

• Floor plan of the examination hall

• Inventory list of computers and equipment

• Power and internet layout diagrams

Step 5: Physical Inspection and Technical Audit

The examination body will:

• Inspect your facility physically

• Test computer systems and network

• Verify power backup and security

• Check compliance with technical standards

Failure at this stage may require corrective actions and re-inspection.

Step 6: Staff Training and System Configuration

If you pass inspection:

• Your IT staff may be trained on exam software

• Systems will be configured with secure browsers

• Mock tests or trial runs may be conducted

Step 7: Provisional Approval

Some bodies issue provisional accreditation, allowing you to host a limited number of exams initially.

Step 8: Full Accreditation

After successful exams and compliance monitoring, full accreditation is granted, often valid for 1–3 years, subject to renewal.

7. Common Reasons for Accreditation Rejection

• Inadequate number of computers

• Poor internet reliability

• Insufficient power backup

• Lack of CCTV or security systems

• Incomplete documentation

• Non-compliance with exam hall spacing rules

8. Cost of Setting Up and Accreditation

Costs vary by country and examination body but generally include:

• Infrastructure setup: high initial investment

• Accreditation fee

• Inspection and re-inspection fees

• Staff training costs

• Maintenance and upgrades

This is why CBT centres are considered medium- to long-term investments.

9. Maintaining Accreditation Status

Once accredited, you must:

• Maintain equipment regularly

• Comply with exam integrity rules

• Submit periodic reports

• Renew accreditation before expiry

• Allow surprise inspections

Any breach may lead to suspension or blacklisting.

10. Final Advice for Prospective CBT Centre Operators

• Start with one major examination body

• Invest in quality equipment, not minimum standards

• Hire experienced IT professionals

• Always plan for backups (power, internet, server)

• Follow guidelines strictly—no shortcuts