What "CBT" actually means
JAMB switched to the Computer-Based Test (CBT) years ago, so you answer every question on a computer instead of on paper. The good news: you don’t type essays and you don’t need any special computer skill. If you can move a mouse and click, you can take the JAMB CBT. This guide walks a first-timer through exactly what happens on screen.
The only skills you really need
- Using the mouse to click the option you want.
- Clicking buttons to move between questions.
- Reading carefully on a screen (a little different from paper — practice helps your eyes adjust).
That’s it. You will not be asked to type long answers, use software, or do anything technical.
Logging in and starting
At the centre, your identity is confirmed by biometric (fingerprint) verification — this is the only way you’re admitted, and it also serves as your attendance. The system then loads your details and your exam. Before you begin, read the on-screen instructions carefully; take a few seconds to see where everything is.
The question screen
You’ll see one question at a time with four options labelled A–D. Click the option you want and it becomes highlighted — that’s your answer recorded. On the screen you’ll also see the timer counting down and the question numbers so you know where you are.
Moving around: next, previous, flag and review
Use the Next and Previous buttons (or click a question number) to move around — you can revisit any question. You can flag a hard question to come back to, and a review screen shows which questions you’ve answered and which are still blank. This is how you make sure nothing is left unanswered.
Submitting your exam
When you’re done you click Submit; if you run out of time the system submits automatically. Before submitting, use the review screen to confirm every question has an answer — there’s no negative marking, so never leave a blank.
If something goes wrong
If your screen freezes or there’s a power issue, don’t panic and don’t touch other machines — raise your hand and tell the invigilator immediately; interrupted time is normally sorted out. If your fingerprint won’t verify at entry, you’ll be recaptured at the centre rather than turned away. Note that you may not bring a calculator; do calculations mentally or on any rough sheet the centre provides — confirm this at your centre.
The #1 tip: practise on a real CBT first
Students who practise on a CBT interface consistently outperform those who only read from books — because on exam day the screen already feels familiar. Do free CBT practice and a daily Daily Challenge so selecting answers, flagging and reviewing become second nature well before you walk into the hall.