Please note
Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with NECO. This is an informational guide — register and check results only on the official NECO websites (neco.gov.ng and results.neco.gov.ng), buy your result token only on the official portal, and never enter your details on look-alike sites.
The grades (A1–F9)
| Grade | Score | Meaning | Counts as |
|---|
| A1 | 75–100 | Excellent | Credit |
| B2 | 70–74 | Very Good | Credit |
| B3 | 65–69 | Good | Credit |
| C4 | 60–64 | Credit | Credit |
| C5 | 55–59 | Credit | Credit |
| C6 | 50–54 | Credit | Credit (minimum) |
| D7 | 45–49 | Pass | Pass (not credit) |
| E8 | 40–44 | Pass | Pass (not credit) |
| F9 | 0–39 | Fail | Fail |
What counts as a credit
A credit is C6 and above (A1–C6, i.e. 50% and above). This is the level institutions require.
Credit vs pass vs fail
D7 and E8 are “passes” but not credits — they are not accepted for admission. F9 is a fail. Many candidates lose an admission cycle by assuming a D7 in Maths or English is enough — it is not.
NECO vs WAEC
NECO uses the same A1–F9 nine-point scale as WAEC, with the same bands, and is accepted equally by JAMB and institutions. You can usually combine a NECO and a WAEC sitting to make up your credits.
Credits for admission
Most courses need at least five credits (C6+), including English and Mathematics, plus any course-specific subjects. Check exact requirements in our course profiles and subject-combination checker.
Tips
- Aim for credits, not passes, in every course-critical subject.
- A D7/E8 in English or Maths usually means a resit via GCE.
The full A1–F9 scale
NECO grades each subject on a nine-point scale from A1 (highest) to F9 (lowest), the same structure used across Nigerian SSCE bodies:
- A1 — Excellent; B2, B3 — Very Good / Good (distinction/merit band).
- C4, C5, C6 — Credit passes.
- D7, E8 — Ordinary passes.
- F9 — Fail.
Knowing exactly which band each grade falls into matters, because admission rules are written in these terms.
What counts as a credit
The single most important distinction is the credit. A credit is C6 or better (i.e. A1 through C6). D7 and E8 are passes but not credits, and most admissions won't accept them where a credit is required. Since the standard tertiary benchmark is five credits including English and Mathematics, aim firmly for C6 and above in your key subjects — a D7 in English or Maths, though technically a pass, generally won't satisfy an admission requirement. See subject requirements for how this shapes subject choice.
NECO grades vs WAEC
Good news for planning: NECO and WAEC use the same A1–F9 grading structure, so a credit in one means the same as a credit in the other, and institutions read them on the same terms. This is why many candidates combine their best grades across NECO and WAEC sittings to meet admission requirements, where the institution allows it. The exams differ in content and administration, but the grade language is shared — so you can plan your credits across both bodies with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NECO grading system?
A nine-point scale: A1 (75–100), B2 (70–74), B3 (65–69), C4 (60–64), C5 (55–59), C6 (50–54) — all credits — then D7 (45–49) and E8 (40–44) as passes, and F9 (0–39) as fail.
What counts as a credit in NECO?
A credit is C6 and above (50% and above): A1, B2, B3, C4, C5 or C6.
Is D7 a pass or a fail in NECO?
D7 is a pass but not a credit, and it is not accepted for university admission.
Is NECO the same as WAEC grading?
Yes — NECO uses the identical A1–F9 scale and bands as WAEC and is accepted equally for admission.
Can I combine NECO and WAEC results?
Usually yes — most universities accept a combination of two sittings to make up your five credits, though some competitive courses require one sitting.
What is the NECO grading system?
A nine-point scale from A1 (highest) to F9 (lowest): A1 excellent; B2/B3 very good/good; C4–C6 credit passes; D7/E8 ordinary passes; F9 fail. Admission rules are written in these bands, so it helps to know exactly where each grade falls.
What is a credit in NECO?
A credit is C6 or better (A1 through C6). D7 and E8 are passes but not credits, and most admissions won't accept them where a credit is required. Aim for C6 and above in your key subjects.
How many credits do I need for university admission?
The standard benchmark is five credit passes (C6 or better), including English and Mathematics, in subjects relevant to your course. A D7 in English or Maths, though a pass, generally won't satisfy the requirement.
Is NECO grading the same as WAEC?
Yes — NECO and WAEC use the same A1–F9 grading structure, so a credit means the same in both and institutions read them on the same terms. The exams differ in content, but the grade language is shared.
Can I combine NECO and WAEC results for admission?
Many institutions allow combining your best grades across NECO and WAEC sittings to meet the five-credit requirement, since both use the same grading. Policies vary, so confirm your target institution's rule before relying on it.