What should I wear for the Civil Defence screening?

Candidates are required to wear a plain white round-neck T-shirt, white shorts, white socks, and white canvas shoes. This is the standard physical training outfit.

Can I use a Statement of Result for Immigration screening?

It depends. If you graduated recently (within 1-2 years), a Statement of Result is usually accepted. However, if you graduated over 5 years ago, you are expected to present the Original Certificate.

What happens if my age on WAEC is different from my Birth Certificate?

This is a major discrepancy. You should get a Court Affidavit and a Newspaper Publication correcting the error before attending the screening, but acceptance is at the discretion of the screening officer.

Is the Guarantor Form compulsory for screening?

Yes, the completed and signed Guarantor Form is mandatory. Without it, your documentation is incomplete, and you may be disqualified.

SCREENING GUIDE: How to Pass the Nigerian Paramilitary Physical Screening (Civil Defence, Immigration, Fire Service & Correctional Service)

The CBT exam is over months ago. If you are reading this, it means you have crossed the first hurdle. Congratulations! But now, we enter the "Final Boss" stage: The Physical & Credential Screening. This is where the CDCFIB board filters the book smart people from the street smart ones. You can score 100% in the exam, but if your age on recruitment portal doesn't match the age on your NIN or age on your WAEC/NECO/NABTEB doesn't match your birth certificate, or you forget your White on White, it is game over. Here is how to prepare for your state screening so your "village people" don't win.

The screening at the State Command is not a tea party. You will be standing for hours, and officers will be shouting orders. This stage is about Discipline, Documentation, and Details. Whether you applied for Superintendent, Inspectorate, or Assistant Cadre, the rules are strict.

1. The White-on-White" Uniform

Before you even pack your file, let’s talk about your appearance. You cannot show up in jeans, suit or any casual cloth, that's why we've listed what you need to wear or do to come out successfully.

The Attire: Plain white round-neck T-shirt, plain white shorts, and white canvas (tennis shoes) with white socks.
Male applicant: Go to the barber. A clean, low cut is mandatory. No beards, no punk hairstyles. You are joining a regimented force, not a music band.
Female applicant: Pack your hair neatly to the back (low bun). No dangling earrings, no long nails, and minimal to zero makeup.

2. The Document Trap (Where Most People Fail)

This is the most critical part. Officers will check your documents line by line. Arrange them in a flat file in this exact order (Originals in front, Photocopies behind):

A. The Age & Certificate Correlation

This is the biggest killer. If your Birth Certificate says you were born in 2000, but you finished primary school in 2004, the math doesn't add up. The screening officers are trained to spot these errors.

Pro Tip: Check your WAEC/NECO/NABTEB certificate now. Does the date of birth there match the date on your NIN or match your Birth Certificate? If there is a discrepancy, you need a valid Affidavit and a Newspaper Publication correcting it before you step into that screening center.

B. The Indigene Letter

Your State of Origin certificate must be signed by the LGA Chairman or the Secretary. A letter signed by a mere Councilor or a traditional ruler might be rejected. Ensure it is the original copy of your State of Origin Certificate.

C. The Certificate Checklist

Make sure you have these originals to avoid story that will touch heart:

Invitation Slip: The printout showing you were invited for screening.
Educational Certificates: FSLC (First School Leaving), SSCE (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB), and Higher Institution Degree. (Note: Statement of Result is risky if it's over 5 years old, try to get the Certificate).
NYSC Certificate: For graduates, you must have your Discharge Certificate or Exemption Letter.
Guarantor Forms: Well guarantor forms is not yet available on the recruitment portal on the day of written this but make sure that you all visit their recruitment portal By Click Here to see if there is availability of guarantor form for the process later on Ensure they are fully signed and stamped with passport photographs attached.
Means of ID: NIN Slip, Voter's Card, or Driver's License.
Medical Fitness Certificate or result: Make sure that you go for Medical Fitness Test and obtain Certificate or result from any recognise Medical hospital in your location e.g Federal Medical Centre, General hospital or any government approve hospital that can carry out the test with a certified result or certificate.

3. The Physical Check (Body Audit)

Once your papers are verified, you will face the physical check. They are looking for fitness and medical red flags.

Height Check: They will measure you without shoes. Stand tall, chin up. Do not slouch.
Chest Measurement: Men will be asked to expand their chests.
Body Art: If you have visible tattoos or large scars from surgeries, prepare to explain them. Tattoos are generally a strict "No."
The Walk: You might be asked to walk or march to check for K-Legs or flat feet. Walk briskly and confidently.

4. Conduct and Attitude

The screening starts the moment you walk through the gate. If you are making noise, chewing gum, or pressing your phone while on the queue, an officer can disqualify you for indiscipline.

The Golden Rule: Every officer is "Sir" or "Ma." Obey instructions instantly. If they say Run, you run. If they say Freeze, you freeze. They are testing your ability to take orders.

Final Advice: Be Early!

If the invite says 7:00 AM, be there by 6:00 AM. Being late to a paramilitary screening is the fastest way to show you are not serious. Pack your water and some biscuits because it might be a long day, but don't lose your composure.

Wishing you all the best

Note: The date for the physical screening is not yet out, Kindly check their recruitment portal for any latest update by Click Here