NABTEB grades NBC and NTC results on the familiar nine-point scale: A1 down to F9, the same system WAEC and NECO use. Grades A1 to C6 are credit passes — the ones universities and polytechnics count. D7 and E8 are ordinary passes; F9 is a fail.
The scale
| Grade | Meaning | Counts as credit? |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Excellent | Yes |
| B2 | Very good | Yes |
| B3 | Good | Yes |
| C4 | Credit | Yes |
| C5 | Credit | Yes |
| C6 | Credit | Yes |
| D7 | Pass | No |
| E8 | Pass | No |
| F9 | Fail | No |
NABTEB does not publish fixed mark-to-grade percentages, and third-party sites that list them disagree with each other. What institutions read is the grade letter, so that is what to plan around.
Practicals count in your grade
For craft trades, your final grade combines written papers with the practical examination. A candidate who is strong in the workshop can lift a mediocre theory score — and the reverse is also true. Do not treat the practical as a formality.
What you need for admission
- University (via UTME): typically five credit passes (A1–C6) including English Language and Mathematics, in not more than two sittings. Course-specific subjects vary — check the JAMB brochure for yours.
- Polytechnic ND: commonly four to five credits depending on the institution and course.
- Direct trade work: employers in technical fields often care most about the trade subject grades and the practical — a C4 in your trade papers with solid workshop skills is very employable.
If you miss a credit
You can resit at the next window — NABTEB runs exams in May/June and Nov/Dec — or combine two sittings where the institution allows it. Many candidates also mix results: NABTEB credits alongside WAEC or NECO credits are accepted by most institutions, though a few courses insist on one sitting. Confirm with the school before relying on a combination.