The CDCFIB (Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board) physical screening is a major stage in the Nigerian paramilitary recruitment process. Beyond your physical fitness, officers also test your alertness, honesty, and readiness through simple but important questions. Knowing what to expect helps you stay calm, confident, and fully prepared.
This guide provides an extended list of common CDCFIB physical screening questions & answers, along with the best ways to give clear, professional responses. Whether you are applying for NSCDC, the Fire Service, Immigration, or the Correctional Service, this preparation will give you an edge.
1. What position did you apply for?
This question is meant to confirm your awareness of the exact role you selected during registration. Officers need to ensure you are not guessing or giving a position that differs from what appears on your printout.
Answer: “I applied for the position of [state the exact role].”
2. What is your highest academic qualification?
Your response must match the credentials you submitted online and the certificates you brought. Be concise, clear, and honest.
Answer: “My highest qualification is [BSc/HND/ND/WAEC] in [your course].”
3. Which state and LGA are you from?
This helps them confirm your identity, certificate of origin, and federal character representation. Ensure your answer aligns with your documents.
Answer: “I am from [State], [Local Government Area].”
4. How old are you?
Age determines eligibility. Officers expect the exact age written in your documents, nothing more, nothing less.
Answer: “I am [your official age] years old, sir/ma.”
5. Do you have any medical conditions?
This question checks your fitness level and ability to handle strenuous paramilitary training. Never lie; a simple, truthful answer is enough. If none:
Answer: “No, sir/ma. I am medically fit.” If minor: Answer: “I use recommended glasses for reading.”
6. Are your documents complete and original?
Officers want to know if you have all the required credentials and if they are authentic. A confident “yes” followed by neatly arranged documents creates a good impression.
Answer: “Yes, sir/ma. All my documents are complete and original.”
7. Why do you want to join this agency?
They want candidates who are motivated by service, not by money or influence. Keep your answer patriotic and professional.
Answer: “To serve Nigeria and build a disciplined paramilitary career.”
8. What year did you graduate?
Your graduation year must match the year on your certificate and transcripts. This helps confirm your school history.
Answer: “I graduated in [year].”
READ MORE: Approved Venues for CDCFIB Physical Verification Exercise Across Nigeria
9. Where do you currently live?
This helps verify your contact address and support any follow-up documentation. Keep it short and precise.
Answer: “I currently live in [your location].”
10. Are you married or single?
Your marital status has no direct impact on your eligibility. Officers just want accurate information for your file.
Answer: “I am [single/married].” (Answer honestly, as this does not disqualify you.)
11. Have you ever been involved in any criminal activity?
This question checks your integrity and moral standing. Any involvement in criminal activity can disqualify a candidate.
Answer: “No, sir/ma. I have never been involved in any criminal activity.”
12. Which secondary school did you attend?
This confirms the authenticity of your O’level results and WAEC/NECO certificates.
Answer: “I attended [name of school].”
13. Can you relocate anywhere in Nigeria if posted?
All paramilitary agencies require mobility. Saying “yes” shows your willingness to serve the nation wherever it is needed.
Answer: “Yes, sir/ma. I can serve anywhere I am posted.” (This shows flexibility and national readiness.)
14. Do you drink or smoke?
Many paramilitary agencies discourage smoking or excessive drinking. Answer honestly but responsibly.
Answer: “No, sir/ma.” (If you do occasionally, keep it simple and truthful.)
15. Have you participated in any paramilitary training before?
This question helps officers determine your exposure to discipline or structured training.
If none: Answer: “No, sir/ma.”
If yes: Answer: “Yes, sir/ma. I have participated in [NYSC, Boys Brigade, Man O’ War, Road Safety Club, etc.].”
16. Do you have any physical disability?
Physical screening is strict. Officers need to confirm you are capable of handling the physical tasks required during training and service.
Answer: “No, sir/ma. I do not have any physical disability.”
17. Who referred you to this recruitment?
This question tests honesty and ensures the recruitment is based on merit, not influence.
Answer: “I applied through the official CDCFIB portal.” (Avoid mentioning connections or claiming recommendations.)
18. Do you understand the responsibilities of this job?
Officers expect you to understand the discipline, risks, and duties involved. Show maturity and readiness.
Answer: “Yes, sir/ma. The job requires discipline, service, and commitment to national security.”
19. Do you have any paramilitary or volunteer experience?
This is not compulsory, but it can be a bonus if you do.
If yes: Answer: “Yes, sir/ma. I have experience with [NYSC, Red Cross, Boys Scout, etc.].”
If no: Answer: “No, sir/ma.”
20. Are you ready to begin training immediately if selected?
This checks your availability and immediate readiness for deployment or training camp. Candidates often begin training within days of final selection.
Answer: “Yes, sir/ma. I am ready.”
READ MORE: CDCFIB Recruitment Update 2025: Board Releases Important Information on Physical Screening
Why These Questions Matter
During your screening, officers check for honesty, consistency with your documents, confidence, understanding of the job, readiness to serve, and physical and mental alertness.
The CDCFIB physical screening questions & answers are not difficult, but how you answer them shows your suitability for paramilitary service.
General Tips for a Successful CDCFIB Screening
1. Be Early
Arriving at least one hour before the official start time shows discipline and gives you enough time to settle in, understand the environment, and avoid unnecessary rush or anxiety. Early arrival also helps you secure a good position in the queue.
2. Dress Appropriately
Wear simple, neat, and comfortable clothing suitable for physical exercises such as jogging or stretching. Avoid flashy outfits. Stick to plain sportswear and well-tied sneakers. Your appearance reflects your readiness for paramilitary discipline.
3. Keep Your Documents Organised
Arrange all your original and photocopied documents neatly in a transparent file. Follow the exact order requested in the screening guidelines. This speeds up verification and shows you are organised and serious about the recruitment process.
4. Maintain Respect
Respect is a core value in all paramilitary agencies. Address every officer politely using “sir” or “ma,” follow instructions immediately, and avoid arguing or raising your voice. Your attitude will be closely observed.
5. Stay Calm and Confident
Answer questions clearly without shaking or rushing. Take a brief breath before responding if needed. Displaying calmness shows emotional stability, which is essential for paramilitary work.
6. Avoid Over-talking
Keep your answers short, direct, and accurate. Do not add unnecessary details or explanations unless the officer asks for them. Over-talking can appear nervous or suspicious.
READ MORE: UK Skilled Worker Visa Update 2026 – Skilled Worker Categories
Mastering the CDCFIB physical screening questions & answers is a smart step toward passing your paramilitary screening. These questions help officers verify your identity, assess your eligibility, and check your readiness for service. By preparing ahead, keeping your documents complete, and answering confidently, you increase your chances of success. Stay committed, stay disciplined, and approach the screening with professionalism. Your journey into Nigeria’s paramilitary service can begin with the right preparation and mindset.
Author
Discover more from Leaving Nigeria
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.