We have carefully taken time to research the CDCFIB Grading System, Ranks, Levels, Salary Steps & Qualifications. The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) is responsible for recruiting, promoting, and regulating ranks across Nigeria’s:
- Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
- Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)
- Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS)
- Federal Fire Service (FFS)

Whether you’re applying for NSCDC, Immigration, Fire Service, or Correctional Service recruitment, understanding the grading system helps you know:
- Which rank you qualify for
- The salary level you will start from
- Your promotion path
- Your official uniform rank
- How far your certificate can take you
This guide explains EVERYTHING about the 2025 CDCFIB grading system, including rank structure, salary scale, levels, steps, and qualifications.
Let’s break it down clearly and simply.
What is the CDCFIB Grading System?
The CDCFIB grading system is the rank and salary structure used to place officers based on qualifications, experience, and promotion.
It is built on the Federal Government Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS), from:
CONPASS 03 → CONPASS 17
Each level has Salary Steps (1–10) and determines:
- Salary
- Career position
- Command responsibilities
- Promotion intervals
All agencies under CDCFIB (NSCDC, Immigration, Fire Service, Correctional Service) follow this same structure.
Entry Levels Based on Qualification (2025 Update)
Below is the exact entry point based on the certificate you are using:
| Qualification | Entry Level | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| SSCE / WAEC / NECO | CONPASS 03 | Recruit / Assistant Cadre |
| NCE / OND / ND | CONPASS 05 | Assistant Inspector |
| HND | CONPASS 07 | Inspector of Corps / Senior Inspector / Assistant Superintendent |
| BSc / B.Ed / B.Tech | CONPASS 08 | Assistant Superintendent II (ASI II / ACI II / SI II) |
| Master’s Degree | CONPASS 09 | Assistant Superintendent I (ASI I / ACI I / SI I) |
| Medical / Engineering Professionals | CONPASS 09 – 11 | Superintendent Cadre |
| Law Graduates (LLB + BL) | CONPASS 10 | Superintendent Cadre |
| PhD | CONPASS 12 | Chief Superintendent |
Full CDCFIB Rank Structure (2025)
From lowest to highest rank across all agencies:
1. Assistant Cadre (CONPASS 03–04)
- Recruit
- Assistant I
- Assistant II
2. Inspectorate Cadre (CONPASS 05–07)
- Assistant Inspector
- Inspector
- Senior Inspector
- Chief Inspector
3. Superintendent Cadre (CONPASS 08–11)
- Assistant Superintendent II
- Assistant Superintendent I
- Deputy Superintendent
- Superintendent
- Chief Superintendent
4. Chief Cadre (CONPASS 12–14)
- Assistant Chief Superintendent
- Deputy Chief Superintendent
- Chief Superintendent of Corps
5. Command Cadre (CONPASS 15–17)
- Assistant Commandant
- Deputy Commandant
- Commandant
- Assistant Commandant-General
- Deputy Commandant-General
- Commandant-General (CG)
CDCFIB Salary Levels and Approximate Monthly Pay (2025)
Note: Figures vary based on allowance, hazard pay, duty post, and agency.
| Level (CONPASS) | Monthly Salary | Rank Range |
|---|---|---|
| 03 | ₦45,000 – ₦65,000 | Recruit / Assistant |
| 04 | ₦60,000 – ₦80,000 | Assistant Cadre |
| 05 | ₦75,000 – ₦100,000 | Assistant Inspector |
| 06 | ₦90,000 – ₦120,000 | Inspector |
| 07 | ₦110,000 – ₦150,000 | Senior Inspector / HND Entry |
| 08 | ₦130,000 – ₦170,000 | BSc Entry Level |
| 09 | ₦150,000 – ₦200,000 | Assistant Superintendent I |
| 10 | ₦160,000 – ₦220,000 | Superintendent |
| 11 | ₦180,000 – ₦250,000 | Chief Superintendent |
| 12 | ₦200,000 – ₦280,000 | Assistant Chief |
| 13 | ₦220,000 – ₦300,000 | Deputy Chief |
| 14 | ₦250,000 – ₦320,000 | Chief Superintendent |
| 15 | ₦300,000 – ₦350,000 | Assistant Commandant |
| 16 | ₦350,000 – ₦400,000 | Deputy Commandant |
| 17 | ₦400,000 – ₦600,000+ | Commandant-General |
Promotion Timeline (CDCFIB 2025)
Promotion depends on:
- Years in service
- Performance evaluation
- Training and courses
- Discipline record
Typical promotion cycle:
| Rank Level | Promotion Time |
|---|---|
| Assistant → Inspectorate | 3–4 years |
| Inspectorate → Superintendent | 3–5 years |
| Superintendent → Chief Cadre | 4–6 years |
| Chief → Command Cadre | 5–7 years |
| Command Cadre → Top Command | Based on vacancy |
How CDCFIB Determines Your Rank During Recruitment
The board checks:
- Your certificate
- Your age
- Your performance in CBT test & physical screening
- Agency needs
- Available vacancies
Example:
If you apply with a BSc, you must enter CONPASS 08 — they cannot downgrade or upgrade you above your certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions (2025)
1. Do HND and BSc start at the same level?
No.
HND: CONPASS 07
BSc: CONPASS 08
2. Can SSCE holders get promoted to officer level?
Yes, but after several years and additional training.
3. Which CDCFIB agency pays the highest?
Immigration Service (NIS) slightly higher due to duty allowances.
4. Can someone move from Inspectorate to Superintendent?
Yes — after promotion exams and years of service.
5. What is the highest rank in CDCFIB?
Commandant-General (CG) — CONPASS 17.
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Conclusion
The CDCFIB grading system determines your rank, salary, and future in the Nigerian paramilitary sector. Understanding it before applying helps you know:
What each rank means
Where you fit based on your qualification
How much you will earn
Your career progression
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