NSC Examinations
The National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations commonly referred
to as “matric” has become an annual event of major public
significance. It not only signifies the culmination of twelve years
of formal schooling but the NSC examinations is a barometer of the
health of the education system.
The first national examination, under the newly elected democratic
government was administered in November 1996, following a highly
decentralized approach.
FAQs on Examinations
The National Senior Certificate Examinations
When will the final National Senior Certificate examination be
conducted?
From October to December of each year.
Must a learner register to write the final National Senior
Certificate examination?
Yes, before 15 March of the year that a learner will sit for the
final examination. All subjects to be written, including those
from approved assessment bodies must be registered.
Who is eligible to write the National Senior Certificate
examination?
- Current Grade 12 learners
-
Anyone who wants to improve on their previous NSC results and
who is still a NSC candidate (i.e. has not had their
certificate changed to SC) may register as a part-time
candidate for the NSC examinations.
What are the minimum requirements for a candidate to obtain a
National Senior Certificate?
The minimum requirements are:
-
Achieve 40% in three subjects, one of which is an official
language at Home Language level and 30% in three subjects.
-
Provide full evidence in the SBA component in the subjects
offered
What is the role of Umalusi?
Umalusi is responsible for the quality assurance of assessment in
the Grade 12-year and issues the National Senior Certificate to
successful candidates.
Is there a second chance for National Senior Certificate
candidates who have failed the final examination?
The supplementary examination in February/March has been phased
out and is not available anymore. Candidates can however register
for the June NSC examination to improve their results. For further
details on who qualifies to register for the June examination,
please
click
here
Remarking, rechecking and viewing
Candidates may apply for re-checking or re-marking of examination
answer scripts immediately after receiving their results. The
closing date for application for a re-check or re-mark is usually
announced in January. Application forms for re-checking or
re-marking of examination answer scripts are available from
schools or examination centres.
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More...
Withheld examination results
Candidates’ results are normally withheld due to irregularities,
but those candidates whose results have been blocked or withheld
have the right to appeal. When a candidate is informed that the
results are withheld, they can do the following:
-
Enquire, preferably in writing, and request the reasons for
the withholding of the results. Candidates may also contact
the district office or their school for assistance
-
You can visit the nearest office of the Department of
Education in your area to enquire about your results or make
any other examination-related enquiries you may have.
The amended Senior Certificate as an option to consider
A new policy for the
Amended
Senior Certificate
for adults and out-of-school learners was published in August
2014. This policy allows adults, who are 21 years and older, who
have no previous credits, to write the Senior Certificate
examination, which will be based on the Curriculum and Assessment
Policy Statement (CAPS), the curriculum that is currently being
offered in schools.
Read
More...
Higher Education Institution requirements and support
What are the minimum requirements for further studies relating to
Higher Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor Studies?
-
Higher Certificate. The minimum admission
requirement is a National Senior Certificate with a minimum of
30% in the language of learning and teaching of the higher
education institution as certified by Umalusi, the Quality
Assurance Council. Institutional and programme needs may
require additional combinations or recognised NSC subjects and
levels of achievement.
-
Diploma. The minimum admission requirement is
a National Senior Certificate with a minimum of 30% in the
language of learning and teaching of the higher education
institution as certified by Umalusi, the Quality Assurance
Council, coupled with an achievement rating of 3 (Moderate
Achievement, 40% - 49%) or better in four (4) recognised
20-credit subjects. Institution and programme needs may
require additional combinations of recognised NSC subjects and
levels of achievement.
-
Bachelor’s Degree. The minimum admission
requirement is a National Senior Certificate with a minimum of
30% in the language of learning and teaching of the higher
education institution as certified by Umalusi, the Quality
Assurance Council, coupled with an achievement rating of 4
(Adequate Achievement, 50% - 59%) or better in four (4)
recognised 20-credit subjects. Institution and programme needs
may require additional combinations of recognised NSC subjects
and levels of achievement.