National Senior Certificate

Assessment in the National Senior Certificate comprises school-based assessment, practical assessment tasks, oral language assessment for official languages and the final examinations.

National Senior Certificate Exam

The National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, commonly referred to as “matric,” have become an annual significant public significance event. It signifies the culmination of twelve years of formal schooling for learners, but the NSC examinations are also a barometer of the health of the education system.

The examinations are held each year from October to December, with all grade 12 learners required to sit them.

The minimum requirements for a pass are for a learner to:

• 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 school-based assessment component in the subjects offered

The minimum requirements for further studies relating to Higher Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor Studies are:

• 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. 
• 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, coupled with an achievement rating of 3 (Moderate Achievement, 40% – 49%) or better in four subjects. 
• 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, coupled with an achievement rating of 4 (Adequate Achievement, 50% – 59%) or better in four subjects. 

Practical Assessment Task

A Practical Assessment Task is a compulsory component of the final promotion mark for all learners registered for the following National Senior Certificate subjects:

• Agriculture: Agricultural Management Practices and Agricultural Technology;
• Arts: Dance Studies, Design, Dramatic Arts, Music and Visual Arts;
• Languages: Oral mark;
• Technology: Civil Technology, Electrical Technology, Mechanical Technology and Engineering Graphics and Design;
• Life Orientation;
• Computer Sciences: Computer Applications Technology and Information Technology; and
• Services: Consumer Studies, Hospitality Studies and Tourism.

The Practical Assessment Task mark must count 25% of the end-of-year examination mark.

School-Based Assessment

A School-Based Assessment mark is a compulsory component of the final promotion mark for all candidates registered for the National Senior Certificate. It must count 25% of the overall promotion mark in Grade 12.