Once a learner has passed their matric year they will receive their National Senior Certificate (NSC) which is proof that they have completed their schooling.
In order to pass learners must have studied 7 subjects in matric, two of these subjects being the compulsory SA languages. Life Orientation is also a compulsory subject. They must also choose between Mathematics or Maths literacy. The remaining 3 additional subjects are chosen by the learner.
National Senior Certificate Pass Requirements
The NSC Pass is one of 4 matric pass levels.
The NSC Pass is the bare minimum needed to pass your matric year.
The following are the requirements for a NSC Pass:
Admission Points Score - APS
- An Admission Point Score (APS) score of at least 3 in your home language
- An APS score of at least 3 in 2 other subjects
- An APS score of 2 in 4 other subjects
- A total APS score of 14
Click here for the APS Calculator to calculate your score.
To calculate your APS score all you have to do is select the subjects that you took in matric and select the marks you achieved for each subject. Then click "Calculate". Then your APS score will be shown.
If you have calculated your APS score and found that you have not passed then there is no need to worry as you have many routes you can take.
The following are some options you can choose from should you fail matric:
- Get a remark. When you papers are remarked, every answer will be marked again to see which answers are correct and which answers are incorrect. This could mean that your marks could either increase or decrease.
- Get a recheck. This is when they will check to see that your results from your exam papers were added up correctly.
- You can apply to rewrite matric through the Department of Basic Education's Second Chance programme.
- Register at another school and repeat your matric year
- Pursue careers or jobs that do not require you to have a NSC.
The Department of Basic Education facilitates Matric rewrites through the Second Chance Matric Programme. The Programme provides support for NSC Supplementary Exams, NSC Progressed Learners, Amended Senior Certificate (SC) and Part-time NSC Candidates.
Visit the DBE website for more information.
