There are two types of Senior Certificate in the NQF system. These are the National Senior Certificate (NSC) and the Amended Senior Certificate (ASC). If you are still younger than 21 years of age and you ould like to complete your matric, then the National Senior Certificate is likely for you. If you are older than 21, the Senior Certificate otr Amended Senior Certificate is the route you should follow in your educational journey.
The Senior Certificate
The Senior Certificate (SC), frequently known as the Amended Senior Certificate (ASC) or Adult Matric, is a high school completion qualification aimed at individuals who did not complete their schooling through the traditional route. It is considered the educational equivalent of the National Senior Certificate (NSC), and both certificates are graded at NQF Level 4. The SC qualification provides adults a critical second chance to attain their matric, which can lead to improved job opportunities, and eligibility for further education such as Bachelor, Diploma, or Higher Certificate programmes.
What the Senior Certificate Entails
Eligibility and Admission
The Senior Certificate is primarily aimed at adult learners who are 21 years and older. To qualify for admission, candidates must have one of the following:
- A General Education and Training Certificate (GETC).
- A Grade 9 school report (or the old Standard 7 report) confirming a pass in Grade 9/Standard 7.
- A recognised equivalent qualification obtained at NQF Level 1 which requires two official languages.
The SC is also available to adults (21 years and older) with an incomplete Senior Certificate or an incomplete National Senior Certificate (NSC), particularly those whose School-Based Assessment (SBA) validity has expired. In rare instances, out-of-school youth aged 18-20 may be allowed to apply if they could not complete their school education due to verified circumstances beyond their control.
Subjects and Pass Requirements
Candidates are required to offer a minimum of six subjects selected from the approved list.
To qualify for the SC, candidates must meet the following pass requirements:
- Pass at least five of the six subjects offered.
- Obtain a minimum of 40% in three subjects, one of which must be an official language at Home Language level.
- Obtain a minimum of 30% in two other subjects.
- Obtain a sub-minimum of 20% in the failed sixth subject in the final examination.
- The subject package must include two official languages, with one at the Home Language level and the other at least at the First Additional Language level.
The National Senior Certificate
The NSC (National Senior Certificate) is the standard high school matric qualification for traditional students completing Grade 12 before the age of 21. While the SC (or ASC) is equivalent to the NSC, the major distinctions lie in who they are aimed at and the way they are assessed.
Key Differences Between the Senior Certificate (SC/ASC) and the NSC
Below are the key differences between the Amended Senior Certificate (ASC) and the National Senior Certificate (NSC), drawing on information from the curriculum and assessment documents:
Comparison: Amended Senior Certificate (ASC) vs. National Senior Certificate (NSC)
| Aspect | Amended Senior Certificate (ASC/SC) | National Senior Certificate (NSC) |
|---|---|---|
| Target Age Group | Primarily for adult learners 21 years and older. (In exceptional cases, youth aged 18–21 may apply). | Awarded to learners who successfully complete Grade 12 before the age of 21. |
| Assessment Method | Final mark relies solely on external final examinations (100% of the mark). School-Based Assessment (SBA) is excluded. | Final mark is a combination of continuous internal assessments (SBA) and external final exams (typically 25% internal, 75% external). |
| Curriculum Basis | Utilises the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) subjects and the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) subjects. Follows a broader curriculum focusing more on rote learning and memorisation. | Uses the National Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) curriculum. Follows a more comprehensive curriculum focusing on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. |
| Required Subjects | Requires a minimum of six subjects. Excludes Life Orientation as a required subject. | Requires a minimum of seven subjects, including Life Orientation. |
| Study Format | Generally a self-study programme or pursued through adult learning centres/distance learning. Can take between one to two years to complete part-time. | Typically completed through traditional high school enrolment in a full-time setting. Takes three years to complete (Grades 10, 11, and 12). |
PLEASE NOTE IF YOU ARE WANTING TO WRITE THE AMENDED SENIOR CERTIFICATE (ADULT MATRIC):
The Amended Senior Certificate’s (Adult Matric) academic year is AUGUST – JUNE and not Jan – Dec.
Sources:
The information on this page was sourced from the following:htttps://www.eservices.gov.za https://www.education.gov.za/Curriculum/SeniorCertificate.aspx
https://www.westerncape.gov.za/education
https://www.uctonlinehighschool.com/blog/nsc-meaning-the-national-senior-certificate-in-simple-terms