Adults looking to complete their matric or improve their results can register for the Senior Certificate (SC) examination, often referred to as the "Adult Matric" exam.
Registration typically opens in early October and closes by early February each year, with exact dates announced by the Department of Basic Education. Candidates can register in person at any provincial education office or online via the official e-services portal.
To register, candidates must submit a completed registration form, a certified copy of their ID or birth certificate (or passport for foreign nationals), and, if they are repeat candidates, a copy of their highest qualification. Those who have previously attempted Grade 12 or equivalent exams need to provide their previous examination numbers.
Who Qualifies For The Senior Certificate
- Adult learners who are 21 years and older who have:
- a General Education and Training Certificate (GETC); or
- a Grade 9 school report (or the old standard seven). Stating that they have passed Grade 9 or Standard 7; or
- A recognised equivalent qualification obtained at NQF Level which requires two official languages.
- Adult learners who are 21 years and older with an incomplete Senior Certificate qualification.
- Adult learners who are 21 years and older with an incomplete National Senior Certificate
- Only in exceptional cases, out-of-school youth, who are 18-21 years old and who could not complete their school education due to circumstances beyond their control, as verified by the Head of Department in the Provincial Education Department.
- Adult candidates who are 21 years and older with an incomplete NSC may choose to complete the NSC or convert to the Senior Certificate. Should the candidate choose to convert to the Senior Certificate, they may not revert to the NSC and attempt to complete the NSC.
What Are The Adult Matric Pass Requirements?
To pass the Senior Certificate, candidates must write six subjects, including two official languages, with at least one at the Home Language level.
The basic pass requirement includes scoring 40% or higher in three subjects (one of which must be a Home Language) and 30% or higher in two additional subjects. Candidates are allowed to fail one subject as long as they meet these other requirements.
For a Higher Certificate Pass, candidates must meet the general pass requirements; for a Diploma Pass, they need 40% in four subjects, including a Home Language; and for a Bachelor’s Pass, they need at least 50% in four subjects, including a Home Language.
The SC provides adult learners with a flexible, accessible route to achieving a matric certificate, offering a stepping stone to further education and enhanced career opportunities.