who issues matric certificates in south africa

Structure of the National Senior Certificate

The school-leaving certificate presently awarded is the National Senior Certificate. Pupils study at least seven subjects, including two compulsory official South African languages, either Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, Life Orientation and three elective subjects.

Subjects are all taken on the same level – there is no higher or standard grade as in the past. The official pass grade is 30%. The mean mark in any subject is usually about 55. Only a small proportion of candidates score an ‘A’ in any subject (from as little as 2% to a maximum of about 10% in subjects taken by highly select groups.) A further 8 – 15% are likely to gain a ‘B’ and about 20 – 25% achieve a ‘C’ grade. The National Senior Certificate is a group certificate and records an aggregate mark.

Level system (1 to 7

Level 7: 80 – 100% (Outstanding achievement)
Level 6: 70 – 79% (Meritorious achievement)
Level 5: 60 – 70% (Substantial achievement)
Level 4: 50 – 59% (Moderate achievement)
Level 3: 40 – 49% (Adequate achievement)
Level 2: 30 – 39% (Elementary achievement)
Level 1: 0 – 29% (Not achieved – Fail)

The Department of Basic Education has responsibility for general educational policy to be implemented by nine provincial education departments and private providers such as the Independent Examinations Board (IEB). There are nine provincial examination boards and three independent boards, of which the IEB is the biggest. The IEB operates on a national level catering primarily for independent schools.

Certification and Verification

Umalusi verifies certificates issued for all the following qualifications: