Many people are asking what is NASCA (National Senior Certificate for Adults) and how can you obtain it.
NASCA stands for National Senior Certificate for Adults. It is basically a matric certificate for adults. You can now obtain a NASCA certificate by passing at least four subjects with a minimum of 50%. The four subjects include two (2) compulsory mathematics and a language subject. According to Umalusi the curriculum developer and the quality assurer for National Senior Certificate, NASCA has NQF Level 4 qualification on the General and Further Education and Training Qualifications Sub-framework of the National Qualifications Sub-framework (GFETQSF). This means that NASCA is equivalent to Grade 12 or Matric level. NASCA is also registered under SAQA and is a Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) qualification.
What is NASCA replacing and the shortcomings of the previous Senior certificates
NASCA is replacing two National Senior Certificates that were running concurrently which are Technical Matric N3 and Amended CAPS. The two curricula had their own weaknesses which prompted Umalusi not only to revise them but to completely bring in a new curriculum that somehow superimposes the two into one. This means that by end of 2021, previous curricula will cease to exist.
Technical Matric N3
Technical Matric N3 was obtained by passing six subjects of which two were compulsory languages. The two languages where Business English and Sake Afrikaans. The other four subjects were any engineering subjects under N3. The student had to pass all the subjects with a minimum of forty percent (40%). Upon passing the six subjects, the student after application with DHET was awarded a National Senior Certificate under technical studies.
The main disadvantage of this curriculum was that it did not offer students any alternatives when it came to the two compulsory languages. This meant all students had to do Business English and Sake Afrikaans. As a result, students without the Afrikaans background tended to struggle more with the Sake Afrikaans subject. This resulted in students either failing to obtain the certificate and being stuck with five subjects or not registering for Technical Matric at all.
Amended CAPS
Amended CAPS was obtained by passing six subjects of the two were compulsory languages. The two languages where English and any home language of choice. The Amended CAPS somehow was a solution to students who failed to qualify to do Technical Matric due to the Afrikaans language barrier it posed.
The main disadvantage of this curriculum was the pass rate and the demand of the curriculum. In as much as forty percent (40%) was the pass mark for two languages and thirty percent (30%) for the other four subjects, students struggled to pass all the six subjects. The course was characterised by serious dropouts and low pass rate. Analysis of results across the years showed that the requirements of the syllabus were too heavy for students to meet. Amended CAPS also had a challenge of only accepting students who were twenty one (21) years and above, shutting out many learners who were below the age.
What is the new matric promising
NASCA is promising to offer a solution to students a more flexible curriculum which students can complete within a year. The curriculum allows students to learn from home (distance learning), or attend class of their choice and only come for exams. It is designed with the adult learner in mind allowing one to meet both work commitments and the demands of the syllabus. The maximum subjects one needs to pass is four (4).
NASCA Qualification requirements
One of the good thing when it comes to NASCA is its qualification requirements which they revised to avoid the red tape that other previous curriculums had.
There are no specific requirements that need to be submitted when applying for NASCA.
Students can enroll for the course without having to worry with grade 9 or 10 reports and all other frustrating information.
Just like any other studies, students need to choose subjects of which they have background knowledge. In as much as there are no specific requirements, students need to choose wisely the subjects they want to study. For example, a student who did not study pure mathematics will find it difficult to pass pure mathematics under NASCA as it requires background knowledge of the subject.
The following can also help a student in choosing the relevant subjects of study under NASCA
- A grade 9 or 10 report that indicates the subjects the student studied-please note that this is NOT compulsory.
- A general Education and Training Certificate for Adults (GETC)
- Any other SAQA registered NQF level 2 or level 3 qualification with mathematics and a language will offer an added advantage.
A National Senior Certificate for Adults will be issued to someone who has met the following conditions:
- Passed four (4) subjects of which two are mathematics or mathematical quantitative literacy
- The pass mark for all the subjects is 50%
- The other two subjects must be from the relevant choice of subjects under NASCA subjects. A second official language can be chosen from these subjects. The subject matrix is shown below.
- The subjects can be written all at one exam sitting or different sittings depending on the student. The exams are offered once per year during mid-year (June).
- Upon completion of the four subjects, the student can apply to Umalusi for the subjects to be combined should they have different statements and then issued with a National Senior Certificate for Adults.
- Please note that you need to be turning 18 years and above to qualify to register for NASCA
- For foreign nationals, a valid study or work permit will be required upon registration.
Subject matrix for NASCA
| OF 3 Business, Commerce and Management Studies | OF 4 Communication Studies and Language | OF 7 Human and Social Sciences | OF 10 Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences |
| Economic and Management Sciences | Afrikaans, English, IsiNdebele, IsiXhosa IsiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, SiSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga. | Human and Social Studies | Quantitative Literacy, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Information and Communication Technology |
*a student must pass 50% in four subjects
*two subjects are compulsory. One subjects from organising field 4 (languages) and one subject from organising field 10 which can be either mathematics or quantitative literacy.
*two remaining subjects can be from any field. The following however is not allowed. You cannot study two related languages for example choosing IsiZulu and SiSwati and you cannot choose both mathematics and quantitative literacy.
*you need to do subjects related to your career path and its requirements
*you are allowed to do more than the minimum requirement of four subjects depending on your career path and university requirements.
International opportunities that NASCA brings to you as a student
The certificate is comparable to international curriculums mainly GED Tests offered by American Council of Education (ACE) and Mature Student High School Diploma offered by Manitoba Education, a provincial education department in Canada. This means that it is also recognised by international bodies and can provide access to higher training institutes.
Study options for NASCA
There are a number of ways in which you can prepare yourself for the final exam. Students can enrol at a public adult centre (Abet centre nearest to them) or through a private FET college nearest to them and accredited by Umalusi. The method of study includes the following:
- Attending full-time or part-time classes
- Home study or distance learning (correspondence learning)
- Self-study
Registering for NASCA
Registration for NASCA will be announced soon and we will be opening our registration soon so that students can begin registrations. Check the following page for latest information relating to registrations, fees and many more. Click Here
More resources to help you complete your matric
Download N1-N6 Previous Papers with Answers
Mathematics N1-N3 Online learning
Register for N1-N6 Engineering Courses 2021
N1-N6 Previous Papers with memos
Mathematics N1-N3 Online learning
Hi,
Can you please advise me on my options, I failed matric in 1991, I need to obtain a senior certificate, please assist
You need to use the two languages plus other subjects you passed in your previous matric and add N3 subjects. Then you will obtain a matric certificate. You need to do the minimum subjects to reach the points needed for your old matric.
I have passed 4 subjects and business English on n3 level can I add a language from the new nasca to get my Senior certificate
Unfortunately NASCA and other syllabus will not be able to combine. You will need to start afresh your studies.
Good Day,
Is my Matric Certificate (1992) {English Afrikaans Mathematics Science Geography MetalWork} equivalent to N3?
If so how do I convert it should I wish to pursue a career in the Technical field. As they all ask if I have an N2.
As I understand a Matric=NQF level 4= N3 Technical Matric
Regards
Chris
Technical subjects are different from the subjects you did in your matric. In as much as you have your matric certificate, your field of work might be requiring technical subjects hence they are talking of N2 which is under technical studies. The two are not related but both are important because when applying they will still need your matric.
Good Day
so going forward, please advise as to the next step. Do I start with N1 then N2 and N3; or can I start with N3?
regards
Chris
Hi
I want to improve my grades for two subjects or replace them with others that I could manage, given the fact that I am working.
Is this possible under NASCA- to pursue subjects that are not in line with NASCA curriculum?
Kind regards
Unfortunately NASCA once it has started will not be able to combine with any other previous subjects….
This qualification, NASCA is welcomed by all who are willing to improve their qualifications and out of school youth must take this opportunity of second chance of learning and it is more pleasing because distancing learning is one of options for students studying
That is true, it is possible to study through distance learning this course.
Hi if I do my N3 electrical engineering in 2021 which will consist of the 4 subjects can I still say it’s equivalent to matric and is the certificate issued by umalusi . Please advise
You will get an N3 certificate but it is not equivalent to matric as it does not have the two languages. The N3 certificate you will get is issued by Umalusi.
Good day
I have failed my matiric in 2004, according to statement it was only one subject that denied a pass. How do I ho about it in achieving a pass?
You can add a technical subject under N3 and you will qualify for a full Senior Certificate
Hello
When I are the registrations for Nasca
We are still waiting, please keep checking the website.
Hi ?
what of people that have applied and have started studying for third current adult matric are they expected to change subjects etc
Yes, from next year you will be forced to change once the new curriculum is introduced unless if you already started you will be give chance to finish your old one.
Interested in doing my adult matric
We can assist you in doing adult matric. Please click here
Please contact me
I have written my N3 matric in 2019 and have failed 3 subjects so I re-wrote the 3 subjects in 2020 I am waiting for my results if I have passed the 3subjects can I still get my N3 matric certificate?
Yes you can still get your matric certificate if you meet all the requirements for a Senior Certificate.
Hi,
I did my n3 with with one language, how do i go about adding another language to get my matric.
Hi I wrote two languages on November 2020 and I only got English results with Afrikaans pending and I was told that they still busy with mop up can u advise me what I can do to get my technical matric
Please call the DHET and state your case and the way forward.
Hi,
I did my n3 with with one language, how do i go about adding another language to get my matric.
Unfortunately this is no longer possible. Read more
I have 5 subjects including Business English is it possible to continue and register for sale afrikaans
Sake Afrikaans has been discontinued. Read more
I have 5 subjects for N3 technical matric and I also have English and xitsonga from high school (grade 12) can I combine them? Please advise
No, they do not combine unfortunately.
will it be possible for you to apply at Universities with the new Adult Matric?
Yes it will be possible
Is it possible to get the certificate with only one language?
Is it possible to get the certificate with only one language?
With the new NASCA it will be possible and the language of choice though must be acceptable requirement in your University. English will be subject in most cases.
It says a second language “can” be chosen. Is it indeed “can” be chosen, or “must” be chosen? Is it possible to get NASCA with only one language requirement?
I have passed N3 technical matric besides two languages do i still have chance to finish them.please advice
Unfortunately they are phased out. Read more here
Hi I have completed my n3 technical matric last year. Can I convert my n3 subjects to senior matric subjects?
Technical matric needs you to pass two languages and four other engineering subjects, if you get these you qualify for a matric certificate. Read more here
Is it only the languages that are passed out or all of n3 subjects
Good afternoon,
Does the NASC allow for university entrance?
hi i have pass all tichnica matric subjects N3. is possible if i want to change the career to start doing NASCA certificate is it possible or allowed to have both certificates?
To get technical Matric I am Qualified Auto Electrician
What steps need to be taken to get my N3 only Gr9
Good afternoon,
Does the NASC allow for entrance into university?
Yes, it will allow entrance to University.
Thank for your assistance. Will the certificate begin in June 2021?
The certificate will begin in June 2022
Will it be possible to get entrance to University even with just one language as subject?
I passed Afrikaans, English, Tech. Drawings and Motor trade Theory, how must I proceed if I want a NASCA certificate, does these subjects that I have count towards the NASCA??
NASCA will be a new certificate and does not combine with any of the old matric subjects. Read more on NASCA
Hi
I was doing Grade 12 in 2016 but i failed 3 subjects so i want to do NSCA
NASCA is yet to be implemented possible the rollout of NASCA will start in June 2022. Please keep checking our site and we will keep you updated.
I failed my grade 12, i only passed English, isixhosa, Computer and L. O
NOW I HAVE N3 ELECTRICAL WHAT CAN I DO TO ACHIEVE MY CERTIFICATE plz advice
Unfortunately these two passes do not mixt. You have to finish your old matric to obtain your matric. The N3 you did is now a course for a job application purpose and the matric is the requirement.
So this course how long it will take?
It takes one year-June to June
Good evening
How long it will take that new curriculum is it a one year or?
It is a one year curriculum
Good evening
I was doing grade 12 n i failed 3 subjects in 2016 which is 6yrs back can i go to any college to rewrite the subjects i failed??
Yes you can
How do i register for this adult matric? I want to do it now
It is not yet active and will be open for registrations from April 2022. For more information on NASCA click here
Hello can you please help me to register for NASCA
NASCA is not yet active. We are waiting for the Department to give a go ahead. For more information on NASCA click here
Hi
I did my matric in 1990 and passed only 5 subjects. I also did my N3 in 1995 and passed 2 subjects( Maths and Science). Can I combine matric subjects with these 2 subjects to obtain complete Senior Certificate.
Were and when can i come to register for adult matric
Registrations for adult matric are open at Ekurhuleni Technical College. Get more info here
Hi
I did my matric in 1990 and passed only 5 subjects. I also did my N3 in 1995 and passed 2 subjects( Maths and Science). Can I combine matric subjects with these 2 subjects to obtain complete Senior Certificate.
I like to go the route of engineering N1-N3 courses, after grade 9 at the age of 15. My worry is since technical matric is no longer available that means I wont be eligible for the NASCA (National Senior Certificate for Adults), since I will be turning 16 years of age. In addition even I complete my N6 after 2 years (16 years old) I wont be eligible to be employed as an under 18 years old. How possible to be accepted to the South African Universities without matric, however with National Technical Certificate (NTC) courses. This is my worry that It looks like we are encourage to consider FET, however at the same time the career path to study further in the Universities for the guys of my age that like technical subjects is not clearly defined. By the way I am not interested in the NCV studies. I wanna hit the ball rolling in engineering at younger age. In my opinion we need something in between or we should have had improve the previous Technical Matric for the younger guys or accept everyone to NASCA regardless of how old one is? especially after Grade 9……to assume that probably only 18 years old will be eligible to NASCA, which will be time consuming. In my opinion it is not encoring to peruse engineering in the FET as a younger guys after grade 9 at age 15 based on as is or current narrative. Please advise!!!
I fully understand the gap in-between, but to answer you in short, if you want University, you will need more depth which then forces you to do NCV or alternatively do the technical studies and apply for an apprenticeship still it will be three years but at the end you get a trade certificate and from there you consider your university options after doing your N3 to N6 Diploma. But to me, NCV will be ideal because it allows you to apply for a trade test as it has practical already and from NCV level 4 you qualify for University.