e-Registration for Grade 12 Senior Certificate (Matric Re-write) – June 2026
Senior Certificate (Amended)
The final Senior Certificate examination based on the policy A Resume of Instructional Programmes in Schools (Report 550) was written in June 2014. This qualification previously allowed adult learners and learners with incomplete credits to complete their matric.
Due to the continued need for a matric-equivalent qualification for adults, the Minister of Basic Education approved a revised Senior Certificate (SC). This amended qualification provides an alternative pathway for learners who no longer qualify to complete the National Senior Certificate (NSC).
While the structure of the Senior Certificate remains unchanged, it now uses National Curriculum Statement (NCS) subjects, aligned with Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) content. The first examination for the amended Senior Certificate was written in May/June 2015.
All Senior Certificate subjects passed before June 2015 at Higher Grade or Standard Grade level (excluding Lower Grade conversions) are fully recognised.
Purpose of the Senior Certificate
The amended Senior Certificate:
- Is equivalent to the National Senior Certificate
- Allows candidates to qualify for university, college, and TVET admission
- Can lead to Bachelor’s, Diploma, or Higher Certificate programmes, depending on results
- May include university endorsement, subject to requirements
Who Can Apply for a Matric Re-write?
The following candidates qualify for admission to the Senior Certificate:
- Adult learners aged 21 years and older who have:
- A General Education and Training Certificate (GETC); or
- A Grade 9 school report or Standard 7 qualification; or
- A recognised equivalent qualification at NQF Level requiring two official languages
- Adults aged 21 years and older with:
- An incomplete Senior Certificate
- An incomplete National Senior Certificate (NSC)
- Out-of-school youth aged 18–21 years, only in exceptional cases, subject to approval by the Provincial Education Department
- Adult candidates with an incomplete NSC may choose to:
- Complete the NSC as part-time candidates, or
- Convert to the Senior Certificate (conversion is final)
- Candidates who already hold a qualification but wish to improve their results or status
Subjects Offered
The Senior Certificate (amended) offers CAPS-aligned NSC subjects, excluding the School-Based Assessment (SBA) component. This means the final examination counts 100% of the subject mark.
Each candidate must offer six subjects to qualify for the Senior Certificate. Candidates with existing subject credits must ensure their final subject package meets the six-subject requirement.
Table A: Official Languages (Home and First Additional Language)
A wide range of South African languages are available at both Home Language and First Additional Language levels, including:
- Afrikaans
- English
- IsiZulu
- IsiXhosa
- Sepedi
- Sesotho
- Setswana
- SiSwati
- Tshivenda
- Xitsonga
- IsiNdebele
Table B1: Agriculture
- Agricultural Sciences
Table B2: Business, Commerce and Management Studies
- Accounting
- Business Studies
- Economics
Table B3: Human and Social Studies
- Geography
- History
- Religion Studies
Table B4: Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences
- Mathematics
- Mathematical Literacy
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Computer Applications Technology (CAT)
- Information Technology (IT)
Recognition of Previous Subjects
- Senior Certificate subjects passed before June 2015 at Higher Grade or Standard Grade level are recognised.
- N3 subjects are not recognised, except for:
- Business English N3 (Second Language)
- Sakeafrikaans N3 (Second Language)
- Candidates with incomplete NSC results will have all previously passed credits recognised.
Examinations
- The Senior Certificate examination is written annually in May/June
- No School-Based Assessment (SBA) is required
- Exams are written at:
- Designated public examination centres, or
- Accredited independent assessment bodies approved by Umalusi
Promotion and Pass Requirements
To be awarded the Senior Certificate, candidates must:
- Pass three subjects at 40%, including one Home Language
- Pass two subjects at 30%, including one official language
- Obtain a minimum of 20% in the sixth subject
Registration for the Senior Certificate Examination
- Registration can be done:
- Online at www.eservices.gov.za
- In person at the nearest education district office
- Registration usually closes early February of the examination year
Preparation for the Examination
Candidates are encouraged to begin preparing as early as possible, as the Senior Certificate follows a full-year curriculum.
Study resources include:
- CAPS documents from the Department of Basic Education (DBE)
- Examination guidelines outlining exam structure and format
- CAPS-aligned exemplar question papers available on the DBE website
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can rewriting the Senior Certificate help me gain university admission?
Yes. The Senior Certificate can be used to apply for admission to higher education institutions.
Can I combine old matric results with new Senior Certificate results?
Yes, provided the subjects are recognised and the subject package requirements are met.
My results show ‘incomplete’ after writing subjects in different years. What should I do?
You may apply for a combination of results, as long as subject and pass requirements are satisfied.
What if the subject I want is not offered?
Subjects with practical components are not available due to the absence of full-time tuition.
