Standard NSC pathway

Grade R to Grade 9 CAPS aligned preparation, followed by formal registration for the three year Grade 10 to Grade 12 National Senior Certificate through SACAI.

Possible outcome:

A Umalusi National Senior Certificate at NQF Level 4.

Standard NSC with approved accommodations

The same National Senior Certificate route, with formal SACAI approved assessment accommodations.

Possible outcome:

A Umalusi National Senior Certificate at NQF Level 4, subject to the learner meeting all qualification requirements.

National Senior Certificate with Endorsement

A specialised five subject NSC route for learners who experience substantial barriers to learning and meet the formal eligibility and approval requirements.

Possible outcome:

A National Senior Certificate with Endorsement at NQF Level 4.

Open Scope towards Standard NSC

The learner works more slowly through CAPS aligned content and later applies to enter formal SACAI Grade 10 when eligible and ready.

Possible outcome:

A later Umalusi National Senior Certificate at NQF Level 4.

Open Scope towards the Senior Certificate

The learner follows a slower academic preparation route and, when eligible as an adult, registers for the external Senior Certificate examinations.

Possible outcome:

A Umalusi Senior Certificate at NQF Level 4.

Open Scope towards a vocational college route

The learner completes suitable Grade 9 foundations and applies to a TVET college for the National Certificate Vocational.

Possible outcome:

National Certificate Vocational qualifications at NQF Levels 2, 3 and ultimately 4.

Open Scope towards occupational training or a trade

The learner builds foundational knowledge and applies to an accredited occupational qualification, learnership, apprenticeship, skills programme or trade route. When a learner has a full Grade 9 certificate they are able to apply to trade schools.

Possible outcome:

A QCTO occupational certificate, trade certificate, recognised part qualification or occupational skills programme certificate, depending on the programme.

Route One

The Standard National Senior Certificate

The conventional qualification through a neurodivergent focused learning environment

The Standard NSC pathway is designed for learners who want to obtain the National Senior Certificate and are able to manage the regulated three year qualification with appropriate support.

The route consists of:

1. Grade 10.
2. Grade 11.
3. Grade 12.

The learner follows CAPS.

The learner completes formal School Based Assessment.

The learner completes the required internal and external assessments.

The learner writes the final Grade 12 examinations according to SACAI’s official timetable and examination venue requirements.

Umalusi quality assures and certifies the final qualification.

What qualification does the learner receive?

A learner who meets the qualification requirements receives:

National Senior Certificate

NQF Level 4

Certified by Umalusi

The certificate is the recognised South African National Senior Certificate.

It is not a separate NeuroMe matric.

It is not a lesser online qualification.

The learning environment and delivery method may differ.

The national qualification remains the National Senior Certificate.

What role does SACAI play?

SACAI is the assessment body through which NeuroMe facilitates its formal Standard NSC learners.

SACAI:

1. Registers candidates through recognised institutions and distance education providers.
2. Sets or sources formal assessments.
3. Moderates School Based Assessment.
4. Manages examination processes.
5. Manages formal accommodations.
6. Releases results.
7. Submits qualifying results for Umalusi certification.

Parents do not ordinarily register or pay SACAI directly where NeuroMe is facilitating the qualification.

The parent follows the NeuroMe registration, document and payment process.

What subjects must the learner take?

A Standard NSC learner ordinarily takes seven subjects.

These generally include:

1. One official language at Home Language level.
2. One official language at First Additional Language level.
3. Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.
4. Life Orientation.
5. Three approved elective subjects.

Subject combinations must be chosen carefully.

Not every combination supports every future career or higher education programme.

Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy

This decision can affect future options.

Mathematics

Mathematics may be required for fields such as:

1. Engineering.
2. Physical science.
3. Some health science programmes.
4. Computer science.
5. Actuarial science.
6. Certain commerce and economics programmes.
7. Some technical programmes.

Mathematical Literacy

Mathematical Literacy provides meaningful practical numeracy and may support entry into many programmes that do not require pure Mathematics.

It may be suitable for fields such as:

1. Selected humanities programmes.
2. Selected education programmes.
3. Social sciences.
4. Tourism.
5. Hospitality.
6. Certain business and administrative programmes.
7. Other programmes that accept Mathematical Literacy.

The exact requirements differ between institutions.

A learner should not be forced into Mathematics merely because it appears more prestigious.

The family should compare:

1. The learner’s ability.
2. The learner’s support needs.
3. The intended career.
4. The required university or college subjects.
5. The marks realistically achievable.

A strong result in an appropriate subject may be more useful than repeated failure in a subject selected only because of outside pressure.

Elective subjects matter

Elective subjects should not be selected only according to what sounds easy.

The family should consider:

1. The learner’s interests.
2. Current marks.
3. Reading and writing demands.
4. Practical requirements.
5. Required equipment.
6. Career goals.
7. University prerequisites.
8. Whether Mathematics is required alongside the elective.
9. Whether two electives may not be taken together.
10. Whether NeuroMe currently offers the subject.

For example:

1. Physical Sciences ordinarily needs to be taken with Mathematics.
2. Certain creative subjects include practical portfolios or performances.
3. Hospitality and Consumer Studies may have practical requirements.
4. Engineering Graphics and Design requires visual, technical and drawing skills.
5. Computer Applications Technology requires suitable computer access.
6. Languages contain oral and literature requirements.

Subject availability and combination rules should be confirmed before enrolment.

When should career planning begin?

Career and qualification planning should ideally begin before Grade 10 subject choices are finalised.

Families should investigate:

1. The type of career that interests the learner.
2. Whether that career requires university study.
3. Whether a Diploma, Higher Certificate, TVET qualification, apprenticeship or occupational route may be more suitable.
4. Which Grade 12 subjects are required.
5. The minimum Admission Point Score.
6. The marks usually needed for realistic admission.
7. Whether the programme includes placements, laboratories, practical work or significant social demands.
8. Whether the career environment suits the learner’s profile.

A Bachelor’s pass is not useful for a specific degree if the learner does not have the required subjects.

The Standard NSC assessment structure

The NSC is not based only on the final Grade 12 examinations.

The learner must complete formal internal assessment throughout the FET phase.

This may include:

1. Tasks.
2. Tests.
3. Projects.
4. Oral assessments.
5. Practical Assessment Tasks.
6. Midyear examinations.
7. Preliminary examinations.
8. Final examinations.

The exact requirements differ by subject.

School Based Assessment is compulsory.

A learner cannot simply ignore the required tasks and rely only on the final examination.

What are the minimum NSC pass requirements?

The minimum qualification requirements generally include:

1. At least 40 per cent in three subjects, including Home Language.
2. At least 30 per cent in three additional subjects.
3. Full completion of the required School Based Assessment components.
4. The learner may fail one of the seven subjects, subject to the applicable requirements.

Meeting the minimum NSC requirements means that the learner receives the National Senior Certificate.

It does not automatically mean that the learner has admission to every form of higher education.

The four NSC outcome categories

A learner’s statement of results indicates the admission level achieved.

These categories are frequently misunderstood.

Basic National Senior Certificate pass

The learner has met the minimum requirements for the NSC but may not have achieved admission to a Higher Certificate, Diploma or Bachelor’s degree programme.

The learner still holds an NQF Level 4 National Senior Certificate.

Possible next steps may include:

1. Employment applications where matric is required.
2. Certain occupational qualifications.
3. Learnerships.
4. Skills programmes.
5. Matric result improvement.
6. Selected private training routes.
7. Programmes with alternative admission or Recognition of Prior Learning.

Admission to Higher Certificate study

This is commonly called a Higher Certificate pass.

It does not mean that the learner has already earned a Higher Certificate.

The learner has earned an NQF Level 4 NSC with admission to apply for Higher Certificate study.

The Higher Certificate itself is a separate NQF Level 5 qualification completed after matric.

The learner must generally:

1. Pass at least six of the seven NSC subjects.
2. Obtain at least 40 per cent in Home Language.
3. Obtain at least 40 per cent in the required additional subjects.
4. Obtain at least 30 per cent in the remaining required subjects.
5. Meet the language and programme requirements of the receiving institution.

Possible destinations include Higher Certificates in areas such as:

1. Business.
2. Education related fields.
3. Information technology.
4. Tourism.
5. Hospitality.
6. Administration.
7. Marketing.
8. Community development.
9. Logistics.
10. Other registered fields.

A Higher Certificate may provide:

1. Entry level vocational or professional knowledge.
2. Improved employment readiness.
3. A bridge into a related Diploma or degree route where articulation is permitted.
4. A structured introduction to higher education.

Admission to Diploma study

This is commonly called a Diploma pass.

It does not mean that the learner has already received a Diploma.

The learner has an NQF Level 4 NSC with admission to apply for Diploma study.

The Diploma itself is generally an NQF Level 6 qualification.

The learner ordinarily needs:

1. A pass in at least six of seven subjects.
2. At least 40 per cent in Home Language.
3. At least 40 per cent in four recognised subjects, excluding Life Orientation where applicable to admission calculations.
4. The required result in the language of learning and teaching.
5. Any programme specific subjects.

Possible destinations include:

1. Diplomas at universities of technology.
2. Diplomas at universities.
3. Registered private higher education Diplomas.
4. Certain TVET and post school programmes.
5. Career focused qualifications.

Examples may include:

1. Information technology.
2. Tourism management.
3. Hospitality management.
4. Public management.
5. Business management.
6. Design.
7. Education related programmes.
8. Logistics.
9. Marketing.
10. Engineering related fields, where the required Mathematics and Science results are present.

Programme admission remains subject to the institution’s requirements.

Admission to Bachelor’s degree study

This is commonly called a Bachelor’s pass.

It does not mean that the learner has already earned a degree.

The learner has an NQF Level 4 NSC with admission to apply for Bachelor’s degree study.

A standard Bachelor’s degree is generally at NQF Level 7, although certain longer professional degrees may exit at NQF Level 8.

Bachelor’s admission generally requires:

1. Passing at least six of seven subjects.
2. At least 40 per cent in Home Language.
3. At least 50 per cent in four recognised subjects, excluding Life Orientation for the applicable admission calculation.
4. The required language result.
5. The correct programme subjects.
6. The institution’s required Admission Point Score.

Possible destinations include:

1. Bachelor of Arts.
2. Bachelor of Commerce.
3. Bachelor of Science.
4. Bachelor of Education.
5. Bachelor of Social Science.
6. Professional degrees.
7. Degrees at universities of technology.
8. Other registered degree programmes.

A Bachelor’s pass allows the learner to apply.

It does not guarantee admission.

What is the Admission Point Score?

Universities and other institutions often use an Admission Point Score, commonly called APS.

The institution converts the learner’s subject marks into points.

The total is then compared with the programme’s minimum requirement.

Different institutions may:

1. Use different APS systems.
2. Exclude Life Orientation.
3. Require higher marks in specific subjects.
4. require Mathematics rather than Mathematical Literacy.
5. require Physical Sciences.
6. require particular language levels.
7. require a portfolio, audition, interview or entrance assessment.
8. Limit places even when applicants meet the minimum requirements.

The family should check the exact institution and programme rather than relying only on the words Bachelor’s pass.

A Bachelor’s pass does not guarantee university admission

This is one of the most important details for parents.

A learner may obtain Bachelor’s admission but still not qualify for a particular course.

For example:

1. The APS may be too low.
2. Mathematics may be required.
3. The Mathematics mark may be too low.
4. Physical Sciences may be required.
5. The learner may not have taken the correct subjects.
6. The programme may have limited space.
7. The programme may require an additional selection process.

The Grade 10 subject decision should therefore be connected to the learner’s possible destination.

What may follow a Higher Certificate?

A Higher Certificate is generally an NQF Level 5 qualification.

Depending on the qualification and institution, the learner may:

1. Enter employment.
2. Apply for a related Diploma.
3. Receive limited credit towards a related qualification.
4. Continue into a related Advanced Certificate.
5. Use the qualification to demonstrate readiness for further study.

Articulation is not automatic.

The receiving institution decides whether the qualifications align and whether credits may be recognised.

What may follow a Diploma?

A Diploma is generally an NQF Level 6 qualification.

The learner may:

1. Enter a career related to the Diploma.
2. Apply for an Advanced Diploma at NQF Level 7.
3. Apply for a related Bachelor’s degree.
4. Receive credit in an aligned degree where the institution permits it.
5. Continue through professional or occupational learning.

A Diploma is not a failed degree.

It is a recognised qualification with its own purpose and career value.

What may follow a Bachelor’s degree?

A standard Bachelor’s degree is generally an NQF Level 7 qualification.

The learner may:

1. Enter employment.
2. Apply for professional registration where the degree meets the requirements.
3. Apply for a Bachelor Honours degree.
4. Apply for a Postgraduate Diploma.
5. Continue into postgraduate study.

Typical progression may include:

1. Bachelor’s degree, NQF Level 7.
2. Honours degree or Postgraduate Diploma, NQF Level 8.
3. Master’s degree, NQF Level 9.
4. Doctoral degree, NQF Level 10.

The learner does not need to decide the entire journey while still in Grade 9.

It helps to understand that the NSC may be the beginning of a much longer route.

Route Two

Standard NSC with formal accommodations

A learner who experiences a barrier to learning may still follow the Standard NSC route.

The academic qualification remains the same.

The learner may receive formally approved changes to the assessment conditions.

Possible accommodations include:

1. Extra time.
2. A reader.
3. A scribe.
4. A prompter.
5. Typing.
6. Rest breaks.
7. A separate venue.
8. Enlarged print.
9. Other approved supports.

SACAI must formally approve FET accommodations before they may be used.

An educational psychologist’s recommendation supports the application.

It does not replace SACAI’s approval.

Does an accommodation appear as a lower qualification?

A formally approved accommodation is intended to provide fair access.

It does not automatically reduce the NQF level or make the learner’s achievement less valid.

The learner still needs to demonstrate the required subject knowledge.

The accommodation changes the access or response condition.

It does not provide the answer.

Can accommodated learners attend university or college?

Yes, provided they meet the qualification and programme admission requirements.

The learner may also apply for disability or accessibility support at the post school institution.

The support available at university, TVET college or another institution must be applied for separately.

A SACAI school accommodation does not automatically transfer into every post school institution.

Parents should begin investigating the receiving institution’s disability support process before enrolment.

Route Three

The National Senior Certificate with Endorsement

A formal route for qualifying learners who experience substantial barriers to learning

The National Senior Certificate with Endorsement is a specialised NSC route.

It is not an informal decision to drop subjects because the learner is struggling.

It requires formal eligibility and approval under the applicable policy.

Qualifying learners may complete a five subject package instead of the ordinary seven subject package.

The subject package generally includes:

1. One official language at at least First Additional Language level, which must meet the applicable language requirements.
2. Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.
3. Life Orientation.
4. At least two approved elective subjects.

The learner must complete the required internal and external assessment components.

The learner generally needs at least 30 per cent in the five required subjects.

Who may qualify?

The route is intended for learners who experience substantial barriers to learning and meet the applicable formal criteria.

A diagnosis by itself does not guarantee eligibility.

The route requires:

1. Appropriate professional evidence.
2. A recognised history of barriers.
3. Formal identification through the relevant process.
4. Approval from the responsible authority.
5. Completion of the approved subject package.

NeuroMe may facilitate the applicable SACAI process.

NeuroMe cannot guarantee approval.

Is the Endorsed NSC at NQF Level 4?

It is a recognised National Senior Certificate route for qualifying learners who experience barriers to learning.

However, families must not assume that it creates exactly the same post school options as the ordinary seven subject NSC.

Higher education and programme admission may be more limited.

The family should obtain written confirmation from the intended:

1. College.
2. University.
3. Training provider.
4. Employer.
5. Professional body.

The Endorsed NSC may be a meaningful qualification outcome for a learner who may otherwise leave formal education without a completed school leaving qualification.

It should be selected with full understanding of its purpose and limitations.

Route Four

Open Scope towards a later Standard NSC

More time now, with the possibility of a formal Grade 10 transition later

Open Scope does not automatically exclude the National Senior Certificate.

A learner may use Open Scope to:

1. Recover from burnout.
2. Rebuild missed foundations.
3. Complete subjects at different grade levels.
4. Take longer to complete Grades 7 to 9.
5. Develop assessment independence.
6. Strengthen literacy and numeracy.
7. Complete Grade 9 content.
8. Prepare for a formal Grade 10 application.

The learner may later apply to enter the Standard NSC route.

What is needed for the Grade 10 transition?

The learner must meet the current SACAI and NeuroMe admission requirements.

These may include:

1. A suitable Grade 9 report indicating readiness for Grade 10.
2. Completion of the required Grade 9 subjects.
3. Academic readiness.
4. Age eligibility.
5. A SACAI baseline or admission assessment where applicable.
6. Readiness to follow the formal three year timeline.
7. Ability to complete formal School Based Assessment.
8. Suitable subject foundations.
9. The required registration documents.
10. Registration at the start of the academic year.

Admission is not automatic.

Completing some Grade 9 content through Open Scope does not guarantee formal Grade 10 placement.

Why readiness matters more than age alone

A learner may be young enough to enter the Standard NSC but not yet be ready for:

1. Seven subjects.
2. Fixed deadlines.
3. Formal assessment conditions.
4. Independent preparation.
5. FET level writing.
6. Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy demands.
7. Language and oral requirements.
8. A three year regulated qualification.

The family should ask:

Can this learner sustain the route?

Not only:

Can this learner enter the route?

Age and the SACAI route

Under SACAI’s current guidance, first time Grade 12 enrolment may not be later than the year in which the learner turns 21.

This means that age should be considered when a learner follows a significantly slower Open Scope path with the intention of later completing the NSC.

The family should plan backwards from:

1. The learner’s current age.
2. The possible Grade 10 starting year.
3. The three year qualification structure.
4. The learner’s likely support and recovery needs.

The rules should be checked again before the learner enters FET because policies may change.

Route Five

Open Scope towards the Senior Certificate

A recognised adult school leaving route

The Senior Certificate, as amended, is commonly called the Amended Senior Certificate or adult matric.

It is a recognised Umalusi qualification at NQF Level 4.

It is intended primarily for adult candidates who meet the admission requirements.

It is not the same qualification structure as the Standard NSC.

Who may register?

The route is generally available to candidates aged 21 or older who have suitable prior educational evidence, such as:

1. A passed Grade 9 report.
2. A recognised General Education and Training Certificate.
3. An accepted equivalent qualification.
4. An incomplete former Senior Certificate.
5. An incomplete National Senior Certificate.

Exceptional applications may sometimes be considered for out of school young people between 18 and 21 where circumstances beyond their control prevented completion and the relevant Provincial Education Department verifies the case.

This exceptional route should never be assumed or promised.

What subjects are required?

A candidate must ordinarily offer six approved subjects.

The exact combination must meet the Senior Certificate rules.

The available subject list differs from the full range that may be available in the Standard NSC.

The family should verify:

1. Which subjects are offered in the relevant examination cycle.
2. Which language combination is required.
3. Whether Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy is appropriate.
4. Which subjects support the learner’s future destination.
5. Which subjects NeuroMe can support.
6. The examination timetable.

How is the Senior Certificate assessed?

The Senior Certificate does not include School Based Assessment.

The external examination contributes 100 per cent of the subject result.

The examinations are generally written during the official May and June examination period at designated examination centres.

This creates both flexibility and risk.

The flexibility

The learner does not need to reproduce the full three year Grades 10 to 12 School Based Assessment programme.

The adult candidate can prepare over a suitable period and register for the official examinations when eligible and ready.

The risk

There are no internal assessment marks to support the final result.

The learner’s performance in the external examination determines the subject result.

A learner considering this route must build:

1. Strong content knowledge.
2. Examination stamina.
3. Time management.
4. Independent answer construction.
5. Familiarity with formal papers.
6. The ability to work at an external venue.
7. Suitable accommodation arrangements where needed.

Senior Certificate pass requirements

The candidate generally needs to:

1. Pass three subjects at 40 per cent, including an official language at Home Language level.
2. Pass two additional subjects at 30 per cent, including the applicable additional language requirement.
3. Obtain at least 20 per cent in the sixth subject.

The candidate should confirm the exact subject combination and current requirements before registration.

Can the Senior Certificate provide university access?

Yes, a Senior Certificate candidate may achieve admission status for:

1. Higher Certificate study.
2. Diploma study.
3. Bachelor’s degree study.

The required marks and institutional admission rules still apply.

A Senior Certificate at NQF Level 4 does not automatically guarantee university admission.

How may Open Scope prepare the learner?

NeuroMe Open Scope may help the learner:

1. Build CAPS subject knowledge.
2. Work through later grade content gradually.
3. Receive marking and feedback.
4. Identify academic gaps.
5. Use focused study material.
6. Complete Practice Rounds.
7. Complete internal Knowledge Challenges.
8. Build examination confidence.
9. Strengthen written answer skills.
10. Develop a longer term study routine.

NeuroMe’s internal Open Scope marks do not become official Senior Certificate marks.

They provide preparation and evidence of developing readiness.

Important Senior Certificate decisions

A candidate with an incomplete NSC may sometimes choose between:

1. Completing the outstanding NSC route as a part time candidate.
2. Converting to the Senior Certificate route.

Where an adult formally converts from the incomplete NSC to the Senior Certificate, the decision may prevent a later return to the NSC route.

This decision should therefore be made only after obtaining current written guidance from the relevant authority.

Route Six

Open Scope towards the National Certificate Vocational

(NSV is not offered by NeuroMe at present)

A practical and vocational alternative after Grade 9

The National Certificate Vocational, commonly called the NC(V), is offered through TVET colleges.

It provides a more vocationally focused route than the ordinary Grade 10 to Grade 12 school pathway.

The route ordinarily contains:

1. NC(V) Level 2, at NQF Level 2.
2. NC(V) Level 3, at NQF Level 3.
3. NC(V) Level 4, at NQF Level 4.

Each level is ordinarily completed in sequence.

What is the entry point?

A passed Grade 9 report or recognised equivalent is generally the minimum entry requirement for NC(V) Level 2.

The college may also:

1. Conduct placement testing.
2. Consider Mathematics and language results.
3. Apply programme specific admission criteria.
4. Have limited spaces.
5. Require particular documents.
6. Recommend a different entry programme.

NeuroMe Open Scope can support a learner in building and demonstrating Grade 9 foundations.

NeuroMe does not issue the NC(V).

The learner must apply to a public or registered private TVET college offering the chosen programme.

What does the NC(V) focus on?

The NC(V) combines foundational subjects with vocational specialisation.

Programmes may include fields such as:

1. Information technology and computer science.
2. Office administration.
3. Tourism.
4. Hospitality.
5. Engineering related studies.
6. Finance, economics and accounting.
7. Marketing.
8. Primary agriculture.
9. Education and development.
10. Safety in society.
11. Civil engineering and building construction.
12. Electrical infrastructure construction.

Availability differs between colleges.

Is NC(V) Level 4 the same as the NSC?

Both are NQF Level 4 qualifications.

They are not the same qualification.

The NC(V):

1. Has a vocational focus.
2. Is completed through TVET college study.
3. Contains practical and applied components.
4. May prepare learners for employment, further vocational learning or higher education.

The NSC:

1. Is the ordinary school leaving qualification.
2. Is based on Grades 10 to 12 CAPS.
3. Contains School Based Assessment and final Grade 12 examinations.
4. Provides different admission categories according to the learner’s marks.

The learner’s choice should be based on how they learn and where they hope to go.

Can NC(V) Level 4 lead to higher education?

It may provide access to Higher Certificate, Diploma or degree study where the learner meets the applicable national and institutional requirements.

The institution will consider:

1. The NC(V) programme.
2. Subject results.
3. Language results.
4. Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.
5. Programme specific criteria.
6. The required admission status.

Completion of NC(V) Level 4 does not guarantee university acceptance.

Who may benefit from an NC(V) route?

The route may suit a learner who:

1. Learns more effectively through practical application.
2. Has a clear vocational interest.
3. Wants to enter a field earlier.
4. Finds the purely academic school route unsuitable.
5. Can attend and participate in a college environment.
6. Can manage the programme’s practical and assessment requirements.

The family should investigate the actual college environment.

A TVET route may involve:

1. Timetabled attendance.
2. Group classes.
3. Workshops.
4. Practical tasks.
5. Travel.
6. Busy campuses.
7. Workplace exposure.
8. Formal examinations.

A vocational curriculum does not automatically mean a low demand environment.

Route Seven

Occupational qualifications, learnerships and trades

Skills can become recognised qualifications too

The South African NQF includes an Occupational Qualifications Sub Framework overseen by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations.

Occupational qualifications are designed around competence for a particular occupation.

They may include:

1. Knowledge learning.
2. Practical learning.
3. Workplace experience.
4. An External Integrated Summative Assessment.

A learner who proves the required competence may receive an occupational certificate.

What is a learnership?

A learnership generally combines:

1. Structured learning.
2. Practical training.
3. Workplace experience.
4. Assessment against a registered qualification or part qualification.

Entry requirements differ.

Some learnerships require:

1. Grade 9.
2. Grade 10.
3. Grade 11.
4. Matric.
5. Mathematics or a language at a certain level.
6. A driver’s licence.
7. Particular physical or occupational abilities.
8. Employment with or placement by an approved workplace.

The learner must check the actual registered programme.

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a structured route towards becoming an artisan in a recognised trade.

It may include:

1. Theoretical learning.
2. Practical training.
3. Workplace experience.
4. A trade test.

Possible trades include areas such as:

1. Electrical work.
2. Plumbing.
3. Motor mechanics.
4. Welding.
5. Fitting and turning.
6. Carpentry.
7. Boilermaking.
8. Other listed trades.

Entry requirements differ by trade and provider.

The learner must apply through the appropriate accredited provider, employer or programme.

What is a trade certificate?

A trade certificate confirms that a person has met the required competence for a recognised trade.

Trade certification is managed within the occupational training system.

A trade certificate can support:

1. Employment as a qualified artisan.
2. Self employment.
3. Contract work.
4. Further specialisation.
5. Career progression.

A university degree is not the only respected route to skilled employment.

What are occupational skills programmes?

Occupational skills programmes focus on work related skills with practical and economic value.

They may be:

1. Entry level.
2. Intermediate.
3. Advanced.

Some form part of larger qualifications.

Others result in recognised occupational skills programme certification.

Parents must distinguish between:

1. An accredited programme registered within the NQF system.
2. A private short course that provides useful skills but is not a registered qualification.

A course may be valuable without being an NQF qualification.

The provider must describe it honestly.

Can Open Scope lead towards occupational learning?

Yes.

Open Scope can help the learner strengthen:

1. Literacy.
2. Numeracy.
3. Communication.
4. Digital skills.
5. Study habits.
6. Independence.
7. CAPS knowledge.
8. Readiness for a future provider’s entrance requirements.

NeuroMe does not issue occupational or trade qualifications.

The learner must enrol with a QCTO accredited skills development provider, accredited assessment centre, employer or other approved route.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning, commonly called RPL, is a process through which knowledge and skills gained outside formal study may be assessed.

A person may have learned through:

1. Employment.
2. Volunteering.
3. Self employment.
4. Informal training.
5. Community work.
6. Family responsibilities.
7. Independent study.

RPL may sometimes be used for:

1. Access to a qualification.
2. Credit towards parts of a qualification.
3. Recognition of occupational competence.

RPL is not an automatic exemption.

The receiving institution or provider determines:

1. Whether RPL is available.
2. What evidence is required.
3. Whether an assessment must be completed.
4. How much credit may be granted.
5. Whether the learner still needs to complete other requirements.