Overview

The minimum duration of a National Certificate (Vocational) is one full year at each of the NQF levels of study, which is Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4. The previous level must have been successfully completed before a candidate can proceed to the next level.

In order to obtain an NC(V) certificate, a candidate must:

1. Complete the programme requirements for the particular NQF level and obtain the distinct outcomes for that particular level; and
2. Comply with the internal and external assessment requirements for all subject offerings for that particular NQF level;
3. Achieve 40% in two fundamental (compulsory) subjects: the required official language and Life Orientation;
4. Achieve 30% in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy; and
5. Achieve 50% in all four vocational subjects.

Admission Requirements

To qualify for entry into the NC (V) a candidate has to have successfully completed at least Grade 9 but preferably higher, be in possession of an NQF Level 1 qualification, be attending an approved bridging programme designed to access NQF Level 2 or meet the basic requirements for access to NQF Level 2 during a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment. The duration of the NC (V) is one full year per level, with each level serving as an exit level.

It is important to note that the credits obtained in the NC(V) cannot be combined with credits that a candidate obtained in a Senior Certificate Examination or a National Certificate (N courses for colleges).

Programme Structure

The following structure and combination of subjects is applicable at every level of study of the NC(V) that is Levels 2, 3 and 4.

Three Compulsory subjects

• Language: One of the official South African languages which is also the language of teaching and learning
• Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
• Life Orientation

Vocational

FOUR VOCATIONAL SUBJECTS

• Three vocational subjects
• One optional vocational subject offered from the same or a different programme

Vocational Activities

• Test programmes and software applications
• Write computer programmes
• Install network cables for computer systems
• Process computer data
• Develop, research and document computer user requirements