If you’ve only achieved a grade 9 certificate and are wondering what to do now to improve yourself, You may want to consider the National Certificate (Vocation) – NC(V). In 2007, the National Certificate Vocational (NCV) was introduced within this NQF. The National Certificate Vocational (NCV) is a new and modern qualification offered at FET and TVET Colleges since January 2007. It is offered at Levels 2, 3 and 4 of the NQF which are equivalent to Grades 10, 11 and 12. The NCV is an alternative to grades 10-12.

These qualifications were intended to give workplace-based skill sets in a variety of in-demand South African job sectors increasing an individual’s employability. Not everyone is suited to an academic career and university study. What the NCV does is provide students the opportunity to acquire a specific set of skills that are suitable for the workplace. This means that even if students do not complete matriculation, they will have the opportunity to develop their talents and construct a successful career. They can even eventually obtain a matric equivalence with the added advantage of having learnt valuable workplace skills. In general, in order to obtain a National Certificate (Vocational), a student is required to take a total of 7 subjects. These include  3 fundamental subjects (Life Orientation, Mathematics or Mathematical  literacy, Language – usually English) and 4 vocational subjects, of which 3 are compulsory and 1 is optional.

Remember also, that if you are wanting to study further it is also possible to move into higher education programs within the same learning areas with an NCV qualification.

NCV Requirements

To apply for an NCV course, you must meet the following requirements:

 Grade 9 pass certificate OR equivalent (ABET Certificate or NQF 1 Certificate). 

Where can I study?

You can study through a public TVET college of which there are 50 in South Africa (as at 2021). A searchable list by province is given here. Alternatively you can study through an accredited private FET college. There are many colleges throughout the country.