If you are currently a matric learner looking to take their exams at the end of the year, you’re likely most worried about failing matric. However, just like life, matric isn’t as simple as just a pass or fail. Not only are there four different types of matric pass you can achieve (a senior certificate pass, higher certificate pass, diploma pass, and university/Bachelor’s Degree pass), but there is also the matter of how well
What Do The Codes On My Statement Of Results Mean?
Let’s start with the most complex and intimidating thing you will see on your statement of results- the codes. These may look scary, but they are really just administrative notes in shorthand.
Firstly, you will see the following:
- B or NSC/BACH (Bachelor’s Degree Pass)
- D or NSC/DIP (Diploma Pass)
- H or NSC/HC( Higher Certificate Pass)
- NSC (A Standard Pass)
If you failed matric, you may see ‘Not Achieved’ in their place. If you see NSC/LSEN, this indicates a learner with special needs.
You may also see the following annotations:
- Mo (marks are outstanding still). This means they are aware one or more subjects have not been shown on the certificate
- Px (null/void value). This means there is some kind of irregularity needing addressing
- Zz (ending). This also means there is something wrong with the marks as entered into the system
- 777 (outstanding mark). This means the same as mo but usually addresses a single subject or paper.
- 888 (subject change). Occurs when you change a subject last minute.
- 999 (absent). You were recorded absent for the exam.
If you see one of these codes on your matric statement of results, it is important to take action immediately. If you have been marked absent erroneously, or there are missing values, these need to be addressed with the Department of Basic Education. This is why there is an attendance register taken at each session, to help you prove your presence if there is an admin error. Outstanding marks need clarity on when you will receive them and why they are not recorded.
Matric Codes/Symbols And Their Meanings
Now you better understand what the codes on your Matric certificate mean, let’s look more closely at the symbols you achieve. These will be familiar to most school leavers, as they closely echo the standard grades the school system uses. You will receive both a letter grade and a percentage achieved in the subject as follows:
- A = 80% and higher (7 APS points)
- B = 70% to 79% (6 APS points)
- C = 60% to 69% (5 APS points)
- D = 50% to 59% (4 APS points)
- E = 40% to 49% (3 APS points)
- F = 30% to 39% (2 APS points)
- G = 0% to 29% (1 APS point)
You will also receive an APS score, which is a system from 1 to 7, assigned according to your letter grade. This will determine the type of matric pass you get. You need an APS score of 14 to pass at all, 15 to pass with a higher certificate, 19 for diploma passes, and 23 for university entrance. Remember, however, that these pass types also have specific subjects and grades you need to pass, so it isn’t just about the APS score, but how well you met those benchmarks as well.
What Does It Mean When Your Results Are Pending?
When your matric results are pending, it means that the finalized results were not submitted to the Department of Education by markers in time to be captured on your certificate. It could mean that your term marks were not received from your school. Remember that 25% of the final matric mark comes from your academic performance that year. Alternatively, there could be a provincial or national delay in processing that subject, practical, or paper. It is worth checking with news sources to determine this.
While in theory all pending results should be shortly issued, it is always worth following up with the Department of Basic Education and your school if you see these. While it is an admin error and not your fault, you need to get these managed as quickly as possible to ensure you can meet tertiary education deadlines, funding deadlines, and so on.
Do You Get A Matric Statement If You Failed?
You will get a matric statement of results whether you pass or fail. The statement of results will show all subjects you took and the grades you received in them, even if those were failing grades. What you may not receive is your matric certificate, which is only issued to those who successfully achieve at least a national certificate pass. If yours is missing from your school or exam center, or you do not see your results listed in the national results, it is essential you remedy the matter immediately.
How Many Subjects Do You Need To Pass Matric With Bachelor’s?
You need to pass 6 subjects (for the Senior Certificate (Amended)) or 7 subjects (for the NSC you take in Grade 12). The difference between these two is that the ‘adult matric’ (Senior Certificate (Amended)) does not include Life Orientation as a subject at all. Remember that most universities don’t even consider this subject at all and that it will not be part of your APS score either. To pass matric with Bachelor’s, you also need:
- 4 (non-Home Language) higher credit passes at 50% or more.
- Home Language passed at 40% and must be English/Afrikaans.
- 30% or more in your final 1 or 2 subjects.
Hopefully, you now understand the codes and symbols on your matric certificate in greater depth.
