Certification and Verification
Umalusi verifies certificates issued for all the following qualifications:
Matriculation qualifications:
- The Amended Senior Certificate (ASC)
- The National Senior Certificate (NSC)
Vocational qualifications:
- The National Technical Certificate N3
- The National Certificate Vocational (NCV)
Adult Education and Training qualifications:
- The General Education and Training Certificate for Adults (GETC: ABET)
Umalusi has records of all learner achievements from November 1992 to date. All certificates issued before November 1992 must be verified by the Department of Basic Education (Schooling qualifications) or the Department of Higher Education and Training (vocational and adult qualifications) as appropriate.
The public cannot apply directly to Umalusi for the verification of certificates, but should do so through one of the verification clients registered with Umalusi. (The list of verification clients will be updated):
| No | Verification Client | Website | Tel | |
| 1 | Abtrix (PTY) LTD | www.abtrix.co.za | 0796684544 | Abtrix.pty@gmail.com |
| 2 | African Protea Integrity (Pty) | www.veriffyme.co.za | 0113330475/0627638785 | ap1.integrity@gmail.com |
| 3 | AKHIVALIDATION PRIVATE COMPANY | www.akhivalidation.co.za | 010 0231481 | info@akhivalidation.co.za |
| 4 | Awari Enterprise | 0812168606 | sibonelosithebe1@gmail.com | |
| 5 | Boucher Paralegals Pty Ltd | 076 840 1842 083 817 4716 | boucherlegal@outlook.com | |
| 6 | Checkid (PTY) LTD | www.mycheckid.co.za | 071 684 8422 | hello@mycheckid.co.za |
| 7 | Civil Specialised Services | www.civilspecialisedservices.co.za | 065 736 3943 | info@civilspecialisedservices.co.za |
| 8 | Clicknhire (Pty) Ltd | www.clicknhire.co.za | 087 057 3031 | info@clicknhire.co.za |
| 9 | Dots Africa | www.dots.africa | 010 446 7683 | info@dots.africa |
| 10 | EmployInsight (PTY) LTD | www.employinsight.co.za | 082 491 0945 | admin@employinsight.co.za / mbarends@employinsight.co.za |
| 11 | Fraudcheck (Pty) Ltd | Website: www.fraudcheck.co.za | 011 262 5252 | support@fraudcheck.co.za |
| 12 | H&S Labour Brokers cc | www.hslabour.co.za | 011 468 4192 | info@hslabour.co.za |
| 13 | IDR South Africa (Pty) Ltd T/A V-Report | www.v-report.co.za | 011 432 4416 / 8441 | felicity@v-report.co.za |
| 14 | iFacts (Pty) Ltd | www.ifacts.co.za | 011 453 1627 | processing@ifacts.co.za |
| 15 | LexisNexis Risk Management (Pty) Ltd | www.lexisnexis.co.za | 0861 005 676 | Refcheck.support@lexisnexis.co.za |
| 16 | Managed Integrity Evaluation (Pty) Ltd – MIE (Pty) Ltd | www.mie.co.za | 012 644 4000 | info@mie.co.za |
| 17 | MarisIT Credit Services | www.marisit.co.za | 012 542 7614 / 5 | verifications@marisit.co.za |
| 18 | Mazino Concept (PTY) LTD | www.verifybymazino.co.za | 011 896 1502/060 370 7491 | info@verifybymazino.co.za |
| 19 | MDT Institute | www.mdtinstitute.co.za | 012 942 4086 | info@mdtinstitute.co.za |
| 20 | Millennium Data Consultants | 072 766 1627 | annamarie@mildata.co.za | |
| 21 | National Validation Services | www.nvs-sa.co.za | 010 593 1998 | info@nvs-sa.co.za |
| 22 | Veri Source Consulting CC | www.verisource.co.za | 011 794 1925 | consultant2@verisource.co.za / info@verisource.co.za |
| 23 | V-Report (Division of IdentiRisk South Africa) | www.v-report.co.za | 0114328441 /4416 | |
| 24 | South African Qualifications Authority | www.saqa.co.za | 012 431 5010 | |
| 25 | TYCHE HUMAN RESOURCES | www.tychehrm.co.za | 076 020 7645 | portia.ngaka@tychehrm.co.za |
| 26 | AFRICAN PROTEA INTEGRITY | www.africanproteaintegrity.co.za | 0797209964/0113330475 | admin@africanproteaintegrity.co.za |
| 27 | Umjikelo Recruitment Services (PTY) LTD | www.umjikelo.co.za | 0126651984/0813983226 | info@umjikelo.co.za |
Please note: Agencies charge varying fees for verification services. You are therefore advised to request prices from more than one agency before requesting verification of your qualifications.
Certificates Umalusi Issues
Application for a certificate
Umalusi issues certificates for the following qualifications:
Matriculation qualifications:
- The Amended Senior Certificate (SC)
- The National Senior Certificate (NSC)
Vocational qualifications:
- The National Technical Certificate N3
- The National Certificate: Vocational (NCV)
Adult Education and Training qualifications:
- The General Education and Training Certificate for Adults (GETC: ABET)
Requirements for Certification
In order for Umalusi to certify a qualification, the qualification must be registered on The General and Further Education and Training Qualifications Framework , which is a sub-framework of the National Qualification Framework. Further, the assessment of the qualifications must be nationally conducted, either by the state or by an assessment body accredited by Umalusi, and the provider of tuition for the qualification must be either a public provider or a private provider accredited by Umalusi.
National Examinations
National examinations are conducted by the state or accredited assessment bodies throughout the year for the various qualifications as follows:
| Matriculation qualifications | Examinations |
| The Amended Senior Certificate (SC) | Once annually in June / July |
| The National Senior Certificate (NSC) | Bi-annually in June/July and October/November |
| Vocational qualifications | |
| The National Technical Certificate N3 (Engineering Studies) | Three times annually in April, August and November. |
| The National Certificate: Vocational (NCV) – commenced in 2007 | Once annually in November, with supplementary examinations in February |
| Adult Education and Training qualifications | |
| The General Education and Training Certificate for Adults (GETC: ABET) | Bi-annually in June and October. |
Quality Assurance of Assessment and National Examinations
In order for learner achievements to be certifiable, Umalusi puts extensive measures in place to ensure that the internal assessment, which is carried out at learning sites, and the examinations conducted by the state and private assessment bodies, are fair, reliable and valid. This work is carried out by the Quality Assurance of Assessment Unit (QAA) annually through various moderation and monitoring processes.
Standardisation
Standardisation is one of the processes Umalusi Council uses to mitigate the effect of factors other than the learners’ knowledge and aptitude on the learners’ performance and to finally approve results.
Approval of Results
Umalusi Council is responsible for approving the release of results, a complex process. Approval of results is determined by how well the assessment bodies responsible for the examinations have complied with all the policies, directives and guidelines related to the qualification being resulted. These policies and directives are issued by Umalusi and the Departments of Basic Education and Higher Education and Training. Approval is also dependent on whether any irregularities have undermined the credibility and integrity of the examinations. Once the standardization decisions have been agreed upon, the assessment bodies are required to apply them to the marks of each subject. The standardized subject results are returned to Umalusi for quality assurance checks, and once the Council is satisfied that the decisions have been properly applied, the assessment bodies may finally result the individual candidates.
Certification Process
The process of certifying the November results takes place in the new year after the re-marking and re-checking processes are completed. At that point the data sets are finalized by the respective assessment bodies and sent through for certification. The bulk certification traditionally takes place in April and May of each year. Certification of supplementary examinations traditionally takes place in July/August.
Umalusi issues certificates for full qualification as well as subject certificates/statements for candidates who have passed subjects, but have not yet qualified for the full certificate. Candidates may apply to have two or more of their subject certificates/statements combined into a full qualification, if their results conform to the qualification requirements.
Certification continues throughout the year for adult and vocational examinations such as the N courses and the GETC for Adults. There is also a steady flow of requests for re-issues, combinations and replacement certificates. Such applications are made through the state or an accredited assessment body.
Umalusi remains responsible for the results that it has certified, and uses this data to assist with verification enquiries.
Anti-Fraud Hotline: 17737
Accreditation
Umalusi accredits private providers of education and training as well as private assessment bodies to offer tuition and/or assessment for qualification(s) on the General and Further Education and Training Qualification Framework.… Learn More…
Assessment
The main functions of the two quality assurance of assessment units, School Qualifications [QAA-SQ] and Post School Qualifications [QAA-PSQ], are to set standards for assessment of qualifications…. Learn More..
Certification & Verification
Umalusi verifies certificates issued for all the following qualifications … Learn More..
Qualifications
Umalusi’s mandate as a Quality Council derives from the NQF Act, Act No 67 of 2008, and its establishment act, the GENFETQA Act, Act No 58 of 2001, amended in 2008. Learn More…
Research
Umalusi Council has always grounded its work in well considered research based on issues within its mandate and education and training as a whole… Learn More…
FAQ Related to Certification and Verification
Does Umalusi verify N4-N6 Certificates?
All N4-N6 Certificates must be verified by the Department of Higher Education and Training
Am I able to apply directly to Umalusi for the verification of my certificates?
The Council has the responsibility for the issuing of the following certificates:
- Senior Certificate
- National Senior Certificate (FET colleges)
- National N3 Certificate
- Subject certificate
- General Education and Training Certificate
- Learning area certificate
- National Certificate (Vocational)
- National Senior Certificate (Schools)
- Subject statement
Please note that Umalusi does not work directly with members of the public with regard to verification services. Individuals should apply through a verification agency for verification services, also refer to questions 1.20 and 1.21.
Please visit our website at www.umalusi.org.za under the verification heading for the names of agencies that have contracts with Umalusi. There are a number of other verification agencies which are not listed, but which have contracts with Umalusi, that can also be contacted. You are not limited to using an agency listed on the website.
Please note: Agencies charge varying fees for verification services. You are therefore advised to request prices from more than one agency before requesting the verification of your qualifications.
From which year does Umalusi verify certificates?
Umalusi verifies certificates issued from November 1992. All certificates issued before November 1992 must be verified by the Departments of Basic Education and Higher Education and Training (N3).
Which certificates does Umalusi verify?
Umalusi verifies the National Senior Certificate, Senior Certificate, General Education and Training Certificate (GETC) for adults and N3 certificates and National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV)
Is it possible to combine two statements of results written in different years in order to obtain a National Senior Certificate?
Yes, through any assessment body where you wrote according to certain regulated rules of combination.
What are the pass requirements for the National Senior Certificate if I want entrance to university?
The National Senior Certificate will be awarded to you if you have complied with the following requirements which form the basis for determining pass requirements to be accepted at University for the Higher Certificate, Diploma or Degree Studies programmes:
To obtain a National Senior Certificate you must have offered the following subjects in the examination:
Subject
One Home Language
One Home or First Additional Language
Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
Life Orientation
3 x subjects selected from Group B
and further fulfil the minimum promotion requirements, viz:
- achieve 40% in three subjects, one of which is an official language at Home Language level;
- achieve 30% in three subjects; and
- provide full evidence in the School-Based Assessment component, in the event of a subject failed.
To qualify for admission to Higher Certificate studies you need to pass with a minimum 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the Higher Education institution concerned.
To qualify for admission to Diploma Studies at a University, you need to pass the National Senior Certificate, with an achievement rating of 3 (moderate achievement, 40%-49%) or better in four recognised NSC 20-credit subjects, and a minimum 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the Higher Education institution concerned.
To qualify for admission to Bachelor`s Degree studies at a University, you need to pass with a minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the Higher Education institution concerned, in addition to an achievement rating of 4 (adequate achievement, 50%-59%) or better in four subjects chosen from the designated subject list determined by Higher Education.
I have rewritten and improved the results of some of my subjects. Can I get a new certificate with improved symbols?
If you are already in possession of a National Senior Certificate, combination is possible only if through the improvement of your results the status of the certificate changes e.g. a new certificate can be obtained if the old certificate allows access only to a Diploma but with the improvement you are now eligible for access to a Bachelor�s degree studies.
If I have studied other courses at NQF level 4 or 5 such as a diploma in management, can you give me recognition of prior learning (RPL) or assess the results and grant me a National Senior Certificate?
Unfortunately not. The National Senior Certificate is granted according to specific rules of combination and therefore one has to write the matric to get a matric.
Can I register with Umalusi for supplementary exams?
No, Umalusi is not an assessment body. For supplementary exams please register with an assessment body (Either a provincial department of education or the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) or SACAI
What is a subject certificate/subject statement/learning area certificate?
A candidate who did not qualify for a full certificate is issued with a subject certificate/subject statement/learning area certificate for the subjects passed. A subject certificate/subject statement/learning area certificate is also issued to candidates who have rewritten and improved their results in a given subject.
I wrote my examination in another country, can Umalusi issue me with an equivalent certificate?
Umalusi does not evaluate foreign qualifications. Please contact the South African Qualifications Authority through their website at www.saqa.org.za
My name has changed. Can I get a new certificate with my new name?
A change of personal details due to a marriage or civil union or arising from the situation where a person has changed his or her name through a legal process after the issuing of a certificate do notqualify for a re-issue.
The only changes to personal particulars that are considered once the window period of one year from the certification date has elapsed are:
- Your ID number has changed due to an error by Home Affairs where you and another person were issued with the same ID number. You will be required to submit the original certificate as well as the letter from Home Affairs indicating the change. Application must be made at any of the Departments of Education.
- Your ID number has changed due to an error made by Home Affairs in respect of gender. You will be required to submit your original certificate (not a replacement), copies of the old and new ID document and the letter from Home Affairs indicating the change in ID number. You must submit your application at one of the Departments of Education.
- Your gender, your names and ID number have been changed.
How do I verify my certificate for overseas study?
Please send an e-mail to verification@umalusi.org.za or telephone 012 349 1510 for particulars on how to go about this, as these can differ.
How do I verify my certificate when I have to submit the qualification to the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO) for authentication and then to a foreign embassy?
You will need to make a payment to Umalusi and then send certified copies of your ID document or passport as well as your certificate (not older than 3 months) to verification@umalusi.org.za with Authentication for the DIRCO in the subject line. Fees vary from year to year. The applicable fees can be requested from Umalusi by sending an e-mail to verification@umalusi.org.za
New qualifications
The National Senior Certificate for Adults (NASCA)
The General Education and Training Certificate for Adults (GETCA)
What should one do if the certificate was issued with incorrect personal information?
Within the six month period after certification, but not later than a year after the examination, Umalusi will consider a request for a re-issue.
Administrative Errors
Within the six month period after certification, but not later than a year after the last examination, Umalusi willconsider a request for a re-issue in the following cases where there is sufficient proof that the mistake on the certificate, either with regard to a subject mark, subject choice or a change in result, or some aspect of the personal details, is incorrect because of a registration error by the school or the assessment body. Such a request will be considered, if it is submitted within a six month period after the issuing of the certificate to the candidate, but not later than a year after the examination.
The following procedure is required in an application for a re-issue
- the request for a re-issue must be made through an assessment body;
- the original certificate must be returned; and
- A change to an original certificate will not be considered unless the original certificate (not a replacement) is returned.
Re-issue: Legal alteration of personal details
A change of personal details due to a marriage or civil union or arising from the situation where a person has changed his or her name through a legal process after the issuing of a certificate do notqualify for a re-issue.
Can I get a confirmation letter of my achievements from the assessment body if I have lost my certificate?
Yes, the assessment body where you apply for a replacement of your lost certificate can supply you with a confirmation letter to indicate that you are in the process of applying for a replacement certificate and confirm your qualification and results.
Can I get a confirmation letter of my achievements from Umalusi if I have lost my certificate?
No, Umalusi does not issue letters of achievement if you have lost your certificate. Such a letter may be issued by the Department of Education when you apply for your lost certificate.
I have lost my certificate. Where can I get copy?
Umalusi is responsible for the replacement of the Senior Certificate and National Senior Certificate as from September 1992.
To apply for a replacement (in lieu of a lost certificate) of your matric/Gr12 certificate the following is required:
- A completed application form, which can be obtained at any of the departments of education or on the website of the National Department of Basic Education (www.education.gov.za)
APPLICATIONS FORMS MUST BE COMPLETED TAKING CARE OF THE DETAIL REQUIRED, E.G. YEAR QUALIFICATIONS OBTAINED, SURNAME AND NAMES UNDER WHICH THE PERSON QUALIFIED FOR THE CERTIFICATE AND WHERE POSSIBLE THE SCHOOL NAME.
APPLICATIONS FOR LOST CERTIFICATE / RE-ISSUES CAN BE DONE AT ANY OF THE DEPARTMENTS OF EDUCATION, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHERE YOU WROTE YOUR MATRIC, FOR EXAMPLE, IF YOU HAVE WRITTEN THE EXAM IN A SCHOOL IN EASTERN CAPE, YOU CAN APPROACH THE MPUMALANGA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR A REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATE.
- An affidavit – All applications for replacement of lost/damaged certificates should be accompanied by a signed affidavit from a police station stating the status of the original certificate e.g. stolen; lost in a move.
IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE PREVIOUS CERTIFICATE IS CANCELLED WHEN A REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATE IS ISSUED.
- A certified copy of the candidate`s identity document is required. (This copy must be certified by a commissioner of oaths. A copy can be made and certified either at a police station or at an attorney`s office where they should do it for free.)
- Proof of payment of administration fees – An administration fee is payable with a request for a certificate. The fee payable can be established with the accredited assessment body. The fee is reviewed on an annual basis.
Please note the following important information:
A certificate cannot be issued on the same day that the application is submitted. The processing time is 4 – 6 weeks under normal circumstances.
A request for replacements for certificates obtained prior to November 1992 can be made from the office of any of the Departments of Education and the same procedure followed.
Contact details for the various provincial and National Departments are as follows:
| No. | Surname | Name | Organisation | Telephone No. | |
| 1. | Mokgojoa | T | Gauteng DOE | Teddy.Mokgojoa@gauteng.gov.za | (011) 403 1314 |
| 2 | Van Heerden | E | Free State DOE | elsabev@edu.fs.gov.za | ((051) 404 8484 |
| 3. | Nene | T | Department of Basic Education | nene.t@dbe.gov.za | (012) 357 3256 |
| 4. | Dumisa | T | Eastern Cape DOE | Thobeka.dumisa@edu.ecprov.gov.za | (043) 604 7709 |
| 5. | Keetile | B | North West DOE | bkeetile@nwpg.gov.za | (018) 388 0800 |
| 6. | Pekeur | M | WCED | mpekeur@pgwc.gov.za | (021) 467 2483 |
| 7. | Thomas | E | Limpopo DOE | ThomasE@edu.limpopo.gov.za | (015) 290 7747 |
| 8. | Sewlal | T | KZN DOE | Tony.sewlal@kzndoe.gov.za | (031) 327 0331 |
| 9. | Fredericks | N | Northern Cape DOE | NFredericks@ncpg.gov.za | (053) 839 6585 |
| 10. | Viljoen | M | Mpumalanga DOE | m.viljoen@education.mpu.gov.za | (013) 766 0016 |
For which qualifications does Umalusi issue certificates?
Presently Umalusi Council issues the following certificates:
Schooling qualifications:
The Senior Certificate (SC) which was offered before 2008
The National Senior Certificate (NSC) which replaced the Senior Certificate in schools and commenced in 2008
The Amended Senior Certificate, which will be written for the first time in june 2014
TVET/FET qualifications:
The National N3 Certificate
The National Senior Certificate: Colleges – phased out in 2011, but still certified for candidates combining the National N3 Certificate with two languages; this option will be phased out once the Amended Senior Certificate is offered
The National Certificate: Vocational (NCV) Levels 2 – 4 – commenced in 2007, 2008 and 2009 respectively
Adult Education and Training qualifications;
The General Education and Training Certificate for Adults (GETC: ABET)
Can I get a National Senior Certificate if I wrote my subjects over more than one examination?
Yes, you can improve the status of a certificate issued to you, taking into consideration the minimum higher education admission requirements, e.g. from a National Senior Certificate with access to Diploma Studies to access to Bachelors Degree studies, by completing the outstanding requirements. A new certificate, taking into consideration the requirements will be issued, if this does not exceed a maximum of 3 examination sittings.
What happens if I have already paid for the verification of a certificate only to discover that Umalusi does not have the necessary records?
We either refund you or keep the money for a future verification request. Umalusi only verifies certificates that were issued after 1992. Certificates issued earlier must be verified by the respective department of education. However, in order to avoid such incidents you are advised to confirm the examination date before making payment.
Will Umalusi continue to issue the Senior Certificate after it is phased out in 2014?
Yes. Umalusi has records of all Senior Certificates from 1992 and will continue to issue the Senior Certificate for replacement purposes.
Which qualifications does Umalusi issue certificates for?
Which qualifications does Umalusi issue certificates for?
Presently Umalusi Council issues the following certificates:
Schooling qualifications:
The Senior Certificate (SC) which was offered before 2008 and is being phased out – its final examination will be administered in 2014
The National Senior Certificate (NSC) which replaced the Senior Certificate and commenced in 2008
Vocational qualifications:
The National Technical Certificate N3
The National Senior Certificate: Colleges – phasing out by the end of 2011
The National Certificate: Vocational (NCV) – commenced in 2007
Adult Education and Training qualifications;
The General education and Training Certificate for adults (GETC: ABET)