How many subjects do I need to pass the ASC examination, and what are the certificates I can achieve?

To pass your ASC qualification you need to pass 5 of your 6 subjects. There are 4 levels of matric certificates you can obtain with different minimum pass marks.

They are:

• Bachelor’s Degree Pass
• Diploma Pass
• Higher Certificate Pass
• Amended Senior Certificate (ASC) Pass

These passes determine how well you passed and your eligibility to study further at tertiary institutions.

Bachelor’s Degree Pass - A Bachelor’s Pass means that you must have at least achieved:

• 40% in your home language subject
• 50% in four other high credit subjects
• 30% in one other subject

Minimum APS based on these marks: 21

Diploma Pass - A Diploma Pass means you must have scored at least:

• 40% in your home language subject
• 40% in four other high credit subjects
• 30% in one other subject

Minimum APS based on these marks: 17

Higher Certificate Pass - To obtain a Higher Certificate Pass you must have at least achieved:

• 40% in your home language subject
• 40% in two other subjects
• 30% in three other subjects
• You must have English or Afrikaans as a subject to achieve this qualification

Minimum APS based on these marks: 15

Amended Senior Certificate (ASC) Pass - An ASC Pass is the lowest certificate you can achieve and will mean you have passed at least:

• 40% in your home language subject

• 40% in two other subjects

• You can fail your first additional language subject but then you must score:

• 30% in the remaining subjects

• Fail one subject by a maximum of 20%

Minimum APS based on these marks: 14

Please note that each university or higher education course has its own minimum APS score as an entry requirement when applying. Do some research on the course you are interested in studying so you are familiar with how well you need to pass your Amended Senior Certificate (ASC).