Interested in engineering but don’t have matric? A national technical certificate could be your answer!
Do you know what the National Technical Certificate (NTC) is? It may be something you’ve heard of but aren’t quite sure what it is. Today we’re going to explore what this certificate is and how it can benefit students.!
The National Technical Certificate gives you the opportunity to work in the engineering field without the engineering credentials attained at other tertiary institutions. This qualification can also give you the opportunity to study further and eventually pursue a higher education qualification in engineering.
Consider studying for a national technical certificate at one of South Africa’s further education and training colleges.
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If you are thinking about pursuing a National Technical Certificate, here is what you need to know.
What is a National Technical Certificate?
National Technical Certificates (NTCs) are certificates offered in specific career and technical education areas. They represent a significant accomplishment by an individual and provide enhanced opportunities for employment or advancement within a chosen field.
NTCs are earned by completing rigorous coursework and demonstrating exemplary competency in a designated area.
National technical certificates are vocational qualifications that one can choose to study at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
TVET Colleges can offer courses in industry fields such as:
- Agriculture
- Arts and Culture
- Business
- Hospitality
- Commerce and Management
- Education
- Training and Development
- Engineering
- Manufacturing and technology
- Services
- Building, Construction and
- Security
These courses are technical and vocational in nature. This just means you receive training with the final goal of enabling you to pursue a specific range of careers.
How do you get a National Technical Certificate?
A national technical certificate, or an N3 certificate, consists of specialised programmes (like Motor Mechanics N3 or Electrician N3).
In order to enrol in an N3 course, you have to have completed both N1 and N2 qualifications – these are introductory courses to the work you will cover in your N3 course.
N1 and N2 Explained
- N1 and N2 certificate courses can both be completed in one year of full-time study, or in two years if you choose to study part-time.
- In order to enrol in an N1 certificate course, you must have successfully completed grade 9, with maths and science.
- You are only able to begin the N2 portion of the course if you have successfully completed the N1 component.
To complete your N3 certificate course, you will have to study for another year, full time.
During this time, you will cover four technical subjects and you will be assessed by your TVET college.
In order to be awarded the qualification, you will have to pass standardised written exams in each of the subjects. At many TVET colleges, you are able to study towards all three of these qualifications in one combined course.
What can I do when I have a National Technical Certificate?
Upon completion of your N3 qualification, you are not able to work in your chosen vocation.
You are, however, well on your way!
When applying to study for a national diploma (N4, N5 and N6 certificates) your N3 qualification will make you an equivalent candidate to someone who holds an NSC (grade 12 certificate) with maths and physical sciences.
National Diploma - N4, N5 & N6
After you have successfully completed all your exams on the N4, N5 and N6 levels, you will have to work in your chosen field for at least 18 months (for skilled trades – as an apprentice) before you are awarded a national diploma.
Once you have been awarded your diploma, you are able to work as a fully qualified person in that field.
NQF's Explained
Want to know more about the different National Qualification Framework levels (NQF's)? Check out our ultimate guide to NQF levels.
Can I go to University with a National Technical Certificate?
An N3 qualification does not give you the ability to apply to study further at a university or university of technology in higher education qualifications in South Africa.
However, the technical NSC, as offered by Technical/TVET colleges, consists of a combination of four N3 subjects and two business languages — languages that are especially related to business and trade, and so are more formal than their conversational counterparts.
You can also elect to study one business language and one other accepted language, as offered by the college.
So if you choose to add these two subjects to your subject list, then you are able to apply to study at some of South Africa’s universities of technology. And if you choose to pursue a national diploma (N4 to N6) you also have the opportunity to progress into higher education at South Africa’s universities.
FundiConnect 2cents
Not being able to complete matric doesn’t mean you cannot become a qualified member of society.
National Technical Certificates and other vocational training teach you skills that are invaluable in many industries such as becoming a plumber, an electrician or even a millwright! This will help you to ensure that you always have a well-paying job.
These qualifications are often very affordable and open to people of all ages, with matric or without.
It is never too late to become qualified in something that really interests you! Have a look at our Studying at Trade Schools in South Africa article to help you get started. If you want to know more about how technical colleges work, have a look at TVET Colleges Explained.
Fund your National Technical Certificate!
If you need assistance with funding, we can help! Fundi offers student financing that covers a range of costs. Try our loan calculator to learn more about how we can help you develop and achieve your goal of becoming a millwright!
