Matric Equivalent Certificates 

Studying a Matric equivalent qualification can open up other avenues of life for you. It can be a requirement for job opportunities or for further studies.

Matric Equivalent Certificate qualifications are deemed to be equivalent to a Matric. The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) which is administered by the South African Qualification Authority, groups qualifications according to learning experiences. On the NQF, Matric is levelled at 4. 

This means that any qualification that is at NQF level 4 is equivalent to a Matric. Here are the certificates that are equivalent to a Matric:

What NQF Level Is Matric?

Matric is at NQF level 4. The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) groups similar learning experiences on the same level. All qualifications from Grade 9 to a Doctorate Degree are levelled from level 1 to 10. Grade 9 is the lowest level and a Doctorate Degree is the highest level. You can find out what your NQF 

The table below shows all the NQF levels and the associated qualifications:

NQF LEVELQUALIFICATION
NQF Level 1Grade 9
NQF Level 2Grade 10
NQF Level 3Grade 11
NQF Level 3Grade 11
NQF Level 4Grade 12 or Matric Equivalent Certificates
NQF Level 5Higher Certificates
NQF Level 6Diploma or Advanced Certificates
NQF Level 7Advanced Diplomas or Bachelor’s Degrees
NQF Level 8Post Graduate Diplomas or Honours Degrees
NQF Level 9Master’s Degrees
NQF Level 10Doctoral Degrees

Are Credits And NQF Levels The Same?

No, credits and NQF levels are not the same. Credits refer to the number of estimated hours that are required to achieve the learning outcomes. The estimated hours include study time, assignments and examinations.

For example, two qualifications can be at the same NQF level but at the same time have different credits. What this means is that though the learning outcomes may be the same the time spent to achieve the learning outcomes can be different. The system rates 10 hours as equivalent to 1 credit. 

Here are the credits for Matric and Matric Equivalent Certificates:

Where Can I Study A Matric Equivalent Certificate?

You can study for a Matric Equivalent qualification at Matric College. Matric College is a distance learning college. This means that you will not be attending classes. We will send you learning material that you can study at home. We will give you all the necessary support to make sure that you succeed. 

What Are The Requirements For Studying For A Matric Equivalent Qualification?

Here are the requirements for studying a Matric Equivalent qualification:

Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate

  • Grade 10 or Grade 10 Equivalent Certificate 
  • Be able to read, write and understand English 
  • Be able to study through distance learning
  • Be at least 16 years of age

With the above requirement you will first study for the Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate which will then qualify you to study the Bookkeeping ICB FET Certificate

Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate

  • Grade 11 OR complete our ICB Bridging Course (Junior Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate)
  • Be at least 16 years or older
  • Be comfortable studying through distance learning
  • Understand, read and write in English

What Can I Do With A Matric Equivalent Qualification?

Here is what you can do with a Matric equivalent qualification:

  • Study further
  • Look for employment opportunities

Study Further

Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate

Here is what you can study further with this Matric Equivalent qualification

Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate

Here is what you can study further with this Matric Equivalent qualification:

Look For Employment Opportunities

With your Matric equivalent qualifications you can look for employment opportunities.

Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate

Here are some of the career options that you can consider:

  • Bookkeeper
  • Junior Accountant
  • Finance Clerk
  • Credit Assistant
  • Junior Business manager
  • Financial Services Officer
  • Sales assistant

Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate

Here are some of the career options that you can consider:

  • Human Resources Assistant
  • Office Manager
  • Sales Administrator
  • Customer Care Assistant
  • Front Office Clerk
  • Office Researcher
  • Legal Clerk

Why You Should Study A Matric Equivalent Qualification

Here is why you should study an ICB course: 

You Gain A Scarce Skill

By studying a Matric equivalent qualification you will gain a scarce skill. A scarce skill is always in demand. When a skill is in demand it also has a lot of benefits like a good salary and other lucrative perks. Your chances of securing employment are also high.

Recognised By Employers

The beauty of ICB courses is that they are recognised by employers. As it is a scarce skill, employers are always in search of ICB qualification holders. 

Further Studies

A Matric equivalent qualification can open up other doors for further studies. It can also open up other life opportunities which require a Matric equivalent qualification.

The Courses Are Accredited

All ICB courses are accredited. Accreditation means that an official body has assessed and concluded that the course meets the requirements of the national standard and quality of education in the country. 

Internationally and Locally Recognised

Here are other professional bodies that recognise the two Matric equivalent qualifications

  • ACCA – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants – UK
  • CIMA – Chartered Institute of Management Accountants – UK
  • IAB – International Association of Bookkeepers – UK
  • IAAP – International Association of Accounting Professionals – UK
  • SAIT – South African Institute of Tax Practitioners
  • SAIBA – South African Institute Of Business Accountants

Flexible Course Entry Requirements

The academic entrance requirements to the two courses are very flexible. Other entry  requirements are:

  • Be able to read, write and understand English 
  • Be able to study through distance learning
  • Be at least 16 years of age

Why You Should Study Matric Equivalent Courses With Matric College

Here is why you should study matric equivalent courses at Matric College

  • Matric College is accredited by the ICB
  • We will provide you with the study material that is, textbooks and study notes
  • Our tutors are geared to make you pass the first time
  • You can also work as you study with us 
  • ICB courses offered by Matric College are completed via distance learning
  • You can complete your course earlier than the recommended study duration
  • As an accredited learning provider we are always up updated with changes
  • Our study materials are expertly written
  • We will offer you academic support every weekday from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm
  • We will offer you exam when you are ready for your exams

Author: Collin Wilbesi
Editor: Connor Bergsma
Date Published: June 13, 2022