To study NATED courses, here is what you will require:
- Matric Certificate – National Senior Certificate or Amended Senior Certificate
- Be at least 16 or older to apply
- Study through distance learning
- Understand, read and write English
Which NATED Courses Can I Study?
If you meet the requirements for studying a NATED course, Matric College offers the following courses that you can choose from
- Business Management: NATED N4 National Certificate
- Business Management: NATED N5 National Certificate
- Business Management: NATED N6 National Certificate
- Business Management: NATED N6 National Diploma
- Marketing Management: NATED N4 National Certificate
- Marketing Management: NATED N5 National Certificate
- Marketing Management: NATED N6 National Certificate
- Marketing Management: NATED N6 National Diploma
- Management Assistant NATED N4 National Certificate
- Management Assistant NATED N5 National Certificate
- Management Assistant NATED N6 National Certificate
- Management Assistant NATED N6 National Diploma
Why Was The NATED Programme Introduced?
The programme was introduced by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to fill a skills gap that had been identified in the job marketplace. Here are four elements that set NATED courses apart from the others:
- Courses are career-oriented
- There is a practical element
- Students are work-ready on completion of a course
- The courses build on each other and are in levels:
- N4
- N5
- N6
- N6 Diploma
How Am I Assessed?
The assessments of NATED courses are in two parts, and these are:
- Assignments
- Exams
Assignments
There are three open-book assignments for each of your subjects. Prepare and submit the assignments in time. The minimum pass mark for your assignments is 50%.
Exams
Exams for NATED courses are held twice a year. Exams are held in May / June and October / November. Registration for the May / June exams is in February, while registration for the October / November exams are in August.
How Does The Logbook System Work?
The logbook details the type of work experience that the student needs to complete and provides evidence of the work having been done.
For example, the following can be the work experience that the student needs to have:
- Drafting and recommending strategies to remain competitive in an industry
- Observing, determining, and analysing competitors’ strengths and weaknesses
Here is the Supporting Evidence that is needed for that scope of work having being done is the following:
- Presentation / Report / Memo / Guideline on strategies to remain competitive in the industry
- Report on the identification of competitors – weak and strong points
Why Should I Study NATED Courses?
Here is why you should study NATED courses:
- You can learn and work at the same time
- A certificate is awarded at every level
- Course offer theory and practical
- It is a gateway to further studies
- You improve your CV
- You can gain soft skills
Skills That You Can Gain When You Study NATED Courses
Here are some of the skills that you can gain when you study NATED courses:
- Leadership skills
- Technical skills
- Organisational skills
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
Leadership Skills
When you study a NATED course, you can gain leadership skills. As a leader, you will be responsible for motivating your team to achieve certain goals. Managers and team leaders are often required to oversee the activities of all the departments under them. Leadership skills will involve:
- Delegating tasks
- Motivating team members
- Training team members
- Setting strategic goals
Computer Skills
Most professions demand that you use the computer and specific software tools. A basic understanding of how these technologies work will go a long way in proving your efficiency. Knowledge of the use of the computer is of utmost importance, as it can assist you with the following:
- Communication
- Storing information
- Producing reports
- Research
Organisational Skills
As an employee, you will need to have good organisational skills. These skills are beneficial as you will get to manage multiple tasks or projects at the same time. Good organisational skills can help you achieve the following:
- Create deadlines
- Adhere to schedules
- Keep track of tasks
Communication Skills
As a NATED graduate, you should be able to communicate ideas, expectations and requests clearly and effectively. You can communicate with staff and customers. You should be able to communicate at all levels.
Problem-Solving Skills
This is a very important skill in the work environment. At times, you will not be expected to consult your boss on all issues, but to solve problems on your own. Solving problems on your own can make your superiors more confident in you.
How Long Is A NATED Course?
It will take you about 18 – 36 months to complete the NATED Programme. Here is the breakdown of the duration:
| LEVEL | DURATION |
| N4 National Certificate | 6 – 12 months |
| N5 National Certificate | 6 -12 months |
| N6 National Certificate | 6- 12 months |
| Practical Work Experience | 18 months |
Which Colleges Offer NATED Courses?
Matric College offers NATED courses. Remember that Matric College is a distance learning institution. This means that you do not attend any classes. Study material is delivered to your doorstep.
Is Distance Learning For Me?
Yes, distance learning is for you. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider studying through distance learning:
- Flexibility
- No transport costs
- Get Promoted
- Gain Experience
Flexibility
You study at the pace and time that suits you best. You fix your own study timetable. It is recommended that you stick to your timetable. You can also study wherever you want to. Just make sure that you are in a quiet place that has no disturbances.
No Transport Costs
Since there are no classes to attend physically, you will save money on transport. The savings can go towards paying for your tuition. Remember that in these COVID-19 times, when you stay home, you stay safe.
Get Promoted
When you study and go to work at the same time, your chances of getting promoted are high. Your employer will be more than happy for you to implement the skills and knowledge that you are gaining at the workplace.
Work and Learn
The beauty of studying through distance learning is that you can learn and work at the same time. There is no need to quit your job so that you can study. Work, learn and get promoted at the workplace.
Benefits Of Studying At Matric College
To ensure that you succeed in earning your NATED Qualifications, here is how you can benefit at Matric College:
- We provide you with textbooks
- We provide you with expertly written study notes
- Access to tutors
- Access to student support services from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm Monday to Friday
- Assistance with exam preparations
What Is The Difference Between N Levels And NQF Levels?
N Levels are specific to NATED Courses. N Levels do not indicate any National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level. They indicate the level of a NATED course that you are studying. N levels, as matched to the NQF levels, are as follows:
| N LEVEL | NQF LEVEL |
| N1 | NQF LEVEL 2 |
| N2 | NQF LEVEL 3 |
| N3 | NQF LEVEL 4 |
| N4 | NQF LEVEL 5 |
| N5 | NQF LEVEL 5 |
| N6 | NQF LEVEL 5 |
| N6 National Diploma | NQF LEVEL 6 |
Can I Go To University With N6 Certificate?
No, you cannot go to university with an N6 Certificate. You need to achieve a Bachelor’s Degree pass level in Matric to apply for admission at a University.
Can I Be A Manager Right Out Of College?
No, you cannot be a manager right out of college. You can get an entry-level Management Assistant job straight out of college. You will have to work your way up the corporate ladder. Furthermore, you will need experience and perhaps further studies.
What Is A NATED Certificate?
When you complete a NATED course, you will be awarded a NATED Certificate. This is because you gained your Certificate under the NATED Programme. Remember, NATED Qualifications are also known as National Qualifications.
Author: Collin Wilbesi
Editor: Connor Bergsma
Date Published: June 13, 2022