The NATED N4 National Qualification is not equivalent to any other qualification because it was designed by the DHET for a specific purpose. This means that the course has unique learning processes and outcomes. Qualifications that are equivalent share similar learning processes and outcomes. Therefore, the NATED N4 National Certificate is not equivalent to other qualifications because it has its own learning processes and outcomes.
What Is An N4 Qualification In South Africa?
An N4 Qualification is referred to as a NATED N4 National Certificate. This is a qualification designed by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to give theoretical and practical education to students. The DHET saw a gap in youth unemployment in South Africa and designed this to get more students ready for work.
Is N4 A Degree?
No, the NATED N4 National Certificate is not a Degree Qualification but a National Certificate. The Qualification in at National Qualification Framework (NQF) Level 5. A Degree Qualification is at NQF Level 7.
How Many Credits Does N4 Have?
The NATED N4 National Certificate has 60 credits.
How Long Does It Take To Complete N4?
It takes 6 to 12 months to complete a NATED N4 National Certificate.
What Do I Study After N4?
After the NATED N4 National Certificate, you can study the NATED N5 National Certificate. At Matric College, we offer the following National Qualifications:
- NATED N4 National Certificate
- NATED N5 National Certificate
- NATED N6 National Certificate
- NATED N6 National Diploma
Our NATED courses at Matric College are offered in partnership with Bellview Institute of Distance Learning.
These Qualifications build on each other. You must study the NATED N4 National Certificate first and when you have completed it, you can study the NATED N5 National Certificate. Once you have completed the NATED N5 National Certificate, you can study the NATED N6 National Certificate. Once you have completed the NATED N6 National Certificate, you can complete the last qualification, which is the NATED N6 National Diploma.
The NATED N6 National Diploma is not a course but a qualification. To complete this qualification, you must complete 18 months of work experience. Here is how you can complete the work experience:
- Register on the iWIL website
- The iWIL website is designed by the Department of Higher Education and Training
- The purpose of the website is to help students find volunteer work where they can gain experience
- Once you have registered, you will receive a job in a company at which you will complete your work experience
- We will send you a logbook that you must complete throughout your work experience
- You do not have to apply for a logbook, we automatically send you one
- The manager of the business overseeing your work experience must sign off the logbook
- Send the logbook back to us, and we will send it to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) for approval
- Once the DHET has approved your logbook, they will send you your NATED N6 National Diploma
Below is an infographic to explain this information:
| Qualification | Requirements To Study | Course Duration | Qualification Awarded | Reasons For Qualification Awarded |
| N4 NATED Certificate ONLY | Must have a Matric certificate to study | Study for 6 to 12 months | Get awarded the N4 NATED Certificate | You do not need to complete 6 months of work experience to get an N4 Certificate |
| N5 NATED Certificate ONLY | Must have N4 NATED Certificate to study | Study for 6 to 24 months | Get awarded the N5 NATED Certificate | You do not need to complete work experience to get an N5 Certificate |
| N6 NATED Certificate ONLY | Must have an N5 NATED Certificate to study | Study for 6 to 36 months | Get awarded the N6 NATED Certificate | You do not need to complete work experience to get an N6 Certificate |
| N6 NATED National Diploma | Must have N4 NATED Certificate, N5 NATED Certificate and N6 NATED Certificate | Complete 18 months of work experience | Get awarded N6 NATED National Diploma | Must complete 18 months of work experience and have a logbook or letter approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training to get an N6 National Diploma |
Benefits Of Studying At Matric College
- The convenience of studying at home
- Cut transport costs
- You can study at your own pace
- Organise your own study sessions
- Obtain accredited qualifications
- Help is available from tutors
How Do I Get My N4 Certificate?
You receive your NATED N4 National Certificate from us. Once you have completed the NATED N4 National Certificate, we send your results to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Once the DHET has approved the results, they send us your N4 Certificate, and we award it to you. We host graduation ceremonies through online platforms to celebrate your big achievements.
How Long Does It Take To Complete N4 To N6?
It takes 18 to 36 months to complete the N4 to N6 Qualifications. It takes 6 to 18 months to complete the:
- NATED N4 National Certificate
- NATED N5 National Certificate
- NATED N6 National Certificate
It takes 18 months to complete the NATED N6 National Diploma.
What Can I Do With N4?
You can use a NATED N4 National Certificate to do the following:
- Further your studies
- Find employment
Further Your Studies
You can use a NATED N4 National Certificate to further your studies at Matric College. You can study for the NATED N5 National Certificate. Once you have completed this, you can choose to study further or find employment.
Find Employment
You can use a NATED N4 National Certificate to find employment. You will be a suitable candidate because of the following:
- You have accredited qualifications
- You gained a quality education
- You have enough skills and knowledge
Can I Apply With N4 At University?
No, you can not apply to a university with an N4 NATED National Certificate. You need a Matric Bachelor’s pass to apply. Your acceptance depends on whether you meet the requirements of the university and the course you applied for.
Is N4 The Same As Matric?
No, the N4 NATED National Certificate is not the same as Matric. The N4 NATED National Certificate is an N4 Qualification. This should not be confused with NQF Level 4. A Matric Certificate is at NQF Level 4 while an N4 Qualification is at NQF Level 5. The two qualifications are not the same.
Author: Mulisa Nethononda
Editor: Amy Venter
Date Published: April 13, 2022