Umalusi stops issuing N3 and NC(V) Level 2-3 certificates

Umalusi has confirmed that 2025 was the final year in which it issued new National Technical Certificate (N3) certificates, bringing an end to a long-standing qualification stream as part of changes in South Africa’s post-school education system.

The announcement was made by Umalusi Chief Executive Officer Dr Mafu Rakometsi during a briefing on the 2025 end-of-year national assessments and examinations in January 2026, in line with Government Gazette 49518.

Umalusi is South Africa’s Quality Council for General and Further Education and Training and is responsible for assuring the quality of qualifications within the General and Further Education and Training Qualifications Sub-framework (GFETQSF).

Dr Rakometsi said the briefing aimed to clarify two key policy developments affecting the National Certificate (Vocational) [NC(V)] Levels 2–4 and the NATED Report 190/191 Engineering Studies (N2–N3) programmes, both administered by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

He explained that the N1–N3 programmes entered a formal phase-out period on 1 January 2024, with 31 December 2023 marking the final date for new candidate registrations.

As a result, Umalusi will no longer issue new N3 certificates. However, Rakometsi stressed that the organisation will continue to re-issue or replace previously awarded certificates where necessary.

“We want to reassure the public that the currency of the already issued N3 certificates will not be eroded by these developments,” he said. “All validly issued N3 certificates remain recognised.”

NC(V) examinations

Umalusi also provided an update on changes affecting the NC(V) Levels 2 and 3 examinations, following earlier directives published in Government Gazette 53015.

Dr Rakometsi said the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, issued a new directive on 17 December 2025 after considering recommendations from the Umalusi Council.

“According to the directive, Umalusi will no longer issue certificates for learners registered for the November 2025 and future NC(V) Levels 2 and 3 examinations,” Rakometsi said. “Instead, the DHET will issue statements of results to confirm learning achievements.”

Umalusi will continue to externally quality assure and certify NC(V) Level 4 examinations.

Warning to prospective students

Umalusi also cautioned prospective students against enrolling at unaccredited institutions.

Working with sister Quality Councils — the Council on Higher Education, the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations, and the South African Qualifications Authority — Umalusi has intensified public awareness efforts.

For more information visit www.umalusi.org.za