Once a student completes their matric, they are awarded a National Senior Certificate (NSC) that serves as proof that they have completed high schooling and can advance to post high school options. Students will need their certificate for job applications and for post high school studies and should, therefore, ensure that it is kept safe and secure upon receipt.
However, if a student does end up losing their certificate, there are ways that they can replace it. The following steps are how to apply for a replacement of your Matric/Grade 12 certificate:
- Go to your nearest Department of Education to obtain an application form or visit the website of the National Department of Basic Education: http://www.education.gov.za/
- If using the website, students can search 'Certification Services'.
- Under 'Application Forms', click 'Replacement: Lost or damaged', and this will navigate you to a word application file.
- Download and print the application file to be submitted alongside your other necessary documents to the address listed on the application.
- You must bring a signed affidavit from the police station along with your application, which states the status of the original certificate, e.g. whether it was stolen or lost in a move.
- You must also bring a certified copy of your ID as well as proof of payment of administration fees. The administration fee is payable with a request for a certificate, the amount you have to pay is confirmed by the accredited assessment body and is reviewed on a yearly basis.
If you were an IEB or SACAI student, you should apply directly to these bodies. If by some chance you find your lost certificate, the old certificate becomes invalid. The processing time is about 1-6 weeks under normal circumstances.
If you are applying to replace a certificate that was issued prior to November 1992. You can request this at any Department of Education. The replacement certificate will not be printed by Umalusi but rather the relevant Assessment.
The processing time is 1-3 weeks under normal circumstances.
