}
In South Africa, there are not many job opportunities. If you don’t have a matric certificate, your chances are even worse to be successful!
Unfortunately due to pressure and bullying, some kids drop out of school at a young age, and when they finally decide what they want to do with their lives, they don’t have the opportunity to go back to school because of their age.
This is where the GED comes in!
GED and matric comparison
The GED is an equivalent qualification to a matric certificate. (Grade 12)
The value of a matric qualification is equal to an NQFL 4 qualification and the GED is of the same value.
If you want to go to university, you will need an NQFL 5 qualification. If you are in school and you are completing a matric, it is necessary to have the correct subjects so that your matric can give you enough credits to achieve that qualification.
If you don’t have the correct subjects, you cannot go to university and you have matric with the value of an NQFL4.
When you complete your GED you will also receive an NQFL4 qualification. The GED is thus the same as a matric without exemption.
So what exactly is the GED?
The GED test includes exams on four different topics:
• Maths
• Reasoning through language arts
• Science
• Social studies
Once you pass all four exams on the GED test, you’ve earned your GED credential. Students write the exams at an external center of their choice.
What to do after the GED?
Once you received your GED certificate, there are plenty of opportunities available for you to better yourself academically, and even further your studies at a college or university.
Most colleges will accept you with only a GED, but it is wise to contact the desired institution and ask them about their requirements.
If you want to go to university in South Africa, you will need to upgrade the NQFL4 qualification to an NQFL5 qualification.
This can easily be done by completing a career-orientated course called a higher certificate.
What is a higher certificate?
A higher certificate is a course that a student can complete before they go to university. There are plenty of higher certificates available online and can be completed in a short period of time.
If you want to study to become a teacher for example it is best if you can find a higher certificate based on childhood development or similar that will help you in your career.
Ultimately the GED Plus the Higher certificate will get you the NQFL5 qualification you need to get into university.
What do you need to do if you want to study overseas?
If you want to study internationally you will need to complete the SAT.
The SAT is a standardized test that focuses on Language, Reading, and Math skills.
You cannot fail the SAT test, but you need to get the highest score possible to give you enough credit.
In the past, the SAT was required with the GED and both of these would give you an NQFL5 qualification. This has however changed completely and is no longer a viable option. The SAT was basically just replaced with the Higher certificate.
Don't feel bad if you couldn't finish school. There are plenty of entrepreneurs out there that left school because they had other goals in life, but if you are now at a point where you actually want to further your education, then the GED might be the right solution for you!
