The following learners qualify to register for the Senior Certificate exams for adults:

Adult learners who are 21 years and older:

1. A General Education and Training Certificate (GETC) for Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET); or
2. A Grade 9 (Standard 7) school report, stating that they have passed Grade 9; or
3. A recognized equivalent qualification obtained at NQF Level 1, which requires two official languages.

Adult learners who are 21 years and older who have passed some subjects for a Senior Certificate or a National Senior Certificate, who:

1. Need to complete a Senior Certificate qualification;
2. Have an incomplete National Senior Certificate, and whose School-Based Assessment (SBA) has expired;
3. Candidates who did the NSC in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 may apply to register.

In exceptional cases, Youth who are 18 to 20 years old and who are not in school can apply to the Head of Education in the province to write the exams if they have one of the following:
(Candidates cannot register online and must register by completing an application form)

1. A General Education and Training Certificate (GETC) for Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET); or
2. A Grade 9 (Standard 7) school report, stating that they have passed Grade 9; or
3. A recognized equivalent qualification obtained at NQF Level 1, which requires two official languages.