Matric certificate on CV: how to list it (subjects, symbols, pass type)

If you’re wondering where to put your matric certificate on cv, the safest approach is simple: add it in your Education section as “National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Grade 12”, include your school name, year completed, pass type (for example, Bachelor’s pass), and—only if it helps the job—your subjects and results (symbols/percentages). This article shows you exactly what to write, plus what to do if you’re still waiting for results or didn’t finish matric.

Where to put matric on your CV (and what to call it)

In South Africa, matric belongs in your Education section. Most employers recognise these labels:

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) – Grade 12
• Senior Certificate (SC) (older qualification)
• Amended Senior Certificate (ASC) (if applicable)

If you have no tertiary qualification yet (or you’re a graduate with very limited experience), matric can sit near the top of your Education section. If you have a completed qualification like a diploma/degree, list that first, then matric underneath.

If you need a place to structure all of this cleanly, create a free CV on CV Hub and fill the Education fields once—then format it neatly with your chosen layout.

How to list matric on CV (the minimum information employers expect)

For most entry-level roles, learnerships, internships, and general work applications, include these basics:

• Qualification: National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Grade 12
• School: High school name
• Location: City/Province (optional, but helpful)
• Year completed: 2023, 2024, etc.
• Pass type: Bachelor’s pass / Diploma pass / Higher Certificate pass (if known)

This is usually enough. You can add subjects and results when they strengthen your application (for example, applying for admin with strong English, or applying for finance with Maths/Accounting).

Copy-and-paste matric entry (basic)

National Senior Certificate (NSC) – Grade 12 Glenwood High School, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Completed: 2024 | Pass type: Bachelor’s pass

Should you list matric subjects and results on your CV?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Include subjects and results if:

• You are a school leaver with limited work experience (results help prove ability).
• The job advert asks for specific subjects (for example, Maths, Accounting, Physical Sciences).
• You have a standout result that supports the role (for example, strong English for customer service, strong Maths for data capturing).

Leave subjects/results off if:

• You have relevant work experience that matters more than marks.
• Your results are average and not required, and you’d rather keep the CV short.
• You are worried about age bias and your matric year is far back—keep it minimal.

How to format matric results on CV (symbols vs percentages)

Use whichever is clearest and most accurate for you:

• Percentages (e.g., 72%) are easy to understand.
• Symbols/levels (e.g., Level 6) are acceptable if you’re consistent.

Avoid mixing formats in a messy way. If you do use levels, you can include the percentage in brackets if you’re sure it’s correct.

Copy-and-paste matric entry (with subjects and symbols/percentages)

National Senior Certificate (NSC) – Grade 12 Glenwood High School, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Completed: 2024 | Pass type: Bachelor’s pass

• English Home Language – 74% (Level 6)
• Afrikaans First Additional Language – 63% (Level 5)
• Mathematics – 61% (Level 5)
• Life Sciences – 70% (Level 6)
• Business Studies – 73% (Level 6)
• Life Orientation – 82% (Level 7)

Tip: If space is tight, list only the most relevant 3–5 subjects and omit Life Orientation unless the employer asks for it.

How to write your pass type (Bachelor’s pass, Diploma pass, Higher Certificate)

If you know your pass type, it can help recruiters quickly understand your eligibility for further study and some training programmes.

• Bachelor’s pass: You meet the minimum requirement to apply for bachelor’s degrees (programme-specific requirements still apply).
• Diploma pass: Often relevant if you’re applying to diploma-level study or certain programmes.
• Higher Certificate pass: Still valid—just be clear and focus your CV on skills, short courses, and experience.

If you’re not sure, you can leave the pass type off and list only “NSC – Completed: Year”. Don’t guess—incorrect details can cause issues if an employer asks for proof.

What if you’re still waiting for matric results?

You can still apply for jobs. The key is to be honest and specific. Don’t write “Completed” if you don’t have final results yet.

Copy-and-paste: matric results pending

National Senior Certificate (NSC) – Grade 12 Glenwood High School, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Status: Results pending (expected: January 2026)

If you have your term marks or prelim results and they’re strong, you can add a short line such as:

Selected results (prelim): English HL 70%, Maths 62%

Keep it tight and clearly labelled as prelim/term, not final. If you maintain your CV on CV Hub, use update your CV profile when results are released so your applications stay accurate.

What if you did not finish matric (or you failed)?

This is common—and you can still build a strong CV. The goal is to show what you have completed and what you’re doing next, without over-explaining.

If you completed some grades but did not pass Grade 12

List the highest grade completed and the last year attended. Example:

High school Glenwood High School, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Highest grade completed: Grade 11 (2023)

If you passed certain subjects that matter to the job, you can list them under a “Relevant subjects completed” bullet list, but only if you can back it up.

If you are rewriting or upgrading

If you’re doing an upgrade, rewrite, or equivalent programme, show it as “In progress” and include what you’re working towards:

National Senior Certificate (NSC) – Matric rewrite/upgrade In progress (2026) Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences

This prevents a gap and tells employers you’re actively improving.

How to mention your matric certificate vs statement of results

On a CV, you don’t need to write “certificate attached” in the Education section. It’s enough to list the qualification. If an employer asks, you can provide:

• Statement of results (often available sooner)
• Matric certificate (final certificate)

Only mention attachments in your application email or cover letter when required. If you’re also writing a letter, keep it short and aligned with your CV. You can see a South African example structure here: Motivational letter for job application: template + example (South Africa).

Worked example: Education section for a school leaver (copy and adapt)

Use this as a complete example if you’re applying for retail, call centre, admin, general worker, hospitality, or entry-level office roles.

EDUCATION

National Senior Certificate (NSC) – Grade 12 Glenwood High School, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Completed: 2024 | Pass type: Diploma pass

• English Home Language – 72%
• Mathematics Literacy – 78%
• Business Studies – 70%
• Computer Applications Technology – 67%

Short course Basic Computer Skills (MS Word, Email, Internet) – 2025

Optional line if relevant: Prefers entry-level roles; available immediately; willing to work shifts/weekends.

Common mistakes to avoid when listing matric on a CV

• Writing “Matric” with no details: Add NSC/Grade 12, school, and year at minimum.
• Guessing results or pass type: If you’re not sure, leave it out and provide proof later if requested.
• Listing every subject when it’s not needed: Keep your CV readable—relevance beats volume.
• Using unclear abbreviations: “NSC” is fine, but write it out once first.
• Hiding incomplete matric: It’s better to list the highest grade completed and show what you’re doing next.

Quick checklist: matric certificate on CV

• Education section includes: NSC/Grade 12, school, year, location (optional)
• Add pass type if you know it (don’t guess)
• Add subjects and marks only if it strengthens your application
• If results are pending: clearly write Results pending with an expected date
• If not completed: list highest grade completed and any rewrite/upgrade in progress

Build and format your CV quickly on CV Hub

If you want your Education section (including matric details) to look clean and professional, CV Hub can help you structure it and keep it updated:

• Create a free CV if you’re starting from scratch
• Choose a CV design that fits entry-level applications
• Update your CV profile when your results change

If you run into a technical issue or you’re unsure what to include, read the CV Hub FAQ or contact CV Hub.