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

If you're wondering how to show your matric certificate on CV, the answer is simple: list it in your Education section as "National Senior Certificate (NSC) – Grade 12", with your school, the year you finished and your pass type. This guide shows you exactly what to write, with copy-and-paste examples, plus what to do if your results are still pending or you didn't finish matric.

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

In South Africa, matric belongs in your Education section. Use the official name so recruiters recognise it straight away:

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) – Grade 12: the current matric qualification.
• Senior Certificate (SC): the older qualification, if you finished school before the NSC.
• Amended Senior Certificate (ASC): if this applies to you.

Where it goes inside Education depends on what else you have:

• No tertiary qualification yet (or a new graduate with very little experience): matric can sit near the top of your Education section.
• A completed diploma or degree: list that first, then matric underneath. Always put your most recent qualification first.

For more on ordering everything in this section, see how to list education on a CV in South Africa.

Want this done neatly without fighting with formatting? Create a free CV on CV Hub, fill in your Education details once, and choose a layout.

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

For most entry-level jobs, learnerships, internships and general work, these basics are enough:

• Qualification: National Senior Certificate (NSC) – Grade 12
• School: your high school's name
• Location: city and province (optional, but helpful)
• Year completed: for example, 2023 or 2024
• Pass type: Bachelor's pass, Diploma pass or Higher Certificate pass (only if you know it)

What the recruiter is checking: many job adverts list "matric" as a minimum requirement. The recruiter is quickly scanning to tick that box. A clear, complete entry makes that easy. A vague one makes them stop and wonder.

Add subjects and results when they make your application stronger. For example, strong English for an admin job, or Maths and Accounting for a finance job.

Copy-and-paste matric entry (basic)

Replace the parts in square brackets. If you're not sure of your pass type, delete that part rather than guessing.

Should you list matric subjects and results on your CV?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on what helps you more for this specific job.

Include subjects and results if:

• You are a school leaver with little or no work experience. Your marks help prove what you can do.
• The job advert asks for specific subjects, for example Maths, Accounting or Physical Sciences.
• You have a standout result that fits the role. For example, strong English for customer service, or strong Maths for data capturing.

Leave subjects and results off if:

• You have relevant work experience. That matters more than school marks.
• Your results are average, the job doesn't ask for them, and you'd rather keep your CV short.
• You finished matric many years ago and are worried about age bias. Keep the entry short and simple.

No work experience yet? Your matric results can do a lot of the work for you. See how to write a CV with no experience for more ideas.

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

Use whichever is clearest and most accurate for you:

• Percentages (for example, 72%) are the easiest for any employer to understand.
• Levels or symbols (for example, Level 6) are fine too, as long as you use them consistently.

Don't mix formats messily, like a percentage for one subject and a level for the next. If you use levels, you can add the percentage in brackets, but only if you're sure it's correct.

Copy-and-paste matric entry (with subjects and results)

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

Your pass type helps recruiters quickly see whether you qualify for further study and some training programmes.

• Bachelor's pass: you meet the minimum requirement to apply for bachelor's degrees. Each programme still has its own requirements.
• Diploma pass: often relevant if you're applying for diploma-level study or certain programmes.
• Higher Certificate pass: still a valid pass. Be clear about it, and focus the rest of your CV on skills, short courses and experience.

Not sure which pass you got? Leave it off and just write "NSC – Completed: [Year]".

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 your final results yet. Write "Results pending" and give the month you expect them.

Copy-and-paste: matric results pending

Only add the "Selected results" line if your term marks or prelim results (the trial exams before finals) are strong. Keep it short and clearly label it as prelim or term marks, not final results.

When your final results come out, change the entry straight away. If your CV is on CV Hub, update your CV profile so every application you send is accurate.

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

This is common, and you can still build a strong CV. Show what you have completed and what you're doing next. You don't need to over-explain.

If you completed some grades but did not pass Grade 12

List the highest grade you completed and the last year you attended:

If you passed certain subjects that matter for the job, you can list them under "Relevant subjects completed". Only do this if you can show proof, such as a school report.

If you are rewriting or upgrading

If you're doing a matric rewrite, upgrade or an equivalent programme, show it as "In progress" and say what you're working towards:

This avoids an unexplained gap and shows employers you're actively improving. For more help with gaps, read how to explain a gap in your CV.

Matric certificate vs statement of results: what to mention

On your CV, you don't need to write "certificate attached" in the Education section. Listing the qualification is enough.

If an employer asks for proof, you can give them:

• Statement of results: often available sooner than the certificate.
• Matric certificate: the final certificate.

Only mention attachments in your application email or cover letter, and only when the employer asks for them. If they want certified copies, see certified copies for a job application.

If you're also writing a letter, keep it short and make sure it matches your CV. Here's a South African example: motivational letter for job application: template and example.

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

Use this full example if you're applying for retail, call centre, admin, general worker, hospitality or entry-level office jobs.

Why this works: the subjects chosen (English, Business Studies, Computer Applications Technology) match what office and customer-facing jobs need. The short course shows the person kept learning after school.

Want to add availability, such as "available immediately; willing to work shifts and weekends"? Put that in your profile at the top of your CV, not in Education. See how to write a personal profile, or look at a full CV for a first job example.

Common mistakes to avoid when listing matric on a CV

• Writing "Matric" with no details. Add NSC/Grade 12, your school and the year at the very least.
• Guessing results or pass type. If you're not sure, leave it out and show proof later if asked.
• Listing every subject when it's not needed. Keep your CV easy to read. Relevance beats volume.
• Using unclear abbreviations. "NSC" is fine, but write "National Senior Certificate" in full the first time.
• Hiding incomplete matric. It's better to list your highest grade completed and show what you're doing next.

Weak vs strong:

• Weak: "Matric – 2024"
• Strong: "National Senior Certificate (NSC) – Grade 12, Glenwood High School, Durban. Completed: 2024 | Pass type: Diploma pass"

The strong version answers every question a recruiter has in one glance. For more errors to watch out for, see common CV mistakes.

Quick checklist: matric certificate on CV

• Education section includes NSC/Grade 12, school, year and location (optional).
• Add your pass type if you know it. Don't guess.
• Add subjects and marks only if they strengthen your application.
• Results pending? Write Results pending with the expected month.
• Didn't finish? List your highest grade completed and any rewrite or upgrade in progress.

Build and format your CV quickly on CV Hub

Want your Education section, including your matric details, to look clean and professional? CV Hub can help you set it up and keep it up to date:

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

Stuck on a technical issue, or unsure what to include? Read the CV Hub FAQ or contact CV Hub.