PagineSouth Africa CAPS Hub: Practice Tests from Grade R to Matric
All public schools in South Africa follow the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). Choose a grade for five full practice tests in every core subject, plus guides to the National Senior Certificate (matric), the IEB, the General Education Certificate and systemic evaluations.
- 340 practice tests
- 4 exam guides
- Printable answer keys
- Free
Choose a level
Exams at a glance
| Exam | Subjects | When |
|---|---|---|
| National Senior Certificate (NSC / matric) | Seven subjects, including two official languages, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and Life Orientation | October–November of Grade 12 (2026: a record 962,832 candidates); results in January |
| IEB National Senior Certificate | Same subjects as the DBE NSC, examined by the Independent Examinations Board | October–November |
| General Education Certificate (Grade 9) | Learner achievement across subjects plus assessments of competencies and talents | Grade 9, being phased in by the DBE |
| Systemic Evaluation (Grades 3, 6 and 9) | Language and Mathematics | Sample-based, in selected years |
How the school system works
CAPS sets out what is taught in each subject and grade, organised into four phases: Foundation (Grade R–3), Intermediate (4–6), Senior (7–9) and Further Education and Training (FET, 10–12). The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is phasing in a Grade 9 General Education Certificate to help learners choose academic, technical-vocational or occupational pathways; it is not an exit point from school.
Grade R (reception) and Grades 1–12. Learners choose subjects in Grade 10, including Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and write the National Senior Certificate at the end of Grade 12.
Finishing school: The NSC requires seven subjects, including two official languages (one at Home Language level), Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy and Life Orientation. Passes are graded as Higher Certificate, Diploma or Bachelor’s pass.
Official curriculum: Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS)
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Frequently asked questions
What is CAPS?
The Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement is the national curriculum for every subject from Grade R to 12. Provinces run schools, but the curriculum and the NSC exams are national.
What is the GEC?
The General Education Certificate is a Grade 9 qualification being phased in by the DBE. It records learners’ achievements and helps them choose a pathway for Grades 10–12. The DBE stresses that it is not a school-leaving certificate.
Are these official tests?
All questions and passages are original and written for Pagine to match the published curriculum. Pagine is not affiliated with any government, ministry, department of education, exam board or assessment body. Not official tests.