Distinguishing Between the NSC and NBT: Key Differences

Have you received your NBT results but are unsure of how to interpret them? We’re here to help. Keep reading to understand more about your National Benchmark Test (NBT) scores and what they mean.

The NBT, established by the National Benchmark Test Project, evaluates a student’s academic literacy, general knowledge, and mathematical skills to determine readiness for university studies.

The NBT includes two tests: Core Maths (MAT) and Academic Quantitative Literacy (AQL). Both are multiple-choice exams, each with a three-hour writing duration. These tests are taken on the same day, and students can choose between English or Afrikaans, based on the language selected during registration.

Once you’ve completed your NBT, your results will be available on the NBT website. To access them, simply log in using your ID number as your username and the password you created when registering. Alternatively, you can email nbt@uct.ac.za to request your results, available four weeks after your test session.

So, what do your NBT results mean? Your score will fall into one of three performance levels:

Proficient – You are well-prepared for university and likely won’t need extra academic support.
Intermediate – You may face some academic challenges at university and could benefit from additional support.
Basic – You are considered underprepared for university-level study.
For more detailed information on the score ranges for each category, you can click here to view the benchmark criteria.

It’s important to note that you don’t need to have passed your matric exams to write the NBT. Institutions typically inform candidates, many of whom are in their matric year, about when to take the test.

While the NBT is valuable for assessing university readiness, your National Senior Certificate (NSC) remains the most crucial document for accessing higher education. Regardless of your NBT performance, earning your NSC is mandatory for admission to tertiary institutions.

For more details about the NBT, contact your chosen institution. To learn more about the NSC, you can visit the Department of Basic Education by clicking here.