How to Register for Your Upcoming NBT Test
Some South African universities require both a National Senior Certificate (Matric) and a National Benchmark Test (NBT) score to assess whether students are eligible to attend. If you need to register for your NBT, here’s how to do it.
Introduced in 2008, the NBT is a set of tests designed to measure academic literacy, general knowledge, and mathematical ability to determine readiness for university studies.
The NBT consists of two separate exams:
Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy (AQL): This is a 3-hour multiple-choice test.
Mathematics (MAT): Also a 3-hour multiple-choice test.
If you’re not applying for a degree that requires mathematics, you can write only the AQL. However, if you need to write the MAT, it must be taken along with the AQL; the MAT cannot be written on its own.
Steps to Register for the NBT:
Visit the official NBT website at https://www.nbt.ac.za/, click on “Book Now,” and follow the prompts.
After registration, you will receive an NBT reference number.
Payment can be made at an EasyPay paypoint, where the cost is R125 for the AQL only or R250 for both the AQL and MAT. Your NBT reference number will also serve as your EasyPay reference number for payment.
You will need your ID number to register and must bring your ID card or book on the test day.
The NBT website offers two booklets with sample questions to help you prepare for the tests. Both tests must be taken on the same day, and if you miss your scheduled date, you’ll have to register and pay again.
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