More than 71,000 full-time students in the Western Cape are preparing to take the 2026 National Certificate examinations, which will begin on October 13th. The province confirmed that the 2026 National Certificate examination period will run from October to November.
These graduates will undergo their final assessments in exactly 30 days. The exams start on October 13th with the Computer Applications Technology (CAT) subject and conclude on November 25th. A total of 71,300 students are registered in the province to participate in the assessment.
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is organizing preparations for 485 examination centers for this crucial assessment period. As part of the provincial operations, approximately 2,600 public observers and 3,857 markers will be involved.
A total of 123 examination papers will be administered. The Minister of Education for the Western Cape, Jaco Londt, noted that teachers, tutors, and staff have been actively working to prepare candidates for the final stage of their school careers.
Preparation of 485 centers for examinations
Out of the total 485 examination centers, 477 are secondary schools, seven are primary schools, and one center is designated for partial candidates and is located in a correctional facility.
Furthermore, the province has enhanced academic support before the exams: over 31,000 graduates attended winter schools during the mid-year holidays. These sessions were held across all eight education districts and covered various subjects.
Additional revision classes are planned during the upcoming third-term holidays to assist candidates in their final preparation. WCED has also provided candidates access to previous examination papers and memoranda, study guides, video lessons, and subject-specific materials.
Call for focus
With only a month left until the exams begin, Londt strongly urged candidates to avoid distractions and concentrate fully on the upcoming tests. He stated: 'This is your moment. Breathe, absorb the information, and dedicate the necessary time and effort. Time for celebration will come later.'
He added: 'Stay disciplined and focused for now; your hard work will pay off. The Western Cape supports you every step of the way!' Parents, guardians, and the community were also asked to protect students' study time in the final weeks before the exams.
Londt requested: 'I want to appeal to parents, guardians, and communities to work with us to support our learners during this time. Let us not disrupt their precious study time or do anything that could negatively affect their concentration.'
WCED acknowledges exam pressure
The department acknowledged that the final countdown can create heightened stress among candidates and urged struggling students to seek help. Londt emphasized: 'We know how stressful this period can be for students. We urge those who are struggling, or adults concerned about a student's mental health, to contact WCED for assistance.'
School staff can receive support from district support groups, and the School Safety Hotline can connect students with relevant government agencies and non-governmental organizations. Candidates have one month of preparation time before the first papers are written on October 13th, marking the start of a more than six-week examination period that concludes on November 25th.
