Key Takeaways: The Two Ladders
- The “Artisan” Ladder (N1 – N3): This is for students who want to become Electricians, Fitters, or Mechanics. You can enter with Grade 9, 10, or 11, or Matric with Math Lit.
- The “Technician” Ladder (N4 – N6): This is for students who want a Diploma and a white-collar engineering job. You generally need Matric with Pure Maths and Physical Science.
- The Math Lit Rule: If you passed Matric with Math Literacy, you cannot jump straight to N4 Engineering. You must start at N1 or N2 to build your mathematical foundation.
- The “GCC Ticket”: If you dream of becoming a Government Certified Engineer (GCC), you must choose specific subjects (like Fluid Mechanics and Strength of Materials) at N6 level.
In the TVET world, “Engineering” is not just one thing. It is split into two distinct pathways: the Trade Route (N1-N3) and the Diploma Route (N4-N6).
Many students waste money applying for N4 Electrical Engineering, only to be rejected because they have Math Literacy. Others apply for N1 when they actually qualify for N4, wasting 18 months of their lives.
Whether you want to wire houses (Artisan) or manage a factory (Technician), here is the definitive guide to the admission requirements for 2026.
1. N1 – N3 Requirements (The Artisan Route)
This pathway is designed to give you the theory you need to pass a Trade Test. It is the “Second Chance” for students who didn’t get good Matric results.
Entry Requirements:
- Grade 9 Pass: Must have passed Mathematics and Natural Science (50%+).
- OR Grade 10/11: With Maths or Math Lit.
- OR Matric (NSC): With Math Literacy or Technical Maths.
Why start here?
If you have Math Literacy, TVET colleges will not allow you into N4. The N4 mathematics curriculum includes complex calculus and trigonometry that Math Lit does not cover. By starting at N1 or N2, you learn the “Trade Maths” required to handle the higher levels.
Goal: Complete N2 (for Trade Test access) or N3 (to qualify for N4).
2. N4 – N6 Requirements (The Diploma Route)
This pathway leads to the National N Diploma. It is more academic and focuses on design, calculation, and management.
Entry Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (Matric):
- Mathematics: Level 4 (50%) or higher. (Math Lit is usually REJECTED).
- Physical Science: Level 4 (50%) or higher.
- OR N3 Certificate: A passed N3 in the relevant trade (with 4 subjects).
The “Technical Maths” Exception:
Some colleges accept Technical Mathematics and Technical Science for N4 admission, provided the marks are high (60%+). However, Pure Maths is always preferred.
3. Subject Combinations by Field
You cannot just pick “random” subjects. To get your Diploma (and eventually your GCC), you must stick to these streams.
Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current)
- Focus: Power Grids, Transformers, High Voltage.
- N1-N3 Subjects: Maths, Engineering Science, Industrial Electronics, Electrical Trade Theory.
- N4-N6 Subjects: Maths, Engineering Science, Industrial Electronics, Electrotechnics.
Electrical Engineering (Light Current / Instrumentation)
- Focus: Circuit Boards, Computers, PLCs.
- N4-N6 Subjects: Maths, Industrial Electronics, Logic Systems, Digital Electronics or Communication Electronics.
- Note: You generally swap “Electrotechnics” for “Logic Systems.”
Mechanical Engineering
- Focus: Moving parts, Engines, Factories.
- N4-N6 Subjects: Maths, Engineering Science, Mechanotechnics, Power Machines, Strength of Materials.
- Warning: If you avoid “Fluid Mechanics” or “Strength of Materials” because they are hard, you might disqualify yourself from the GCC exam later.
Civil Engineering
- Focus: Building, Roads, Water.
- N4-N6 Subjects: Maths, Building Administration, Building & Structural Construction, Quantity Surveying.
4. The “Holy Grail”: GCC Requirements
Many students study NATED specifically to write the Government Certificate of Competency (GCC) Factories exam. This qualification allows you to be the “GMR 2.1” engineer responsible for a massive factory or mine.
However, the Department of Labour is strict. You generally need to pass specific subjects at N6 Level with 50%.
Mandatory Subjects for GCC (Mechanical):
- Mathematics N6
- Mechanotechnics N6
- Power Machines N6
- Strength of Materials & Structures N6
- Fluid Mechanics N6 (Highly Recommended)
- Supervisory Management N6
Mandatory Subjects for GCC (Electrical):
- Mathematics N6
- Industrial Electronics N6
- Electrotechnics N6
- Engineering Science N4 (Minimum)
- Supervisory Management N6
Tip: Do not choose “easy” subjects like Labour Relations if you want the GCC. Stick to the hard sciences.
5. Bridging: What if I have Math Lit?
If you have Matric with Math Lit but you want the Diploma (N6):
- Do NOT apply for N4. You will be rejected.
- Apply for N2 or N3.
- Treat the N3 Mathematics course as your “Bridging Year.”
- Once you pass N3 Maths and N3 Engineering Science, you automatically qualify for N4 Admission.
This route adds 6–12 months to your studies, but it is the only legal way to cross the bridge from Math Lit to Engineering.
6. Job Opportunities: N3 vs N6
| Qualification | Job Title | Typical Salary (Est.) |
| N2 Only | Apprentice / Semi-Skilled Worker | R4,500 – R6,500 |
| N3 Certificate | Artisan (After Trade Test) | R20,000 – R35,000 |
| N6 Certificate | Junior Technician / Intern | R8,000 – R12,000 |
| N Diploma (N6 + 2yrs exp) | Engineering Technician | R25,000 – R45,000 |
| GCC (Ticket) | Certified Engineer | R60,000 – R90,000+ |
Summary: Choose Your Level Carefully
Admissions officers are tired of rejecting students. Help them help you by applying for the right level.
- Matric + Math Lit? $\rightarrow$ Apply for N2 Engineering.
- Matric + Pure Maths? $\rightarrow$ Apply for N4 Engineering.
- Grade 10? $\rightarrow$ Apply for N1 Engineering or NCV Level 2.
Action: Look at your Matric certificate today. If it says “Mathematical Literacy,” delete the N4 application form and download the N2 form.
Disclaimer: Admission requirements vary slightly by college. Some colleges may require 60% in Maths for N4 entry due to high demand.