How can I apply for ABET/AET if I am over 35?

The long answer

ABET (Adult Basic Education and Training) is now called AET (Adult Education and Training). 

The Education Department describes it as an outcomes-based programme that will give a person “basic learning tools, knowledge and skills” as well as nationally-recognised qualifications. They go on to say that the AET lessons provide “foundational skills for employability, further education, and personal development.”

Triple E Training says that AET training consists of:

• Language, Literacy and Communication (in English)

• Mathematical Literacy, Mathematics and Mathematical Sciences

• Natural Science

• Arts and Culture

• Life Orientation

• Technology

• Human and Social Sciences

• Economic and Management Science

Lessons can be full-time or part-time, with specialised options for employee training.

Anyone who did not complete mainstream schooling and wants to get qualifications in a flexible environment can register with any AET Centre. They may be given placement tests to see whether they are at AET level one, two, three or four. 

AET consists of four levels, which are equivalent to Grade R - Grade 9. 

If you have not completed Grade 9, you can register for AET levels 1 to 4. 

AET levels and their school equivalents are as follows

• AET Level 1: Grade 3

• AET Level 2: Grade 5

• AET Level 3: Grade 7

• AET Level 4: Grade 9 (Grade 9 is Level 1 of the National Qualifications Framework, NQF level 1).

To sum up, 

AET Levels 1–3 are equivalent to Grades 3–7 (basic literacy and numeracy).

AET Level 4 (GETC) is equivalent to Grade 9, which is NQF level 1. The GETC is a standardised exam that students take at the end of Grade 9, for children who want to leave school at that age. The AET Level 4 course is a 10-month program and usually requires about four to six hours of study a week.

To write matric through AET, you need to be over 21 and have passed Grade 9 or have AET Level 4.

You would need the following documents to register for AET:

• Certified copies of your ID or birth certificate. 

• Any previous school reports or certificates (if available). If you do not have school records, you can still apply, but you will probably have to take a placement test to see what level of AET would be suitable.

• If you have lost your school reports, you can submit affidavits explaining your education history.

Perhaps the best way to start is to go to the provincial district or circuit office of the Department of Education, to find out where the nearest, most convenient AET Centre is.

Once you have located the AET Centre, you can fill out the registration forms provided by the Centre and submit your ID or birth certificate and school records. As mentioned above, the Centre may want you to take a placement test to see which is the most suitable AET level for you. 

Costs vary as some Centres are public and subsidised, while others are private. Registration can take one to two weeks.

For further information or support, you can contact the Department of Basic Education. These are their contact details:  

• Call Centre: 0800 202 933

•  Switchboard: 012 357 3000

• Email: [email protected]

Wishing you the best,
Athalie