Yes, NBT is compulsory in all South African universities.
How long are the NBT tests?
Each Tests is approximately 3 hours long.
What if I can’t write NBT on a Saturday?
As shown on the NBT test schedule, there are writing sessions scheduled on Sundays.
What is the NBT Test day like for NBT online?
For writers taking the NBT online, writers must login to the test site no later than 08h30. Writers will be required to complete a compulsory test simulation prior to the test, and will be required to capture a Photograph, complete the Photo ID verification, download the Lockdown Browser and complete the sample questions.
Note that learners without an official ID will not be able to complete the compulsory Simulation and will not allowed to write the NBT online. If you do not have a South African ID booklet or foreign passport and need to use your birth certificate for ID verification, you will need an affidavit from the police including a recent ID photograph that confirms your identity.
Present the affidavit with photo attached to the camera during the verification instead of the ID. On the third attempt you will be given the option of a manual verification. Choose this option BUT you will need to make sure the photo of you and the Affidavit are clear and readable or it will still be rejected.
Writers are reminded that the test is undertaken in a secure proctored online environment. You will be monitored throughout the test to ensure that you follow all testing procedures. Your entire test session will be recorded. You may only have a piece of paper and a pen/pencil in the test room. Books, cell phones, smart watches, calculators, and any other items are strictly prohibited. Please ensure that you comply with all test requirements to avoid the invalidation of your test.
Online NBT Test sessions start at 09h00 in the morning (AQL) and afternoon sessions (MAT) start at 14h00. Any deviation from these start times will be communicated to you for specific test dates.
Instructions will be provided on screen.
The NBT cannot take responsibility for test sessions that are not completed and/or invalidated due the writers computer or peripheral equipment (camera’s, microphones, routers, screens, RAM etc) failure or software issues or settings, or loss of connectivity, loadshedding or any other occurrence not linked to the test platform. Where this occurs the writer will need to re-register to write the NBT.
What if I miss my NBT scheduled test?
Registration for the NBT is specific to the date and the site you selected. If you miss your scheduled date, or change your mind about the test session, you must register and pay again.
Should there be an emergency, you must send an e-mail to nbt@uct.ac.za as soon as possible. NBT Project staff will contact you the following week to explore your options for a make-up test.
With documentation of a legitimate emergency, you may not be required to pay a second time.
Legitimate situations that have occurred in the past include taxi accident on the way to the test site, hospitalization, broken collar bone, and family funeral.