Can I Write the NBTs Again If I Did Badly

Wrote your NBTs and didn’t do as well as you’d hoped? You’re not alone. The National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) can be tough, especially when you’re juggling matric finals, university applications, and a mountain of stress.

The big question: Can you rewrite your NBTs?

The answer is yes… with a few conditions.

Let’s break it down so you know exactly what your options are and how to make your next attempt your best one.

First Things First: What Are the NBTs Again?

Just a quick refresher: The NBTs are standardised university entrance tests used in South Africa. They measure your academic readiness in two areas:

• AQL (Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy)

• MAT (Mathematics), only required for some courses like engineering or commerce.

Universities use your NBT scores alongside your matric results to decide whether you’re a strong fit for the course you’re applying for. So they do matter.

So, Can You Write the NBTs Again?

Yes, you can write the NBTs more than once. The National Benchmark Test Project allows candidates to sit the test again, but only once per year. That means you get a maximum of two attempts per application year.

This gives you a second chance to improve your score, but it also means you need to plan carefully.

Should You Rewrite?

If you didn’t prepare properly the first time, ran out of time during the test, or simply had an off day, a rewrite could be a smart move. Some universities consider your best score, while others consider your first score.

Always check with the universities you’re applying to before you book a second test.

How to Prepare Smarter for Your Next Attempt

Let’s be honest, the NBTs are different from normal school tests. If you’re planning a rewrite, don’t just go in blind again.

Try this:

• Use Go Study Now to practise with NBT-style questions.

• Focus on time management, that’s where most people struggle.

• Brush up on basic maths and reading comprehension.

• Get used to reading graphs, interpreting data, and writing clear arguments.

Give yourself at least 2 to 3 weeks of focused prep. A second chance is great, but only if you use it wisely.

Booking Your Second NBT

Head back to the official NBT website to register for another session. Remember:

• You’ll need to pay again (fees are around R110 per test).

• Dates fill up fast, especially in the second half of the year.

• You can’t write twice in the same month.

Last Bit of Advice

You’re not defined by a single test score. If you’re putting in the work and learning from each attempt, you’re already winning.

Rewrite smart. Prepare well. Your future’s still wide open.

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