Quick Answer: SACE Certified Documents Requirements
SACE normally requires certified copies rather than plain photocopies or scans. Certification is a stamped confirmation by an authorised person that the copy is a true copy of the original document.
Certification usually has to be recent, so having copies certified far in advance can be as much of a problem as not certifying them at all. Requirements.co.za is an independent information website. It is not SACE, does not issue forms and does not process registrations.
Who This Requirement Applies To
This guide is for anyone preparing documents for a SACE application.
For the full document list, see Documents Needed for SACE Registration.
Eligibility Requirements
Certification requirements normally apply across the supporting documents rather than to a single item.
Applicant type
- Identity documents. Certified copy of your identity document or passport.
- Qualification certificates. Certified copies of teaching qualifications, including every page where a certificate runs to more than one.
- Academic records. Certified copies of transcripts where required.
- Foreign documents. May require additional verification or translation beyond ordinary certification.
Documents You May Need
Take the original and a clear photocopy to the person certifying. They compare the two and stamp the copy.
Required proof
- The original document, for comparison at the point of certification.
- A clear, complete photocopy of every page.
- The certifying stamp, signature and date on each certified page.
Steps to Apply or Prepare
Make complete photocopies, checking that nothing is cropped and that all pages are included.
Take the originals and copies to a commissioner of oaths. This service is normally available free at police stations, and at many post offices and legal practices.
Check the date of certification against how recent SACE requires it to be, and submit within that period.
Costs, Processing Times and Validity
Certification is normally free at a police station, though private providers may charge. The accepted certification period is set by SACE and should be confirmed rather than assumed.
Common Mistakes and Delays
Common mistake
- Submitting certification older than SACE accepts.
- Certifying only the first page of a multi-page certificate.
- Submitting scans of certified copies where originals of the certified copy are required.
- Having copies certified before checking which documents actually need it.
- Assuming certification rules are the same across every institution and body.
Where to Confirm Official Requirements
Confirm the current form, document and certification requirements directly with the South African Council for Educators. The Official Requirements Sources South Africa page links to the responsible bodies. Where information here differs from what SACE publishes, follow SACE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can certify documents in South Africa?
A commissioner of oaths. This service is normally available free at police stations, and at many post offices and legal practices.
How recent must certification be?
Bodies commonly accept certification only within a limited recent period. Confirm the period SACE currently applies before having copies certified.
Does every page need certifying?
For multi-page documents, each page normally needs to be certified. Check before submitting.
Can I submit a scan of a certified copy?
It depends on the submission method SACE currently accepts. Confirm rather than assuming a scan is sufficient.
Where can I confirm certification requirements?
Confirm directly with SACE.