CANDIDATES hoping to get a matric qualification based on the old curriculum have two years left.

The old matric curriculum, Nated Report 550, was replaced with the National Curriculum Statement which started in 2008. The old curriculum was written for the last time in 2007, but candidates who failed in 2007 or could not write, can rewrite in May and June 2013 and May and June 2014.

Gauteng education spokesman Charles Phahlane said candidates have to register at an Adult Based Education Training college or at district offices.

Phahlane said candidates have until September 30 to register for next year's examinations.

One of the major differences between the old and new curriculums is that subjects are no longer categorised as standard or higher grade. Maths has also been divided into pure maths and maths literacy.

Department of Basic Education spokesman Panyaza Lesufi said: "It is very expensive to run the examinations and the numbers are not encouraging."

He said the department ran campaigns and extended the deadline three times, but few pupils register. - monamat@sowetan.co.za