ICASS frequently asked questions
Clear, quick answers to the questions TVET students ask most about ICASS, tasks, marks and exam qualification.
What does ICASS stand for?
ICASS stands for Internal Continuous Assessment. It is the marked work you do throughout the year in each subject tests, assignments, projects, practical tasks and an internal trial exam rather than a single final examination.
How much does ICASS count towards my result?
ICASS is a compulsory component of your subject result. For fundamental subjects your result is ICASS plus the external exam. For vocational subjects it is ICASS plus the ISAT plus the exam. If any compulsory part is missing, you get an incomplete result for that subject.
What ICASS mark do I need to pass?
The sub-minimum depends on the subject: 50% for vocational subjects, 40% for Languages, Life Skills and Computer Literacy, and 30% for Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy. You must reach the sub-minimum in both your ICASS and your exam.
What happens if I do not reach the ICASS sub-minimum?
If your ICASS mark is below the required sub-minimum, you can be blocked from writing the final national exam in that subject. That is why it is worth checking your ICASS percentage during the year, before marks are finalised.
Do ICASS marks carry over to the next year?
No. Your ICASS mark is only valid up to the first supplementary exam after November. If you repeat a subject, you must redo all of its ICASS tasks marks from a previous year cannot be transferred.
How many ICASS tasks are there?
Fundamental subjects (Language, Life Skills, Maths) have 7 formal tasks for the year. Vocational subjects have 5 formal tasks, and two of those five are practical assessments.
What types of tasks count towards ICASS?
Official tasks listed in your subject assessment plan: written or practical tests, assignments, projects, and the internal trial examination. Informal class quizzes and observations help you learn but do not count towards the ICASS mark.
What is the difference between ICASS, ISAT and the exam?
ICASS is your year-long internal assessment. The ISAT (Integrated Summative Assessment Task) is a practical task required for vocational subjects. The exam is the external national examination at the end of the year. Vocational subjects need all three; fundamental subjects need ICASS plus the exam.
What is a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE)?
Your PoE is the folder that holds all your marked ICASS work. It must include a table of contents, your name and ID, a signed declaration of authenticity, your assessment schedule, all marked tasks, and a record of your marks. It is moderated by the college and the DHET.
How is the ICASS percentage calculated?
Each task carries a weight (a percentage of the total). Your mark for each task, out of 100, is multiplied by its weight, and all the weighted results are added together to give your ICASS percentage. The ICASSLab calculators do this for you automatically.
How much does the trial exam count?
In the common structure the internal trial exam carries 30% of the ICASS mark the single largest piece so it is worth preparing for it as seriously as the final exam.
What are practical assessments?
Practical assessments test hands-on skills rather than only theory. In vocational subjects, two of the five ICASS tasks are practical, and together they make up half of the vocational ICASS mark.
I missed a test because I was sick. What do I do?
Contact your lecturer the same day and provide a valid medical certificate or proof. A re-assessment may be granted for genuine reasons such as illness or a death in the family, at the discretion of your college's academic head. It is not given simply to improve a low mark.
Can I redo a task just to get a higher mark?
No. Additional assessments are not meant to let students raise a poor score after the fact. They are only for students who missed a task for a valid, approved reason.
Is ICASS the same at every TVET college?
The framework and sub-minimums are set nationally by the DHET, so the rules are the same across colleges. However, the exact task weighting can vary by subject, so always confirm your subject's structure with your lecturer.
Is ICASSLab an official college website?
No. ICASSLab is a free, independent helper tool. It is not run by any college or by the DHET. Your official college system is always the authoritative source for your marks.
How accurate is the ICASS calculator?
The calculators use the common NC(V) task weightings and give you a reliable estimate. Because weightings can differ slightly by subject and college, treat the result as a guide and confirm anything important with your lecturer.
What is NC(V)?
NC(V) stands for National Certificate (Vocational), a qualification offered at TVET colleges across Levels 2, 3 and 4. It combines fundamental subjects with vocational, career-focused subjects.
Can I use ICASSLab on my phone?
Yes. ICASSLab is mobile-first and works well on a phone, so you can check your ICASS between lectures. It is completely free with no sign-up needed for the calculators.
Where can I read the official ICASS rules?
The full rules are in the DHET 2026 NC(V) ICASS Guidelines, which we link to at the bottom of our guide. Your lecturer can also explain the requirements for your specific subject.