Demystifying the NBT Service Indicator!
Welcome Future Kovsie!
The University of the Free State encourages that all prospective first-year students write the National Benchmark Test (NBT). This is so that we can ensure that you receive the best possible academic language and literacy support to enhance and contribute towards your academic success.
NB: Your score on the NBTs does not affect whether you have been accepted to the university or not (except for some Health Science programmes). Also, don’t worry if you haven’t had the chance to write the NBT! This also doesn’t affect your application status.
You will receive detailed information about the NBT and the English Academic Literacy (EAL) modules during registration from the NBT office. For now, take note of some key information below:
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When you start your registration process, you will notice a message (also known as a ‘positive service indicator’) at the top of your Academic Data Summary (ADS) document about whether you will need to complete an additional developmental module or not. You will receive one of the following messages:
- Check NBT;
- Algorithm Not Proficient;
- Algorithm Proficient.
What it will look like:
This message (the positive service indicator) does not prevent you from proceeding with registration! It is just a note about your NBT status and means the following:
- Check NBT: You might need to register for an additional developmental Academic Literacy (EAL) module. You will receive a detailed letter when you register to tell you whether or not to register for the module.
- Algorithm Not Proficient: You MUST register for the Academic Literacy (EAL) module. Your faculty advisor will tell which EAL code to register for. When you register, you will also receive a detailed letter from the NBT office with more information.
- Algorithm Proficient: You do not have to register for an additional Academic Literacy (EAL) module if you are registering for a mainstream program.
NB: Extended programme students: It is COMPULSORY for ALL
extended degree programme and Higher Certificate students to register for this Academic Literacy (EAL) module.
NBT contact details:
For more clarification on the above, please contact us:
Bloemfontein:T: +27 51 401 2448
E:
nbt@ufs.ac.zaQwaqwa:T: +27 58 718 5188
E:
nbtqwa@ufs.ac.za
More about the NBT and English Academic Literacy modules:
The NBT is a test of your existing abilities to access (read and understand) and produce (write) academic language at university level. The NBT consists of two different tests:
- The Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) test
- The Mathematics test
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If you didn’t write the NBT, the team at Academic Language and Literacy Development will automatically apply the algorithm. You will see a message (also known as a ‘positive service indicator’) at the top of your enrolment documentation about whether you will need to register or not. This message will appear under the ‘HOLD’ heading. Please note, that a message about the NBT and algorithm IS NOT A BLOCK. It will not restrict you from registering.
These are what the positive service indicators mean:
- Check NBT: You might need to register for the relevant EAL module. Please contact the NBT office/Academic Advisers for assistance.
- Algorithm Not Proficient: You have to register for the relevant EAL module. Please contact the NBT office/Academic Advisers for assistance.
- Algorithm Proficient: You do not have to register for the EAL module if you are registering for a main stream program. But if you are an extended program student, you still need to register for EAL.
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If you didn’t write the NBT, the team at Academic Language and Literacy Development will automatically apply the algorithm. You will see a message (also known as a ‘positive service indicator’) at the top of your enrolment documentation about whether you will need to register or not. This message will appear under the ‘HOLD’ heading. Please note, that a message about the NBT and algorithm IS NOT A BLOCK. It will not restrict you from registering.
These are what the positive service indicators mean: - Check NBT: You might need to register for the relevant EAL module. Please contact the NBT office/Academic Advisers for assistance.
- Algorithm Not Proficient: You have to register for the relevant EAL module. Please contact the NBT office/Academic Advisers for assistance.
- Algorithm Proficient: You do not have to register for the EAL module if you are registering for a main stream program. But if you are an extended program student, you still need to register for EAL.
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The algorithm will predict how you would have performed in the Academic Literacy part of the NBT test if you had written it. The UFS has created the algorithm for those students who were not able to write the NBT.
If the algorithm predicts a score of 64% and above, then you will be exempt from the EAL modules. If the algorithm predicts a score of below 64%, then you are required to enrol in the appropriate EAL module.
However, if you are an extended programme student, you are required to enrol for the appropriate EAL module irrespective of your NBT results or the algorithm prediction.
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The EAL modules are academic literacy and English language developmental modules which aim to help you develop the necessary language and literacy skills for success at higher education. The modules are as follows:
Law (1st year): EALL 1508
Education (1st year): EALT 1508 and AGAE 1508
Natural and Agricultural Sciences (1st year): EALN 1508 and AGAN 1508
Humanities, Nursing and Theology (1st year): EALH 1508
Economic and Management Sciences (1st year): EALE 1508
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The NBT is important, because it gives the university an indication of whether or not you need some additional support that might help you to succeed in your studies. If you score 64% and above, then you will be exempt from the EAL modules. If you score below 64%, then you are required to enrol in the appropriate EAL module.
However, if you are an extended programme student, you are required to enrol for the appropriate EAL module irrespective of your NBT results or the algorithm prediction.
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Extended programme students are required to enrol for the appropriate EAL module irrespective of their NBT results or the algorithm prediction.
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If you do not pass the NBT, you will be required to enrol for an extra developmental subject (English Academic Literacy module) in your first year, which you will need to pass before being allowed to finish your qualification. Please contact your faculty advisers/the NBT office for assistance with registering for the appropriate module.
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In an attempt to place students in the EAL modules as accurately as possible, the UFS has an alternative algorithmic strategy in place to enrol students into the appropriate EAL modules. You may be required to register for one of these modules. Please make sure you contact the NBT officers/your faculty advisor to find out whether you should register or not.
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No. If you have written the NBT, the UFS will use your NBT results and will not use the algorithm.
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You can get in contact with the NBT office for advice. We recommend that you still register for the EAL module and start attending class. Once you have received your results, then you can update the NBT office. If you pass, then you can deregister the module – but make sure to do it before the deregistration deadline!
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Yes, however if you have passed the NBT, you will be de-registered for the subject and you may then stop attending those classes. This way, should you not pass the NBT, you will not have lost out on the valuable first weeks of class.
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If you need more clarification on the above information, please phone the UFS NBT office:
Bloemfontein:
T: +27 51 401 2448
E: nbt@ufs.ac.za
Qwaqwa:
T: +27 58 718 5188
E: nbtqwa@ufs.ac.za
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