Certificates are equal to, or at a higher level than Grade 10-12 qualifications, but fall just below Diplomas. Certificates are the entry level qualifications at tertiary level. Post graduate degrees (PGs) are at the very top of the scale. If you wish to leave school at any time after successfully completing at least Grade 10, you would however be able to enrol for certain Certificate courses at Colleges, Technikons, Academies or Institutes. These programmes usually stretch over a one-year period and often lead to more advanced Diploma courses.  To read more visit:http://www.collegesa.co.za/certificates.html 
Types of Certificates:

• Junior Certificate - Grade 10 (NQF 2)

- GET: General Education and Training
- Highest Standard passed being standard Eight / Grade 10

• Junior Certificate - Grade 11 (NQF 3)

- FET - Further Education and Training
- Highest Standard passed being standard Nine / Grade 11 

• Senior Certificate - Grade 12 (NQF 4)

- FET - Further Education and Training
- Highest Standard passed being standard Twelve / Grade 12

• Trade Certification (NQF 4)

- FET - Further Education and Training
- Trade School or Trade College where the qualification is the equivalent to a grade 12
- Syllabus is very different to compulsory schooling subjects

• National Certificate (NQF 5)

- HET: Higher Education and Training
- Certificate attained after completing your senior certificate or trade certification.
- Nationally recognized but may not be relevant when applying for a job outside of South Africa
- Up to two years