CAPS Rating Codes Explained: The 7-Point Scale for SA Schools

Recording marks only to find that the rating codes do not match the percentage bands. Preparing for a district audit and discovering inconsistent codes across subjects. Parents at report evening asking what Code 5 means. For many educators, HoDs and school administrators, CAPS rating codes are a daily source of confusion and extra admin. The Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) uses a standardised 7-point rating scale to assess learner performance across GET and FET phases, and these codes appear on every report card, inform promotion decisions and must align with Department of Basic Education (DBE) requirements.

This guide gives you CAPS rating codes explained: the 7-point scale, percentage bands, how Foundation Phase differs, and how to apply them correctly on report cards and in your assessment policy. For a full overview of requirements, see CAPS assessment requirements 2026.

What Are CAPS Rating Codes?

CAPS rating codes are numerical indicators (1–7) that represent learner achievement levels according to the Department of Basic Education’s assessment framework. Each code corresponds to a specific percentage range and achievement descriptor, providing a consistent way to communicate learner performance across all South African schools.

Why they matter: These codes are mandatory for all formal assessments, report cards, and DBE compliance submissions. Incorrect application can lead to inaccurate learner records, promotion disputes, and compliance issues during provincial audits.

The rating scale standardises assessment across subjects, making it easier for parents, educators and education officials to understand learner progress. Instead of relying solely on percentages — which can vary in meaning between subjects and schools — the codes provide a uniform achievement level that aligns with CAPS requirements.

The 7-Point Rating Scale: Codes and Percentage Bands

The CAPS 7-point scale applies to all subjects in GET Phase (Grades 4–9) and FET Phase (Grades 10–12). Each code represents a specific achievement level with corresponding percentage ranges and descriptors.

Code	Achievement Level	Percentage Range	Descriptor
7	Outstanding Achievement	80–100%	Exceptional performance, demonstrates comprehensive understanding
6	Meritorious Achievement	70–79%	High level of competence, shows thorough understanding
5	Substantial Achievement	60–69%	Good performance, demonstrates sound understanding
4	Adequate Achievement	50–59%	Satisfactory performance, meets minimum requirements
3	Moderate Achievement	40–49%	Partial understanding, below expected standard
2	Elementary Achievement	30–39%	Limited understanding, significant gaps in knowledge
1	Not Achieved	0–29%	Insufficient evidence of learning, does not meet requirements

Understanding Each Code Level

Code 7 (Outstanding Achievement): Learners achieving 80–100% demonstrate exceptional mastery of the subject. They consistently apply knowledge in new contexts, show critical thinking, and exceed curriculum expectations. This code indicates learners ready for advanced challenges and may qualify for subject awards or recognition.

Code 6 (Meritorious Achievement): Learners scoring 70–79% show high competence and thorough understanding. They meet all requirements and demonstrate strong application skills. This level represents above-average performance suitable for university entrance and competitive programmes.

Code 5 (Substantial Achievement): The 60–69% range indicates good performance with sound understanding. Learners meet curriculum requirements and can apply knowledge with minimal support. This is the minimum level typically required for university entrance in most subjects.

Code 4 (Adequate Achievement): Learners achieving 50–59% meet minimum requirements but may need additional support. This code represents satisfactory performance that demonstrates basic understanding. In FET Phase, Code 4 is often the minimum for promotion in certain subjects.

Code 3 (Moderate Achievement): The 40–49% range shows partial understanding with gaps in knowledge. Learners demonstrate some grasp of concepts but struggle with application. This level indicates significant support is needed.

Code 2 (Elementary Achievement): Learners scoring 30–39% show limited understanding with substantial knowledge gaps. They demonstrate minimal grasp of basic concepts and require intensive intervention.

Code 1 (Not Achieved): The 0–29% range indicates insufficient evidence of learning. Learners do not meet minimum requirements and require immediate intervention and support. This code triggers additional assessment and support measures.

Foundation Phase: The 4-Point Scale Difference

Important distinction: Foundation Phase (Grades R–3) uses a different rating system. Instead of the 7-point scale, Foundation Phase assessments use a 4-point scale with descriptive codes rather than numerical codes.

Code	Achievement Level	Descriptor
4	Excellent	Learner exceeds expectations, demonstrates advanced understanding
3	Good	Learner meets expectations, shows solid understanding
2	Satisfactory	Learner partially meets expectations, needs support
1	Needs Improvement	Learner does not meet expectations, requires intervention

Foundation Phase focuses on developmental assessment rather than percentage-based grading. Educators use observation, practical tasks and informal assessments to determine achievement levels. Report cards typically show descriptive codes rather than percentages, reflecting the developmental nature of early childhood education.

Why the difference: Foundation Phase prioritises holistic development, social skills, and foundational literacy/numeracy over formal academic assessment. The 4-point scale aligns with developmental milestones and avoids placing undue pressure on young learners.

How to Apply CAPS Rating Codes on Report Cards

Report cards must display CAPS rating codes alongside percentage marks and achievement descriptors. Here’s how to correctly implement them:

Required Information on Report Cards

Percentage mark: The actual numerical score (e.g., 75%)
Rating code: The corresponding CAPS code (e.g., 6)
Achievement level: The descriptor (e.g., “Meritorious Achievement”)
Subject-specific comments: Brief narrative feedback aligned with the code level

Calculating Codes from Percentages

To determine the correct code from a percentage mark:

Round percentages appropriately: Use standard rounding rules (0.5 and above rounds up)
Match to percentage band: Find which range the percentage falls into
Assign the code: Use the code corresponding to that range
Verify consistency: Ensure all subjects use the same calculation method

Example: A learner scores 68.5% in Mathematics. After rounding to 69%, this falls in the 60–69% range, which corresponds to Code 5 (Substantial Achievement).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Inconsistent rounding: Some schools round up, others round down — establish a clear policy
Using codes without percentages: Report cards should show both for transparency
Mixing Foundation Phase and GET/FET scales: Ensure you’re using the correct scale for the phase
Not aligning codes with descriptors: Code 6 must always say “Meritorious Achievement,” not “Good” or other terms
Applying codes incorrectly for promotion: Remember that promotion requirements may specify minimum codes, not just percentages

CAPS Rating Codes in Assessment Policies

Your school’s assessment policy must clearly define how rating codes are applied. This ensures consistency across subjects and protects the school during disputes or audits.

What to Include in Your Assessment Policy

Code definitions: Clear explanation of each code and its percentage range
Calculation method: How percentages are rounded and converted to codes
Subject-specific applications: Any variations for practical subjects, projects, or portfolios
Promotion requirements: Minimum codes required for promotion at each grade level
Appeal process: How learners and parents can query code assignments
DBE compliance: Reference to CAPS documentation and provincial requirements

Alignment with DBE Requirements

The Department of Basic Education requires all schools to use CAPS rating codes consistently. Your assessment policy should reference the CAPS Assessment Guidelines (official DBE documentation on assessment practices), any provincial assessment circulars that apply to your province, SA-SAMS entry requirements for codes, and LURITS (Learner Unit Record Information and Tracking System) so that codes align with submitted data.

School management systems that support CAPS can automate code calculation from percentage marks and generate report cards that meet DBE requirements. For step-by-step guidance on generating compliant report cards, see CAPS report card generator.

Practical Examples: Applying Rating Codes

The following examples show how to derive a term code and a promotion outcome from raw marks.

Example 1: Term Assessment

A Grade 10 learner’s Mathematics results:

Test 1: 72% → Code 6
Test 2: 65% → Code 5
Assignment: 78% → Code 6
Exam: 68% → Code 5

Term average: 70.75% → Rounded to 71% → Code 6 (Meritorious Achievement)

Example 2: Subject Portfolio

A Grade 8 learner’s English portfolio assessment:

Written tasks average: 58% → Code 4
Oral presentation: 62% → Code 5
Reading comprehension: 55% → Code 4

Portfolio average: 58.33% → Rounded to 58% → Code 4 (Adequate Achievement)

Example 3: Promotion Decision

A Grade 9 learner’s end-of-year results:

Home Language: 65% (Code 5) ✓
First Additional Language: 58% (Code 4) ✓
Mathematics: 52% (Code 4) ✓
Life Orientation: 71% (Code 6) ✓
Four other subjects: All Code 4 or above ✓

Promotion status: Promoted (meets minimum code requirements)

SA-SAMS and DBE Compliance

CAPS rating codes must be entered into SA-SAMS (South African School Administration and Management System) for DBE compliance. When syncing data, ensure:

Code accuracy: Codes match percentage marks according to the official bands
Consistency: All subjects use the same calculation method
Timeliness: Codes are entered promptly after assessment completion
Verification: Regular audits ensure codes align with marks

School management systems that support CAPS can apply rating codes from marks, generate compliant report cards and sync data to SA-SAMS, reducing manual entry and audit risk.

Best Practices for Using CAPS Rating Codes

Train all staff: Ensure educators, HoDs and administrators understand the code system
Document your process: Maintain clear written procedures for code calculation
Regular audits: Review report cards and assessment records for consistency
Parent communication: Explain codes clearly during parent meetings
Use technology: Use systems that automate code calculation to reduce errors
Stay updated: Monitor DBE circulars for any changes to rating code requirements

The Bottom Line

CAPS rating codes are a standardised 7-point scale (1–7) that translates percentage marks into achievement levels for consistent assessment across South African schools. Each code corresponds to a specific percentage range, from Code 1 (0–29%, Not Achieved) to Code 7 (80–100%, Outstanding Achievement). Foundation Phase uses a 4-point descriptive scale; GET and FET use the 7-point scale. Understanding and applying CAPS rating codes correctly is essential for accurate report cards, DBE compliance and fair learner assessment.

To generate CAPS-compliant report cards with rating codes calculated from your marks and SA-SAMS-ready data, see how Fundisa supports South African schools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between CAPS rating codes and percentage marks?

CAPS rating codes (1–7) are standardised achievement levels that correspond to percentage ranges. While percentage marks show the exact numerical score (e.g., 73%), rating codes provide a consistent achievement descriptor (e.g., Code 6 = Meritorious Achievement, 70–79%). Report cards should display both: percentages show precise performance, while codes provide standardised achievement levels for comparison across subjects and schools.

Do Foundation Phase learners use the same 7-point scale?

No. Foundation Phase (Grades R–3) uses a 4-point descriptive scale (Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, Needs Improvement) rather than the numerical 7-point scale. This reflects the developmental nature of early childhood education, where assessment focuses on holistic development rather than formal academic grading. The 7-point scale applies to GET Phase (Grades 4–9) and FET Phase (Grades 10–12).

How do I convert a percentage mark to a CAPS rating code?

Match the percentage to its corresponding range: 80–100% = Code 7, 70–79% = Code 6, 60–69% = Code 5, 50–59% = Code 4, 40–49% = Code 3, 30–39% = Code 2, 0–29% = Code 1. Round percentages using standard rules (0.5 and above rounds up) before assigning codes. For example, 68.7% rounds to 69%, which falls in the 60–69% range, so it’s Code 5.

What happens if a learner’s average falls exactly on a boundary (e.g., 70%)?

When a percentage falls exactly on a boundary (like 70%), it belongs to the higher code level. So 70% corresponds to Code 6 (Meritorious Achievement, 70–79%), not Code 5. The same applies to other boundaries: 60% = Code 5, 50% = Code 4, 40% = Code 3, 30% = Code 2. This ensures learners receive credit for meeting the minimum threshold of each achievement level.