TO:         NURSING EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

                NURSING STAKEHOLDERS

SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL (SANC) EXAMINATION SCHEDULE – 2026

Dear Stakeholders

Attached please find the Examination Schedule for 2026.

Kindly take note of the following requirements applicable to the SANC examinations:

1. The closing date for the examination applications should be strictly adhered to as neither exceptions nor allowances will be made to extend the provided dates (See Annexure A).

2. Currently, only foreign applicants registered with the SANC are eligible for an examination: Foreign applicants apply as individuals but will have to adhere to the prescribed period.

3. Candidates will not be registered for an examination with only an identity number. It must be noted that the SANC reference numbers are also needed in all cases for all candidates eligible for examination.

4. The office verifies and supports the processing of complete and approved foreign candidate’s applications for the generation of SANC reference numbers.

5. Foreign applicants submit their examination applications individually to the SANC, rather than through a Nursing Education Institution (NEI).

6. Candidates are required to verify that they are registered individually for the appropriate examination. This verification must be conducted through the SANC Registration Section (See Annexure B).

7. The SANC will only process applications for entry into the South African Nursing Council examination that meet the following requirements:

1. The Examination Application Form should be completed in full, accurately, and signed by the relevant person/s. The surname and given names must be those appearing in the identity document/ passport.

1. All the required documentation is to be included.

1. There is proof of payment of prescribed examination fees into the SANC bank account.

Foreign candidates/South Africans with foreign qualifications write the admission examination for Foreign Applicants leading to registration as general nurse/Midwife/Enrolled Nurse/ Auxiliary Nurse.

Banking details are as follows:

Name of Bank:                   First National Bank

Account number:             51425166282 (Current Account)

Branch:                                 Corporate Core Banking – Pretoria

Branch code:                      210-554

Reference:                         SANC Ref-number followed by the type of fee code ‘EXAMFEE’

The correct reference must appear on all deposits to expedite the processing of your payment. The code ‘EXAMFEE’ must only be used for payment in respect of the examination fee. This code must not be used for any other types of payment.

Below is an example of a reference that pertains to an examination fee payment as discussed above:

• SANC Ref number 12345678: 12345678EXAMFEE

8. Only those candidates who have been issued an examination timetable/number will be eligible to write the SANC examination.

9. The SANC requests invigilators not to enclose any other documents with the examination package.

10. The SANC reserves the right to cancel an examination reflected on the schedule if there are insufficient candidates for such an examination.

11. No examination results will be released telephonically by the SANC office as candidates will receive results via text messages (SMS).

NB: Examination fees are non-refundable according to Regulations regarding fees and fines payable to the South African Nursing Council (Government Notice No.R.170 of 8 March 2013)

Your cooperation is appreciated.

Yours faithfully

__________________________________

PROF N MTSHALI

REGISTRAR AND CEO

THE SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL

DATE: _______________________________________

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TO:         NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

                PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH

                HEALTH ESTABLISHMENTS AND OTHER NURSING PRACTICES/SERVICES

                NURSING EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

                ALL STAKEHOLDERS

SUBJECT: NOTIFICATION OF A PHASED-IN APPROACH REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD) FOR NURSES AND MIDWIVES BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL (SANC) IN THE SECOND YEAR OF IMPLEMENTATION.

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Circular is to notify the National Department of Health (NDoH), Provincial Departments of Health, Nursing Practices/Services, Nursing Education Institutions, and all Stakeholders on the “Phased-in Approach” for CPD implementation by the SANC in its second year (2025/2026) of implementation. 

2. BACKGROUND

The SANC is a statutory body operating in terms of the Nursing Act, 2005 (Act No. 33 of 2005) to set and maintain the standards of nursing education and practice in the Republic of South Africa. Section 39(a)(b)(c) of the Nursing Act mandates the SANC to determine conditions, nature, and extent of CPD to be undergone by practitioners.

In line with the mandate above, the SANC developed systems and processes for CPD implementation. The 17^th Council adopted a “Phased-in Approach” for CPD implementation in its five-year strategic plan 2024/2029. The first year of CPD implementation was conducted successfully in sampled health establishments across nine provinces, in three hospitals per province and in identified hospitals in Private Hospital Groups (Mediclinic, Life Healthcare, Netcare, National Hospital Network and Clinix Health Group). Success is attributed to ongoing partnership, engagement and collaboration with nursing leadership both in public and private health systems.

3. APPROACH TO CPD IMPLEMENTATION IN THE SECOND YEAR

In its meeting of 4-5 August 2025, the SANC Council approved the sample for the second year of CPD implementation as indicated below:

• Area Managers, Operational Managers and all Professional Nurses of the three public hospitals that participated in the CPD implementation in the first year.
  • Area Managers and Operational Managers of all public hospitals in all nine provinces who were not included during the first year “Phased-in Approach” for CPD implementation.

• All categories of nurse practitioners, all Unit Managers and Area Managers, in private hospital groups (Netcare, Life Healthcare, Mediclinic, Clinix Health Group and National Hospital Network). All nurse practitioners employed in the private sector have been exposed to their CPD systems for the past years and are thus familiar with the practice of CPD. They will thus only be required to familiarise themselves with the SANC CPD framework.
• Area Managers and Operational Managers of the South African Military Health Services (SAMHS) in their three Military Hospitals.
• All lecturers of accredited Nursing Education Institutions (public nursing colleges) in the nine provinces be included during the second year of the “Phased-in Approach” for CPD implementation.
• Kindly note that in the second year of implementation, CPD points will not be linked to Annual Practicing Certificate (APC) renewal.
• PLEASE NOTE that Council has not yet finalised the process for accreditation of CPD providers. Communication will be issued in future when the process is finalised.

4. IMPLICATIONS

This Circular must be brought to the attention of all nurse practitioners and relevant stakeholders.

5. IMPLEMENTATION

This Circular shall become effective on the date of issue. For further clarity that might be required, kindly contact Dr NJ Muswede, Senior Manager: Professional Practice on e-mail: [email protected] or                             Tel: 012 420-1008.

__________________________________

PROF NG MTSHALI

REGISTRAR AND CEO

SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL

DATE: ____________________________

Click the link below to download the Circular as a PDF

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TO:              NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

                      PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH

                      NURSING EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

                      ALL RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS

SUBJECT:       THE IMPORTANCE OF DOCUMENTATION AND SAFE RECORD-KEEPING BY NURSE PRACTITIONERS

PURPOSE

This circular is aimed at reminding all nurse practitioners about the critical importance of documentation and safe record-keeping in nursing practice.

BACKGROUND

• The South African Nursing Council is a statutory body that is empowered by the Nursing Act 2005, (Act No. 33 of 2005) to protect the healthcare users in matters involving delivery of health services and particularly nursing services as entrenched in Section 3(a) of the Nursing Act, 2005. In its endeavour to protect the healthcare users the Council established a Preliminary Investigating Committee (PIC) in terms of Section 15 of the Nursing Act, 2005 (Act No. 33 of 2005). The role of PIC is to investigate all reported cases of alleged unprofessional conduct against nurse practitioners to ensure that the practitioners who provide nursing service to healthcare users are competent and provide nursing care with reasonable skills and knowledge and in line with the National Core Standards for Health Establishments in South Africa.
• Accurate and prompt documentation is essential in patient safety, legal protection, professional accountability and continuity of care.

• On analysis of reported cases of alleged unprofessional conduct by nurse practitioners to PIC, it was noted with concern that some of the cases are due to the failure to document nursing care provided to the health-care users as well as safe record-keeping in accordance with relevant legislation and ethical standards.

COUNCIL RESOLUTION

The Council ordinary meeting held on 4-5 August 2025 therefore resolved that a Circular should be issued to remind nurse practitioners about the importance of documentation and safe record-keeping.

DIRECTIVE

All nurse practitioners are reminded about the following critical factors:

• Ensure that records are completed in real-time or as soon as possible after the provision of care.
• All records must be signed, timed and dated including writing of the nurse’s full name with a signature. This is to ensure that the recorded information is traceable to the person who provided the care.
• The record must be correct, clear and legible.
• If one makes a late entry, the date must not be backdated but mark it as a late entry with the date and time one is writing it.
• Avoid overwriting, rather cross out and write anew.
• Ensure that the patients’ files are safely placed in the dedicated places as per hospital policy and the POPI Act, 2013/PAIA Act, 2000.

IMPLICATIONS

The contents of this Circular must be brought to the attention of all nurse practitioners employed in different sectors.

Enquires should be directed to Ms. SJ Nxumalo, Deputy Registrar at [email protected] or Tel: 012 420 1059.

______________________

PROF NG MTSHALI

REGISTRAR & CEO

DATE:  ________________________  

Click the link below to download the Circular as a PDF

Download PDF

Circular 4/2025                                                 

TO:         NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

                 PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH

                 NURSING SERVICE MANAGERS IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HEALTH ESTABLISHMENTS
                 NURSING AGENCIES

                 ALL STAKEHOLDERS

SUBJECT:   RETAINING SANC REGISTRATION FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS EMPLOYED ON THE BASIS OF A NURSING QUALIFICATION

1. PURPOSE

• The purpose of this circular is to inform nurse practitioners who were employed based on a nursing qualification and whose employment requires proof of registration with the Council, to restore their status in the Nurse Register (if not currently registered) and renew their Annual Practising Certificates (APCs) annually.

2. BACKGROUND

• The South African Nursing Council (SANC) is a statutory body established in terms of the Nursing Act, (Act No. 33 of 2005) to set and maintain the standards of nursing education and practice in the Republic of South Africa.
• The SANC is mandated in terms of the Act to serve and protect the public in matters involving nursing and midwifery services, and to uphold and maintain professional conduct, ethics, and practice standards
• In order to practise nursing, all the categories of nurses are required to renew their Annual Practising Certificates (APC) by 31^st December each year.
• The Council has, however, noted with concern, an ongoing trend of nurses failing to renew their APCs. This includes those employed based on a nursing qualification but not involved in patient care. The same pattern has been observed among nurses who lead or oversee the implementation of National Strategic Priorities in health, both at national and provincial level.

3. COUNCIL RESOLUTION

• At its ordinary meeting held on 24-25 April 2025, the Council deliberated on the matter and resolved to notify the employers, stakeholders and the profession that nurses who were employed by virtue of a nursing qualification and whose employment require proof of registration with the Council must restore their status in the Nurse Register (if not currently registered) and renew their APCs annually.

4. DIRECTIVE

• Nurses who were employed on the basis of a nursing qualification, and whose employment requires proof of registration with the Council, must restore their status in the Nurse (if not currently registered) and renew their APCs annually.
• Nurses who are employed based on a nursing qualification, and whose employment requires proof of current registration with the Council, and lead or oversee the implementation of National Strategic Priorities in health both at national and provincial levels must restore their status in the Nurses Register (if not currently registered) and renew their APCs annually.
• Employers must refrain from employing nurses without proof of current registration with the SANC or whose names were removed from the Nurses Register in terms of Section 44 of the Nursing Act, 2005 (Act No. 33 of 2005).
• Employers or prospective employers, MUST verify registration status using the Nurse eRegister (electronic register of Nurses and Midwives) at: sanc.co.za/eRegister.aspx
• For further information regarding restoration, please contact Mr. B Manganyi, Manager: Revenue Collections and Sales at [email protected] or Tel: 012 420 1081.

5. IMPLICATIONS

• The contents of this circular must be brought to the attention of all employers, national and provincial departments of health, stakeholders and nurses across all nursing service platforms.

6. IMPLEMENTATION

• This circular shall become effective on the date of issue. Enquiries in this regard can be directed to Dr J Muswede, Senior Manager: Professional Practice at [email protected] or Tel: 012 420 1073.

______________________

PROF NG MTSHALI

REGISTRAR & CEO

DATE: _________________

________________________  

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 TO:      NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
             PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH
             NURSING EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (NEIS)
             ALL STAKEHOLDERS

SUBJECT:    UPDATE EMAIL ADDRESSES WITH THE SANC IN PREPARATION FOR THE DELIVERY OF ELECTRONIC ANNUAL PRACTISING CERTIFICATES AS OF 2026

1. PURPOSE
   • To inform the nurse practitioners, the National Department of Health, Provincial Departments of Health, Nursing Education Institutions (NEIs) and other relevant stakeholders regarding the following:

• The SANC will, from July 2025, send electronic annual practising certificates (APCs) by EMAIL to practitioners upon receiving their 2026 annual fee payment. This is a pilot phase and is to be rolled out in phases.
• From July 2026, the Council will fully implement the issuing of electronic annual practising certificates and no longer issue printed annual practising certificates, except in exceptional cases as defined during the 2025/26 pilot study.
• The SANC is also embarking on a campaign for nurse practitioners to update their personal details (emails and cell phone numbers specifically) to ensure the SANC has recent and correct email addresses and cell phone numbers in its records. This will assist in ensuring that practitioners receive their electronic annual practising certificate in time and via email as of 2026.

2. BACKGROUND

2.1    The South African Nursing Council is a statutory body that is empowered by the Nursing Act, 2005 (Act No. 33 of 2005) to serve and protect the public in matters involving health services generally and nursing services in particular.

2.2    Section 31 (3) of the Act mandates that, “An employer must not employ or retain in employment a person to perform the functions pertaining to the profession of nursing, other than a person who holds the necessary qualification and who is registered under subsection (1) or (2).”

2.3    Section 36.2 of the Act further states that, “A certificate of registration is proof of registration for a period of one year after its date and thereafter an annual practising certificate, issued upon payment of the prescribed annual fee and the submission of such information as may be required by the Council to keep accurate statistics on human resources in nursing, is proof of registration in the absence of any credible evidence to the contrary.”

2.4    Due to challenges over the years with the delivery of the printed annual practising certificates via the SA Post Office, the Council has in August 2024 notified the nursing profession, employers and stakeholders of its intention to discontinue the practice of issuing printed annual practising certificates refer – Circular 10 of 2024).

3. COUNCIL RESOLUTION

3.1    During its meeting of 24 – 25 April 2025 the Council further RESOLVED as follows:

3.1.1    Approval of the introduction of annual electronic practising certificates in a phased approach from July 2025; and

3.1.2    The implementation of the electronic certificates, subsequent to the phased approach, to be fully implemented as of July 2026.

4. ELECTRONIC ANNUAL PRACTISING CERTIFICATE

4.1    The electronic annual practising certificate will be similar in content to the current printed annual practising certificate.

4.2    The annual electronic practising certificate will be sent to nurse practitioners’ email addresses upon receipt of their annual fees.

4.3    The annual electronic practising certificate will be encrypted and will require a password to open it.

4.4    As an employer or prospective employer, you MUST verify the details shown on the electronic annual practising certificate by using the South African Nursing Council eRegister (electronic register of Nurses and Midwives) at: www.sanc.co.za/eRegister.aspx

4.5     A QR code will be added on the front of the electronic annual practising certificate which, when scanned, will confirm the following critical information from the certificate:

• The address of the eRegister
• The nurse’s Reference Number
• The nurse’s ID Number; and
• The APC Number.

4.6    From the month of July 2025 the SANC will electronically send out the 2026 annual practising certificate to all nurse practitioners whom we already have email addresses as part of the pilot study (printed annual practising certificates will be available on request).

4.7    As from July 2026 the SANC will fully implement the resolution and only issue 2027 electronic annual practising certificates (printed annual practising certificates will no longer be available, except in exceptional cases as defined during the 2025/26 pilot study).

5. UPDATE OF PERSONAL DETAILS (E-MAILS)

5.1    Obtaining nurse practitioners’ latest email addresses and contact details is essential for the successful delivery of the electronic annual practising certificate, and the SANC therefore request nurse practitioners to update their personal details by following the process below:

Step 1: Go to the SANC website: www.sanc.co.za

Step 2: On the Home Page, go to QUICK LINKS (top, right of the page)

Step 3: Click on:  DOWNLOADABLE FORMS

Step 4: Select the form:  UPDATE OF CONTACT DETAILS FORM

Step 5: Complete the online form

Step 6: Click on: SEND.

5.2     We further request, where it is possible, employers to assist with creating email accounts and then provide these email addresses for their employees to the SANC.

For further information in respect of this Circular, you are advised to contact Mr. B Manganyi, Manager: Revenue Collections and Sales at [email protected] or Tel: 012 420 1081.

Yours sincerely, 

PROF NG MTSHALI                                                                            

REGISTRAR AND CEO

SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL

DATE:  ________________________

Click the link below to download the Circular as a PDF

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