Hi guys, so back then when i was young and stupid, i dropped out of sec sch and didn’t manage to get my n level cert.

fast forward 10 years later, i realised i’m going nowhere. i’ve had long periods of being unable to find a job and when i eventually do, they’re all short term part time/event jobs here and there.

i’m basically scraping by living each day as it comes. feels like im wasting my life away, esp when i see my peers achieving milestones.

sooo i decided that i want to go back and get that n level cert that i’ve given up 10 years ago. then a diploma and hopefully after all that, i can make something meaningful out of my life.

anyways i did some research on how to start the process of studying again but i’m still a little confused on my options:

register as a private candidate via seab (but only 4 subjects are offered? is that enough for a full n level cert?)

go through the general education route via ite, meaning 4 years of study to get the cert?

any other possible routes that i don’t know of?

not sure if i can register as a private candidate since i didn’t attempt n levels at all so i technically shouldn’t be “retaking” the subjects as private candidate right? but from the seab website, the only pre-requisite is minimum 15 years old. i feel like i’m missing out on some info somewhere..

would really appreciate any advice and help! thank you!

Netizens’ comments

If you can try the O level. ITE have a program for people who have not completed their Os. Jia you and atb OP!

Take the Seab route and take the 4 subjects, when you pass your N levels, then take either O levels or go for ITE. I would suggest to call Seab for advice or go ITE for advice and other alternative pathway. ITE may have some mature students pathway to get ITE cert straight i think. Call them

You can retake as many times as you want as a private candidate via SEAB, but the minimum age is 15 years old. So if you would like to pursue a ITE course, you must attain at least a N/O level, whichever you want. If you would like to pursue a full-time diploma course, you need a O level.