DOEL-Approved GCC Exam Centers: Where can I write the GCC Factories exams?
Updated: Sep 10
To obtain the GCC Factories, you need to write and pass the plant engineering and OHS Act exams.
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) administers the GCC Factories examinations at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
In this post, I will provide the list of the GCC Factories examination centers as published by the Department of Employment and Labour (DOEL). I will also cover some frequently asked questions about exam centers. Here is a breakdown of the topics I will cover:
DOEL-Approved GCC Factories Examination TVET Colleges
Historically, the DOEL did not have a list of approved GCC Factories examination centers, and we relied mostly on the Department of Mineral Resources & Energy (DMRE) list.
However, this has since changed, and in 2026 the DOEL published the list below:
For your convenience, here is the tabulated list of the DOEL GCC Factories exam centers with direct links to the TVET college websites.
PROVINCE | TOWN | CENTER NAME |
|---|---|---|
Gauteng | Carletonville | |
Centurion | ||
Kempton Park** | ||
Pretoria** | ||
Mpumalanga | Evander | |
Mbombela (Nelspruit)** | ||
Witbank | ||
Limpopo | Seshego | |
Phalaborwa | ||
Lephalale (Ellisras)** | ||
North West | Klerksdorp | |
Rustenburg | ||
KwaZulu Natal | Durban | |
Richards Bay | ||
Northern Cape | Kimberly | |
Kathu | ||
Free State | Sasolburg | |
Western Cape | Cape Town | |
Eastern Cape | Port Elizabeth |
** Not included as a DMRE-approved exam center for the GCC Mines. Click here for the GCC Mines-approved exam centers (they differ slightly from the GCC Factories-approved exam centers).
When are the GCC Factories exams written?
The GCC Factories exams are written every year in June and November. Palucraft shares these dates on the home page, based on the published or tentative dates from DHET.
The plant engineering exam is usually in the first week of June and November. The OHS Act exam is usually in the second week of June and November.
Do I need to write the two exams in the same sitting?
No. You can write one exam in June/November and the other in the next June/November sitting. Or you can write both in the same June/November exam sitting.
Can I write the GCC Factories exam in any TVET College?
Can I write the GCC Factories exam in a private Further Education and Training (FET) College?
No. The DOEL does not endorse private FET colleges.
Where can I write the GCC Mines exams?
Click here to view the DMRE-approved GCC Mines exam centers. They differ slightly from the GCC Factories exam centers.
Does having the GCC Factories acceptance letter automatically mean I am registered to write at the exam center?
No. You still need to register to write the exam at a DOEL-approved GCC Factories exam center, as shown above.
When can I register for the GCC Factories exam at the exam centers?
Exam centers have different registration dates, so you must confirm with the center where you plan to write. Exam centers usually open registration in January/February for the June exams and around July/August for the November exams.
What is the closing date for registering for the GCC Factories exams?
The DHET publishes management plans with closing dates that vary each year. The exam registration closing date for the June exams is usually around January/Ferbruary, and for the November exams, it is usually around August/September.
What must I bring when going to register for the GCC Factories exams?
You will need to bring the following:
Your DOEL GCC Factories acceptance letter. Make sure it is still valid.
A copy of your ID. Some exam centers require a certified copy. So, bring a certified copy just in case.
Exam registration fees. Fees vary and usually range between R250 and R1500, depending on the exam center. Exam centers usually take card payments, but some centers require cash. Bring cash just in case. Some centers provide bank deposit slips, which you must deposit at a physical bank. So, ensure you factor that time into your schedule.
How do I register for the exams?
The exam center will make you fill out the DHET exam registration form similar to the one below.
Once you complete the form and make payment, make sure you get a confirmation document showing you have registered for the exam. Some exam centers will give you the exam permit the same day, but others may give it to you closer to the exam.
How do I contact the exam centers?
You can contact the exam center by phone, email, website form, or in person. Historically, going there in person has been the most efficient option.
How do I know I have registered for the exam?
The exam centers usually provide a confirmation slip or document. Some exam centers will provide the exam permit the same day you register for the exam, but others may issue the exam permit closer to the exam.
Do I need the exam permit before entering the exam?
Yes. You will need the exam permit before entering the exam room. Some exam centers will provide the exam permit the same day you register for the exam, but others may issue the exam permit closer to the exam or on the exam date.
Next Steps
If you have your GCC Factories acceptance letter from the DOEL, contact your nearest exam center to check when the exam registration opens and closes.
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If you are ready to start with your exam preparation, consider the following options from Palucraft:
[Plant Engineering Programme] - A guided exam preparation programme that holds you by the hand as you prepare for your GCC Factories plant engineering exam. The programme includes study material, ten classes, lunch hour sessions, one-on-one consultation, email support, learning management system access, and 5 ECSA CPD credits.
[OHS Programme] - A guided exam preparation programme that holds you by the hand as you prepare for your GCC Factories OHS Act exam. The programme includes study material, six classes, lunch hour sessions, one-on-one consultation, digital flashcards, email support, learning management system access, and 5 ECSA CPD credits.
[Online Courses] - Self-paced online courses to help you prepare for the GCC Factories exams. The online courses include on-demand videos, quizzes, downloadable resources, workbooks, and email support. Note: The online courses are included when you join the GCC Factories programmes.
[Study Material] - Self-study textbooks to help you master the GCC Factories content. The study material includes theory review and past exam papers with solutions. Note: The study material is included when you join the GCC Factories programmes.
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