This pledge outlines the rules of the exams and the consequences learners face should these rules be broken. Later this month, the National Senior Certificate exams (commonly referred to as Matric exams) kick off, and hundreds of thousands of hopefuls will enter exam halls around the country. The exams are preceded by the signing of the Matric Pledge. This pledge reminds learners of the importance of these exams and reinforces a commitment to studies during the exam period. Beyond that, criminal charges can be brought against the learner, making cheating incredibly costly for the learner and their family.