100% of certified PMI Construction Professionals (PMI-CPs) in Namibia are from SoAfrSPM.
Overview of the Mature Age Entry Scheme
The Mature Age Entry Scheme at the Southern Africa (SoAfr) School of Project Management is a unique admission pathway designed for those who do not meet our standard admission criteria. This scheme recognizes the value of life and work experience, offering a flexible opportunity for mature individuals eager to advance their education and career in project management.
Mature Age Admission Requirements
To be eligible for our programs through this inclusive scheme, candidates must meet three criteria:
Age Criteria: Candidates must be at least 25 years old by the first day of the academic year (1 August) for which they are applying.
Educational Background: The education requirement varies based on the level of the program. For our Level 6 program, a mature-age applicant must have a grade 12 certificate. For our Level 5 program, we strongly prefer an applicant who has a grade 12 certificate but will consider an applicant who has less than a grade 12 certificate.
Work Experience: Candidates must provide evidence of at least five years of relevant work experience.
Interview Requirement: All applicants who earn the minimum score on the mature age entry assessment will be invited to an interview. Interviews are mandatory for admissions.
Application Process
Candidates must submit an online application form and indicate that they are a mature age entry applicant. Please note that we exclusively accept electronic submissions and do not consider manual applications.
Mature Age Entry Assessment
Eligible candidates are required to complete the Mature Age Entry (MAE) Assessment. The assessment is computer-based and is administered face-to-face. Special arrangements for online administration can be made for candidates who leave more than one hour from an SoAfrSPM office. This assessment is typically scheduled for early April and early June each year. It comprises three sections of equal weight:
English Assessment: This section evaluates the candidate's proficiency in the English language through 30 questions, which must be completed within a two-hour timeframe. It aims to assess the understanding and application of English in various contexts.
Writing Assessment: In this section, candidates' writing skills are tested. They are presented with three writing prompts related to general knowledge topics and must select one to elaborate on. The assessment gauges the candidates' ability to present their knowledge and analytical skills effectively, and to articulate their thoughts in a clear and persuasive manner. Candidates have one hour to complete their essay. The response must be at least 300 words up to a maximum of 500 words.
Math Assessment: The math section is designed to measure quantitative abilities through 30 questions, also to be completed within a two-hour limit. This assessment focuses on evaluating the candidate's mathematical skills and their application to solve problems.
Mature Age Entry Candidate Selection
Candidates must earn 50% or above on all three assessments and achieve an overall average of 60% across the three assessments. Candidates who meet the minimum assessment score will be invited for an interview. Interviews are mandatory and can be conducted face-to-face in Windhoek, Namibia, or Lusaka, Zambia. Online interviews are available for applicants who live one hour or more from the school. The interview plays a crucial role in our final selection process.
At SoAfrSPM, we believe in empowering individuals through education, regardless of their academic background. Our Mature Age Entry Scheme is a testament to our commitment to accessible, quality education and our recognition of the diverse experiences that enrich our learning community.