
What is AP Maths?
The Independent Examination Board (IEB) explains the Advanced Programme (AP) subjects as follows:
“The APs are designed for Grade 12 learners to give academically gifted students the opportunity of studying these subjects in greater depth. It also provides schools with an opportunity to encourage self-study skills in learners. The IEB Advanced Programmes are designed to develop independent and critical thinking skills, thus preparing students for university study.”
Advanced Programme Mathematics (AP Maths) is offered by the IEB as a certified exam and is quality assured by Umalusi. The exam is written by learners in their Grade 12 final exams, however, it is recommended that all learners wanting to write this exam in Grade 12 begin preparing for it from Grade 10, as the topics are advanced and the necessary foundation of knowledge needs to be built in advance. Over the course of this three-year programme, learners develop critical thinking skills, independence and an extended understanding of Mathematics, which builds a foundation for tertiary education.
Like university degrees, the AP Maths curriculum is broken down into core modules and electives. The core modules are Calculus and Algebra, and learners choose one elective from the following three options: Finance and Modelling, Graph Theory and Matrices, or Statistics.
AP Maths is offered as an extra certificate, meaning it has no influence on Matric results. Having been benchmarked by UK NARIC and considered comparable in demand to the United Kingdom A-levels, many international universities recognise the IEB AP Maths certificate when reviewing applications. In addition to this, some international institutions require AP Maths as a prerequisite to particular courses for South African applicants.

Who should take AP Maths?
Although AP Maths is provided by the IEB, applicants do not need to attend an IEB school in order to take AP Maths. Advantage Learn will help all candidates to register with the IEB for the exam that is taken in Grade 12. This gives every learner the opportunity to benefit from studying AP Maths. We recommend AP Maths to the following learners:
Learners with a strong Core Maths competency level
Learners who are interested in Maths and want to extend themselves
Learners who want to better their Core Maths results
Learners who want to better prepare themselves for tertiary study
Learners who want to differentiate themselves when applying to universities
Learners who are looking to apply to international universities
For more information, see the brochure below.