On this page you will find Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Grade 12 Exam Guidelines Scope for 2025 final exams.
The guidelines are for both Paper 1 (Practical) and Paper 2 (Theory), and they give you the full scope that will be very useful when you write your CAT Grade 12 Paper 1 on Tuesday, 21 October 2025 and Paper 2 on Wednesday, 12 November 2025. These guidelines highlight the software, topics, and skills you will be tested on in the 2025 final examinations.
Computer Applications Technology Grade 12 Exam Guidelines Scope 2025 – What to Expect
The CAT Grade 12 final exam is made up of two papers. Paper 1 is a practical computer-based assessment, while Paper 2 is a written theory paper. Both papers test learners’ knowledge, practical ability, and problem-solving skills with ICTs.
Paper 1 – Practical Examination (150 marks, 3 hours)
Paper 1 will be written on Tuesday, 21 October 2025. It tests learners’ ability to use Microsoft Office (2013, 2016, 2019, or Microsoft 365) and web development with Notepad++. All questions are computer-based.
Topics Covered and Mark Allocation:
- Word Processing (±45 marks): Creating documents, using forms, referencing tools, indexes, and formatting advanced documents.
- Spreadsheets (±40 marks): Functions, formulas, named ranges, lookup functions (VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP), COUNTIFS, SUMIFS, date and time functions, conditional formatting, and advanced features like SUBTOTAL.
- Databases (±35 marks): Creating and managing tables, queries, reports, and interpreting field properties. Input masks and data types may be tested.
- Web Development (±15 marks): Writing HTML using Notepad++. Using correct tags, hyperlinks, citations, and form structures. Word processors or drag-and-drop web builders (e.g. Wix, Dreamweaver, WordPress) will not be accepted.
- General (±15 marks): Integration of skills across applications, file management (e.g. extracting compressed files), and applying knowledge in different contexts.
Key Practical Requirements:
- Learners must be able to unzip password-protected files.
- HTML coding must be done in a text editor.
- Integration between Word, Excel, and Access may be tested.
Paper 2 – Theory Examination (150 marks, 3 hours)
Paper 2 will be written on Wednesday, 12 November 2025. It is a written paper with short questions, structured questions, and two case studies in Section C.
Structure and Topics:
- Section A (25 marks): Short questions covering all topics – multiple-choice, matching, true/false.
- Section B:
- Systems Technologies (±25 marks): Hardware, software, peripherals, troubleshooting, device management.
- Internet and Network Technologies (±15 marks): Networks (LAN, WAN, PAN), hardware, services, browsers, communication tools.
- Information Management (±10 marks): Data collection, accuracy checks, interpretation of information.
- Social Implications (±10 marks): Legal, ethical, security, environmental, ergonomic issues.
- Solution Development (±15 marks): Application of software solutions and theoretical aspects of software use.
- Section C (50 marks): Two integrated real-life scenarios (±25 marks each), testing application of ICT knowledge in problem-solving contexts.
Conclusion
The Computer Applications Technology Grade 12 Exam Guidelines Scope for 2025 confirms the split between practical and theory assessment. Paper 1 on 21 October 2025 tests advanced ICT skills in Word, Excel, Access, and HTML coding, while Paper 2 on 12 November 2025 focuses on theory, problem-solving, and the responsible use of ICTs. Together, the two papers assess both practical competence and theoretical understanding, making up the final examination for CAT Grade 12. Learners must practise both practical tasks and written past papers to prepare fully. With this scope, you can approach the CAT 2025 final exams with confidence and accuracy.
