The SEC G1 grading system uses five grades: A, B, C, D and E. For a G1 subject, SEAB states that grade D or better meets the threshold for the subject-level SEC certificate. G2 subjects use grades 1 to 6, while G3 subjects use the familiar A1 to 9 scale. Parents searching for “SEC G1 grading system”, “G1 passing grade”, “G1 grade D”, or “G1 vs G2 grades” should distinguish the subject grade from the grade-mapping rules used for particular progression calculations.
The Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) begins in 2027 and places G1, G2 and G3 subjects on one certificate. A student may take subjects at different levels. The mapping of grades between levels is used only when a progression calculation requires it; it does not mean that the syllabuses or learning experiences are identical. The authoritative reference is the SEAB SEC overview and grading information.
- G1: A, B, C, D, E; grade D or better earns the G1 subject certificate.
- G2: grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- G3: A1, A2, B3, B4, C5, C6, D7, E8, 9.
- G2-to-G1 mapping: grades 1–3 map to A; 4 to B; 5 to C; 6 to D; SEAB’s table does not assign an ordinary G2 grade to G1 E.
- G3-to-G2 mapping: A1–B3 map to 1; B4–C6 to 2; D7 to 3; E8 to 4; 9 to 5; no G3 grade maps to G2 grade 6 in that table.
- Mapping is applied only where required for specified aggregate calculations; it is not a universal equivalence chart.
- Always check the current entry requirements for the actual programme being considered.
1. What grades do G1 students receive?
G1 subjects are graded A, B, C, D and E. SEAB describes grade D or better as the threshold for awarding the SEC certificate for a G1-level subject. This gives parents a clear way to understand the subject certificate threshold, but it should not be confused with the requirements for entry to a particular post-secondary course.
The certificate records the subjects and subject levels taken. A student may therefore receive a combination of G1, G2 and G3 subject grades on one SEC certificate. The grade scale is attached to the level of each subject, not to one overall stream identity.
2. G1, G2 and G3 grade scales compared
| Subject level | Grade scale | Certificate threshold stated by SEAB |
|---|---|---|
| G1 | A, B, C, D, E | D or better |
| G2 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | 5 or better |
| G3 | A1, A2, B3, B4, C5, C6, D7, E8, 9 | E8 or better |
These scales reflect the standards of the former N(T), N(A) and O-Level examinations respectively. G1 is broadly mapped from the former N(T) standard, G2 from N(A), and G3 from O-Level. The SEC does not turn every subject into one identical syllabus. Candidates continue to sit the level of each subject they offer.
3. How does G2 map to G1?
SEAB publishes a mapping table for situations where a G2 grade needs to be converted to the G1 scale for a progression calculation. The published mapping is: G2 grades 1, 2 or 3 map to G1 grade A; G2 grade 4 maps to B; grade 5 maps to C; and grade 6 maps to D. The table does not give a G2 grade that maps to G1 E.
| G2 grade | Mapped G1 grade |
|---|---|
| 1, 2 or 3 | A |
| 4 | B |
| 5 | C |
| 6 | D |
This conversion should be used only in the context for which SEAB provides it. It is not a statement that a student taking G2 is learning exactly the same content as a G1 student, nor does it make a G2 paper a direct substitute for a G1 paper.
4. How does G3 map to G2 and then G1?
For relevant progression purposes, SEAB provides a G3-to-G2 mapping. G3 grades A1 to B3 map to G2 grade 1; B4 to C6 map to 2; D7 maps to 3; E8 maps to 4; and 9 maps to 5. Where a G3 grade needs to be mapped to G1, SEAB explains that the G3 grade is first mapped to G2, then the mapped G2 grade is mapped to G1.
| G3 grade | Mapped G2 grade |
|---|---|
| A1–B3 | 1 |
| B4–C6 | 2 |
| D7 | 3 |
| E8 | 4 |
| 9 | 5 |
For example, a G3 grade within A1 to B3 becomes G2 grade 1, which then maps to G1 grade A under the published grade-mapping tables. This is a calculation rule for specified progression contexts. Do not use it to claim a general academic equivalence or to predict a student’s admission outcome.
5. Why does grade mapping exist?
SEAB explains that grade mapping is used when there is a need to compute aggregate scores using grades from subjects taken at more demanding levels for specific post-secondary progression purposes. Examples include ELMAB3 for admission to Year 2 of Higher Nitec and the Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP), and ELR2B2 for polytechnic admissions. The requirements and score calculations differ by route and may change over time.
Not every subject is automatically included in every aggregate. SEAB’s own example shows a G1 Computing grade marked as not mapped for the ELMAB3 calculation in that example. This is a useful warning: parents should not assume that every additional subject can be inserted into an aggregate score simply because it appears on the SEC certificate.
6. Grade D is not a guarantee of admission
A G1 grade D or better meets the stated threshold for the G1 subject certificate. It does not by itself guarantee entry to a particular ITE, polytechnic or other programme. Admission requirements may include specified subjects, subject levels, aggregate-score rules, aptitude or other criteria. A student may have a certificate for a subject and still need to satisfy additional conditions to enter a chosen course.
When discussing the next step, identify the exact route and intake year. Ask the institution or admissions authority which subjects count, at what level, and how the aggregate is calculated. Use official admissions information for that year rather than relying on a general table copied from an older examination system.
7. How to explain grades to a child
Children can interpret grades as a judgement of their ability if adults discuss only the letter. A better conversation separates the result from the learning process. Ask which topics the student understands, where the answer became difficult and what support could make the next attempt more independent. A grade is information about performance in an assessment, not a complete description of a child’s potential.
- Recognise what the child has learned, not just whether the grade is higher than a friend’s.
- Review the syllabus topics and marked work to identify specific gaps.
- Ask the teacher what a realistic next target would be.
- Avoid promising a grade conversion that is not relevant to the child’s intended route.
- Discuss subject-level progression based on readiness and the school’s process, not prestige.
8. Parent checklist for reading the SEC result
- Check each subject’s level as well as its grade.
- Confirm whether the G1 grade meets the D-or-better certificate threshold.
- Do not convert grades unless the particular progression calculation requires it.
- Check whether the subject is included in the aggregate for the intended route.
- Read the current admissions criteria and intake-year instructions.
- Ask the school for help interpreting a mixed G1/G2/G3 subject profile.
Official source and further guidance
SEAB publishes the grade scales, grade-mapping tables and certificate thresholds in its Secondary Education Certificate overview. For the subject codes and syllabus documents, use the 2027 G1 school-candidate syllabus directory and the eduKate G1 subject-guide directory. These official sources should take precedence over unofficial conversion charts.
The purpose of understanding G1 grades is to make better decisions, not to reduce a student to a letter. Parents who know the grade scale, certificate threshold and limits of mapping can interpret results accurately and ask more useful questions about future study.