How to Apply for the SARS Customs Cadet Learnership X80

Applications should be submitted online through the official SARS recruitment platform.

Search for:

Customs & Excise Cadet Learnership Programme (X80) – 12 Months Contract

Use:

Requisition ID: 11620

Closing Date: 30 September 2026

Applicants should complete the application carefully and ensure it is submitted before the closing date.

Documents to Prepare

Applicants should prepare supporting documents relevant to the advertised requirements, including:

• Updated CV.
• South African ID.
• NQF Level 4 qualification.
• Academic results showing Mathematics and/or Accounting.
• Valid Code B/EB driver’s licence.
• Evidence of relevant work experience where requested.
• Other supporting documents requested during the recruitment process.

Make sure information on your CV matches the documents you provide.

CV Tips for SARS Customs Cadet Applicants

Because SARS requires 1 year of relevant experience, make this experience easy for recruiters to identify.

1. Clearly Show Your NQF Level 4 Qualification

For example:

National Senior Certificate / NQF Level 4
School/Institution: [Name]
Year Completed: [Year]

Relevant Subjects:

• Mathematics – [Your Result]
• Accounting – [Your Result]

Only include subjects you actually completed.

2. Highlight Your 1 Year of Relevant Experience

Relevant experience should be within:

• Administration.
• Logistics.
• Customer service.

For example:

Administrative Assistant – [Company]
January 2025 – January 2026

• Assisted with administrative documentation.
• Maintained accurate records.
• Responded to customer queries.
• Captured information on computer systems.
• Prepared basic reports.
• Filed and organised documents.

Use your genuine work history and responsibilities.

3. Include Your Driver’s Licence

Because a valid Code B/EB driver’s licence is a minimum requirement, make it visible on your CV.

For example:

Driver’s Licence: Code B

4. Highlight Computer Skills

Relevant computer skills can include:

• Microsoft Word.
• Microsoft Excel.
• Microsoft Outlook.
• PowerPoint.
• Data capturing.
• Email.
• Electronic record keeping.

Only list applications you can genuinely use.

5. Highlight Relevant Personal Skills

Skills particularly relevant to this programme include:

• Attention to detail.
• Analytical thinking.
• Communication.
• Administration.
• Record keeping.
• Customer service.
• Teamwork.
• Problem solving.
• Planning.
• Organisation.
• Integrity.
• Confidentiality.
• Accountability.

Sample CV Profile

Professional Profile

Responsible and detail-oriented South African youth with an NQF Level 4 qualification and experience in [administration/logistics/customer service]. Computer literate with good communication, organisational and record-keeping skills, a valid Code B driver’s licence and a strong commitment to integrity and confidentiality. Interested in developing practical Customs & Excise knowledge through the SARS Customs Cadet Learnership Programme.

Replace the bracketed section with your actual experience.

Possible Interview Questions

Applicants preparing for the SARS Customs & Excise Cadet recruitment process may want to practise questions such as:

1. Tell us about yourself.
2. Why do you want to join SARS?
3. Why are you interested in Customs & Excise?
4. What do you understand about the SARS Customs Cadet Programme?
5. What is the role of Customs at South Africa’s borders?
6. What administration, logistics or customer-service experience do you have?
7. Tell us about a time you had to maintain accurate records.
8. How do you make sure your work is accurate?
9. How would you handle confidential information?
10. Why is integrity important when working for SARS?
11. Tell us about a time you dealt with a difficult customer.
12. How do you handle pressure?
13. How would you deal with an instruction you did not understand?
14. What would you do if you identified incorrect information on a document?
15. How do you organise your work when you have several deadlines?
16. Are you willing to work shifts and weekends?
17. Are you willing to work on public holidays?
18. Are you willing to work overtime when operationally required?
19. Are you willing to work at remote border posts?
20. Are you willing to be deployed nationally?
21. What Microsoft Office applications can you use?
22. How do you work as part of a team?
23. What does accountability mean to you?
24. What would you do if you witnessed behaviour that appeared to violate a procedure?
25. Why should SARS consider you for this programme?

Recruitment and Assessment Process

Applicants should be aware that successful candidates may be required to undergo:

• Pre-employment screening.
• Security screening.
• Criminal-record checks.
• Qualification verification.
• Integrity assessments.
• A case study.
• Pre-assessment.
• Psychometric assessment.
• Vetting.
• Reference checks.
• Security clearance where applicable.
• Declaration of private interests.

Successful candidates will also be required to undertake an oath of secrecy.

Applicants should answer all questions and assessments truthfully.

Employment Equity

SARS states that its Employment Equity Policy will be considered as part of the recruitment and selection process.

Persons with Disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Final Reminder

SARS is recruiting 80 Customs & Excise Cadets for a 12-month learnership programme across multiple operational locations in South Africa.

Programme: Customs & Excise Cadet Learnership
Positions: 80
Employer: SARS
Requisition ID: 11620
Contract: 12 Months
Qualification: NQF Level 4 with Mathematics and/or Accounting
Experience: 1 year in administration, logistics or customer service
Age: 18–35 years
Citizenship: South African
Driver’s Licence: Valid Code B/EB required
Locations: 16 listed operational locations
Closing Date: 30 September 2026

Applicants must also be willing to work shifts, weekends, public holidays and overtime when required and must be prepared for possible deployment to Customs operational environments around the country.