Understanding Qualifications and Accreditation in South Africa

01

The National Qualifications Framework

The National Qualifications Framework, usually referred to as the NQF, organises all formal qualifications in South Africa into ten levels, running from basic school leaving qualifications at the lower levels up to doctoral degrees at the highest level. Each qualification registered on the NQF is assigned a level and a credit value, which indicates its depth and the amount of learning involved. This makes it possible to compare qualifications from different institutions and sectors on a common scale, and to see how one qualification might lead into further study at a higher level.

02

SAQA and the national learner records database

The South African Qualifications Authority, known as SAQA, maintains the official register of qualifications and part qualifications that are recognised within the NQF. SAQA also manages the National Learner Records Database, which records achievements against registered qualifications. When comparing training providers, it is reasonable to ask whether the qualification on offer is registered with SAQA, since this affects whether it will be recognised by other institutions and employers.

SAQA is also responsible for evaluating foreign qualifications, which is relevant for people who have studied outside South Africa and want their qualification assessed against the local framework.

03

Quality councils and sector bodies

Three quality councils oversee different parts of the NQF. The Council on Higher Education is responsible for university level qualifications. Umalusi oversees general and further education, including school leaving qualifications and some college level certificates. The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations, or QCTO, is responsible for occupational qualifications, which are directly linked to performing a specific job or trade, such as an electrician, a chef or a bookkeeper.

Alongside the quality councils, Sector Education and Training Authorities, commonly called SETAs, operate within specific industries such as construction, manufacturing, finance, or wholesale and retail. SETAs accredit certain training providers within their sector, approve learnerships, and in some cases contribute to funding workplace based training. A provider that mentions SETA accreditation should be able to confirm which SETA has accredited them and for which specific course or learnership.

04

Short courses versus full qualifications

Not every course leads to a registered qualification, and that is not necessarily a problem. Short courses can still be useful for building a specific skill, especially when combined with existing work experience or formal qualifications. The important distinction is knowing what you are getting: a certificate of attendance from a short course is different from a qualification registered on the NQF, and the two serve different purposes on a curriculum vitae or job application.

05

Questions to ask a provider

• Is this a registered qualification on the NQF, and if so, at what level?
• Which quality council or SETA has accredited this qualification or this provider?
• Is the certificate issued by the provider itself, or by the relevant quality council or SETA?
• Does the qualification include credits that can be carried into further study?
• Is there a recognised assessment or trade test at the end of the programme, and who administers it?

06

Checking registration independently

Because accreditation claims can be exaggerated or misunderstood, it is sensible to verify details independently rather than relying only on marketing material from a training provider. SAQA's public qualification register and the relevant SETA or quality council are the appropriate places to confirm whether a specific qualification or provider is currently registered and in good standing.