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Accredited Providers

Training providers are required to register with the Department of Higher Education and Training. Training providers must also be accredited to offer registered qualifications and skills programmes by the relevant Quality Councils (QCs).

The three QCs are the:

  • Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training (Umalusi) for general and further education and training qualifications
  • Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) for work-based qualifications
  • Council on Higher Education (CHE) for higher education qualifications

For a list of providers accredited to offer qualifications and skills programmes, please contact the relevant QC on the contact details provided below.

Articulation

It is important to note that qualifications do not lose their currency even if they are phased out. Students that are currently doing their National N Diploma will be able to progress to the Advanced Diploma. Students who have successfully completed the BTech will be able to progress to higher qualifications, subject to each institution’s progression and articulation rules.

Articulation is the process of forming possibilities of connection between qualifications and/or part-qualifications to allow for vertical, lateral and diagonal movement of learners through the formal education and training system and its linkages with the world of work. It is for this reason that qualifications are designed with articulation options. However, these articulation options are guidelines as learners are still required to meet institution and programme specific admission requirements.

Which other qualification(s) can I pursue on completion of my current studies?

To check articulation options for specific qualifications, please follow this link:

http://regqs.saqa.org.za/search.php?cat=qual

Career Advice

The National Artisan Development and Support Centre (NADSC) provides artisan career guidance to school learners and post-school persons through its Career Development Directorate. It also offers information related to accredited trade test centres and skills development providers.

The NADSC details are:

Tel: 086 999 0125

Email: nadscinfo@dhet.gov.za

Website: www.nadsc.dhet.gov.za

For information and advice on furthering your studies and career pathways, please contact the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)’s Career Development Services (CDS).

The CDS contact details are:

Tel: 086 999 0123

SMS/please call me: 072 204 5056

Email: careerhelp@dhet.gov.za

Website: www.careerhelp.org.za

Credit Verification

Credits obtained for qualifications or part-qualifications are confirmed on the transcript issued by the training provider. You can request this information from the training provider.

Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS) Credits

For FAIS-related enquiries, please contact the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA). Their contact details are:

Telephone: 011 381 8900

Website: www.inseta.org.za

Alternatively, you can contact the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FCSA). Their contact details are:

Telephone: 0800 203 722

Website: http://www.fsca.co.za

Illegal Education and Training Providers

To report an institution that is not registered and accredited, please contact the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) on 0800 872 222.

You can also contact the Office of Consumer Affairs in your region or the office of the National Consumer Commission (NCC) on 012 761 3000/0861 843 384 or send an email to complaints@thencc.org.za

Learnerships

A learnership is a learning programme registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training, which consists of a structured learning component, a practical work experience component of a specified nature and duration, and which leads to a qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework that is related to an occupation. It is based on an agreement entered into between the learner, the institution and the employer. 

Learnerships are often advertised by the different training providers that are accredited to offer registered qualifications by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). The accredited training providers work together with the 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).

For more information, you can contact the QCTO on the details below:

Tel: 012 003 1800

Website: www.qcto.org.za

Level Descriptors

A level descriptor is a statement describing learning achievements at a particular level of the National Qualifications Framework. It provides a broad indication of the types of learning outcomes and assessment criteria that are appropriate to a qualification at that level.

Lost Certificates

SAQA does not issue or keep copies of certificates issued by training providers, and these should be requested from the training providers. 
Matric Certificate: 
To apply for a replacement your matric certificate, please contact Umalusi and follow the online application process. 

www.umalusi.org.za  / Telephone: 012 349 1510  

For the replacement/re-issue of your matric certificate obtained prior to 1992, contact the Department of Basic Education on the following contact details: 

Telephone: 012 357 4511/13 / Email: certification@dbe.gov.za 

Please contact the training provider to enquire about the status of your certificate. You can also contact the relevant Quality Council (QC) for further information in this regard.

The three QCs are the:

  • Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training (Umalusi) for general and further education and training qualifications
  • Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) for work-based qualifications
  • Council on Higher Education (CHE) for higher education qualifications

Their contact details are:

Matric Exemption Certificates

A matriculation exemption is a legal requirement for first-degree studies at a South African university. Students who did not pass Senior Certificate with endorsement are required by law to apply for a matriculation exemption through the Matriculation Board.

International students wishing to register for first-degree studies in South Africa must have their school qualifications evaluated by the Matriculation Board that will then issue a certificate of exemption to those who qualify.

A certificate of exemption is issued on application to prospective students who have obtained a Senior Certificate without endorsement or equivalent foreign school-leaving qualification, who meet the requirements of the published regulations and wish to pursue first-degree studies at a South African university.

You can obtain the application form through the following ways:

For further information, you can contact:

Universities South Africa

Matriculation Board & Exemption Certificates
Telephone: +27 010 591 4401/2

Website: http://www.usaf.ac.za

Fax: +27 86 680 5727
Email: applications@usaf.ac.za

Matric Rewrite

The National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate Centres also known as Matric Rewrite Centres are registered with the Provincial Education Department (PED) and are accredited by the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training, Umalusi.

You can see the PED contacts here: http://www.education.gov.za/AboutUs/ProvincialDepartments.aspx

You can also contact Umalusi on 012 349 1510 or visit http://www.umalusi-online.org.za/enquiries to confirm the accreditation of Matric Rewrite Centres.

National Learners Records Database (NLRD)

A transcript is normally obtained from the institution where a learner has completed his/her qualification. A transcript provides a descriptive record of the learning achieved at the institution, whether or not a qualification has been awarded. A transcript should contain information which is also available on the (NLRD) at the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). However, an institution could issue a transcript supplement which provides a description of the nature, level, content and, where appropriate, the context of the studies pursued by a learner and assessed by the institution (Source: The Higher Education Qualifications Framework 2013: par 55, 56).

An extract from the National Learners’ Records Database (NLRD) is a copy of the information recorded under your name on the NLRD. It may not contain all the qualifications or part-qualifications you obtained. SAQA strives to keep the NLRD up-to-date. Qualifications and part-qualifications are only recorded on the NLRD after they have been quality-assured and authenticated. An Extract from the NLRD is not a verification as it may not contain all your achievements.

The National Learners’ Records Database (NLRD) is the electronic management information system that facilitates the management of the National Qualifications Framework and enables the South African Qualifications Authority to report accurately on most aspects of the education and training system of South Africa.

National Qualifications Framework (NQF)

Assessors need to pass the relevant assessors course and be a subject matter expert for the qualification and/or part-qualification they want to assess. Expertise is usually connected to a relevant qualification or years of experience and knowledge gained in a field or occupation. You should approach the relevant QC or SETA to apply for registration in a specific sector once you have completed the assessor training and registered with the Education, Training and Development Practices (ETDP) SETA as an assessor.

The NQF is a single integrated system which comprises of three co-ordinated qualifications sub-frameworks, for:

  • General and Further Education and Training
  • Higher Education; and
  • Trades and Occupations.

The Higher Education Act (No. 101 of 1997) gives institutions of higher learning the right to determine their general and programme-specific admission requirements.

You can contact the university to inquire about their admission requirements. The list of public universities in South Africa is here: http://www.careerhelp.org.za/content/education-system-south-africa/tvet-and-university

You can also access the admission requirements per institution here: http://www.careerhelp.org.za/content/admission-requirements

The composition of all Qualifications is as follows:

  • Title of Qualification
  • Field and Subfield
  • Level
  • Credits
  • Rationale for the Qualification
  • Purpose
  • Rules of Combination
  • Access to the Qualification
  • Learning assumed to be in place
  • Exit Level Outcomes and their Associated Assessment Criteria
  • Critical Cross-Field Outcomes
  • International Comparability
  • Integrated Assessment
  • Recognition of Prior Learning
  • Articulation
  • Moderation Options
  • Criteria for the Registration of Assessors
  • Notes (Optional)
  • Unit Standard Title Matrix

The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is responsible for the development and implementation of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The primary objective of the NQF is the creation of a high quality education and training system in South Africa that embraces the concept of life-long learning for all. One of the features of a quality system is the ability to manage and report information about the system accurately. The National Learners’ Records Database (NLRD) is the electronic management information system that facilitates the management of the National Qualifications Framework and enables the South African Qualifications Authority to report accurately on most aspects of the education and training system of South Africa.

South Africa needed to create a national education and training system that provides quality learning, is responsive to the ever-changing influences of the external environment and also promote the development of the nation that is committed to life-long learning. The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) is a strategy in response to these demands. It provides a framework within which the South African Qualifications system is constructed, representing a national effort at integrating education and training. The NQF is the set of principles and guidelines by which records of learner achievement are registered to enable national recognition of acquired skills and knowledge, thereby ensuring an integrated system that encourages life-long learning.

National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Levels

To confirm the registration status and further information about a registered qualification, please click here:

http://regqs.saqa.org.za/documents/help.html

Professional Bodies

For a list of SAQA-recognised professional bodies and their registered designations, please follow this link:

https://www.saqa.org.za/recognition-of-professional-bodies

Provider Status

SAQA registers qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) upon recommendation from the Quality Councils (QCs).

Training providers are required to register with the Department of Higher Education and Training. Training providers must also be accredited to offer registered qualifications and skills programmes by the relevant Quality Councils (QCs). The three QCs are the:

  • Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training (Umalusi) for general and further education and training qualifications
  • Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) for work-based qualifications
  • Council on Higher Education (CHE) for higher education qualifications

To confirm the status of a training provider to offer qualifications and/or skills programmes, please contact the relevant QC on the contact details provided below:

Qualification Equivalence

A qualification at NQF level 4 or higher is not equivalent to the National Senior Certificate. There are various avenues one can take to attain a school-leaving certificate:

  1. Complete the National Senior Certificate
  2. Complete Senior Certificate if you are 21 years and older. Please refer to this link for more information: http://www.education.gov.za/Curriculum/SeniorCertificate.aspx
  3. Complete the National Certificate Vocational (NCV)
  4. Complete the N3 plus 2 Languages to receive the National Senior Certificate

For further clarity, please contact the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training, Umalusi, which is responsible for the certification of the following qualifications:

  • Senior Certificate (SC) which was offered before 2008 and is being phased out,
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) which replaced the Senior Certificate and commenced in 2008,
  • National Technical Certificate N3,
  • National Senior Certificate: Colleges – phased out at the end of 2011,
  • National Certificate: Vocational (NCV) – commenced in 2007,
  • General Education Training Certificate: Adults (GETC).

Umalusi can be contacted on the following contact details:

Telephone: 012 349 1510

Website: www.umalusi.org.za

Although qualifications are registered at the same NQF level, they cannot be considered equivalent. The levels, however, do indicate similar learning outcomes of the qualification and the expected cognitive ability of the learner after the learning intervention.

Both the National Diploma offered by Universities of Technology (UoTs) and the National N Diploma offered by Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges are registered at NQF level 6. While both are registered at the same NQF level, they are not equivalent as each qualification has a specific purpose and exit-level outcomes.

Please note that the National Diploma articulates to the Bachelor of Technology at NQF level 7, and the National N Diploma articulates vertically with a Bachelors Degree at NQF level 7 in the related field, and horizontally with a Diploma or Advanced Certificate at NQF level 6. 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL services are rendered by public and private institutions of learning. You can obtain information on accredited RPL providers from the CHE, Umalusi and QCTO or from a SETA.

You can identify a qualification against which you would like to be assessed and approach the education institution(s) that offer(s) the identified programme for information on its Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy and process.

The implementation of RPL is monitored and evaluated within the Sub-Framework the identified qualification is registered. You can access the National policy for the implementation of RPL here: https://www.saqa.org.za/national-policy-and-criteria-for-the-implementation-of-recognition-of-prior-learning-amended-in-march-2019/

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process through which non-formal learning and informal learning are measured, mediated for recognition across different contexts, and certified against the requirements for credit, access, inclusion or advancement in the formal education and training system, or workplace.

RPL services and assessment should not cost more than a full-time face to face programme, particularly if such services are integrated into the existing infrastructure.

Registered Qualifications

A guide to searching the SAQA searchable database is available here:

http://regqs.saqa.org.za/documents/help.html

To confirm the registration status and more information about a registered qualification, please click on the link below:

http://regqs.saqa.org.za/search.php?cat=qual

Registration and Accreditation Processes

Should you wish to offer qualifications and/or skills programmes, please note that you are required to register your institution with the Department of Higher Education and Training. You will also need to be accredited by the relevant Quality Council (QC) to offer your qualifications and skills programmes.

The three QCs are the:

  • Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training (Umalusi) for General and Further Education and Training Qualifications
  • Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) for work-based qualifications
  • Council on Higher Education (CHE) for higher education qualifications

For information on the accreditation process and requirements, please contact the relevant QC on the contact details below.

For information on the process and requirements for the development of new qualifications, please contact the relevant Quality Council on the contact details below.

Relative Education Qualification Value (REQV)

The Relative Education Qualification Value (REQV) determines the starting salary of educators who are appointed for the first time. Please contact the Department of Education, District or Provincial Office to have your REQV level determined.

Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs)

To lodge a complaint against a SETA, please contact the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations on 012 003 1800 or visit their website: www.qcto.org.za

Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs)

Short Courses

Short learning programmes are not registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF); hence they do not have NQF levels. They are designed to improve or refresh knowledge and skills in a particular field and for personal, social or professional development.

Trade Tests

No, a trade is not allocated a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level.

A trade test is a final integrated summative assessment for an artisan qualification for a listed trade that is conducted at an accredited Trade Test Centre by an Assessor registered with National Artisan Moderating Body.

You can access more information on trade test certification and verification by visiting the links below.

http://www.qcto.org.za/for-learners.html

http://www.qcto.org.za/index.php/certification-read-more

For information on the replacement of trade certificates, please contact the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations on 012 003 1800 or visit their website: www.qcto.org.za

For information on the verification of trade certificates, please contact the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations on 012 003 1800 or visit their website: www.qcto.org.za

Training Material

To request training material, please contact the relevant Quality Council and/or delegated functionaries. The contact details of the three Quality Councils are:

Verification of South African Qualifications

The SAQA Verifications Service is available for the verification of qualifications achieved at South African providers as recorded on SAQA’s National Learners’ Records Database (NLRD).  

SAQA provides this service for employers and individuals. You can access this service by following this link: https://www.saqa.org.za/verification-services/  

The verification result can be in the form of a letter to be legalised by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to enable an employer to make an appointment, or a Verification Report that can be accessed on SAQA Verisearch by employers. 

Verification Letters for individuals 

This service is for individuals who need a Verification Letter confirming their tertiary qualifications obtained in South Africa. The verification letter is for qualifications or part-qualifications registered on the NQF and NOT for Short Courses and Professional Designations.

To access this service, click on this link: https://www.saqa.org.za/verification-services/individual-verification/ 

How to send a Verification Letter Request 

  • Please log onto our website: www.saqa.org.za and click on Services – Verification of South African qualifications – Individual Verification Letters
  • Complete the Consent Form for Verification Letters, sign it and upload it with the following documents in PDF Format:
  • Copy of ID / Passport and
  • Copy of certificates for all qualifications you seek verification.

How much does it cost to obtain an individual verification letter? 

  • Standard priority Verification Letters: R647.00 
  • Verification Letter reprint: R106.00
  • Confirmation if SAQA issued the letter: R106.00

What is the turnaround time for Individual Verification Letters? 

The process takes 25 working days, which includes quotation, payment confirmation, and issuing of the letter. Please note that dependency on third party verification may affect turnaround times. 

This service is for Public Sector Employers who want to authenticate the qualifications of candidates or existing employees. Short Courses and Professional Designations are not included in this service except for High Level Cabinet Letters. The Evaluation of Foreign Qualifications is a separate service. 

To access this service and the procedures to follow, you can click on the following link: https://www.saqa.org.za/verification-services/public-sector-clients/ 

The verification is done at a cost related to the request and priority selected by the client. You can access our Tariff List by following this link:

New Tarrifs – Effective 01 May 2024

This service is for Private Sector Employers who want to authenticate the qualifications of candidates or existing employees. Short Courses and Professional Designations are not included in this service. The Evaluation of Foreign Qualifications is a separate service. 

To access this service and the procedures to follow, you can click on the following link: https://www.saqa.org.za/verification-services/private-sector-clients/ 

The verification is done at a cost related to the request and priority selected by the client. You can access our Tariff List by following this link:

New Tarrifs – Effective 01 May 2024

The National Learners` Records Database (NLRD) is the management information system of the National Qualifications Framework. The NLRD holds records of education and training: qualifications and part qualifications (including unit standards) registered on the NQF. The extract is a copy of what is found under your name on the NLRD; it is not a certificate, nor does it replace SAQA’s verification process. 

 To access this service and the procedures to follow, you can click on the following link: https://www.saqa.org.za/verification-services/extract-from-the-nlrd/ 

NB: The flow of information to the National Learner’s Records Database (NLRD) is as follows: Training providers send data on learner enrolments and achievements to their Quality Assuring Bodies, and in turn, the Quality Assuring Bodies send this data to SAQA for loading into the NLRD. 

All communication for Verification Services should be done electronically: 

Clients that have verification agreements with SAQA for verifications must send an email to verifications@saqa.org.za 

Verification requests including all the required documentation must be sent to verifications@saqa.org.za 

Individual requests for verification letters must be sent to verificationsletter@saqa.org.za 

No emails should be sent to individual SAQA staff members as this results in duplication and lengthens the verification process.  SAQA only responds to emails sent to the dedicated email addresses. 

SAQA Verification services have turnaround times from 2 to 25 working days depending on the priority or turnaround time selected by the client. 

The priorities or turnaround times are listed follows:

Extra – Up to 2 working days 

Special – 3 to 5 working days

Standard – 6 to 25 working days 

NB: Please note that dependency on third party verification may affect turnaround times. 

SAQA VeriSearch is a portal used by SAQA verification clients that signed the third-party verification Agreement to access their verification feedback. The client can log into this portal through their phone or PC, and access their requested records anywhere, anytime. 

Only employees authorised by the client are permitted to have access to the system, and access the portal by following this link: 

http://verisearch.saqa.org.za/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fSearchPage.aspx 

SAQA does not issue or keep copies of certificates issued by training providers, and these should be requested from the training providers. 
Matric Certificate: 
To apply for a replacement your matric certificate, please contact Umalusi and follow the online application process. 

www.umalusi.org.za  / Telephone: 012 349 1510  

For the replacement/re-issue of your matric certificate obtained prior to 1992, contact the Department of Basic Education on the following contact details: 

Telephone: 012 357 4511/13 / Email: certification@dbe.gov.za