Transition from legacy to occupational qualifications

As of 30 June 2023, all pre-2009 qualifications, known as legacy qualifications, have expired. Accredited training providers have a deadline of 30 June 2024, to enrol learners on legacy qualifications and unit standards, and these enrolled learners must be exited no later than 30 June 2027.

Moving forward, training providers will be accredited through the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and receive a QCTO accreditation letter.

A significant change is that new occupational qualifications will no longer be based on unit standards. Instead, they will consist of knowledge and applications modules (practical and workplace), all of which are compulsory. Learners will no longer have the option to select electives.

A full qualification is made up of at least 120 credits. Additionally, there will be part qualifications with between 60 and 120 credits. Moreover, all skills programmes must be registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and consist of a minimum of 8 credits and two modules. Credits earned from skills programmes and part qualifications will contribute towards obtaining a full qualification.

To be deemed competent, learners who complete the required modules and receive a Statement of Results (SOR) from the training provider will need to undergo an External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) at an accredited assessment centre. Once learners are deemed competent through the EISA, they will receive a QCTO Competency Certificate.

The EISA process will be managed by the ETQA in collaboration with accredited assessment centres. The EISA is conducted externally to ensure fairness, consistency, and impartiality in the assessment process. It is independent of the training provider or institution where the learning took place. A month before the EISA takes place, an exemplar assessment paper will be made available on the SETA website to allow learners to practice and prepare for the EISA. The EISA can be both a theoretical and practical assessment.

These changes aim to improve the quality of education and training and ensure that learners have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workplace. Accredited training providers should take note of these changes and work towards ensuring that they are providing high-quality education and training that meets the needs of learners and employers alike.

The LGSETA has developed the following qualifications which are registered on the National Qualifications Framework.

The following qualifications have been developed but awaiting QCTO approval.