Education and training providers must seek accreditation with a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) Education and Training Quality Assurance (ETQA) organization (link is external). All education and training providers who offer full qualifications must be registered with the Department of Education.
The education and training provider must provide unit standards and/or qualifications that are appropriate to the ETQA body of the applicable Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA)(link is external) or professional body.
Accreditation requirements: The education and training provider’s programs (and/or assessments) must culminate in unit standards and/or qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
The curriculum (including design, content, and learning resources) is in line with the unit standards and/or qualifications.
There is appropriately qualified personnel (facilitators and registered assessors).
The students have access to appropriate learning support services.
The assessment methods and instruments used to measure the unit standard and/or qualification standards are fair, valid, and reliable, and they are used to improve learning.
What you must do
Send a letter to the relevant ETQA expressing your desire to be accredited as an education and training provider.
ETQA requires a self-evaluation and an application form.
If you are denied accreditation and believe the procedure was unjust, you have the right to file an appeal.
The Saqa website has a list of ETQAs and contact information (link is external).
How much time does it take?
It might take six months.
What is the price?
The service is completely free.
Forms to fill out
Application forms for provider accreditation and accompanying documentation are available from the relevant ETQA.
How do I enroll in a South African training academy?
To become a South African training provider, you must first register with the Department of Higher Education and Training. You will be required to submit credentials, a business plan, and a registration fee. Once enrolled, you will be able to provide students with training courses.
How can I find out if a training provider in South Africa is accredited?
In South Africa, checking course accreditation
Visit the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) website at www.saqa.org.za to establish the status of the qualification. They will be able to confirm whether the course is NQF-accredited.
What exactly is the distinction between certified and accredited?
Certification is effectively third-party confirmation of an organization’s systems or products through audit, whereas accreditation is independent third-party recognition that an organization has the competence and impartiality to perform specific technical activities such as certification, testing, and inspection.
