Using real examples of current QCTO qualifications and skills programmes, we unpack what these changes mean for organisations and learners.
In the first video in the series, we address one of the most frequently asked questions: the cost and duration of QCTO qualifications.
What Makes QCTO Longer - and Better
QCTO qualifications routinely involve more training days than legacy programmes. But this isn’t inefficiency, it’s by design. QCTO integrates three essential components:
- Knowledge: Indepth theory and concepts
- Practical: Guided application, simulations, and real-world practice
- Workplace: Direct, supervised experience on the job
Duration Isn't Extra - It’s Essential
A key client question we hear: “Can providers shorten the training to save time?” The answer: No. The official duration is mandated within the QCTO curriculum to maintain national standards of rigour, credibility, and uniformity.
That means every QCTO qualification across South Africa, regardless of provider, carries a predictable length aligned with meaningful outcomes.
The Value Behind Higher Cost
Longer programmes have an associated cost – but those aren’t arbitrary fees. Consider what goes into delivering a QCTO qualification:
- Skilled facilitators (often two qualifications above the learners themselves)
- Workplace assessment, mentorship, and site visits
- Robust moderation, quality assurance, and compliance with national standards
With qualifications like the Level 6 Retail Chain Store Manager carrying 507 credits, the depth of learning justifies the investment.
ROI: Qualification with Impact
Think of QCTO not as an expense, but as a strategic investment in capability. Here’s how returns stack up:
Leverage Leadership’s Perspective
At Leverage Leadership, we champion QCTO because it raises the bar on workplace training. We’re not just delivering credits- we’re building proficiency, confidence, and sustainable capability.
When companies choose QCTO, they’re saying: “We don’t want just certification, we want impact.”
What’s next? In our next post, we’ll explore: “The Power of QCTO Skills Programmes“ – short, measurable, practical interventions that deliver quick wins.
