The Project Management replacement is already in place. The legacy Services SETA qualifications – the FET Certificate: Project Management (NQF 4, SAQA ID 50080) and the National Diploma: Project Management (NQF 5, SAQA ID 58309) – are being phased out and replaced by the QCTO Occupational Certificate: Project Manager (NQF 5, SAQA ID 101869).
This qualification was first registered in 2018, making it one of the earliest QCTO occupational qualifications. Since then, learners have already successfully completed and exited through it, giving organisations confidence that it is a tested and credible pathway. It merges the intent of both the NQF 4 and NQF 5 legacy programmes into one comprehensive, future-ready qualification.
Why the Legacy Project Management Qualifications Are Ending
South Africa is moving away from unit-standard based qualifications to occupationally focused ones. This includes the Services SETA project management programmes that many people still search for online as “Project Management replacement”.
- Last enrollment date: 30 June 2026
- Last achievement date: 30 June 2028
After these dates, learners cannot start or complete legacy programmes.
The Legacy Services SETA Project Management Qualifications
FET Certificate: Project Management (NQF 4, SAQA ID 50080)
National Diploma: Project Management (NQF 5, SAQA ID 58309)
This advanced programme prepared learners to manage moderately complex projects. It included budgeting, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and reporting. It was widely used across industries as a professional stepping stone.
The Replacement: QCTO Occupational Certificate: Project Manager (NQF 5, SAQA ID 101869)
The Occupational Certificate: Project Manager (NQF 5) is the official Project Management replacement qualification. It was registered in 2018 and directly replaces legacy SAQA IDs 50080, 58395 and 58309.
What makes it stronger?
- Complete lifecycle coverage: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, risk, procurement, stakeholder management and close-out.
- Workplace component: structured work experience modules ensure learners apply their knowledge in real projects.
- National assessment (EISA): every learner sits the same External Integrated Summative Assessment, ensuring consistent competence.
- Global alignment: modules reflect recognised project management frameworks such as PMBOK and PRINCE2.
Why the Replacement Matters
- Consolidation: One occupational certificate now covers the intent of both NQF 4 and 5.
- Proven delivery: Registered in 2018 and already producing successful learner exits.
- Relevance: Modernised curriculum with digital, stakeholder, and procurement skills.
- Compliance: After June 2026, new learners can only enrol in the QCTO Project Manager qualification.
How to Make the Transition
- Complete current cohorts: Legacy learners on SAQA 50080 or 58309 must finish by June 2028.
- Plan new intakes: All new project management learners should enrol in the QCTO Project Manager (NQF 5).
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Learners with prior project training or experience can have it recognised.
- Choose an accredited provider: Partner with providers like Leverage Leadership, who are accredited to deliver the Occupational Certificate: Project Manager and prepare learners for EISA.
Important Deadlines
- 30 June 2026 – Last enrollment date for legacy Project Management (50080 & 58309)
- 30 June 2028 – Last achievement date for enrolled learners
- After this, only the QCTO Project Manager (NQF 5, SAQA ID 101869) will remain valid
The QCTO Project Manager (NQF 5) is one of the first occupational qualifications registered in 2018, making it well established and proven. It combines the outcomes of both the NQF 4 and NQF 5 Project Management qualifications into one powerful, future-ready programme.
Transitioning now with accredited providers like Leverage Leadership ensures your training investments remain compliant, relevant, and impactful well ahead of the 2026 enrolment deadline and the 2028 achievement cut-off.
