This glossary is here to help as South Africa transitions into a new era of occupational qualifications under the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), many educators, learners, and training providers are feeling uncertain. The shift brings new terminology, new structures, and new expectations. But change doesn’t have to mean confusion.

We’re unpacking the key terms that shape our education and training landscape, so you can feel informed, empowered, and ready to navigate the future with confidence.

What is SAQA – South African Qualifications Authority

SAQA is the custodian of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). It ensures that all qualifications—whether academic, occupational, or professional—are registered, quality-assured, and aligned to national standards. SAQA’s role is to promote transparency, credibility, and lifelong learning across the country.

SETAs are responsible for skills development within specific economic sectors. They fund training initiatives, accredit providers, and ensure that qualifications meet industry needs. While SETAs have historically played a central role in workplace learning, their functions are now being integrated into the QCTO system for occupational qualifications.

The NQF is a 10-level framework that categorises qualifications based on complexity and learning outcomes. Level descriptors define what a learner is expected to know, understand, and do at each level - from basic skills (Level 1) to doctoral-level expertise (Level 10). These descriptors help ensure consistency and progression across qualifications.

Entry level requirements refer to the minimum criteria a learner must meet to enrol in a specific qualification. These may include prior learning, literacy and numeracy levels, or relevant work experience. Under QCTO-aligned qualifications, entry requirements are clearly defined to ensure learners are adequately prepared for the demands of the curriculum. This helps maintain the integrity of the learning journey and supports successful progression through knowledge, practical, and workplace modules.

Credits reflect the amount of learning required to achieve a qualification. One credit typically equals 10 notional hours of learning. Credits help learners understand the scope of a course and allow for portability between institutions and qualifications.

Notional hours represent the estimated time a learner needs to master the content - including contact time, self-study, assignments, and assessments. They’re not about clocking hours, they’re about measuring meaningful engagement with learning.

  • Unit Standards were the building blocks of qualifications under the legacy system. They were rigid, often fragmented, and focused on discrete outcomes.
  • Topic Elements, used in QCTO-aligned curricula, are broader and more integrated. They allow for holistic learning and better reflect real-world occupational tasks.

This shift supports deeper competence rather than just ticking boxes.

A PoE is a collection of artifacts (assignments, reflections, workplace assessments) that demonstrate a learner’s competence. It’s not just paperwork; it’s a living record of growth, skill, and readiness. Under QCTO, PoEs remain vital for formative and summative assessment.
These are the theoretical components of a QCTO qualification. They cover the “why” and “what” behind occupational tasks - concepts, principles, and frameworks that underpin professional practice.
These modules focus on the “how”. The hands-on skills needed to perform tasks in a specific occupation. They’re often delivered in simulated environments or through structured training.
This is where learning meets reality. Learners apply their knowledge and skills in actual work settings, gaining exposure to industry norms, tools, and challenges. Workplace experience is a cornerstone of QCTO qualifications, ensuring that graduates are truly job-ready.

FISA is conducted by the accredited training provider. It assesses whether the learner has met the internal requirements of the qualification before progressing to external assessment. It’s a quality checkpoint that ensures readiness.

EISA is the final assessment conducted by the Assessment Quality Partner (AQP), appointed by QCTO. It integrates knowledge, practical, and workplace components to determine overall competence. Passing the EISA is essential for certification.

AQPs are responsible for developing and managing the EISA. They ensure that assessments are fair, valid, and aligned to occupational standards. AQPs are often professional bodies or industry associations with deep expertise in the relevant field.