Training has become increasingly regulated by the government, which in turn has made accreditation across various sectors more complex and demanding.
As a result, the process can often feel daunting and overwhelming for many organisations.
However, we fully understand the concerns that business owners face when navigating the accreditation journey.
Drawing on our extensive experience, we are well-positioned to simplify the process, ensuring a smoother path to accreditation while fostering your organisation’s growth.
At CTI Services, we take great pride in our extensive expertise in accreditation, regulatory compliance, quality management systems, and project planning for both private and public Further Education and Training (FET) and Higher Education institutions.
Our philosophy is simple yet impactful: we are committed to making a meaningful difference in the education sector. By simplifying the often-complex accreditation process, we not only ensure the delivery of high-quality education but also foster an environment that promotes personal and professional growth. Through this, we aim to empower institutions and individuals alike.
We assist both private and public education providers in obtaining and executing CHE, DHET, and QCTO accreditations.
Our services include preparing for site visits, conducting compliance audits, and managing projects through comprehensive turnkey solutions.
We are one of the few companies who assist with accreditation with the CHE for degree level qualifications. We have extensive experience with these processes and help our clients become Private Higher Education Institutions. Take the opportunity to enhance your higher education programme offerings.
The processes involving QCTO, CHE, and professional bodies are intricate and often complex. Leveraging our considerable expertise, we commit to executing this process diligently and with the highest level of professionalism.
You will receive a list of necessary items and will be guided by our team in gathering the requisite evidence documentation. We will directly engage with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) on your behalf.
Our team possesses significant expertise in the required preparations for Site Visits, guaranteeing an immediate favorable impression of your programmes and adherence to all regulatory requirements.
This process is conducted at the training provider's facilities by our team to ensure adherence to the specified procedures detailed in each section. The training provider will undergo an audit based on the criteria for initial accreditation, registration, or program approval.
We specialise in overseeing projects related to education, which encompasses crafting project plans, aiding in plan execution, overseeing deliverables, resources, and project milestones. This involves maintaining comprehensive project records, revising project plans as needed, and furnishing status reports upon request.
The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) is a Quality Council established in 2010 in terms of the Skills Development Act (Act 97 of 1998) as amended in 2008.
The QCTO also offers guidance to skills development providers (private and public) and assessment centres who must be accredited by the QCTO in order to implement occupational qualifications. The QCTO is responsible for quality assurance and the oversight of the design, accreditation, implementation, assessment and certification of occupational qualifications, part-qualifications and skills programmes.
QCTO is replacing SETAs as the primary body responsible for the accreditation, implementation, assessment and certification of occupational qualifications and skills programmes. All SETAs will report to QCTO.
Organisations that offer training courses are now required to register with QCTO to receive funding from SARS via the Section 12H learnership allowance, and also to get BEE points for the learning pillar—there are no changes to B-BBEE status. Organisations that depend on these sources of funding need to act quickly so that they don’t lose their benefits.
While the QCTO leads in accrediting and certifying occupational qualifications, SETAs continue to ensure the financial deployment of funding. The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) also retains its role in overseeing the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
As SETA qualifications phase out, businesses must transition to QCTO qualifications. The last enrolment date for SETA qualifications is June 30, 2024, with a phase-out period until June 30, 2027, which a one-year grace period for enrolment and a 3-year teach-out period. New materials and adherence to the QCTO accreditation process are required.
From 1 July 2024 all qualifications under the SETA system will no longer be recognised and all occupational qualification registrations will take place under the QCTO system. However there has been some extensions to enable existing learners to complete their qualifications.
Prepare thoroughly for assessments to succeed in the programs.
The QCTO’s focus on occupational qualifications offers clearer career pathways and effective workplace learning. This transition aims to meet the evolving demands of the workforce, especially in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Only the QCTO will accredit Skills Development Provider (SDP) for both Occupational and Trades related qualifications. The Quality Partner and Assessment Centre will monitor the quality of service provided by the SDP. Will manage & assist develop the EISA.
SETAs will continue to exist after June 2024 as they are licensed until 2030. They continue with their financial responsibilities only, and other additional responsibilities such as Development Quality Partners (DQP) and Assessment Quality Partners (AQP) for occupational qualifications will be aligned to industry requirements.
Firstly, both the quality and relevance of qualifications will improve because qualifications and skills programmes are being updated with industry consultation, as part of migrating from SETA to QCTO.
Secondly, learners will be required to write exit exams, resulting in better levels of consistency across service providers and all geographies. We have yet to see how the QCTO will delegate the management of the volume of learners in existing programmes, and how long the certification will be.
Thirdly, training will be more closely aligned to specific skills targeted to occupations.
Fourthly, we expect that QCTO, which has existed for a decade and has been building capacity for some time, will be more flexible about training as it works with organisations to improve outcomes.
Ultimately, all of this will result in more credible qualifications, which can only be good for the growth and development of the South African economy. We expect it to give rise to life-long learning, which is increasingly essential in a world of constantly changing technology.
A teach-out period for those enrolled in historical qualifications (Legacy programmes) will last until June 30, 2027, provided learners are enrolled by June 2024.
CTI Services provides verification services to establish the authenticity of Occupational and Trade certificates issued by the QCTO as well as trade certificates previously issued by the Departments of Labour; and Higher Education and Training. An application to verify a certificate, diploma or degree can be lodged through CTI Services, a QCTO registered verification agent.
Allow us to navigate you through the complexities of your QCTO accreditation process and compliance obligations. Various strategies are available for consideration. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to ascertain the most suitable course of action tailored to your unique requirements. Together, we will strive to pinpoint the most effective approach that aligns with your specific situation. Furthermore, we will explore the benefits of accreditation for your clients, providing you with the insights needed to make well-informed decisions regarding your application and optimise the advantages of your existing accreditation.
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