Articles

Accreditation of Skills Development Providers

Accreditation of skills development providers (SDPs) is a process that ensures the quality of training and assessment offered by SDPs for occupational qualifications. Occupational qualifications are qualifications that are registered on the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework (OQSF) and that prepare learners for specific occupations or trades. Accreditation of SDPs is an integral and critical component of the quality assurance system of the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), which is responsible for developing, managing and overseeing occupational qualifications.

Accreditation of SDPs is granted by the QCTO following a quality assurance process that demonstrates that the SDP meets the minimum criteria for accreditation. These criteria include:

  • Having a valid tax clearance certificate issued by SARS or evidence of exemption
  • Having a valid occupational health and safety certificate, as applicable to the occupation
  • Having a valid company registration certificate or proof of juristic status
  • Having proof of financial sustainability for the learning services applied for and throughout the accreditation period
  • Having evidence of appropriately qualified facilitators, assessors, moderators and workplace mentors to deliver and assess the occupational qualification
  • Having suitable learning materials and assessment instruments that are aligned with the curriculum and assessment specifications of the occupational qualification
  • Having adequate learning facilities, equipment and resources that are conducive to learning and assessment
  • Having policies and procedures for quality management, learner support, learner administration, learner admission, learner appeals, learner certification, etc.

To apply for accreditation of SDPs, applicants must follow these steps:

  • Determine their primary focus, which is the occupational qualification or part-qualification that they want to offer
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  • Download and complete the relevant application forms and annexures from the QCTO website or obtain them from the QCTO office
  • Submit the online application form and attach the required supporting documents to the QCTO
  • Undergo a compliance check by the QCTO and receive a notification of compliance or non-compliance
  • Respond to the notification if necessary and address any areas of non-compliance
  • Undergo a site visit by the QCTO or its delegated quality assurance partner (DQAP) to verify the evidence submitted and assess the readiness of the SDP
  • Receive a recommendation report from the QCTO or its DQAP on whether to grant or deny accreditation
  • Receive an accreditation letter from the QCTO if accreditation is granted or an appeal letter if accreditation is denied
  • Sign an accreditation agreement with the QCTO if accreditation is granted

Accreditation of SDPs is valid for a period of five years from the date on which the QCTO granted accreditation or until the SDP is de-accredited by the QCTO. The accreditation may be withdrawn by the QCTO if the SDP fails to perform its responsibilities as stipulated in the QCTO Accreditation Policy, or contravenes the provisions stipulated in the accreditation letter or agreement, or acts in a way that is unlawful or unbecoming of an SDP.

Accreditation of SDPs is therefore a quality assurance process that ensures that SDPs offer training and assessment that meets the standards and requirements of occupational qualifications. Accreditation of SDPs also enables learners to access quality education and training that prepares them for external integrated summative assessment (EISA) and certification by the QCTO.