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National Certificate offered by TVET colleges
Knowledge Hub > PSA overview > Technical and Vocational Education and Training > Programmes offered by TVET Colleges > National Certificate offered by TVET colleges

National Certificate (Vocational) programmes offered by TVET colleges

Description of the NC (V) programmes offered by TVET colleges

Course type National Certificate (Vocational)
Description The National Certificate (Vocational) – i.e. NC (V), provides students and young adults with a learning pathway to qualify for a career in a variety of vocational fields, e.g. finance, marketing and tourism. The programmes integrate theory and practice to provide students with a broad range of knowledge and practical skills in a particular vocational field. The qualification is an alternative pathway for youth to complete school as the NC (V) Level 4 is equivalent to the National Senior Certificate (Matric). This Level 4 qualification also enables students to acquire the knowledge, practical skills, applied competence and understanding required for employment at an elementary level of a particular occupation or trade.
The subjects consist of academic knowledge and theory integrated with the practical skills and values specific to each vocational area. The practical component of the programmes may be offered in the workplace or in a simulated workplace environment.
The student is required to study seven subjects in each level of the NC (V) qualification, consisting of:

  • Three fundamental subjects that provide a foundation upon which to build the vocational subjects, i.e. Life Orientation, English, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy,
  • Three vocational subjects, and
  • One optional subject that may be chosen from any vocational programme to provide either high levels of specialisation or the opportunity for broader training.
Fields of study Examples of vocational subjects/courses:

  • Civil Engineering and Building Construction (Masonry and Plumbing)
  • Electrical Infrastructure Construction
  • Engineering and Related Design
  • Finance, Economics & Accounting
  • Hospitality
  • Information Technology & Computer Science
  • Marketing
  • Office Administration
  • Primary Agriculture
  • Safety in Society
  • Tourism
Qualification Full certificates on NQF Levels 2, 3 and 4
NC (V) Level 4: 120-130 credits, that is equivalent to a National Senior Certificate (Matric)
Duration 3 Years (1 year for every NQF level)
Progression NC (V) Level 4 provides access to artisan training and occupational qualifications and also provides the possibility of access to certain qualifications in higher education. While NC (V) Level 4 students are eligible for admission to higher education in the same field of study, this does not guarantee admission to any programme of study. Higher education institutions have the right to set specific admission requirements to programmes.
The admission requirements (subject to the admission requirements of higher education institutions) are:

  • Admission to Higher Certificate (1-year qualification on NQF Level 5): NC (V) Level 4 plus compliance with language requirements of the higher education institution
  • Admission to Diploma (2-year qualification on NQF Level 6): NC (V) Level 4 plus 50% in three fundamental subjects (including language required) and 60% in three compulsory vocational subjects
  • Admission to Bachelor’s Degree (3-year qualification on NQF Level 7): NC (V) Level 4 plus 60% in three fundamental subjects (including language required) and 70% in four vocational subjects
Admission Requirements Grade 9 plus the college requirements set per programme

Examples of NC (V) on three NQF levels

National Certificate (Vocational) – Utility Studies: Tourism
Access to the following vocational activities Accommodation management; Conference and events planning; Restaurant and food services; Tourism development; Transportation management; Travel counselling; Further study at Universities of Technology; Game ranging and safari work
Career Opportunities Accommodation Management; Conference and Events Planning; Restaurant and Food Service; Tourism Development; Transportation Management; Travel Counselling; Game ranging and safari work; Further study at a Higher Education Institution
NQF Level Level 2 Level 3 Level 4
Duration 1 year 1 year 1 year
Admission requirements
  • Grade 9 or higher
  • ABET Level 4
  • NQF Level 1
Competency in learning outcomes at NQF Level 2 of the same subfield /programme. All requirements met for NQF Level 3
Requirements to obtain the National Certificate A total of 7 subjects: 3 Fundamental and 4 Vocational subjects A total of 7 subjects: 3 Fundamental and 4 Vocational subjects. A total of 7 subjects: 3 Fundamental and 4 Vocational subjects.
Compulsory Fundamental Subjects
  • English First Additional Language
  • Mathematical Literacy
  • Life Orientation
  • English First Additional Language
  • Mathematical Literacy
  • Life Orientation
  • English First Additional Language
  • Mathematical Literacy
  • Life Orientation
Vocational Subjects (3 compulsory & 1 optional)
  • Science of Tourism
  • Client Services & Human Relations
  • Sustainable Tourism in South Africa
  • Tourism Operations & Technology
  • Science of Tourism
  • Client Services and Human Relations
  • Tourism Operations & Technology
  • Sustainable Tourism in South Africa and Regional Travel
  • Science of Tourism
  • Client Services and Human Relations
  • Sustainable Tourism in South Africa and International Travel
  • Tourism Operations & Technology


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