National Qualifications Framework Act, 2008 (Act No. 67 of 2008)

Notices

Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework Policy

11. Naming of Qualifications and Qualification types
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11.1 The naming convention of full occupational qualifications is designated as follows:

 

(a) Firstly, by the Type: e.g. General Occupational Certificate; Elementary Occupational Certificate; Intermediate Occupational Certificate; National Occupational Certificate; Higher Occupational Certificate; Advance Occupational Certificate; Occupational Diploma; Advanced Occupational Diploma; and Specialised Occupational Diploma.
(b) Secondly, by the Qualification Descriptor: e.g. occupation applicable for that qualification. (e.g., Occupational Certificate: Plumber; Financial Markets Practitioner; Pharmacy Technician).
(c) Thirdly, where required, a qualifier may be inserted to specify the qualification specialisation i.e., the discipline/field of study that contributes to the academic/vocational/occupational/professional identity in a particular area/branch of knowledge. The qualifier delineates the context of the qualification or part qualification (e.g., Electrician (High Voltage)).
(d) Fourthly by the NQF Level to indicate the level of complexity of the qualification, e.g., National Occupational Certificate: Rigger, NQF Level 4.
(e) Fifthly, by Credits to indicate the duration of learning required to complete the qualification.

 

11.2 The naming convention of part-qualifications is designated as follows:

 

(a) Firstly, by the Type: i.e. Part Qualification
(b) Secondly, by Name applicable for that part qualification as defined by industry (e.g. Assistant Plumber).
(c) Thirdly, where required, a qualifier may be inserted to specify the part qualification specialisation i.e. the discipline/field of study that contributes to the academic/vocational/occupational/professional identity in a particular area/branch of knowledge. The qualifier delineates the context of the qualification or part qualification (e.g., Domestic).
(d)Fourthly, by the NQF Level to indicate the level of complexity of the part qualification.
(e) Fifthly, Credits to indicate the duration of learning required to complete the part qualification.

 

11.3 The naming convention of skills programmes is as follows:

 

(a) Firstly, by the Type: i.e., Skills Programme.
(b) Secondly, by Name applicable for that skills programme as defined by industry (e.g., Plumber Hand).
(c) A skills programme should not have a name similar to that of a qualification or part qualification registered on the NQF.