NCS, Curricula and NVQ Division
The important object of the Tertiary and Vocational Education Act No 20 of 1990 is the development of a nationally recognized system for granting of tertiary education award and vocational education awards including certificates and other academic distinctions. Accordingly National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) framework was introduced in 2005.
The National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) Framework is a seven level qualification framework. A Qualification is generally a package of competency units to suit requirements in a particular position in the labour market.
The criteria for giving levels to qualifications are based on three parameters.
- a) Complexity of the process that a qualification holder will carry out
- b) Learning demand (difficulty in learning of those processes)
- c) Responsibility of the job holder when relevant processes are carried out
| NVQ Level | Qualification Category | Description |
| Level 1 | National Certificate | Recognizes the acquisition of a core of entry level competencies |
| Level 2 Level 3Level 4 |
National Certificate | Recognizes increasing levels of competencies. Level 4 qualification provides for full national craftsmanship. |
| Level 5
Level 6 |
National Diploma
Higher National Diploma |
Recognizes increasing level of competencies ranging from technician level to management level |
| Level 7 | Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent | This level includes planning , re-sourcing & management process |
National Competency Standards
National Competency Standard specifies the competencies that a person has to acquire in order to get qualified and obtain National Vocational Qualifications in a particular industry sector or in an occupation. It describes realistic workplace outcomes. The competency standards developed is the result of a consultation process that includes industry practitioners/Industry Sector Competencies Councils (ISSCs) and any other key stakeholders. National Competency Standards focus on what is expected from a worker in the workplace rather than on the learning process. It describes the competencies, knowledge and attitudes that a competent worker in the occupation shall demonstrate at a work place.
Competency Based Training (CBT) Curricula
National Competency Standards shall be the basis on which the CBT curricula are developed. In the case of development of curricula for the certificate levels (NVQ 1 to 4) competency units specified in the Competency standards are transformed into “tasks” that the learner has to perform during learning. In the case of development of curricula for diploma levels (NVQ 5 & 6 ) competency units specified in the units are transformed into “learning outcomes” in the CBT curricula.
The routes of obtaining NVQ certificates
There are two routes to obtain NVQ certificates
1. By following an TVEC accredited course
Students can obtain a NVQ certificate by following a Competency Based Training (CBT) course which is accredited by the TVEC.
2. Through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
If the candidate could prove his/her ability with adequate evidence of his/her competencies pertaining to qualifications stipulated in the National Competency Standards, then the candidate is eligible to obtain NVQ certificate through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Application for RPL assessment should be forwarded to National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) or Vocational Training Authority (VTA).
Career progression pathway
