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QCTO accredited qualifications are the new national standard for occupational training in South Africa — credit-bearing, NQF-aligned qualifications set and quality-assured by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), the body that legacy SETA unit-standard qualifications are now migrating to. For an employer upskilling staff, that matters: a QCTO qualification is nationally recognised, future-proof, and counts toward your Workplace Skills Plan and B-BBEE scorecard. BOTI is a QCTO Quality Partner and delivers accredited occupational qualifications to teams and individuals — in-house, on-site or online, nationwide.
This guide is written for the people who actually buy and plan training — HR, L&D, operations leads and business owners enrolling staff — but it also answers, plainly, the questions individuals search before they enrol: entry requirements, duration, fees, online and part-time options, and how to register. If you are deciding which accredited qualification fits your team or your career, start here.
What is a QCTO accredited qualification?
The QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations) is the single national quality council that sets and assures occupational qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), under SAQA. An occupational qualification is built around a real job — it bundles knowledge, practical skills and a workplace component, then assesses the learner against a national standard.
That is the key difference from older training. Historically, much accredited training was assembled from unit standards quality-assured through SETA ETQA bodies. South Africa has been moving to a streamlined system in which the QCTO sets and assures occupational qualifications, part-qualifications and skills programmes — and legacy unit-standard qualifications are being phased out in favour of them. In short:
- The QCTO defines and assures the qualification (curriculum, assessment, certification).
- Your sector SETA still funds and supports skills development and handles your levy, grants, WSP and ATR.
- A QCTO occupational qualification is the durable, future-proof choice — it is the standard everything else is migrating to.
For the full breakdown of how the two systems relate, see our guide on SETA vs QCTO accreditation explained.
Who QCTO qualifications are for
These qualifications serve two audiences at once, and BOTI delivers for both:
- Employers upskilling staff and teams — HR and L&D leads who need recognised, credit-bearing training that records cleanly for the WSP/ATR, earns skills-development points on the B-BBEE scorecard, and stands up to tender and audit scrutiny. Group, in-house delivery is usually the most cost-effective route.
- Individuals building a career — people who want a nationally recognised occupational qualification (office administration, supervision, project management, assessing, entrepreneurship and more) with a clear entry path, practical workplace component and formal certification.
If you are an individual, the same pages answer your practical questions — requirements, duration, fees, online study — further down. If you are an employer, read on for how to turn your existing Skills Development budget into recognised, accredited training.
The QCTO occupational qualifications BOTI delivers
As a QCTO Quality Partner, BOTI delivers the following accredited occupational qualifications. Each links to a full guide covering requirements, what it covers, duration, delivery and how to enrol.
| Qualification | QCTO / SAQA ID | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Office Administration | 102161 | Admin staff, receptionists, office support |
| Office Supervisor | 118740 | New and first-line supervisors |
| Management Assistant / Executive PA | 101876 | PAs, executive assistants, office managers |
| Project Management | 101869 | Project managers and accidental PMs |
| Retail Supervisor / Management | 121316 | Store managers, retail team leaders |
| Conflict Management | 210409 | HR, managers, customer-facing teams |
| New Venture Creation | 210401 | Entrepreneurs, enterprise-development cohorts |
| Assessment & Workplace-Based Practitioner | 220320 / 220322 | Workplace mentors and assessors |
| Workplace Essential Skills | 211009 | Foundational workplace numeracy/literacy |
Not sure which fits your team or your goal? Browse the full QCTO accredited qualifications hub or request a callback and we will map it for you.
Entry requirements
Requirements vary by qualification and by NQF level, but as a general guide for occupational qualifications:
- Foundational qualifications (e.g. Office Administration, Workplace Essential Skills) typically expect basic literacy and numeracy — often Grade 10–12 depending on the qualification — and no prior experience.
- Supervisory and intermediate qualifications (e.g. Office Supervisor, Project Management) usually expect Grade 12 (NQF 4) and, for some, relevant work exposure.
- Practitioner qualifications (e.g. the Assessment & Workplace-Based Practitioner qualifications, QCTO 220320 / 220322) often assume the learner is already competent in a subject field and works in a training or assessment context.
Every QCTO occupational qualification also includes a workplace component, so learners need access to a relevant work environment — something employers enrolling their own staff already provide. Exact entry requirements are set out on each qualification page; if you are unsure where your people sit, a short training needs analysis settles it quickly.
What QCTO qualifications cover: modules, credits and NQF
A QCTO occupational qualification is structured into three components, each assessed:
- Knowledge modules — the theory and concepts underpinning the occupation.
- Practical skill modules — applied, demonstrable skills.
- Work-experience modules — supervised application in a real workplace.
Learners complete all three and then sit a final External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) set by the QCTO — the national check that the qualification means the same thing wherever it is earned. Qualifications sit at defined NQF levels (commonly NQF 3–6 across BOTI’s range) and carry a set credit value, which determines the notional learning hours. The specific modules, credits and NQF level for each qualification are listed on its dedicated page.
Duration
Occupational qualifications run longer than a short course because of the workplace and EISA components. As a guide:
- Skills programmes / part-qualifications — a few days to a few weeks.
- Full occupational qualifications — typically several months to around 12 months, depending on NQF level, credit value and how the workplace component is scheduled.
Delivery format affects the calendar: in-house cohorts can be paced around your operations, while part-time and online study spreads the same content over a longer, more flexible period. We confirm the realistic timeline for your chosen qualification and group when you enquire.
Delivery: in-house, online and part-time
BOTI delivers QCTO qualifications in the format that suits your team or your schedule:
| Delivery | Strongest for |
|---|---|
| In-house / on-site | Teams of 6+, paced around your operations, using your real workplace as the practical component — usually the most cost-effective per learner |
| Online / live virtual | Distributed teams, remote staff and individuals who need flexibility; the same accredited qualification, delivered remotely |
| Part-time | Working learners completing a full qualification without leaving their job |
| Public / scheduled | Individuals enrolling on their own |
We deliver across Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria, with online delivery nationwide. Tell us your team size, location and timeline and we will recommend the most efficient format.
How fees work — and how to get a quote
Cost is one of the most common questions, so here is how pricing actually works. We do not publish a single sticker price, because the fee for a QCTO qualification depends on:
- Which qualification (NQF level and credit value),
- Group size — in-house group delivery lowers the per-learner cost significantly,
- Format — in-house, online or public, and
- Workplace and assessment requirements for that qualification.
The most accurate way to budget is to request a quote with your qualification, headcount and preferred format. We will give you a clear, itemised figure — and, importantly, show you how much of it your Skills Development budget, SETA grants or learnership funding can cover (see below), which often changes the net cost considerably.
Planning training for a team? Request a quote or a free 15-minute callback and a BOTI consultant will map the right QCTO qualification, format and funding route for your staff — phone 011-882-8853 or use the BOTI booking page. Ask for our free QCTO qualifications & funding checklist — a one-page guide to choosing a qualification and claiming back what you spend.
Yes — these are genuinely accredited
To be unambiguous: BOTI is a QCTO Quality Partner, and the qualifications above are delivered as genuine QCTO-accredited occupational qualifications on the NQF, each with its own SAQA ID. BOTI is also an accredited provider through Services SETA (12582) and MICT SETA (ACC/2016/07/0045). Because the QCTO is the national quality council that legacy SETA unit-standard qualifications are migrating to, a QCTO occupational qualification is nationally recognised and future-proof — it is the standard, not an alternative to it. Where a topic is a skill within a qualification rather than a separate credential, we say so plainly and frame it as part of the relevant QCTO qualification.
Funding: turn your Skills Development budget into recognised spend
For employers, QCTO qualifications are one of the best ways to get real value from money you are likely already spending. As general guidance only:
- Employers above the threshold pay the Skills Development Levy (SDL) at 1% of payroll, collected via SARS through your sector SETA. A compliant WSP and ATR let you recover a mandatory grant — and accredited, credit-bearing training is exactly what it is meant to fund.
- The B-BBEE skills-development target is measured against 6% of the leviable amount (not 6% of payroll), so documented QCTO training contributes directly to your transformation scorecard.
- Learnerships built on QCTO qualifications can attract discretionary grants and SARS tax incentives, and combine classroom learning with the qualification’s workplace component — ideal for new-venture-creation or entry-level cohorts.
This is general information, not financial or legal advice — confirm specifics with your SETA, Skills Development Facilitator or B-BBEE verification professional.
Why BOTI
BOTI (Business Optimization Training Institute) is an accredited South African corporate training provider with 450 courses and a client base that includes Sasol, Glencore and the City of Johannesburg. As a QCTO Quality Partner, we deliver accredited occupational qualifications for whole teams and for individuals — and we are straight about accreditation: which programmes are credit-bearing, how each records for your WSP, ATR and scorecard, and how funding can offset the cost. Practical, benefit-led delivery; no misleading “accredited” labels.
Most clients pair a qualification with related skills-development and compliance support:
- QCTO accredited qualifications hub — the full range of occupational qualifications in one place.
- SETA vs QCTO accreditation explained — how the two systems work together for your funding and reporting.
- Office Supervisor qualification (QCTO 118740) — a popular first accredited step for team leaders.
- Project Management qualification (QCTO 101869) — recognised, NQF-aligned project skills.
- Accredited course catalogue — the full range of credit-bearing programmes.
- Request a quote or callback — map a qualification and funding route for your team.
Frequently asked questions
What are QCTO accredited qualifications? QCTO accredited qualifications are occupational qualifications set and quality-assured by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), the national quality council for trades and occupations on the NQF. They bundle knowledge, practical skills and a workplace component, end in a national external assessment (EISA), and are credit-bearing and nationally recognised. They are the new standard that legacy SETA unit-standard qualifications are migrating to, which makes them future-proof. BOTI is a QCTO Quality Partner and delivers these qualifications to teams and individuals.
What are the entry requirements for a QCTO qualification? Requirements vary by qualification and NQF level. Foundational qualifications usually need basic literacy and numeracy (often Grade 10–12) and no prior experience; supervisory and intermediate qualifications generally expect Grade 12 (NQF 4); and practitioner qualifications, such as the Assessment & Workplace-Based Practitioner qualifications (QCTO 220320 / 220322), assume relevant subject competence. Every QCTO occupational qualification also includes a workplace component, so learners need access to a relevant work environment. Exact requirements are listed on each qualification’s page.
How long does a QCTO qualification take? Skills programmes and part-qualifications run from a few days to a few weeks, while full occupational qualifications typically take several months up to around 12 months, depending on NQF level, credit value and how the workplace and assessment components are scheduled. In-house cohorts can be paced around your operations, and part-time or online study spreads the same content over a longer, more flexible period.
How much do QCTO accredited qualifications cost? Fees depend on the qualification (NQF level and credits), group size, delivery format and assessment requirements, so we provide a tailored quote rather than a fixed price — in-house group delivery lowers the per-learner cost. Importantly, much of the cost can be offset by your Skills Development budget, SETA mandatory and discretionary grants, or learnership funding and tax incentives. Request a quote with your qualification, headcount and format and we will show you the net cost after funding.
Can I study a QCTO qualification online or part-time? Yes. BOTI delivers QCTO occupational qualifications online (live virtual), part-time for working learners, and in-house or on-site for teams, across Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria and nationwide. The qualification is the same accredited credential regardless of format — only the schedule and delivery method change to suit your team or your study needs.
Do QCTO qualifications count towards B-BBEE points and the skills levy? Yes. Accredited training delivered to your staff records into your Workplace Skills Plan and Annual Training Report, supporting your mandatory-grant claim against the Skills Development Levy of 1% of payroll, and contributes to the B-BBEE skills-development target, which is measured against 6% of the leviable amount (not 6% of payroll). This is general guidance — confirm specifics with your SETA, SDF or B-BBEE verification professional.
Request a quote or a 15-minute callback
Ready to upskill your team with a nationally recognised, future-proof qualification? Request a quote or book a free 15-minute callback and a BOTI consultant will map the right QCTO accredited qualification, delivery format and funding route for your staff, sector and scorecard. Call 011-882-8853 or ask for our free QCTO qualifications & funding checklist — choose a qualification and claim back what you spend.