• Work-Ready Graduates: The combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and workplace experience ensures that learners are well-prepared for real-world job roles.
• Industry-RecognisedCertifications: A QCTO certificate is recognisedacross South Africa, giving learners a competitive edge in the job market.
• Alignment with Industry Needs: The QCTO works closely with industries to ensure that qualifications are up-to-date and relevant to current job market demands.

Occupational qualifications developed by the QCTO consist of three main components:

• Knowledge: The theoretical understanding required for the occupation.
• Practical Skills: Hands-on, applied skills needed to perform the job effectively.
• Workplace Experience: Real-world experience gained on the job.

By combining these elements, the QCTO ensures that learners are not only academically prepared but also equipped with practical skills and experience that make them highly employable.

Assessment: A unique feature of QCTO qualifications is that they require an external summative assessment. This final assessment is conducted at accredited centers and ensures that learners meet national standards before being certified. Successful learners are awarded a National Occupational Certificate, which is recognisedacross South Africa’s job market.

• Quality Assurance: The QCTO ensures that the training provided by accredited institutions meets high-quality standards, so learners receive the best possible education.
• Certification: Once a learner has successfully completed a QCTO-accredited program and passed the required assessments, the QCTO issues an industry-recognisedNational Occupational Certificate.
• Accreditation: Institutions that wish to offer occupational qualifications must meet QCTO’s stringent standards before they are granted accreditation. The same applies to assessment centers.