What is a National Certificate (Vocational)?
From January 2007, the National Certificate (Vocational) will replace the NATED courses (N1 – N3) at public FET Colleges. The National Certificate (Vocational) is a new and modern qualification at levels 2, 3 and 4 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). This NC (Vocational) will be introduced at FET Colleges at NQF Level 2 in 2007, Level 3 in 2008 and Level 4 in 2009.

The National Certificate (Vocational) is the new curriculum that is being introduced to public FET colleges around the country. It gives Grade 9 learners a Vocational alternative to an academic Grade 10 – 12 by offering industry focussed training on the NQF levels 2 – 4.

These qualifications are designed to provide both the theory and practice. The practical component of study may be offered in a real workplace environment or in a simulated workplace environment. It will provide students with an opportunity to experience work situations during the period of study.The qualification will also provide an opportunity to enter higher education studies subject to appropriate subject combinations.

A new Vocational study opportunity at Public FET Colleges
From 2007, Public FET Colleges will offer exciting, modern and relevant programme of study in vocational programmes. These vocational programmes are the 11 high skills, high quality and high knowledge programmes to be introduced at FET Colleges. These programmes are intended to directly respond to the priority skills demands of the modern economy.

What is the duration of this Qualification?
The National Certificate qualification is a full year programme at each of the NQF levels of study. A student is issued with a certificate on successful completion of each level of study.

Which subjects make up a National Certificate?
In order to obtain a National Certificate (Vocational), a student is required to take a total of 7 subjects. These include the 3 fundamental subjects and 4 vocational subjects, of which 3 are compulsory and 1 is optional.