The minimum duration of a National Certificate (Vocational) is one full year at each of the NQF levels of study, that is Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4. The previous level must have been successfully completed before a candidate can proceed to the next level.
For a candidate to obtain a NC (V) certificate he/she must:
- Complete the programme requirements for the particular NQF level and obtain the distinct outcomes for that particular level; and
- Comply with the internal and external assessment requirements for all subject offerings for that particular NQF level;
- Achieve 40% in two fundamental (compulsory) subjects: the required official language and Life Orientation;
- Achieve 30% in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy; and
- Achieve 50% in all four vocational subjects.
NATIONAL CERTIFICATE (VOCATIONAL)
The NC (V) offers programmes of study in a variety of vocational fields. The programmes are intended to respond directly to the priority skills demands of the modern South African economy by exposing students to high skills and knowledge. The practical component of study may be offered in the workplace or in a simulated workplace environment allowing students the opportunity to experience work situations during the period of study.
To qualify for entry into the NC (V) a candidate has to have successfully completed at least Grade 9 but preferably higher, be in possession of an NQF Level 1 qualification, be attending an approved bridging programme designed to access NQF Level 2 or meet the basic requirements for access to NQF Level 2 during a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment. The duration of the NC (V) is one full year per level, with each level serving as an exit level.
It is important to note that the credits obtained in the NC(V) cannot be combined with credits that a candidate obtained in a Senior Certificate Examination or a National Certificate (N courses for colleges).
STRUCTURE OF THE QUALIFICATION
The following structure and combination of subjects is applicable at every level of study of the NC (V), that is Levels 2, 3 and 4:
THREE COMPULSORY SUBJECTS
- Language: One of the official South African languages which is also the language of teaching and learning
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- Life Orientation
FOUR VOCATIONAL SUBJECTS
- Three vocational subjects
- One optional vocational subject offered from the same or a different programme
The NC (V) programmes currently on offer along with the vocational activities and career
opportunities each provides are provided in the table below:
|
PROGRAMME |
VOCATIONAL ACTIVITIES |
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES |
|
Information Technology and Computer Science |
· Test programmes and software applications · Write computer programmes · Install network cables for computer systems · Process computer data · Develop, research and document computer user requirements |
· Computer programming · Information Technology Management · Computer Systems Engineering · Data processing |
|
Office Administration |
· Coordinate office correspondence · Type letters, reports, memoranda, agendas, minutes · Maintain equipment and stationery supplies · Perform reception duties · Coordinate and organize functions · Organise meetings, staff travel itineraries and accommodation · Operate office equipment · Become a call centre operator |
· Accounting and Bookkeeping · Office Management · Office Administration · Freight Forwarder · Human Resource Management · Personnel Management · Private Secretary · Front Line Reception · Recruitment or Employment · Agent · Self Employment · Legal Secretarial Services · Personal and General · Secretarial Services |
|
Safety in Society |
· Join the policing services e.g. South African Police Services (SAPS), Metropolitan Agencies (Metro Police), Traffic Agencies and the Military Police Division · Join the Private Security Services e.g. Security Management, Community policing · Join the National Statutory Intelligence Agencies |
· South African Police Services (SAPS) · Security and surveillance · Private security · Community policing · Metro policing · National intelligence · Legal assistance · Community development · Correctional services · South African National Defence Force · Immigration and customs · Civil and human rights related work · Criminal justice work and matters related to advocacy of the South African Constitution |
|
Marketing |
· Market new products · Sell goods and services · Research needs of consumers and develop products · Determine pricing, sales, promotions and distribution · Guide consumers on products and brands · Advertise and promote new products |
· Marketing · Business Management · Promotions and Advertising · Market Research · Product Development · Public Relations · Merchandising · Sales Management · Brand Management · Customer Relations |
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO HIGHER EDUCATION
The minimum requirements for entry to higher education is an exciting development on the college landscape. Minimum Higher Education Admission requirements in accordance with the 3 levels of undergraduate programmes are as follows: Higher certificate; Diploma; Bachelor’s degree. Subject to institutional admission requirements, the minimum admission requirements to the three higher education instructional programmes are as follows:
(a) Higher Certificate
A National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4 and compliance with the requirements for the language of learning and teaching in the higher education institution.
(b) Diploma
A National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4. In addition, a student must have achieved at least 50% in three fundamental subjects including the language of learning and teaching in the higher education institution and at least 60% in three vocational subjects.
(c) Bachelor’s Degree
A National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4. In addition, a student must have achieved at least 60% in three fundamental subjects including the language of learning and teaching in the higher education institution and at least 70% in the four vocational subjects chosen for the NC (V) Level 4.
Information Technology & Computer Science
Level 2
- Intro Information System
- Electronics
- Intro System Development
- Multi Media
Level 3
- System Analysis & Design
- Computer Software & Hardware
- Principles Of Programming
- Multimedia
Level 4
- Systems Analysis & Design
- Data communications & Networking
- Computer Programming
- Office Data Processing
Office Administration
Level 2
- Business Practice
- Office Practice
- Office Data Processing
- New Venture Creation
Level 3
- Business Practice
- Office Practice
- Office Data Processing
- New venture creation
Level 4
- Business Practice
- Office Practice
- Office Data Processing
- New venture creation
Safety in Society
Level 2
- Intro to Governance
- Intro to Law
- Principles of Criminal Justice
- Intro to Policing Practices
Level 3
- Governance
- Criminal Law
- Criminal Justice/Structure & Mandate
- Theory of Policing Practice
Level 4
- Applied Policing
- Law Procedures and evidence
- Criminal Justice Process
- Governance
Marketing
Level 2
- Advertising & Promotions
- Contact Centre Operation
- Marketing Communication
- Consumer Behavior
Level 3
- Advertising & Promotions
- Contact Centre Operation
- Marketing Communication
- Consumer Behavior
Level 4
- Advertising & Promotions
- Contact Centre Operation
- Marketing Communication
- Consumer Behavior