Investment Adviser – NQF Level 6
QCTO Learnership
Course overview
The Occupational Certificate: Investment Adviser is a part-qualification registered on the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework (OQSF) at NQF Level 6 (213 credits).
It is designed for individuals who advise clients on investments to create, grow, and protect wealth. This qualification equips learners with advanced knowledge of investment products, regulatory frameworks, and practical advisory skills.
Developed in response to the re-alignment of legacy unit standard-based qualifications into occupational programmes, it enables learners to progress within the financial services sector, supporting South Africa’s National Development Plan by developing competent professionals who contribute to economic growth and social wellbeing.
The programme combines knowledge, practical skills, and workplace experience to prepare learners for professional practice as investment advisers in diverse contexts such as retirement funds, medical schemes, intermediaries, collective investment schemes, and compliance environments.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this qualification, learners will be able to:
A Qualified Learner Will Be Able To:
Entry Requirements
To enroll in this qualification, learners must hold:
- A National Senior Certificate or an equivalent qualification at NQF Level 4, including Communication.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be applied to gain access or achieve credits, based on proven work experience and previous studies.
International Comparability
A review of international qualifications confirmed that this programme compares favorably with:
- Certificate III in Insurance Broking (FNS30615) – Australia: Focused on entry-level broking support roles with regulatory and advisory components.
- Certificate in Insurance (Level 3) – United Kingdom: Provides a foundation in insurance and advisory services, including regulation, underwriting, and client service.
While the South African qualification has a broader investment focus and is pitched at a higher level, it aligns with international best practices in advisory competence, ethics, and compliance.
Occupational Trainer – NQF Level 6 Certification
This is a Part-Qualification at NQF Level 6 on the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework. Successful learners will receive the Occupational Certificate: Investment Adviser, registered by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).
Potential Career Opportunities
Graduates may pursue roles such as:
Learning Options
This qualification is offered through accredited training providers and approved workplaces. Learning is delivered via:
- Knowledge Modules (theoretical learning)
- Practical Skills Modules (applied practice)
- Workplace Experience Modules (on-the-job training over six months)
Assessment includes formative tasks during the programme and an Integrated External Summative Assessment conducted by the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner.
Course Details:
