Travel Proffesional – NQF Level 5
QCTO Learnership
Course overview
The Occupational Certificate: Travel Professional is a nationally recognized qualification registered on the Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework (OQSF) at NQF Level 5. The programme is designed to prepare learners to operate competently and professionally within the travel and tourism sector. A Travel Professional sources, plans, coordinates, and processes travel and tourism arrangements and auxiliary services in alignment with client requirements. The qualification integrates theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and structured workplace experience to ensure industry readiness. The qualification addresses industry demands for skilled professionals capable of delivering high-quality
service while adapting to technological advancements, legislative changes, and evolving customer expectations. It also allows for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this qualification, learners will be able to:
- Conduct comprehensive destination research using appropriate travel resources.
- Analyze client travel needs and provide tailored travel solutions.
- Recommend and sell travel-related products and services.
- Plan, cost, and present detailed travel itineraries.
- Process reservations and issue travel documentation accurately.
- Interpret and communicate travel terms, conditions, and regulatory requirements.
- Apply professional communication, customer service, and selling techniques.
- Demonstrate compliance with industry legislation and business procedures.
A Qualified Learner Will Be Able To:
- Use a range of resources to research, locate, and access destination information in order to make relevant travel recommendations.
- Communicate effectively to determine customer needs, recommend appropriate travel products and
services, and conclude sales professionally - Develop detailed, logical, and sequenced itineraries aligned with client expectations.
- Draft and present cost estimates and quotations in the appropriate format.
- Interpret and apply travel industry rules, regulations, and terms and conditions to specific
reservations. - Process reservations accurately and issue the relevant travel documentation.
- Build and maintain customer relationships while delivering high standards of service.
Entry Requirements
- National Senior Certificate (NQF Level 4) with Mathematics.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available for access to the qualification and for admission to the external integrated summative assessment, subject to QCTO requirements.
International Comparability
This qualification has been benchmarked against comparable travel and tourism qualifications offered internationally, particularly in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
In New Zealand, the qualification aligns with the New Zealand Certificate in Travel (Level 4 and Level 5), which prepares learners to support customers with travel enquiries, booking requirements, sales, and destination advice
In the United Kingdom, comparable qualifications include:
- Advanced General Certificate in Travel and Tourism
- Diploma in Travel and Tourism
- City & Guilds Travel and Tourism (Levels 4 -6)
- Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ) in Travel and Tourism
Core competencies such as destination research, itinerary planning, customer service, sales, compliance, and travel documentation are consistent across these qualifications.
Based on this benchmarking analysis, the Occupational Certificate: Travel Professional is considered internationally comparable in scope, level, and occupational relevance
Occupational Trainer – NQF Level 4 Certification
This qualification is registered at NQF Level 5 under the Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework (OQSF). Where learners pursue a career pathway into training or facilitation within the sector, the relevant foundational instructional certification would typically be:
- Occupational Certificate: Occupational Trainer (NQF Level 5)
This certification supports career progression into training, workplace facilitation, or skills development roles
within the travel and tourism industry
Potential Career Opportunities
Employment opportunities exist within:
Employment opportunities exist within:
The qualification also provides a foundation for entrepreneurial opportunities within the travel sector.
Learning Options
This qualification is offered through accredited Skills Development Providers (SDPs) and approved workplaces under the QCTO framework. Learning delivery may include:
- Structured classroom-based learning
- Workplace-based practical training
- Simulated practical environments
- Integrated formative assessments
- External integrated summative assessment conducted by the relevant Assessment Quality Partner
Learners must complete all Knowledge, Practical Skill, and Work Experience Modules and meet the requirements for the external integrated summative assessment to be awarded the qualification. The qualification also provides articulation opportunities into higher-level qualifications within the travel and tourism field, including Diplomas at NQF Level 6
Course Details:
