ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SOFTWARE DEVELOPER NQF LEVEL 5
QCTO LEarnership
Course overview
The Occupational Certificate: Artificial Intelligence Software Developer is designed to equip learners with the foundational and practical skills required to develop, implement, test, and maintain Artificial Intelligence(AI) solutions within modern digital environments.
This qualification prepares learners to integrate AI functionality into software applications by applying machine learning, deep learning, data analysis, and programming techniques to solve real-world business and technological problems. Learners will gain competencies in Python programming, data visualization, machine learning algorithms, neural networks, AI deployment, and ethical AI practices.
The programme responds directly to the increasing demand for AI and automation skills highlighted by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), enabling organizations to improve operational efficiency, innovation, and decision-making through intelligent technologies.
The qualification combines:
- Knowledge-based learning
- Practical skills development
- Structured workplace experience
The programme is suitable for school leavers, TVET graduates, aspiring AI professionals, and individuals seeking to formalize or expand their skills within the technology sector.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this programme, learners will be able to:
A Qualified Learner Will Be Able To:
- Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
- An NQF Level 4 qualification
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available for:
- Access to the qualification
- Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment
- Module credits through demonstrated competencies
International Comparability
This qualification has been internationally benchmarked against recognised AI and machine learning programmes, including:
- IBM in collaboration with GreyCampus – Certificate Program in Artificial Intelligence
- Microsoft – Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals
The qualification compares favorably with international standards in the following areas:
- Artificial Intelligence fundamentals
- Machine Learning
- Deep Learning
- Python programming
- Data analysis and visualisation
- Neural networks
- Practical AI implementation
Unlike many international foundational programmes, this qualification includes structured workplacelearning and practical industry exposure, ensuring learners gain hands-on experience in real-world AI development environments
Occupational Trainer – NQF Level 5 Certification
Occupational Certificate: Artificial Intelligence Software Developer
SAQA ID: 118792
NQF Level: 5
Credits: 209
This qualification serves as a foundational occupational certification for individuals entering the field of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Intelligent Systems Development within the Information Technology sector
Potential Career Opportunities
Successful learners may pursue careers such as:
- Artificial Intelligence Software Developer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- AI Developer
- AI Technician
- AI Engineer
- AI Research Assistant
- Machine Learning Researcher
- Business Intelligence (BI) Developer
- Data Analyst
- AI Solutions Developer
- Intelligent Robotics Support Developer
- AI Systems Support Specialist
- Junior AI Architect
Learners may also articulate vertically into higher qualifications such as:
- Diploma in Information Technology (NQF Level 6)
These career opportunities are in high demand as organisations adopt automation to drive efficiency and digital transformation.
Learning Options
This programme may be offered through:
- Full-time classroom learning
- Blended learning
- Online learning
- Workplace-based learning
- Skills development programmes
- Accredited occupational training providers
- Knowledge modules
- Practical skills modules
- Workplace experience modules
- Integrated formative assessments
- External integrated summative assessment through the relevant Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
The qualification is designed to ensure learners gain both theoretical understanding and practical workplace competence aligned with current industry requirements and emerging 4IR technologies.
Course Details:
