Retail Store Manager – NQF Level 6
QCTO Learnership
Course overview
The Occupational Certificate: Retail Manager (Retail Store Manager) is designed to equip learners with the advanced knowledge, skills, and work experience required to manage all aspects of a retail store or business unit. This programme prepares learners to address the dynamic challenges of the retail environment, including customer expectations, supply chain complexities, financial sustainability, and regulatory compliance. Graduates of this qualification will have the competencies to operate sustainably, enhance customer service standards, lead high-performing teams, and ensure the strategic success of retail establishments across various formats, from independent stores to franchise outlets.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this programme, learners will be able to:
A Qualified Learner Will Be Able To:
Entry Requirements
- Learners must hold:
A NQF Level 4 qualification (or equivalent), which may be achieved through a process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). - Foundational retail or business management knowledge is advantageous.
International Comparability
Retail management qualifications are globally recognised and range from skills-based certificates to advanced diplomas and postgraduate degrees.
The South African Occupational Certificate: Retail Manager aligns closely with the UK’s Level 5 BTEC Higher National Diploma in Retail Management, sharing core focus areas such as:
- Retail operations and customer service
- Financial and supply chain management
- Retail marketing and strategy
Unlike the BTEC, the South African qualification includes a significant work experience component, ensuring learners gain practical exposure while mastering academic content.
International Comparability
Retail management programmes are found in many forms and guises in most countries. They range from skills-based on-the-job qualifications to Postgraduate Degrees at Honours and Masters levels. The latter focus more on research, global markets, and new on-line retail models. Competence element of the Apprenticeship package.
Occupational Trainer – NQF Level 6 Certification
This qualification is registered as an Occupational Certificate at NQF Level 6 on the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework (OQSF). It is suitable for progression from foundational qualifications such as:
- This qualification is registered as an Occupational Certificate at NQF Level 6 on the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework (OQSF). It is suitable for progression from foundational qualifications such as:
- Further Education and Training Certificates in retail-related fields.
Successful completion enables articulation into higher-level qualifications such as Advanced Occupational Certificates or Bachelor’s Degrees in Retail or Business Management.
International Comparability
Graduates of this programme can pursue diverse roles, including:
International Comparability
The programme may be offered through:
- Full-time study at accredited training providers.
- Part-time or blended learning options, including online theory with workplace-based practical training.
- Workplace learning under the guidance of approved mentors or supervisors
An external integrated summative assessment conducted by the QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required for certification. Learners must provide evidence of successful completion of all modules and a signed Statement of Work Experience to access the final assessment.
Course Details:
