VISUAL MERCHANDISER NQF LEVEL 3
QCTO LEarnership
Course overview
The Occupational Certificate: Visual Merchandiser equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills to plan, implement, and maintain effective visual merchandising strategies. Visual Merchandisers create visually appealing displays that capture customer attention, reinforce brand identity, and drive sales.
This qualification addresses a critical skills shortage in South Africa’s retail sector, empowering learners to contribute to business success by enhancing customer experience and influencing purchasing behaviour through creative and commercially effective merchandising solutions.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this qualification, learners will be able to:
A Qualified Learner Will Be Able To:
Entry Requirements
- NQF Level 2 qualification with Mathematical Literacy and Communication.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Access may be granted through RPL for learners with relevant informal or workplace experience.
- Accredited providers and workplaces must apply the curriculum’s internal assessment criteria to confirm prior learning.
International Comparability
This qualification has been benchmarked against international standards, particularly from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Spain, Canada, and Australia. Comparable qualifications include:
- Certificate in Retail Skills (Visual Merchandiser) – QCF Level 3 (UK)
- National Certificate in Retail (Visual Merchandiser) – Level 4 (NZQF, New Zealand)
- Certificate in Visual Merchandising and Window Dressing – Dublin
- Certificate in Intermediate Visual Merchandising – Barcelona
The South African qualification is aligned in scope and complexity with these international programmes, covering core competencies such as display principles, use of fixtures and props, window display cycles, store layouts, and customer traffic flow.
Occupational Trainer – NQF Level 5 Certification
This qualification is an Occupational Certificate pegged at NQF Level 3 on the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework (OQSF). It serves as a foundation for further retail and merchandising studies, as well as progression to supervisory or management-level qualifications.
Potential Career Opportunities
Graduates of this qualification will be employable in diverse retail environments, including fashion, supermarkets, department stores, shopping malls, and brand showrooms. Career opportunities include:
- Visual Merchandiser
- Window Dresser
- Display Designer
- Retail Space Planner
- Merchandising Coordinator
- Store Presentation Specialist
Learners may also progress to higher-level qualifications in business, operations, or customer management.
Learning Options
Learning is structured through a combination of:
- Knowledge Modules (theory of visual merchandising principles).
- Practical Skills Modules (developing and setting up displays).
- Work Experience Modules (hands-on retail merchandising practice).
Delivery modes may include:
- Full-time study at accredited institutions.
- Part-time study for employed learners.
- Workplace-based learning (WBL) in partnership with approved retail employers.
Course Details:
