After 30 June 2027, legacy SETA qualifications can no longer be certificated. Here’s what’s changing, what it means for you, and why BConsult moved early.
Check your programmes →The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) is the body now responsible for occupational qualifications in South Africa. It has replaced the older, unit-standard-based SETA qualifications with a new generation of occupational qualifications — designed with industry, and built around real jobs.
The two systems certificate differently. Legacy qualifications are being phased out, and after 30 June 2027 they can no longer be certificated at all. If your learners are enrolled on a legacy programme that isn’t completed and certificated in time, they could be left with nothing to show for it.
| Legacy (SETA) | QCTO occupational | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Unit-standard based | Occupation-based, built with industry |
| Structure | Modular credits | Knowledge + practical + work experience |
| Assessment | Continuous, provider-based | External integrated summative assessment (EISA) |
| Recognition | Being phased out | Current and future-proof |
| Deadline | No certification after 30 June 2027 | No deadline — the new standard |
Check that any programme you’re funding is QCTO-aligned or can be completed and certificated before the deadline. The safest move is to plan new intakes on QCTO occupational qualifications now — and to work with a provider that’s already accredited for them.
If you’re on a legacy programme, make sure you’ll complete and be certificated in time. New learners should choose QCTO occupational qualifications — they’re current, recognised, and built around the job you actually want.
We didn’t wait for the deadline. We’re already accredited for 45 QCTO occupational qualifications across every major industry — so our learners and clients are on the right side of 2027 today, not scrambling later.
Get a free readiness check and find out where you stand.