Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health & Safety Practitioner 
(SAQA ID: 99714; NQF Level 5; Credits 256)
Certification
Successful learners will receive a Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health & Safety Practitioner issued by the Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO) and registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Qualification Overview
- Title: Occupational Certificate: Safety, Health and Quality Practitioner (Occupational Health & Safety Practitioner) (SAQA)
- NQF Level: 5
- Total Credits: Minimum 256
- Registered with: QCTO (via SAQA ID)
- Purpose: To prepare learners to operate as Occupational Health & Safety Practitioners — acting as facilitators / advisors for workplace safety and health, implementing and maintaining OHS systems, supporting management and employees
Purpose of the Qualification
This qualification is designed to address the need for competent practitioners in occupational health & safety roles across industries. Such practitioners will:
- Serve as advisors/facilitators to both employees and management on health and safety matters.
- Inspect, monitor, and assess workplace hazards and risks.
- Develop, implement, maintain, and improve workplace OHS systems to ensure safe working environments.
- Promote compliance with legislation, standards and best practice.
Key Learning Outcomes
Learners will gain knowledge and practical skills to:
- Apply OHS policies, procedures, and practices.
- Conduct workplace inspections and incident investigations under supervision.
- Assist with emergency preparedness and response plans.
- Communicate OHS information to workers and management.
- Maintain OHS records and reporting systems.
Typical Work Roles
Graduates of this qualification can expect to function in roles such as:
- Safety, Health & Quality Practitioner / OHS Practitioner – acting as the main advisor on health, safety and quality in the workplace.
- Safety Coordinator – coordinating safety initiatives, hazard identification, inspections and safety reporting.
- Safety & Health Advisor – providing advice to management and workforce on health and safety matters, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Occupational Safety & Health Assistant – supporting safety management systems, documentation, inspections and risk control in workplaces.
Exit Pathways
- Horizontal articulation: According to one provider, previous related qualification was the National Diploma (Occupational Safety, Level 5) SAQA ID 79808.
- Vertical articulation: As of the information provided, there may be no direct cognate qualification at Level 6 yet for this specific qualification (depending on the sector).
- Completing this qualification positions a learner to work in various industries (construction, manufacturing, mining, services) in OHS roles, and to seek further professional certification (e.g., membership in professional OHS bodies) or specialised training.
Entry Requirements
- Entry typically via a Level 4 qualification (for example Matric / National Certificate) with Mathematical Literacy.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be considered where a learner can demonstrate previous relevant skills/experience.
- While the qualification covers OHS systems and practice, it explicitly states that technical work content (i.e., industry‑specific technical skills) is not fully covered and must be obtained through experience or additional training in the relevant industry.
Available Course Types
Full Time 
On-Site
Duration of Course
- Credits: 256
- +-18 months.
- Key takeaway: The official qualification doesn’t specify a single fixed duration; each accredited training provider may set its own actual length depending on mode of delivery, workplace experience component and scheduling.
Form of Evaluation
- Formative Assessment
- External Integrated
- Summative Assessment
Cost of Course
- Full Time
- Contact the client services department for more information regarding the course.
- Tel: +27 (0) 18 786 4300 / +27 (0) 18 786 2812
