What is the difference between the SETA and the QCTO?
SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) focuses on skills development and training within specific economic sectors.
QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations) oversees the design, implementation, assessment, and certification of occupational qualifications in South Africa.
SETAs fund and coordinate training; the QCTO assures the quality of qualifications and assessments.
SETAs issue grants and learnerships; QCTO registers and quality-assures occupational qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
SETAs are sector-specific; QCTO has a national mandate across all trades and occupations.
What is the difference between the Assessor (SETA) and the Assessment Practitioner (QCTO)?
A SETA assessor is registered with a specific SETA to assess learners against unit standards or qualifications and make final assessment judgements. A QCTO assessment practitioner is registered with an Assessment Quality Partner (AQP) to conduct assessments for occupational qualifications using external integrated summative assessments. SETA assessors focus on outcomes-based assessment within a sector, while QCTO assessment practitioners work within a nationally standardised assessment system.
What is the difference between the Facilitator (SETA) and the Learning and Development Practitioner (QCTO)?
A SETA facilitator delivers training against unit standards and accredited programmes within a specific sector. A QCTO learning and development practitioner facilitates learning for occupational qualifications aligned to workplace tasks and curricula. SETA facilitators focus on outcomes-based training linked to unit standards, while QCTO practitioners support structured, curriculum-based learning and workplace application.
What is the difference between the Facilitator (SETA) and the Skills development facilitator (SETA)?
A facilitator (SETA) delivers training and learning interventions aligned to unit standards and accredited programmes. A Skills Development Facilitator (SDF) does not deliver training, but coordinates and manages skills development planning within an organisation. The SDF is responsible for Workplace Skills Plans, Annual Training Reports, and SETA grant submissions, while the facilitator focuses on learner engagement and delivery of training.
What is the difference between the Learning and Development Practitioner (QCTO) and the Skills Development Facilitator (QCTO)?
A Learning and Development Practitioner (QCTO) designs, facilitates, and supports learning aligned to occupational curricula and workplace tasks. A Skills Development Facilitator (QCTO) focuses on organisational skills planning, coordinating occupational training, and liaising with SETAs and AQPs. The practitioner delivers and supports learning, while the SDF manages skills development strategy, reporting, and compliance.
What is the difference between the Skills Programme (QCTO), a Part qualification (QCTO) and a Qualification (QCTO)?
A Skills Programme (QCTO) is a short, focused learning intervention addressing specific skills for a job or task and does not lead to a full qualification. A Part Qualification (QCTO) consists of a structured set of modules that form a recognised component of a full occupational qualification. A Qualification (QCTO) is a complete occupational qualification made up of knowledge, practical skills, and workplace experience, leading to full occupational competence and certification.
Do I need to write an exam for a QCTO skills programme?
Yes, a QCTO Skills Programme does require a formal exam. Assessment is usually formative and/or practical, and a Final Integrated Supervised Assessment (FISA) focused on demonstrating specific skills and applied competence.
Do I need to write an exam for a QCTO Qualification?
Yes. A QCTO Occupational Qualification requires an External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), which usually includes a formal exam and/or practical assessment conducted by the relevant Assessment Quality Partner (AQP). This assessment is compulsory for certification, in addition to completing the required knowledge, practical, and workplace modules.