National Certificate (Tourism) Qualification

What is the National Certificate (Tourism) Qualification?

The National Certificate (Tourism) is a new tourism qualification at each of Levels 2, 3 and 4 of the NQF. This qualification is designed to provide both the theory and practice of tourism. The practical component of study may be offered in a real workplace environment or in a simulated workplace environment. It will provide students with an opportunity to experience work situations during the period of study.

What are the minimum entry requirements to the qualification?

For entry into the National Certificate (Tourism) at NQF Level 2, you require:

• A year end school report for Grade 9 or higher, or
• An NQF Level 1 qualification, or
• An approved bridging programme designed for the specific purpose to access NQF Level 2, or
• A Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment to meet the basic requirements for access to NQF Level 2.

How long is the Qualification?

The National Certificate (Tourism) qualification is a full year programme at each of the NQF levels of study. A student is issued with a certificate on the successful completion of each level of study, that is Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4.

Which subjects make up a National Certificate (Tourism)?

In order to obtain a National Certificate (Tourism), a student is required to take a total of 7 subjects. These include 3 fundamental subjects and 4 vocational subjects, of which 3 are compulsory and 1 is optional.

Which are the fundamental subjects?

The 3 fundamental subjects are:

• Language – which must be the language of teaching and learning
• Mathematical Literacy and
• Life Orientation

What are the Vocational subjects in Tourism?

The 4 vocational subjects in Tourism are:

• Science of Tourism
• Client Services and Human Relation Services
• Sustainable Tourism in South Africa
• Tourism Operations and Technology

These subjects are offered at each of the different NQF levels of study in the National Certificate (Tourism) qualification.

What vocational activities would this give you access to?

The holder of the National Certificate (Tourism) will be able to:

• Work as a tour guide
• Own a tourism business
• Work at a hotel or any other travel site
• Provide an opportunity to market South Africa
• Plan tours of South Africa and SADC

What career opportunities do I have after completing the National Certificate (Tourism)?

The National Certificate (Tourism) provides an opportunity to access careers in any of the sectors listed below:

• Accommodation Management
• Conference and Events Planning
• Restaurant and Food Services
• Tourism Development
• Transportation Management
• Travel Counseling
• Further Study at Universities of Technology
• Game range and Safari work