96368-Occupational Certificate: Clearing and Forwarding Agent -NQF 5 Level 05 cover image

STUDENT / LEARNER ADMISSION & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
(Aligned to SAQA Qualification ID 96368 – Occupational Certificate: Clearing and Forwarding Agent)

In order for a learner to be considered eligible for admission to the Occupational Certificate: Clearing and Forwarding Agent (SAQA ID 96368) programme for 2025, prospective students must meet the following minimum entry and qualification standards as guided by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO):

Minimum Entry Requirements

  • Learners must have successfully completed a National Senior Certificate (NQF Level 4) or an equivalent qualification with Mathematical Literacy.

  • Alternatively, applicants who have completed any of the following related qualifications may also qualify for admission:

    • NQF Level 3: National Certificate in Freight Forwarding and Customs Compliance (Advanced Learnership – 174 Credits).

    • NQF Level 4: Further Education and Training Certificate (FETC) in Freight Forwarding and Customs Compliance (Advanced Learnership – 178 Credits).

    • NQF Level 5: Equivalent qualification such as the Occupational Certificate: Clearing and Forwarding Agent.

Workplace Experience Requirement

In alignment with industry standards and QCTO curriculum guidelines, applicants are encouraged to have at least 2 to 5 years of working experience in any of the following sectors:

  • Freight Forwarding and Customs Compliance

  • International Trade and Supply Chain Operations

  • Logistics, Distribution, or Warehousing

All applicants are required to submit a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) outlining their professional experience and prior learning for assessment and verification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants who do not hold the formal NQF qualifications listed above but who have extensive industry experience may still be admitted through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.

  • RPL allows experienced individuals to be formally recognised for their practical skills, industry knowledge, and work experience.

  • Accredited RPL assessors will evaluate submitted portfolios and workplace evidence against the qualification’s outcomes.

  • Successful RPL candidates may be awarded credits toward the Occupational Certificate: Clearing and Forwarding Agent or granted admission into the learning programme.

Pre-Assessment and Evaluation

All prospective learners will be required to complete a Pre-Assessment Questionnaire during the registration period.
This assessment will evaluate:

  • The learner’s knowledge of freight forwarding operations,

  • Familiarity with customs procedures and compliance, and

  • Understanding of logistics and international trade processes.

Results from this pre-assessment will guide the placement process and ensure that each learner meets the competency standards for this qualification.

Qualification Recognition

The Occupational Certificate: Clearing and Forwarding Agent (NQF Level 5) is a nationally recognised qualification registered with SAQA and quality assured by the QCTO.
This qualification is aligned with international industry standards and comparable to the FIATA Diploma in Freight Forwarding, enabling graduates to pursue global career opportunities within the international logistics and forwarding industry.

Important Note

Learners admitted through RPL or with prior workplace experience are encouraged to continue formal learning towards this qualification to ensure full compliance with QCTO certification standards and to enhance professional recognition both locally and internationally.