COURSE CURRICULUM
The Occupational Certificate: Clearing and Forwarding Agent (SAQA ID 96368) programme for 2025 will commence in February/March 2025.
The course curriculum will run over a 12-month period, and a detailed course schedule will be provided to each successful participant upon completion of registration.
Please note: There will be no scheduled classes during December 2025.
| No. | Hours | MODULE | Learning Objective | Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 30 Hrs | Freight Forwarding Practice and Procedures Theory | Learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the freight forwarding industry, including operational, regulatory, and commercial aspects. | Overview of Freight Forwarding • International Trade and Incoterms • Freight Documentation and Procedures • Costing and Quotations • Role of Forwarding Agents • Trade Geography • Risk and Liability • Ethical Practices |
| 2 | 30 Hrs | Compliance and Brokerage Theory | Learners will develop the skills to manage customs clearance processes and ensure compliance with applicable legislation. | Customs Administration Overview • Tariff Classification • Duties and Rebates • Import/Export Documentation • SARS EDI Processes • Fraud Prevention • Compliance Ethics |
| 3 | 25 Hrs | Warehouse and Distribution Theory | Learners will understand warehousing operations, storage systems, and distribution processes. | Warehouse Types and Functions • Storage and Handling • Documentation • Inventory Control • Distribution Planning • Costing • Safety and Security |
| 4 | 15 Hrs | Environment, Energy Efficiency and Ethics | Learners will explore sustainable logistics practices and ethical responsibilities in the forwarding industry. | Environmental and Energy Efficiency Practices • Green Logistics • Waste Reduction • Corporate Governance • Industry Ethics |
| 5 | 20 Hrs | Plan and Coordinate Freight Movement of Cargo | Learners will plan and coordinate cargo movement in compliance with logistical and regulatory standards. | Shipment Planning • Freight Costing • Route Selection • Carrier Negotiations • Documentation Management |
| 6 | 15 Hrs | Plan and Coordinate Customs Clearing, Delivery and Pickup | Learners will manage the coordination of customs clearing and cargo delivery processes. | Customs Documentation • Delivery Procedures • Cargo Release • Compliance Verification • Tracking and Reporting |
| 7 | 20 Hrs | Prepare and Process Trade Documentation | Learners will prepare and process international trade documentation in accordance with current legislation. | Trade Documentation • Commercial Invoices • Packing Lists • Certificates of Origin • EDI Systems |
| 8 | 15 Hrs | Audit Commodities Against Customs Requirements | Learners will perform audits on commodities to ensure customs compliance. | Cargo Verification • Inspection Procedures • Statutory Audits • Record-Keeping |
| 9 | 10 Hrs | Apply Rebate, Drawback and Bond Facilities | Learners will apply rebate and drawback systems to optimize customs operations. | Duty Rebates • Drawbacks • Bond Facilities • Financial Implications • Compliance Procedures |
| 10 | 10 Hrs | Prepare Documents for Warehoused Cargo | Learners will manage documentation for warehousing operations. | Warehouse Documentation • Cargo Receipts • Storage Notes • Removal Orders |
| 11 | 10 Hrs | Prepare Receipts for Cargo Distribution | Learners will compile documentation for cargo dispatch and delivery. | Distribution Receipts • Cargo Dispatch Documentation • Verification Procedures |
| 12 | 15 Hrs | Conduct Cargo Forwarding Processes | Learners will perform the operational functions of a freight forwarder within a working environment. | Shipment Coordination • Communication with Carriers • Cargo Handling • Reporting |
| 13 | 15 Hrs | Process Customs Compliance Procedures | Learners will execute customs compliance procedures in alignment with legislation. | Compliance Checks • SARS Communication • Reporting Requirements • Customs Systems |
| 14 | 10 Hrs | Communication and Documentation for Warehousing | Learners will communicate effectively and maintain proper records within a warehousing context. | Document Control • Reporting • Communication Skills • System Entries |
| 15 | 10 Hrs | Documentation for Distribution Procedures | Learners will complete and verify documentation required for distribution processes. | Dispatch Documentation • Route Planning • Proof of Delivery • Client Communication |
Assessment & Completion Criteria
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Continuous internal assessments through the online Learning Management System (LMS).
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External integrated summative assessment conducted by the QCTO Assessment Quality Partner (written + practical).
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Learners must demonstrate competence in all Knowledge, Practical, and Work Experience Modules.
Upon successful completion, graduates will receive the Occupational Certificate: Clearing and Forwarding Agent (NQF Level 5), issued by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and registered with SAQA.
Learning Methodology
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Virtual sessions (every 2 weeks)
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Interactive online lessons and digital resources (LMS)
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Workplace-based learning and mentorship
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Revision sessions and support before final assessment
Learners are expected to commit to regular self-study and engage actively in online learning to ensure success in all modules.