Accreditation Process with the QCTO (Part 1)
Why even bother writing this article, some will ask? Everybody knows the process, the requirements, what to do, and what to put together, right? This is not my experience at all. I get bombarded with calls, emails, and private messages daily for some assistance, some clarity or just to answer a question that turns into continuous guidance that will take hours, which becomes weeks, etc. So, here it is - from now on, I can refer those who need help to this article. Please note, that this is article 1, and more will follow (if there is a need for it). I place on record, that I am not an employee or contractor/consultant of the QCTO, any of the 21 SETAs (now referred to as the Quality Partners) or the DHET.
Before you even think about starting this process of applying for Accreditation with the QCTO, you HAVE to go through the Occupational Qualifications and Occupational Skills Programmes that are registered and listed. This you can find on the QCTO website. If you cannot find the one that you are looking for, then stop immediately. Why? Well, if there is nothing that is similar to what you have offered previously (historical/legacy) then this means that it might be in process of being developed.
Fact: If you have not made your selection, then there is no reason why you should continue wasting your time. (this is your first step)
Fact: if you have a selection of what you want to apply for, your work is now ready to start. Note: it will take a lot of hours to get through all the documents that you need to prepare - it is not an overnight process, so get ready to age a bit during this process. The most important document that you will use, is the curriculum (per qualification, per skills programme). You will need learning material that is aligned with the curriculum - if you don't have this, then there are options:
So, why do we start with the learning material? The answer is simple: we start with the learning material, as this exercise will take you the longest to do (if you do this right, and you are serious about quality, your company name and your brand). Most importantly, is the quality of content that the learner will receive (that is the most important person: the learner).
One specific crucial task that you will need to do, that most individuals ignore, is to go through the QCTO website, download all the policies and guidelines - and READ them. Many of your questions will be within these documents. I use highlighters and sticky notes - yes, I have read them all (more than once).
Now that we dealt with this, we apply to the QCTO via the QCTO online application (you apply per physical address - which means, if you have 3 training centres at different physical addresses, then you need to apply separately per centre). Once you submit the online application you will receive an immediate email with instructions (note, if you applied for 4 qualifications, then you will receive 4 different emails). It will state that you need to upload documents, whereby you will get 21 days to do so (but the link will only come in the following day - if not, request it by the QCTO).
The next day, you should receive an email from the QCTO, whereby a link is sent to you. This email will stipulate the documents that you need to upload, they are:
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Oh, did you see that? You will have 21 days to submit these documents. If you don't have quality learning material, then you won't be able to have a learning material matrix per qualification or skills programme (this document is crucial). All 8 items listed above are compulsory - if you don't have this in place, then your desktop evaluation will not be successful. Something like the Facilitator documents, if it is not certified within the 6 month period but older, then it will not be accepted. You will most probably have to certify these documents again just before the site visit - don't complain, just get it done.
If you are a SDP, and you are reading this - the MoU is very important. Engage with your clients - without them, you will find it so difficult. We need more Employers to assist Providers (a shout out to those Employers that have done so).
So, if you got this far, then you have done well. Should you want me to write Part 2, whereby I discuss the preparation of the Master Site Visit File (this is what I call it - it does not exist within any policy), the documents that needs to be prepared for the site visit, and what to expect - then let me know. I don't mind writing articles that will be of value to those battling to get this information.
If there is a need for part 2, then I will do so. I will go according to the comments or reactions against this post.
If you are in the process, and you are coping: I wish you all the success with this journey. Keep going and don't give up.
Director at Blush Academy SA. Kryolan Professional make-up trainer & make-up artist.
2 天前Awesome article Lynell. Sure it's helping many providers. Well done
Independent contractor
2 周Looking forward to part 2
Learning and Development Coordinator
2 周Very informative thank you so much Lynel as SDPs we definitely need this information
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3 周Thanks so much. You are so resourceful and greatly appreciate this. We applied in April and uploaded all required documents for 3 qualifications . We had site visit from QCTO early August but to our amazement it was only for 1 qualification instead of 3 we applied for. Nevertheless it was done but we never heard a word from QCTO since then. Is the turn around time 90 days?? We dont even know whom to contact at which email /telephone number.
Learning and Development Practitioner and Transformation Champion
3 周This is really well summarized, I hope SDP providers will take note, would love a part 2 but please don't overextend yourself you already do so much for this industry, and we are definitely watching and learning alot from you Lynel!