These terms can be confusing, but each has a different function.
SAQA
The South African Qualifications Authority oversees the National Qualifications Framework and maintains a register of recognised qualifications.
A SAQA ID identifies a specific registered qualification. It does not, by itself, prove that every academy advertising that qualification is authorised to offer it.
QCTO
The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations oversees occupational qualifications and the accreditation of skills development providers within its mandate.
For occupational beauty qualifications, the academy must be approved for the specific qualification or part-qualification it offers.
NQF
The National Qualifications Framework organises South African qualifications according to levels.
Both the Beauty Practitioner and National Occupational Certificate: Beauty Therapist qualifications discussed above are registered at NQF Level 4. However, the scope and number of credits differ.
Services SETA
The SAQA listing for the Beauty Therapist qualification identifies the Services Sector Education and Training Authority as the Assessment Quality Partner.
How to Check Whether a Beauty Academy Is Accredited
Before paying a registration fee or signing an enrolment agreement, request proof that the provider is accredited for the exact qualification you want to study.
Check the following:
- The academy’s legal and trading name
- Its QCTO accreditation information
- The exact qualification title
- The SAQA ID
- The NQF level and credits
- The accreditation period, if shown
- Whether the physical training location is included
- Whether external assessment is required
- What certificate you will receive after completion
An academy may offer accredited qualifications alongside non-accredited short courses. Therefore, the academy being accredited for one programme does not mean that every course it offers leads to a nationally registered qualification.