SETA Accreditation-In South Africa, the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) play a critical role in ensuring the quality and relevance of education and training. If you’re an aspiring training provider, assessor, or moderator, understanding the types of SETA accreditation is crucial for compliance, credibility, and funding eligibility.
In this blog, we explore the different types of SETA accreditation, what each one entails, and how they benefit individuals and training organisations alike.
What Is SETA Accreditation?
SETA accreditation is the formal recognition given to training providers, programmes, and individuals (like assessors and moderators) to ensure that education and training meet the required National Qualifications Framework (NQF) standards. Accreditation is issued by the relevant SETA in line with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) requirements.
There are three main types of SETA accreditation in South Africa:
- Programme Accreditation
- Provider Accreditation
- Individual Accreditation (Assessors and Moderators)
Let’s unpack each of these below.
1. Programme Accreditation
Programme accreditation refers to the approval of specific training programmes or courses offered by a provider. These programmes must align with registered unit standards, skills programmes, or full qualifications on the NQF.
Key Requirements:
- Curriculum aligned with the SAQA-registered qualification
- Appropriate learning material and assessment tools
- Qualified facilitators and assessors
- Compliance with outcomes-based education principles
Benefits:
- Enables learners to receive nationally recognised certificates
- Improves employment prospects for learners
- Increases credibility for the training provider
Example: A training provider offering a National Certificate in Business Administration needs to ensure that the entire course content meets SETA and QCTO requirements to be accredited.
2. Provider Accreditation
Provider accreditation is the recognition of an organisation or institution as a legitimate and compliant training provider. This type of accreditation verifies that the provider has the systems, policies, and infrastructure in place to deliver high-quality education and training.
Key Requirements:
- Legal entity registration (e.g. CIPC certificate)
- Tax clearance and BBBEE certificate
- QMS (Quality Management System)
- Adequate facilities and equipment
- Registered assessors and moderators
Benefits:
- Authorises the provider to offer SETA-accredited programmes
- Eligible to register learnerships and apply for funding
- Builds trust with learners, employers, and government bodies
Important Note: SETA-accredited providers must undergo regular audits to maintain their accreditation status.
3. Individual Accreditation (Assessors and Moderators)
This type of accreditation is for individuals who assess or moderate training outcomes against registered unit standards and qualifications.
a) Assessor Accreditation
An assessor evaluates whether a learner has achieved the learning outcomes required for a specific programme.
Requirements:
- Be a subject matter expert in the relevant field
- Complete a Conduct Outcomes-Based Assessment (US115753) course
- Register with the relevant SETA
b) Moderator Accreditation
A moderator ensures the quality, fairness, and consistency of assessment results.
Requirements:
- Be a registered assessor
- Complete a Conduct Moderation of Outcomes-Based Assessment (US115759) course
- Register with the SETA relevant to the training field
Benefits for Individuals:
- Enhances career opportunities in the education and training sector
- Allows professionals to contribute to skills development and quality assurance
- Enables freelance or consultancy opportunities
Related: W&RSETA – Wholesale & Retail Learnerships
Why Is SETA Accreditation Important?
Accreditation ensures that training meets national education standards, is aligned with industry needs, and produces competent graduates. Whether you are a provider, assessor, or moderator, SETA accreditation opens the door to funding, compliance, and professional recognition.
Additional benefits include:
- Access to SETA funding and grants
- Ability to register and implement learnerships
- Improved learner trust and increased enrolments
- Qualification portability across institutions and employers
Which SETA Accreditation Should You Apply To?
South Africa has over 20 different SETAs, each responsible for a specific economic sector. Some of the key SETAs include:
List of SETA’s Accreditation
- AGRISETA
- BANKSETA
- CETA (Construction SETA)
- CHIETA (Chemical Industries SETA)
- CATHSETA (Culture Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sports SETA)
- ESETA (Energy and Water SETA)
- ETDPSETA (Education Training and Development Practices SETA)
- FPMSETA (Fibre, Processing & Manufacturing SETA)
- FOODBEV (Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry SETA)
- FASSET SETA (Financial and Accounting Services SETA)
- HWSETA (Health and Welfare SETA)
- INSETA (Insurance SETA)
- LGSETA (Local Government SETA)
- MERSETA (Media, Advertising, Information and Communication Technologies SETA)
- MICTSETA (Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA)
- MQSETA (Mining Qualifications Authority SETA)
- PSETA (Public Service SETA)
- SASSETA (Safety and Security SETA)
- SERVICES SETA
- TETA (Transport SETA)
- W&RSETA (Wholesale and Retail SETA)
You must apply to the SETA relevant to the field of learning or industry sector your training focuses on.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the types of SETA accreditation is the first step toward becoming a trusted and compliant role-player in South Africa’s skills development ecosystem. Whether you aim to offer accredited programmes, become a recognised provider, or work as an assessor or moderator, each type of accreditation serves a critical role in uplifting education quality and workforce readiness.
If you’re looking to start the accreditation journey, get expert help, prepare your documentation, and stay aligned with current SETA requirements. Accreditation is not just a compliance checkbox—it’s a stamp of quality and commitment to excellence.
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