SETA accreditation is essential for any training provider in South Africa that wants to offer recognised qualifications or skills programmes. It guarantees quality, national recognition, and access to valuable funding and partnerships. But how does it work? And why does it matter so much?

Let’s break it down.

What Is SETA?

SETA stands for the Sector Education and Training Authority. South Africa has 21 SETAs, each tasked with developing skills in a specific sector of the economy. Examples include:

• • Services SETA (for customer service, business, and HR-related fields)
  • MICT SETA (Media, Information and Communication Technologies)
  • Wholesale and Retail SETA

SETAs play a central role in accrediting training providers, approving qualifications, and ensuring that training aligns with industry needs. Their mandate is to ensure that the workforce is equipped with the relevant and up-to-date skills needed in the labour market.

Why Is SETA Accreditation Important?

In simple terms, accreditation is a stamp of approval. It confirms that a training provider meets the national quality standards set by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Without SETA accreditation, a provider:

• • Cannot offer credits towards registered qualifications
  • Cannot participate in government-funded programmes like learnerships
  • Risks of being excluded from BBBEE-aligned skills development initiatives
  • Cannot issue certificates that are nationally recognised

Accreditation benefits learners by giving them access to career-relevant qualifications, and it helps employers trust that the training delivered will lead to measurable workplace outcomes.

The SETA Accreditation Process

Accreditation is a structured process that includes the following key steps:

1. Application to the Relevant SETA

Training providers must apply to the SETA that covers their industry. The application must include the qualifications or unit standards the provider intends to offer.

2. Quality Management System (QMS)

A provider must have a comprehensive QMS, a set of policies and procedures governing all aspects of the training cycle, from learner registration to certification. This is a critical part of the application.

3. Accredited Learning Material

Learning material must align with the SAQA unit standards or full qualifications. It needs to be outcomes-based and structured according to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

4. Qualified Staff

Facilitators, assessors, and moderators must be qualified and registered with the relevant SETA for the programmes they deliver or assess. Their CVs and credentials form part of the evaluation.

5. Assessment and Moderation Systems

The provider must show that it has fair, consistent, and documented processes for learner assessments and internal moderation. This ensures quality and integrity in the results.

6. Site Visit and Evaluation

The SETA will conduct a site visit to inspect the training facilities, systems, and documents. They assess the readiness to deliver high-quality training that meets the requirements.

Who Oversees the Accreditation?

While SETAs still manage many qualifications, a shift is underway toward the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). QCTO oversees newer occupational qualifications that focus on workplace integration and practical competence.

• • Legacy qualifications are still accredited through the SETAs.
  • Occupational qualifications fall under QCTO, with a stronger emphasis on employer involvement and practical training.

Training providers must stay informed and align their offerings as the transition to QCTO continues.

Maintaining Accreditation

Accreditation is not a once-off achievement. Providers must continuously meet requirements by:

• • Conducting internal moderation
  • Updating learning material as qualifications evolve
  • Participating in external verification by SETAs or QCTO
  • Submitting regular compliance reports

Failure to comply with these requirements can result in suspension or withdrawal of accreditation.

Final Thoughts

SETA accreditation is more than just a regulatory requirement. It’s a sign of credibility, quality, and commitment to empowering learners with recognised, job-ready skills. For training providers, accreditation opens the door to government funding, corporate partnerships, and learner trust. For businesses and learners, it offers assurance that the training is relevant, reliable, and nationally recognised.

If you’re considering SETA-accredited training, make sure your provider is not just compliant but committed to excellence.

Published: May 30, 2025