Electrical Trade Test Requirements In South Africa

Until the QCTO determines the entrance requirements contemplated in regulation 2(2)(b) the minimum level of education for access to a trade test will be the successful achievement by a learner before, during or after an artisan learning programme of:

  • N2 Certificate including the four relevant subjects of maths, engineering science and a fourth subject as required by the trade; or
  • Technical trade theory programs quality assured by a SETA deemed to be equivalent to NQF level 3; or
  • Relevant Engineering NCV Certificate with seven subjects at NQF level 3; or
  • Technical Grade 11 with Maths, Science, Language and related trade theory subject; or
  • Relevant (directly related to the trade theory subjects) N6 certificate or National Technical Diploma (T, S or N stream.)

In addition to the above mentioned minimum level of educational qualification the applicant
must also have:

  • successfully completed all off the job practical training unit standards (in the case of learnerships) or modules (in the case of an apprenticeship) of an artisan learning program at an accredited training provider as verifiable by training records.
  • satisfied the requirements of the structured workplace, on the job, learning for a minimum period of 12 months verifiable through a workplace learning record (e.g logbook).

The minimum level of knowledge for recognition of prior learning referred to in regulation 2(3) is a 50% pass in a written knowledge assessment that is an integral part of a recognition of prior learning toolkit approved by NAMB.

Until such time as the occupational curricula and /or RPL toolkits for a specific trade are
developed, candidates who have not gone through a formal artisan learning program but possess relevant years of work experience in the related trade may be granted access to a trade test if they have completed:

  • N2 Certificate including the relevant trade theory subjects and a minimum of 3 years relevant work experience; or
  • Technical trade theory programs quality assured by a SETA deemend to be at NQF level 3 and a minimum of 3 years relevant work experience; or
  • Relevant Engineering NCV at NQF level 3 and a minimum of 3 years relevant work experience; or
  • Relevant engineering NC(V) 4 plus completion of all relevant work experience modules and a minimum of 18-months relevant work experience; or
  • Technical Grade 12 with Maths, Science and related trade theory subject and a minimum of 3 years relevant work experience; or
  • Grade 9 and a minimum of 4 years relevant work experience; or
  • Relevant (directly related to the trade theory subjects) N6 certificate or National Technical Diploma (T,S or N stream.) with 18 months relevant work experience.

Where can I do trade test in South Africa?

There are many accredited trade test centres in South Africa. Indlela (olifantsfontein) is one of the oldest and most established centres based in Midrand. ATI also offer trade test services at it Roodepoort campus.

What qualifications do you need to be an electrician in South Africa?

The South African Qualifications Authority provides you with a complete breakdown of precisely the qualifications you need to have to, well, qualify for this certification. You can opt into doing a degree or you can attend a trade college, undergo an apprenticeship and pass a trade test to become qualified