The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) sorts all South African qualifications onto ten levels of increasing complexity. Knowing where a qualification sits tells you its depth — and which practitioners are qualified to teach or assess it.
The ten levels at a glance
- NQF 1: General Education (Grade 9 / ABET 4).
- NQF 2–3: Grade 10–11 and equivalent certificates.
- NQF 4: Matric / National Certificate.
- NQF 5: Higher Certificate.
- NQF 6: Diploma / Advanced Certificate.
- NQF 7: Bachelor's Degree / Advanced Diploma.
- NQF 8: Honours / Postgraduate Diploma.
- NQF 9: Master's Degree.
- NQF 10: Doctorate.
Why the level matters for practitioners
As a rule, you should hold a qualification at least one NQF level above what you deliver or assess. Providers and quality-assurance bodies check this, so match your scope honestly to your level.
Credits and notional hours
Each qualification also carries credits, where one credit equals about 10 notional learning hours. Level tells you complexity; credits tell you volume.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is matric NQF 4?
Yes. The National Senior Certificate sits at NQF Level 4.
What level is a trade qualification?
Many occupational and trade qualifications sit around NQF 4–5, but it varies — check the specific qualification on the NQF.