Have you ever heard of an NQF Level 4 Equivalent? When applying for further studies, you may have come across this word as one of the requirements. This might be somewhat confusing for someone with a traditional Matric Certificate who wants to apply for courses.
Today, we will go over exactly what an NQF Level 4 is and how you may use it to your advantage.
What Are The NQF Levels?
The National Qualified Framework is a system that assists in determining your qualification’s level of education.
A Bachelor’s Degree, for example, is quite different from a Master’s Degree and falls on different levels of the NQF level structure. A Bachelor’s Degree is a lower degree of education than a Master’s Degree and is classified as NQF level 7, whereas a Master’s Degree is classified as NQF level 9. Each NQF level’s learning outcomes vary from one another.
The table below shows the many types of NQF levels and the qualifications that are equal to these NQF levels.
NQF Level | Type Of Qualification |
Level 1 | General Education Certificate obtained by completing Grade 9 or GETC: ABET Level 4 |
Level 2 | Elementary Certificate obtained by completing Grade 10 or National Vocational Certificate Level 2 |
Level 3 | Intermediate Certificate obtained by completing Grade 11 or National Vocational Certificate Level 3 |
Level 4 | National Senior Certificate or Amended Senior Certificate or National Vocational Certificate Level 4 |
Level 5 | Higher Certificate |
Level 6 | National Diploma or Advanced Certificate |
Level 7 | Bachelor’s degree or Advanced Diploma |
Level 8 | Honour’s degree |
Level 9 | Master’s Degree |
Level 10 | Doctorate’s Degree |
There are other qualifications available that are not part of the NQF level system. They are known as the Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) levels, and they are as follows:
ABET Level | Qualification |
Level 1 | Grade 1 to Grade 3 |
Level 2 | Grade 4 to Grade 6 |
Level 3 | Grade 7 to Grade 8 |
What Is An NQF Level 4 Equivalent?
The short answer is that an NQF Level 4 Equivalent, also known as a National Vocational Certificate, is equivalent to a National Senior Certificate or Matric Certificate. They have the same equivalence and can both be used to apply for further studies. There is, however, a distinction between how they are earned and where you should study to obtain one.
What Are The Differences Between An National Vocational Certificate And A National Senior Certificate?
A National Vocational Certificate and a National Senior Certificate differ in a few major ways. Their differences are listed below:
National Vocational Certificate
- Is earned at a TVET college
- Focusses on a specific trade of study
- Main focus is on practical education
National Senior Certificate:
- Is earned at a High School
- Learn about different fields of study
- Main focus is on theoretical education
Is NQF Level 4 A Degree?
No, a NQF Level 4 qualification is not a degree. A degree is equal to an NQF Level 7, while an NQF Level 4 qualification is equivalent to one of the following:
- National Senior Certificate
- Amended Senior Certificate
- National Vocational Certificate
How Many Credits Is An NQF Level 4?
An NQF Level 4 course is equivalent to anything between 120 and 130 credits.
What Is A TVET College?
A Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College is ideal for those who are interested in and do well at practical tasks. These colleges focus on teaching important trades to their students so that they will be highly employable as soon as they complete their qualification. They specialise in one job field and teach students all they need to know about it.
Where Can I Study?
We have gathered a great selection of TVET colleges where you can complete your National Vocational Certificate or any other course that these colleges offer:
TVET Colleges in South Africa | |
Province | TVET college |
Gauteng | Central Johannesburg TVET College Ekurhuleni East TVET College Ekurhuleni West TVET College Sedibeng TVET College South West Gauteng TVET College Tshwane North TVET College Tshwane South TVET College Western TVET College |
KwaZulu-Natal | Coastal TVET College Elangeni TVET College Esayidi TVET College Majuba TVET College Mnambithi TVET College Mthashana TVET College Thekwini TVET College Umfolozi TVET College Umgungundlovu TVET College |
Free State | Flavius Mareka TVET College Goldfields TVET College Maluti TVET College Motheo TVET College |
Limpopo | Capricorn TVET College Lephalale TVET College Letaba TVET College Mopani South East TVET College Sekhukhune TVET College Vhembe TVET College Waterberg TVET College |
Western Cape | Boland TVET College College of Cape Town False Bay College Northlink TVET College South Cape TVET College West Coast TVET College |
Eastern Cape | Buffalo City TVET College Eastcape Midlands TVET College Ikhala TVET College Ingwe TVET College King Hintsa TVET College King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College Lovedale TVET College Port Elizabeth TVET College |
North West | Orbit TVET College Taletso TVET College Vuselela TVET College |
Mpumalanga | Ehlanzeni TVET College Gert Sibande TVET College Nkangala TVET College |
Northern Cape | Northern Cape Urban TVET College Northern Cape Rural TVET College |
What Are The Advantages Of Studying A National Vocational Certificate?
There are several benefits to pursuing a National Vocational Certificate. They are as follows:
- A National Vocational Certificate will prepare you thoroughly for the workplace.
- You will have an easier time finding work in the trade you have specialised in.
- If you did not fit in at a traditional school, studying for a National Vocational Certificate will be better suited for you.
- When applying for jobs related to the trade you studied, you will be given an advantage over other students with only a National Senior Certificate.
- You are not required to study things that you do not wish to learn about; instead, you may study ones that interest you.
Is It Possible To Study Further With A National Vocational Certificate?
Yes, you can continue your education with a National Vocational Certificate. You can pursue courses that accept NQF level 4 equivalent applications or courses that do not require a Matric Certificate at all. Many different colleges provide accredited and recognised courses that can help you achieve your career goals.
Which Courses Can I Study With A National Vocational Certificate?
Here are some courses you can study with a National Vocational Certificate:
- Short courses
- ICB courses
- NATED courses
Can I Find A Job With A National Vocational Certificate?
You certainly can. National Vocational Certificates are designed for those who desire to get a job and specialise in a certain trade. If you hold a National Vocational Certificate and apply for a job in the industry you studied in, your chances of getting the position will be greatly increased.
Author: Esmari Pool
Editor: Megan Dreyer
Published Date: November 3, 2022
Can I study from home
Can I study while I’m home…does this have age restriction
can i study while i’m at home
There are distance learning colleges out there like Skills Academy and Bellview Institute, for example, where with them you can study from home. so it’s 100% possible.
Very helpful
Is it possible to study teaching using NQF or NCV Level 4 certificate?
hi I would like to open day care as I have experience I work at school for 2 years and I have qualifications for Early child hood education I need funds and I found the place where there was creach before the facility still in good condition for kids
Hey there
If one has a level 4 which is equivalent to senior level , when one applying what does one indicate on the symbol obtained for English as our certification are not the same with the normal senior certificate and does not have the marks on the certificate
we’re can I study in freestate welkom with my NQF4