SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Paralegal 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
117325  Occupational Certificate: Paralegal 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-SASSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Justice in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  330  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  SAQA 12129/20  2020-07-30  2025-07-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-07-30   2029-07-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
49597  National Certificate: Paralegal Practice  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  131  Complete 
97228  National Certificate: Paralegal Practice  Level 5  NQF Level 05  131  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Paralegal. A Paralegal practitioner consults, refers, advises and communicates with clients within the paralegal context and performs administrative services to communities within the legal framework.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Execute administrative functions within the paralegal context.
  • Conduct basic research on precedents, cases, Acts and related matters.
  • Facilitate understanding between or amongst clients or on behalf of the client.
  • Consult on behalf of the client with external stakeholders.
  • Analyse and write documents within the paralegal ambit.

    Rationale:
    The South African Constitution compels South Africans through legal institutions to ensure access to justice. Moreover, this strengthens the culture of human rights. In addition to this, the Legal Practice Act seeks to recognise the role played by Paralegals in the entire legal value chain. Therefore, with the country that has geographically dispersed communities, access to legal services and justice is undermined in underprivileged, rural areas and those who cannot afford it. The availability of qualified and competent Paralegals to underprivileged, rural areas for and those who cannot afford legal aid, will ensure access to justice as well as education on the rights of communities. Paralegals ensure efficiency in operations in their respective organisations.

    Furthermore, during the implementation process of the currently registered Paralegal Practice qualification, it was found that there were gaps in relation to competencies to be demonstrated by a qualified learner in meeting expectations of the legal sector.

    The Safety and Security Sector and Education Authority (SASSETA) together with stakeholders within the legal industry initiated the process of realigning the currently registered National Certificate: Paralegal Practice in accordance with the requirements of the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) model of developing occupationally based qualifications. Stakeholders that participated in the realignment process included amongst others: Justice College, SA Law School, Bokamoso Institute of South Africa, Dobsonville Human Rights Advice Centre, Midrand Training Academy, Law Society of South Africa, to name but a few.

    This qualification is aimed at school leavers, employees and qualified learners who would like to pursue a career in Paralegal practice. Qualified learners are likely to practice as Paralegals in organisations such as Non-Governmental Organisations, Governmental Organisations, community based paralegal advice offices, public institutions, commercial institutions as well as private legal practices across the entire country.

    This qualification will provide a career path for those qualifying learners intending to further their studies in all sectors of the paralegal or legal profession. This can be done by enrolling in higher-level qualifications such as the Diploma in Paralegal Studies, NQF Level 6 or the Diploma: Legal Interpreting, NQF Level 6, etc. Qualified learners may also pursue entrepreneurial opportunities as allowed or permitted by law.

    The qualification will benefit both the community and the country at large because qualified Paralegals will ensure access to justice by providing support services to communities as well as organisations where they are employed. Paralegals play an important role in empowering the community in issues related to human rights and dispute resolution. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be applied to assess learners' pre-acquired knowledge and skills. The qualification also provides learners who have gained relevant experience in the workplace with an opportunity to gain credits through the RPL process.

    RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of results or by certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for Access to the Qualification:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
  • NQF Level 4 qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 341103-000-00 KM-01, Professionalism and Ethical Compliance applicable to Paralegal, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 341103-000-00-KM-02, Fundamentals of Law, Level 5, 20 Credits.
  • 341103-000-00-KM-03, Basic Theory on Wills and Estates, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 341103-000-00-KM-04, Introduction to Labour Law, Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • 341103-000-00-KM-05, Basic Theory on Dispute Resolutions, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 341103-000-00-KM-06, Legal Writing, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 341103-000-00-KM-07, Basic Criminal Law and Procedure, Level 6, 25 Credits.
  • 341103-000-00-KM-08, Basic Civil Law and Procedure, Level 6, 20 Credits.
  • 341103-000-00-KM-09, Fundamentals of Customer, Law, Common Law and, Family Law, Level 6, 20 Credits.
  • 341103-000-00-KM-10, Law of Evidence, Level 6, 10 Credits.
  • 341103-000-00-KM-11, Introduction to Property, Law and Conveyancing, Level 6, 15 Credits.

    The total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 165.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 341103-000-00-PM01, Execute Administrative, Functions within the Paralegal Context, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 341103-000-00-PM02, Conduct Basic Research on Precedents, Cases, Acts and Related Matters, 5, 10 Credits.
  • 341103-000-00-PM03, Consult with the Client, Level 5, 20 Credits.
  • 341103-000-00-PM04, Conduct Basic Mediation, Level 5, 25 Credits.
  • 341103-000-00-PM-05, Conduct Consultation with Stakeholders, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 341103-000-00-PM-06, Process Documents in a Paralegal Context, Level 5, 5 Credits.

    The total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 80.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 341103-000-00-WM01, Administrative Functions, Level 4, 15 Credits.
  • 341103-000-00-WM-02, Identifying, Analysing and Completing Legal Document, Level 4, 20 Credits.
  • 341103-000-00-WM03, Application of Basic Research Techniques within the Paralegal Context, Level 5, 20 Credits.
  • 341103-000-00-WM04, Client Consultations, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 341103-000-00-WM05, Mediation within the Paralegal Context, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 341103-000-00-WM-06, Consultations with Clients, and Stakeholders, Level 5, 10 Credits.

    The total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 85. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Execute administrative functions within the paralegal context.
    2. Conduct basic research on precedents, cases, acts and related matters.
    3. Facilitate understanding between or amongst clients or on behalf of the client.
    4. Consult on behalf of the client with external stakeholders.
    5. Analyse and write documents within the paralegal scope. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify, discuss and explain general principles and critical issues relating to applicable Laws, administrative functions and legal documents.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of computer applications, filing and general administrative work.
  • Prepare/process legal documents as per requirements.
  • Write documents as and when instructed.
  • Attend to logistical aspects of the business or entity.
  • Perform basic bookkeeping activities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Identify, discuss and explain general principles and critical issues relating to research requirements, knowledge of precedents, cases, Acts and related matters.
  • Identify and access legal databases; gather and interpret relevant data accordingly.
  • Analyse and organise facts and information in a prescribed manner.
  • Document findings/results.
  • Create or update a case file.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify, discuss and explain general principles and critical issues relating to effective communication, impartiality, neutrality, negotiation, mediation, arbitration, referrals, problem-solving, conflict management, adversarial role, moving parties to a satisfactory solution and confidentiality within the paralegal context.
  • Demonstrate knowledge, identification, understanding and application of applicable law and jurisdiction.
  • Demonstrate knowledge, identification and understanding of role-players and stakeholders in line with the matter at hand.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of cultural, religious and socio-economic dynamics in line with the matter at hand.
  • Establish the validity of a legal dispute, taking into consideration available evidence, etc.
  • Apply effective decision-making skills (referrals, arbitration, etc.).
  • Analyse legal principles applicable to the facts presented and give the client legal advice on the matter within the paralegal context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Identify, discuss and explain general principles and critical issues related to stakeholders within the paralegal context, which include jurisdiction, applicable laws, and the importance of communication during the consultation.
  • Establish the matter in the specific case/inquiry.
  • Take applicable steps to deal with the specific case/inquiry.
  • Perform the necessary administrative functions in relation to the file.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Identify, discuss and explain general principles and critical issues relating to types of legal documents, components and requirements thereof.
  • Interpret documents within the paralegal context correctly.
  • Identify and populate appropriate templates for documents within the paralegal context accordingly.
  • Perform administrative functions.

    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The Skills Development Providers will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the external integrated summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required to issue this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and associated assessment criteria.

    The external summative assessment will be conducted through integrated written and practical assessment by registered assessors at accredited assessment centres. Assessment will take place over a period of two days. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International comparability has been done against qualifications registered on the Australian Qualifications Frameworks and courses offered in the United States of America. The choice of the two countries were based on their formalised qualifications on paralegal studies.

    Australia:
    Certificate IV in Legal Services, Ref. No. BSB42215 is registered on the Australian Qualifications Framework. The Kangan Institute is registered to offer this qualification over a year. This qualification is aimed at learners who provide support in a range of legal service settings using well-developed skills and a broad knowledge base. Qualified learners are able to apply solutions to a range of unpredictable problems and analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources.

    Entry into this qualification is Certificate III in Business Administration (Legal), Ref. No. BSB31015 which is aimed at legal receptionists who apply a broad range of administrative competencies in a legal environment using some discretion and judgement to provide technical advice and support to a team.

    United States of America:
    The International Career Institute offers a Paralegal Diploma over distance learning. This Diploma is divided into three (3) individual qualifications. These being: A Certificate that is offered over 14 weeks, a Diploma, that is offered over a period of 24 weeks and lastly, an Advanced Diploma, that is offered over 31 weeks.

    This qualification equips learners with knowledge and skills required to perform a variety of functions within the legal environment. These include, amongst others the ability to prepare legal documents, conduct research, perform administrative duties, and provide legal-related information to clients.

    Competent learners may launch their careers in a private practice law firm or in-house legal department working across a range of different areas of law, such as Private Law, Contract Law, Labour Law and Criminal Law.

    Similarities:
    Similarities have been noted with regards to content and complexity, the overall responsibilities to be demonstrated by competent learners, such as performing administrative functions and providing support to clients in a range of legal service.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with qualifications offered in Australia and the United States of America in terms of scope, competencies and area of practice. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides opportunities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Paralegal Studies, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    In order to qualify for the external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statement of results and work experience records.

    Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers:
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.

    The curriculum title and code is: Paralegal: 341103-000-00-00

    Encompassed Trades:
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • None.

    Assessment Quality Partner:
    SASSETA 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.