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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Event Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119196  Higher Certificate in Event Management 
ORIGINATOR
University of Mpumalanga 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 11 - Services  Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Gaming and Leisure 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0333/25  2025-07-10  2028-07-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10   2032-07-10  

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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Higher Certificate in Event Management is to provide learners with the basic introductory knowledge and cognitive and conceptual tools necessary to proceed and succeed within higher education. The qualification is vocational with a strong industry orientation and prepares graduates for entry-level positions within the Event Management industry.

The qualification will equip learners with the intellectual competencies and practical skills to be:
  • Resourceful, Responsive and Responsible.
  • Have sound Discipline Knowledge.
  • Innovative and Entrepreneurial.
  • Confident and Effective Communicators.
  • Ethically and Socially Aware Change Agents.
  • Adaptable.

    Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Identify opportunities for events and conduct a preliminary analysis, and a Return on Investment (RoI) analysis and recommend which events to bid for.
  • Prepare a written bid motivation document that adheres to provided standards and present the bid motivation to the client.
  • Develop an event proposal which fits the clients' requirements and present proposals within deadlines.
  • Identify the network of role players for a particular event and maintain a working relationship with all.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the critical role of service excellence as a differentiator in the success of a business and a driver of competitive advantage and apply this in own work.
  • Effectively use technology that enables the automation of mechanical tasks and results in increased efficiency.
  • Communicate professionally with both the marketing and Public Relations (PR) teams to develop print and digital marketing and publicity materials for individual events.

    Rationale:
    The Event Management Industry has been identified as a significant contributor to local, regional, national, and global economies and social cohesion. It is one of the groups of eight industries which make up the tourism sector and which collectively have the potential to bring about continuous growth, sustainable benefits, and economical elevation to the tourism sector which itself has been identified as a major contributor to South African Gross Domestic Product. Spanning a wide typology of categories, from local family events like weddings and funerals to mega-events whose sheer scale and scope are such that they affect whole economies and reverberate in the global media, the growth of this large industry has led to the formation of a wide range of specialist suppliers, which work in areas, such as staging, sound production, lighting, audio-visual, production, entertainment, catering and venues management, which often includes an event management component whether as part of the marketing of the venue or as part of the servicing of event clients. The industry has earned itself the name referred to as Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) because of the various event types it encompasses.

    There is currently a scarcity of high-level skills in the local event management sector which is a prerequisite in compliance with the requirements of the new Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act, 2010. Employment opportunities exist in the ten event genres, and within a corporate environment in the public relations, human resources, tourism, and staff services departments for both large and small events. In the light of a growing business events sector, the South African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) and the Exhibitions and Event Association of Southern Africa (EXSA) have identified a need for formidable events practitioners and professional conference organisers to effectively manage local and both international business events.

    Qualifying learners with a Higher Certificate in Event Management can be employed in a wide range of corporate organisations, parastatal and governmental departments and private Event Management companies as junior or trainee event managers and perform the functions of assistant events managers and events coordinators. The specialist areas represent not only opportunities for entry-level and later prospects for stable jobs, but also those for entrepreneurial activities. South Africa hosted the memorable 2010 Soccer World Cup which contributed to infrastructural growth as well as an increase in the facilities and resources. There is a significant number of events in this category which have been classified as important motivators of tourism and figure prominently in the development and marketing plans of most destinations (Getz, 2008). South Africa is endowed with a rich and extensive natural and cultural resource base, national heritage sites, and a world heritage site which plays a key role in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry. The qualification will serve as an entry to and lay a solid foundation for qualifications at subsequent levels or the workplace.

    The events industry in South Africa is heading for a knowledge gap within five years, as there is currently a generation of event management professionals, with over 30 years of experience, that will be retiring within 5 to 10 years (van Eck, 2020). This creates a vacuum, and thus a need to upskill the emerging talent and draw on the vast knowledge and practical experience that currently exists in the industry. The qualification is designed to address the needs of the sector by bridging the gap between the education system and the workplace.
    This qualification provides an opportunity for new entrants and those already employed in these industries to achieve a formal qualification in the field of Events Management. The qualification, through the provision of academic and work-integrated learning opportunities encompassed therein, provides learners with a competitive edge. The curriculum, as well as the teaching and learning practices, have been designed in such a way that the qualification will lay the foundation for the cultivation and empowerment of graduates who will become future academics and researchers who will continue to bolster the education and training component of the structure of the events industry by ensuring a steady stream of ethical Event Management professionals, once again, keeping true to our emphasis of the interconnectedness of teaching and learning, research and scholarship, and engagement. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with regard to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5,120 Credits:
  • Computing Skills for Event Managers, 10 Credits.
  • Communication Skills for Event Managers, 10 Credits.
  • Event Coordination and Management, 30 Credits.
  • An Introduction to Entrepreneurship, 15 Credits.
  • Event Marketing and Public Relations, 15 Credits.
  • Service Excellence, 10 Credits.
  • Simulated Work Experience, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify opportunities for events and conduct a preliminary analysis and a Return on Investment (RoI) analysis and recommend which events to bid for.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to gather information from a range of sources, including oral, written, or symbolic texts, to select information appropriate to the task, and to apply basic processes of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of that information.
    3. Develop an Event Proposal document which fits the clients' requirements and present the proposal according to the agreed-on timeframe.
    4. Identify the network of role players for a particular event and maintain a working relationship with all role players.
    5. Demonstrate an understanding of the critical role of service excellence as a differentiator in the success of a business and a driver of competitive advantage and apply this in own work.
    6. Effectively use technology that enables the automation of mechanical tasks and results in increased efficiency.
    7. Demonstrate the ability to communicate information reliably, accurately, and coherently, using conventions appropriate to the context, in written and oral or signed form or in a practical demonstration, including an understanding of and respect for conventions around intellectual property, copyright and plagiarism, including the associated legal implications.
    8. Demonstrate an understanding of events from a destination perspective within the tourism and hospitality context using Leiper's model of the Tourism System.
    9. Demonstrate an understanding of event greening and sustainability and apply this in event planning.
    10. Demonstrate the importance of both the value-chain approach and network analysis of events and ensure participation, especially of hosting communities to support inclusivity and value chain transformation.
    11. Demonstrate the ability to select and apply standard methods, procedures or techniques within the events management field, discipline, or practice, and to plan and manage an implementation process within a well-defined, familiar, and supported environment.
    12. Work as part of a team, taking the lead when required, to successfully undertake all aspects of an event from initial planning to post-event performance review. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Compile a comprehensive list of at least ten opportunities for events, in order of preference in each given context.
  • Complete a brief analysis and assessment for each opportunity to demonstrate an understanding of the event industry.
  • Correctly complete an RoI analysis for the top three events on the list used to inform the selection of a single event.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Draft a bid motivation that adheres to the prescribed format and circulate it to colleagues for input.
  • Prepare a written bid motivation document that adheres to provided standards and present the bid motivation to the client.
  • Analyse and apply different steps of the event bidding process.
  • Amend the draft bid motivation based on feedback and submit the final bid document to the client according to the agreed timeframe.
  • Professionally present the Bid document with minor formatting and language errors in the prescribed template.
  • Apply appropriate language and technology to present orally the bid to the clients.
  • Respond to questions confidently and professionally.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Prepare and submit a detailed analysis of the client's brief using the provided template.
  • Incorporate all comments in the analysis and compile a revised brief.
  • Submit the final Event Proposal according to the prescribed template within the agreed-on timeframe.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Analyse comprehensively the network of providers and identify all necessary partnerships.
  • Submit an audit of available resources with a list of resource dependencies to be exploited.
  • Compile and submit a list of possible venues. with the features of each.
  • Correspond with each partner professionally and regularly to ensure the successful completion of the event.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Critically analyse case studies to identify examples of best practice and poor practice as it relates to service excellence.
  • Develop and implement a service excellence strategy for the planning of events.
  • Plan and conduct event monitoring and review to improve service excellence.
  • Examine the importance of service excellence in all written and oral submissions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Implement properly and confidently the event plans in the Simulated Work Experience with minimum supervision.
  • Identify the technology appropriate for the event and justify the choices.
  • Reflect on the choice and implementation of technology to highlight successes and failures.
  • Evaluate the planning strategies and effectiveness of an event.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Communicate professionally with both the marketing and PR teams to develop print and digital marketing and publicity materials for individual events.
  • Communicate effectively and efficiently using the correct written and oral terminology, format, and rules appropriate to the events management environment.
  • Describe the multifunctional discipline of events marketing.
  • Research markets using various types of marketing research instruments.
  • Design a marketing plan and related strategies to promote an event.
  • Apply costing and funding of events marketing initiatives.
  • Identify trends and innovations in events marketing.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Compile a comprehensive list of events based on Leiper's model of the Tourism system.
  • Explain the events industry both locally and internationally.
  • Explain the concept of events management.
  • List a note on events as a catalyst to counter seasonality accompanies.
  • Draw up a list of national and provincial stakeholders for each event.
  • Compile an agenda for the first stakeholder meeting using the provided template.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Provide accurate definitions of sustainability and greening.
  • Explain the Brundtland Commission definition of sustainability.
  • Review the greening and sustainability of event plans using a range of case studies.
  • Develop an event plan that incorporates sustainability and greening in a particular context.
  • Design the event plan templates to collect related information.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Provide the definitions of network analysis and value chain in events management.
  • Explain adequately the value-chain smile/smiling curve with reference to three industries.
  • Elaborate on the significance of the value chain approach for hosting communities.
  • Formulate a strategy for foregrounding host and often marginalised communities for both material and other benefits.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Develop and implement a Monitoring and Evaluation strategy.
  • Discuss the differences between monitoring, evaluation, and review in events management.
  • Explain the purpose or function of monitoring, evaluation, and review in events management.
  • Apply events management principles and processes to develop a Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy in each context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:
  • Allocate and agree on the responsibilities in group work.
  • Conduct group work with service excellence.
  • Lead the group work in a way that is accepted by group members.
  • Plan and successfully implement all aspects of an event through teamwork.

    Integrated Assessment
    The integrated assessment in this qualification will include both formative and summative assessments. The Simulated Work Experience will fully integrate assessment across the entire qualification as it will assess the knowledge and skills developed by the learners and their ability to apply these to an event.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessment includes a range of different types of assessment including:
  • Tests.
  • Short pieces of written work.
  • Individual and group mini-projects.
  • Analysis of case studies.
  • Short presentations.

    Summative Assessment:
    Summative assessment is mostly by examination although the Simulated Work Experience, Computing Skills for Event Managers and Communication Skills for Event Managers do not include an exam which is replaced by an examination portfolio. In the modules that include an exam, the final mark is calculated as the average of formative (50% of the final mark; 60% for tests and 40% for other) and summative (50% of the final mark). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The South African qualification has been compared to similar qualifications offered by the following international countries in terms of outcomes, purposes, and curriculum for Event Management.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: University of Technology in Sydney
    Qualification Title: Certificate in Event Management

    Similarities:
    The University of Technology of Sydney (UTS) is comparable to the South African (SA) qualification in the following aspects.

    Duration:
    Similar to the South African (SA) qualifications, the University of Technology of Sydney (UTS) qualification is offered for over a year.

    Entry Requirements:
    Applicants must have completed a UTS recognised bachelor's degree, an equivalent or higher qualification, or submitted other general and professional qualifications evidence that demonstrates potential to pursue graduate studies.

    Purpose:
    Both the UTS and South African qualifications are designed to introduce learners to the events field and develop their skills and knowledge relating to the management of various event forms. The qualifications offer introductory skillsets, and knowledge needed to operate in the events industry. The UTS and SA qualifications serve as a good entry point for learners wanting to strengthen their understanding of event management. The qualifications introduce key theoretical concepts and practical issues impacting the design, planning and management of events.

    Career options include festival organiser, conference organiser/meeting planner, charity event coordinator, sport event manager, exhibition organiser, venue manager and event creative assistant.

    Qualification structure:
    Both the UTA and SA qualification comprise compulsory modules.
    Learners must complete a total of 24 credit points made up of the following four compulsory modules.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Principles of Event Marketing, 6 Credits.
  • Events for Impact and Legacy, 6 Credits.
  • Event Creation Workshop, 6 Credits.
  • Event Management, 6 Credits.

    Differences:
  • The UTS qualification has a total of 24 credits while the SA has a total of 120 credits.
  • The entry requirements into the UTS qualification are different from the SA qualification in that applicants must have completed a UTS recognised bachelor's degree, or an equivalent or higher qualification whereas the SA qualification requires the completion of the secondary school qualification.
  • The UTS qualification consists of four compulsory modules whereas the SA qualification consists of a comprehensive scope of seven compulsory modules, including the Simulated Work Experience. While modules have different names, the alignment is generally favourable when looking at module outcomes.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: International Institute of Event Management (IIEM)
    Qualification Title: Master's Certificate in Event Management

    Similarities:
    The International Institute of Event Management (IIEM) is comparable to the South African (SA) qualification in the following criteria.

    Entry Requirements:
    Both the IIEM and SA qualifications require learners who have completed a High School Diploma or equivalent and need to possess proficiency in reading and writing the English Language since all qualifications are administered in English.

    Purpose:
    The IIEM and SA qualifications prepare early-stage as well as experienced professionals for career opportunities in the Event Management and Wedding Planning industry. Both qualifications are designed to deliver a pragmatic understanding of the fundamental concepts of Event Management and Wedding Planning.

    Qualification structure:
    The IIEM qualification following six modules are required to earn a Master's Certificate in Event Management
  • Introduction To Event Management.
  • Fundamentals of Event Management.
  • Corporate Event Management.
  • Social Event Management.
  • Wedding Planning.
  • Advanced Event Management.

    Differences:
    The IIEM qualification is a self-paced qualification in which on successful completion, the candidate is awarded a Master's Certificate in Event Management and qualifies for the Global Certification in Professional Events (GCPE).

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: New Zealand School of Food and Wine
    Qualification Title: Certificate in Hospitality & Event Management, Level 5

    Similarities:
    The South African (SA) qualification compares favourably with the New Zealand School of Food and Wine (NZSFW) in the following criteria.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Completed NZ Certificate in Food and Beverage Level 4 or NZ Certificate in Cookery (Advanced) or equivalent industry experience.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    Both the NZSFW and SA qualifications allow prospective learners to use relevant industry work experience. The Recognition of Prior Learning Enrolment Pathway (RPL)

    Purpose/Rationale:
    Both the NZSFW and SA qualifications reflect the role of individuals who use a range of well-developed events administration or operational skills and knowledge to complete event-related work activities. Using discretion and judgement, they work with some independence under the guidance of more senior event personnel, using plans, policies, and procedures to guide work activities. Events are diverse and both qualifications provide a pathway to work for event or exhibition organisations operating in a range of industries including the tourism and travel, hospitality, sport, cultural and community sectors. The diversity of employers includes event or exhibition management companies, event venues, or organisations that organise their events. Work could be undertaken in an office environment where the planning of events takes place, on-site at venues where events are staged or a combination of both.

    Both qualifications are designed for learners who wish to work in the growing events, tourism, and hospitality industry. Learners will learn all aspects of event coordination and gain the essential practical skills for producing and running successful weddings, business events and more.
    Through a mix of theory and practical coursework, learn to:
  • Process and monitor event registrations.
  • Event set-up, operations, and breakdown.
  • Show social and cultural sensitivity in event contexts.
  • Practice safe work techniques.
  • Meet regulatory requirements.
  • Source and apply events industry knowledge.
  • Coordinate onsite event registrations.
  • Provide event staging support.

    Both qualifications will assist learners to develop the following personal attributes to help them get ahead:
  • Excellent communication.
  • Organisation and efficiency.
  • Administrative skills.
  • Calmness under pressure.
  • The drive to work in a team and with new people.
  • Flexibility and adaptiveness.
  • A positive attitude and can-do approach to new challenges.

    Completing both the NZSFW and SA qualifications provide learners with a strong pathway toward further study. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to both qualifications.

    Qualifying learners from both qualifications will allow them to pursue the following career opportunities:
  • Conference assistant.
  • Event or exhibition administrative assistant.
  • Event or exhibition assistant.
  • Event or exhibition operations assistant.
  • Functions assistant.
  • In-house meetings assistant.
  • Junior event or exhibition coordinator.
  • Logistics assistant.
  • Meetings assistant.
  • Venue assistant.

    Qualification structure:
    NZSFW qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules.
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Work effectively with others.
  • Source and use the information on the events industry.
  • Process and monitor event registrations.
  • Provide service to customers.
  • Show social and cultural sensitivity.
  • Participate in safe work practices.

    The following modules are similar to the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria for the SA qualification.
  • Work effectively with others.
  • Source and use the information on the events industry.
  • Process and monitor event registrations.
  • Provide service to customers.
  • Address protocol requirements.

    Elective Modules:
  • Coordinate on-site event registrations.
  • Provide event staging support.
  • Use a computerised reservations or operations system.
  • Address protocol requirements.
  • Use social media in a business.
  • Coach others in job skills.
  • Identify hazards, assess, and control safety risks.

    Articulation:
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Cookery, Level 5

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Professional Wine, Level 6
  • Bachelor's Degree in a cognate field, Level 7.

    Differences:
  • The duration of NZSFW qualification is 16 Weeks whereas the SA qualification takes one-year full time.
  • The NZSFW qualification consists of both compulsory and elective modules whereas the SA qualification consists of only compulsory modules and not electives. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Business Principles and Practice, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Management Practice, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Events Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Tourism Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Public Relations, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Commerce in Business Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Commerce in Marketing Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Event Management, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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.