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: 

Higher Certificate in Business Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
121387  Higher Certificate in Business Management 
ORIGINATOR
Regenesys Management (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
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
Registered  EXCO 1321/24  2024-01-30  2027-01-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-01-30   2031-01-30  

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
84046  Higher Certificate in Business Management  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Higher Certificate in Business Management qualification purpose is to assist individuals and organisations in achieving their personal and organisational goals by enhancing their management and leadership potential, fundamental business skills, knowledge and understanding to prepare individuals for a career in management, as well as a possible route into a Bachelor's degree.

This qualification prepares learners for the field of general business management and administration for success in possible junior management roles. This is accomplished through enhancing their management skills and knowledge. Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to work across sectors and industries and apply their skill sets to a range of workplace management and administration scenarios.
This qualification also responds to and assists with the needs of the employment sector, to produce learners who can meaningfully contribute to the economy.

The qualification aims to impact South African industry and commerce positively by providing businesses with competent, well-educated managers with a thorough understanding of their work, who can critically analyse information, and the ability to make informed, meaningful and practical decisions.
Considering the exit level outcomes of the qualification, a learner can progressively fit into a management role.

Upon completion, a qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Initiate, develop, implement, and evaluate operational strategies, projects, and action plans to improve the effectiveness of the unit.
  • Monitor and measure performance and apply continuous or innovative improvement interventions in the unit.
  • Lead and manage a team of first-line managers to enhance individual, team, and unit effectiveness.
  • Build relationships with superiors and with stakeholders across the value chain.
  • Apply the principles of risk, financial and knowledge management, and business ethics within internal and external regulations.

    Rationale:
    This qualification has been developed for individuals interested in understanding general business organisations and their functions, through a fundamental understanding of general management. The intended outcome of this qualification is the development of entry-level general business managers who are equipped with the relevant basic management skills to perform their roles and responsibilities more effectively.

    The qualification aims to also assist both individuals who are considering a management career or are new in the business environment, as well as those who have been or are still working in a business and would like to progress to senior management. It also offers career opportunities for learners by broadening their understanding of general business administration and management practices, so they can start and effectively manage a business. This qualification is designed to meet the needs of those learners who are already involved in management or who enter the management domain as a first-line manager or middle management to senior management level.

    The typical learner who will access this qualification will be a person who must supervise other managers, supervisors or team leaders. It will also enable the learner to pursue different career opportunities as many of its competencies are generic enough to apply to other career paths and job roles. 
    		•

    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 applicable 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 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.

    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
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies. 
    		•

    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, NQF Level 5, 80 Credits
  • Fundamentals of Business Management, 20 Credits.
  • Fundamentals of Financial Management 20 Credits.
  • Fundamentals of Human Resource Management, 20 Credits
  • Principles of Marketing, 20 Credits

    Electives Modules, NQF Level 5, 40 Credits (select two modules)
  • Credit Management 20 Credits.
  • Fundamentals of Operations Management, 20 Credits.
  • Fundamentals of Sales Management, 20 Credits.
  • Information and Communication Technology, 20 Credits
  • Project Management, 20 Credits.
  • Quality and Customer Service Management, 20 Credits.
  • Retail Management, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Initiate, develop, implement, and evaluate operational strategies, projects, and action
    plans to improve the effectiveness of the unit.
    2. Monitor and measure performance and apply continuous or innovative improvement interventions in the unit.
    3. Lead, manage and enhance individuals and a team, to ensure unit effectiveness.
    4. Build relationships with superiors and with stakeholders across the value chain.
    5. Apply the principles of risk, financial and knowledge management, and business ethics within internal and external regulatory frameworks.
    6. Enhance the development of team members. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1.
  • Illustrate the ability to initiate, cultivate, execute, and assess strategic operational initiatives, projects, and action plans.
  • Strategically optimise the unit's performance, fostering innovation, and facilitating adaptability in response to evolving business dynamics.
  • Recommend appropriate strategies to overcome diversity management challenges for improved effectiveness of a business unit, department, function, or project.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2.
  • Exhibit proficiency in monitoring and measuring performance within the unit.
  • Apply a range of continuous improvement methodologies and innovative interventions to drive ongoing enhancements in operational efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Apply operations management principles and practices to ensure business operations can continue without undue interruptions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3.
  • Provide effective leadership and management for a team of first-line managers, to elevate the effectiveness of individuals, the collective team, and the overall unit.
  • Apply labour legislation to a given scenario to improve employment relations within a business unit or organisation.
  • Apply knowledge of the principles and practices of operations management to solve an operations management-related problem.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4.
  • Display proficiency in cultivating strong relationships not only with superiors but also with key stakeholders across the entire value chain.
  • Emphasize effective communication, collaboration, and alignment of goals to promote synergy and drive success.
  • Communicate effectively within a multicultural and diverse organisation or department, using various communication mediums and technology to establish and improve employee relations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5.
  • Effectively apply the principles of risk management, financial management, knowledge management, and business ethics within the context of both internal and external regulatory frameworks.
  • Promote responsible and sustainable business practices while ensuring business compliance.
  • Apply knowledge of information management by using software applications to create documents, record information, communicate information and store information.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6.
  • Actively contribute to the development of teams and individual team members by fostering their growth, skills, and overall effectiveness within the organizational context.
  • Apply knowledge of the task and scope of human resource management within a business environment.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    The purpose of the assessment is to measure applied competence. In other words, it assesses whether learners can integrate the knowledge gained from the various modules to perform important general management functions competently (practical competence), understand the theoretical basis for these actions (foundational competence), and reflect on and make changes to general managerial practices (reflexive competence).

    Formative Assessment:
    These count 10% toward the final mark. A sub-minimum of 40% applies, and a formative assessment per module is done and is made up of:
  • Assignments
  • Case studies
  • MCQ's.

    Summative Assessment:
    These count 40% toward the final mark. A sub-minimum of 40% applies.
  • Assignments
  • Case studies
  • Question papers.
  • Examination

    Examination counts 50% towards the final mark. A sub-minimum of 40% applies. All assessments are internally assessed and externally moderated 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Australia
    Institution name: Curtin University
    Qualification title: Graduate Certificate in Business
    Duration: six months
    Credits: 100

    Entry requirement:
    Applicants without an undergraduate degree will have three (3) to five (5) years of relevant work experience and will be asked to meet the English language proficiency requirements for this course.

    Purpose:
    This qualification is relevant for managers at all levels (emerging through to middle/senior levels) who want to formalise their business knowledge and may not have a university qualification, or who have an undergraduate degree in a non-business area.

    After completing the four units of the graduate certificate a learner may choose to exit or pause their business studies or complete the additional eight units required to gain their Master of Business Administration (MBA).

    What will the learner be able to do:
  • Access and critique contemporary business theories, concepts and principles and be able to apply these to add value in a group of organisational environments.
  • Effectively communicate in a variety of modes to gather, advise, or influence stakeholders for a desired outcome.
  • Formulate responsible management and leadership decisions that are evidence-based and supported by a critical evaluation of markets, human resources, and/ or accounting information.
  • Critically review personal, professional, team and organisational practices for opportunities to innovate, or apply principles of ethics, sustainability, or corporate social responsibility.

    Qualification structure:
    Modules
  • Analysis and Visualisation of Financial Data
  • Financial Statement Analysis, compares with Fundamentals of Financial Management
  • Managerial Effectiveness compares with Fundamentals of Operations Management.
  • International Energy Markets
  • Fundamentals of Leadership
  • Human Resource Strategies compares with Fundamentals of Human Resource Management.
  • Synergising Marketing compares with Principles of Marketing.
  • Strategy, Change and Innovation

    Similarities:
  • The Curtin University (CU) and the South African (SA) qualifications share similarities in the purpose, both qualifications are developed for learners who might not have a university qualification and for those who wish to harness their management skills.
  • The CU qualification is relevant for managers at all levels (emerging through to middle/senior levels) who want to formalise their business knowledge and may not have a university qualification.
  • The SA qualification aims to assist individuals and organisations to achieve their personal and organisational goals by enhancing their management and leadership potential, fundamental business skills, knowledge and understanding to prepare individuals for a career in management.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules such as, Fundamentals of Operations Management, Principles of Marketing and Fundamentals of Human Resource Management.

    Differences:
  • The CU qualification is offered over six months with 100 credits, whereas the SA qualification is offered over one year with 120 credits.
  • The CU qualification accepts into its study both learners who have completed a degree qualification and those who have three (3) to five (5) years of relevant work experience, whereas the SA qualification accepts learners who have completed a high school certificate.
  • For the CU qualification, upon completion of four units of the graduate certificate a learner may choose to exit or pause their business studies or complete the additional eight units required to gain a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
  • The SA qualification opens a possible route into a bachelor's degree qualification upon completion and award.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution name: University of London
    Qualification title: Certificate of Higher Education in Business Administration
    Level 4
    Credits: 120
    Duration: One year

    Entry requirements:
  • National Senior Certificate
  • Senior Certificate (Discontinued)

    Purpose:
    The CertHE Business Administration provides a foundation for advanced and independent study through establishing a common platform of essential knowledge and skills. It prepares learners for today's highly competitive business environment and enables them to devise effective solutions to real management situations.

    Modules:
  • Foundations of quantitative methods for sustainable organisations, compares with Principles of Marketing.
  • Interpreting management, market, and consumption, compares with Quality and Customer Service Management.
    Information systems and organisation studies, compares with Fundamentals of Operations Management.
    International business and accounting

    Similarities:
  • Both the University of London (UL) and South African (SA) qualifications are offered over one year with 120 credits.
  • Both qualifications have a similar entry requirement, SA learners with National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate meet the entry requirements.
  • The UL qualification provides a foundation for advanced and independent study through establishing a common platform of essential knowledge and skills, successful completion of this stage, stage 2 would allow a learner to exit with a Diploma of Higher Education, successful completion of stage 3 results in the award of a BSc degree.
  • Similarly, the SA qualification, offers fundamental business skills, knowledge and understanding to prepare individuals for a career in management, as well as a possible route into a bachelor's degree programme.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules such as Fundamentals of Operations Management, Quality and Customer Service Management and Principles of Marketing. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management in Credit Banking, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management in Change Management, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management in Project Management, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management Practice, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Business Administration, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Certificate in Business Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Advanced Certificate in Business Management and Administration, NQF Level 6.
  • Advanced Certificate in Business Management in Project Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Business Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Business Marketing, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations, NQF Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management, NQF Level 7.

    Diagonal Articulation
  • Higher Occupational Certificate: Information and Communication Technology: Business Development Consultant, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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.
     
    1. Regenesys Management (Pty) Ltd 


    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.