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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Business Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
123025  Higher Certificate in Business Management 
ORIGINATOR
Berea College of Technology (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 0628/24  2024-11-21  2027-11-21 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-11-21   2031-11-21  

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 Business Management is to provide learners with the fundamental knowledge, conceptual and interpersonal skills to prepare them for a role or a career in business management and to teach theory and principles that will develop learners into competent individuals who can assist organisations to reach their mission and goals. This qualification offers an introduction to a career path in Business Management. The skills, value attributes, and knowledge reflected in this qualification are building blocks that will prepare learners for progression along the learning ladder.

This qualification will contribute to the full development of the learner within the Business Management environment by providing recognition and further mobility within the field. The qualification supports the philosophy of life-long learning because learners will increase their access to employment since this qualification also caters for individuals who are employed but lack the certification to perform efficiently or to be promoted.

On successful completion of the qualification, graduates will be able to seek positions in both public and private institutions. Graduates will have obtained the capabilities to perform business-related functions as well as junior management duties. This qualification will also assist learners to create their own small-scale business which is a growing field in entrepreneurship.

Rationale:
As the country battles high unemployment rates, it is noted that there are insufficient applicants with qualified skills for available career opportunities. Disturbing findings on the scarcity of professionals in some fields have gained widespread coverage in the recent past following employer frustrations with finding adequately skilled workers. As a result, many South African workers and employers are now asking, which skills are most in demand by employers. Business management forms part of a learning pathway of management qualifications across various public and private industries and sectors.

The current skills deficit across all sectors means that there is a premium placed on staff who are qualified and able to perform across the key areas of business management and administration. The current skills shortage also requires that employees be equipped with skills and knowledge that are key to the transformation of the South African economy and that they can contribute to the positive performance of their employers. Employers often view higher education qualifications as an indicator of the ability to think, analyse, solve problems and communicate effectively. Unfortunately, not all school leavers meet the requirements for admission into diploma and degree studies. There is also a need for entry-level qualifications which are vocationally and industry-focused.

Statistics available from the National List of Occupations in High Demand (2022) reflect business, management, and economics on the high-demand list and thus indicate the need for business administrators and managers. The need for business managers is particularly acute since they are vital for the business or organization to function effectively due to the demanding environment in which businesses operate, both in South Africa and globally. Practitioners must be trained in the use of web-based technology and tools to function effectively within the current Knowledge Economy and succeed in the field, particularly in this competitive global economy.

The qualification offers introductory knowledge to general business administration, entrepreneurship, marketing, human resources and financial management, and computer skills within a business environment and prepares learners for a range of entry-level professional positions in Business Management. Further, it also provides opportunities for upskilling and certification of skills obtained during on-the-job training or self-study or further studies.

The qualification is highly relevant and required in today`s business world as it focuses on what is current and in demand, thus making a positive contribution to the South African economy. The NQF objectives incorporated in the qualification offer learners the knowledge and applied competence including the basic skills required for employment in a range of professional administrative positions in the business environment.

By offering the qualification, the institution will broaden access to tertiary education, since the minimum admission requirements for the certificate are lower than those applicable for a diploma/bachelor's degree. The qualification will thus
  • Facilitate access to, and mobility and progression within, education and training career paths.
  • Accelerate the redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    Recognition of Prior Learning in South Africa supports the transformation of the education and training system of the country. This calls for an approach to the development of RPL policy and practices that explicitly address the visible and invisible barriers to learning and assessment. The developmental approach must generate the commitment of all role players to remove these barriers and to build a visible, usable and credible system as an effective and creative vehicle for lifelong learning. Consensus must be reached around the criteria and support systems within which the integrity and quality of all assessments will be protected. At the same time, the opportunities and benefits of RPL must be extended to all learners and stakeholders. It is also imperative that a viable, sustainable and credible system is built for RPL.

    The intuition has increasingly considered how learning that has taken place in a range of contexts may be assessed and formally recognised through accreditation. The institution's RPL process is aligned with national RPL Policies. As per the national and institutional RPL policies and procedures, RPL is applicable to all prospective candidates.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification 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.
  • The limitation of 10% of the cohort regarding admission applies as stipulated in the CHE guidelines.

    RPL for credits:
  • The candidate must demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes indicated in the qualification to obtain credits/credit exemptions.
  • This qualification may be achieved in part through the recognition of prior learning (a maximum of 50% of the credits), which includes informal, and formal learning and work experience.

    RPL for exemption from modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification
  • Applicants must 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 Process:
  • RPL-Candidate applies by completing and submitting the RPL Application Form and fees.
  • A formal meeting takes place between the RPL Selection Panel and the candidate, giving him/her the opportunity to motivate the application.
  • The institution will conduct a skills assessment in respect of skills not supported by evidence. Such an assessment covers the entire process applicable to a particular skill.
  • Feedback is given to the Applicant by the entire Selection Panel. The Applicant will also receive a written report of the RPL assessment result.
  • If the applicant is not granted admission onto his/her selected qualification, the panel refers the applicant to the learner counsellor, if necessary, to offer and explore career alternatives.

    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 without endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 totalling 130 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 130 Credits:
  • Business Management, 20 Credits.
  • Business Management Practices, 15 Credits.
  • Business Communication, 20 Credits.
  • Marketing Management, 10 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management, 20 Credits.
  • Financial Management, 20 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship, 15 Credits.
  • End User Computing, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge of business management and apply basic management principles and practices.
    2. Explain and implement the basic principles of financial management in a business environment.
    3. Perform basic human resource management tasks and practices for the effective functioning of a business unit or organisation.
    4. Perform basic marketing management tasks and practices for the effective functioning of a business unit or organisation.
    5. Communicate effectively within a multicultural and diverse organisation or department, using various communication mediums and technology to establish and improve employee relations.
    6. Demonstrate knowledge of business information systems via the use of hardware tools and software applications to perform various business operations and tasks.
    7. Demonstrate knowledge of entrepreneurship to complete tasks and practices for small business development and entrepreneurial activities. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria are assessed in an integrated manner across all the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Define, describe, explain, and create business administration systems, procedures, techniques, and plans.
  • Explain management concepts, principles and methodologies for decision-making within a commercial context.
  • Discuss key opportunities and challenges that are present daily for managers.
  • Describe management functions from the daily management perspective.
  • Collect data from research and compile meaningful reports for various business management decision-making purposes.
  • Apply effective written and oral work communication tools, approaches and techniques.
  • Discuss the general management functions of an entry-to-middle manager
  • Apply financial management principles processes, approaches and decision-making frameworks.
  • Explain marketing management principles processes, approaches and decision-making frameworks.
  • Describe Human Resource management principles, processes, approaches, and decision-making frameworks.
  • Complete tasks and practices for small business development and entrepreneurial activities.
  • Use hardware tools and software applications to perform various business operations and tasks.
  • Apply numerous tools to a range of business-related documents. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Canada
    Institution: The Canadian College
    Qualification Title: Business Management and Co-Op Certificate
    Duration: One year full time
    Entry Requirements
  • High school diploma/completion certificate or equivalent.

    Purpose:
    This qualification is an introduction to the world of business management. Six months of study will give learners an understanding of the activities required to maintain the operations of a business organization, and a six-month Co-op to provide valuable work experience within the field.

    This qualification will prepare learners for a career in the field of business. At the end of this qualification, learners will be able to demonstrate a knowledge of business management operations, including an understanding of human resource management, marketing and business law.

    Career opportunities keep expanding, in virtually every industry, as the global marketplace continues to develop. Graduates will have the opportunity to work in a broad range of employment settings in all sectors of business and industry, in both domestic and international locations, including Manufacturers, Market Research Companies, International Marketing and Sales, Cultural Relations, Educational Institutions, Retailers, Brokerage Houses, Banks, International Business Consulting Firms and Large and Small Entrepreneurial Businesses.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Accounting 1 comparable to Financial Management.
  • Business Mathematics.
  • Operations Management 1.
  • Marketing 1 comparable to Marketing Management.
  • Human Resource Management 1 comparable to Human Resource Management.
  • Business Law.
  • Economics.
  • Communications comparable to Business Communication.

    Electives (choose 2):
  • e-Commerce 1.
  • Speaking and Presenting comparable to Business Communication.
  • Business Computers 1 comparable to End User Computing.
  • Business Computers 2 comparable to End User Computing.
  • Intercultural Communication.

    Similarities:
  • The Canadian College (CC) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over one year of full-time study.
  • Both qualifications require applicants who completed the high school qualification or equivalent.
  • The CC and the SA qualifications are intended to prepare learners for a career in the field of business management.

    Differences:
  • The UCC qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules whereas the SA qualification consists of compulsory modules and no electives.
  • The UCC qualification consists of six months of Co-op which is the industry practice whereas the SA qualification includes the Business Practice (WIL) Module of less than six months.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: The Open University
    Qualification Title: Certificate of Higher Education in Business Management
    Credits: 120 credits
    Duration: One-year full time
    Entry Requirements:
  • There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification

    Purpose:
    The qualification introduces the essentials of business and management, the context in which businesses and other organisations operate, and its common aims and characteristics. This includes learning about the ethical and legal responsibilities that businesses have, and the global context which impacts businesses of all sizes and involves work-based learning issues. The qualification will build a solid foundation for further study focusing on leadership practice, accounting, economics, innovation and enterprise or marketing

    Learning outcomes:
    On completion of this qualification, learners will be able to:
  • Examine the main concepts, theories and principles associated with business management
  • Apply knowledge and understanding to the routine professional techniques and practices of business management using appropriate terminology and conventions to gather, evaluate and interpret information/data in accordance with the theories, concepts and principles of business management.
  • Develop, as appropriate, practical and professional skills and demonstrate an awareness of relevant responsible and ethical issues in business management.
  • Develop an insight into personal goals, preferences and aptitudes.
  • Identify work options and take steps to determine required skills and experience.
  • Develop understanding and use of the resources available to learn and begin to develop as an independent learner and understand the relevance of learning to a career.
  • Recognise predictable problems and use a range of problem-solving processes appropriate to business management.
  • Determine priorities and sequences of the steps involved in defining tasks and identify and assemble resources required.
  • Communicate ideas in a well-structured and coherent way that is appropriate to the purpose and audience and in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
  • Contribute to group discussion, recognising and following accepted conventions of social interaction whilst sharing relevant content.
  • Develop skills in finding, selecting and using information, data and tools in defined contexts.
  • Adopt a standard set of numerical skills and digital practices (including the use of tools/resources) appropriate to business management.
  • Develop an understanding of academic language and literacy practices to effectively engage with the academic knowledge and skills

    A qualification in business management can lead to opportunities in a wide range of areas such as:
  • Middle and senior management positions across all sectors.
  • Advertising and marketing.
  • Human resources.
  • Banking, including investment banking.
  • Sales and retail.
  • Management Consultancy.
  • Business Journalism.
  • Transport and Logistics.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • An introduction to business and management, 60 Credits comparable to Business Management, Entrepreneurship, Marketing Management and Business Management Practices.

    Elective Modules, 60 Credits (choose any two modules):
  • Communication Skills for Business and Management, 30 Credits comparable to Business Communication.
  • Discovering Mathematics, 30 Credits.
  • Economics in Context, 30 Credits.
  • Fundamentals of Accounting, 30 Credits comparable to Financial Management.
  • Introducing Statistics, 30 Credits.
  • Making Learning Count, 30 Credits.
  • You and your money, 30 Credits comparable to Financial Management.
  • Business Data Analytics and Decision making, 30 Credits.

    Assessment:
    Assessment of the knowledge and understanding of the components of the qualification is achieved through a combination of continuous assessment and, for some modules, an end-of-module assessment (EMA) or examination

    Computer-Marked Assignments
  • A series of online, multiple-choice questions.
    Tutor-Marked Assignment.
  • Essays, questions, experiments.
  • End-of-Module Assessments.
    The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
  • Exams.
  • Group-work.
  • Practical work.

    Similarities:
  • The Open University (OU) and the South African (SA) qualifications take one year of full-time study.
  • Both qualifications have a minimum of 120 credits.
    The UO qualification is professional designed for business management positions. It provides a broad-based, practical introduction to key ideas, techniques and competencies needed to manage effectively and productively in all functional areas of a small business in any sector similar to the SA qualification.
  • The emphasis of the UO and SA qualifications is on professional development and management roles and responsibilities.
  • Both qualifications use similar formative and summative assessment strategies.

    Differences:
  • There are no formal entry requirements for the OU qualification whereas the SA qualification requires applicants with a secondary school qualification or equivalent qualification.
  • The OU qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules whereas the SA qualification consists of compulsory modules and no electives. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management in Operational Management, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Business Marketing, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Business Principles and Practice, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Business Studies, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management in Project Management, NQF Level 5.

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

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Small Business Consultant, NQF level 5.
  • Higher Occupational Certificate: Business Development Officer, NQF level 5. 
    		•

    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.
     
    1. Berea College of Technology (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.