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
125058  Higher Certificate in Business Management 
ORIGINATOR
Institute of Business Management of Southern Africa 
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 0836/25  2025-11-13  2028-11-13 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-11-13   2032-11-13  

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 equip learners with the fundamental knowledge and necessary skills to prepare and develop them into competent individuals for a position or a career in business management or to assist those who wish to start their own business.

This qualification contributes to addressing South Africa's need for capable first-line managers who can enhance organisational efficiency, lead diverse teams, and support sustainable economic growth. It also responds to the demand for entrepreneurial skills that promote self-employment and small business development, both of which are critical for job creation.

The qualification also provides learners with a good overview of the main business functions, such as financial management, business communication in a digital era, human resource management, business operational and strategic management, as well as the principles of leadership. The qualification provides learners with the opportunity to enter higher education studies on NQF Level 5.

Upon successful completion, the qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Apply fundamental business management principles and practices in organisational settings.
  • Manage first-line managers, including team leaders, supervisors, section heads, and foremen.
  • Lead diverse teams effectively by fostering collaboration, motivation, and synergy to drive success.
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate operational strategies and action plans to improve unit effectiveness.
  • Monitor and measure performance, introducing continuous improvement initiatives that align with organisational objectives and customer satisfaction.
  • Communicate effectively within diverse organisational contexts, using modern digital platforms to strengthen relationships across the value chain.
  • Apply risk, financial, knowledge, and ethical management principles within regulatory frameworks.
  • Facilitate staff development by coaching, mentoring, and supporting career progression while leveraging workforce diversity.

    The qualifying learner will demonstrate the following key attributes:
  • Applied competence: the ability to integrate knowledge and skills in real workplace contexts, demonstrated through work-integrated learning (WIL) and simulations.
  • Ethical leadership: a commitment to responsible and sustainable management practices within South Africa's socio-economic framework.
  • Adaptability: readiness to respond to organisational change, technological innovation, and emerging business challenges.
  • Entrepreneurial orientation: the initiative and problem-solving capacity required to identify opportunities and establish new ventures.
  • Communication proficiency: the ability to convey ideas clearly and effectively across diverse teams and stakeholders.

    This combination of outcomes ensures that graduates are well-prepared not only for immediate employability but also for ongoing personal and professional development, thereby contributing to both organisational success and the broader socio-economic development of South Africa.

    Rationale:
    This qualification has been developed to address the apparent and growing demand for competent managers who can supervise junior managers, team leaders, and staff across industries in South Africa. The qualification strengthens the middle layer of organisational leadership, which is essential for operational effectiveness and business sustainability.

    The need for the qualification is to form part of a learning pathway of business management qualifications across various sectors and industries. It is designed to further develop management competencies required by learners in any occupation, particularly those who manage first-line managers. The qualification develops the key business management concepts, principles and practices of management that will enable learners to lead, manage, organise and control first-line managers and team leaders.

    Labour market analysis and direct consultation with small business owners confirmed a shortage of individuals with formal management training at this level. Employers expressed the need for supervisors and junior managers who not only oversee daily operations but also support organisational performance, customer service, and staff development.

    The demand for this qualification also aligns with South Africa's National Skills Development Plan, which emphasises improved management capacity, productivity, and entrepreneurship as drivers of growth and transformation.

    This qualification addresses sector needs by equipping learners with practical and theoretical management competencies relevant across industries. Developing supervisory skills for individuals managing other supervisors, team leaders, or staff. Providing entrepreneurs and small business owners with the tools to manage and grow their enterprises.

    The learners will typically be managers who have other supervisors, junior managers or team leaders reporting to them. In smaller organisations or entities, the managers could primarily be responsible for managing the supervisors and or staff within their section, division or business unit. The learners could also be entrepreneurs or sole proprietors seeking to strengthen their management skills.

    The qualifying learner will typically operate as:
  • Supervisors and junior managers.
  • Section or departmental managers.
  • Small business owners and entrepreneurs.

    This qualification provides an articulation route for learners who completed an NQF Level 4 qualification, as it provides learners with the basic introductory knowledge, conceptual and cognitive skills to enter higher education studies in their chosen field. Learners can further progress into advanced diplomas and bachelor's degrees. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for Access:
    Learners with no formal qualification to afford them access to the Higher Certificate qualification, but who have gained relevant work experience and as a result may have the potential to successfully complete the Higher Certificate, have the option to enter through RPL by following a formal RPL application process and assessment, during which the following principles of assessment apply:
  • The actual learning outcome that is being claimed must be demonstrated.
  • The evidence provided for the RPL assessment is valid and fit for purpose in terms of the learning outcome claimed for RPL purposes.
  • The evidence provided for the RPL assessment is of sufficient quality to ensure the learner's competency for the learning outcome claimed.

    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 National Qualifications Framework, Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Introduction to Business Management, 12 Credits.
  • The Functions of Finances in Business Management, 25 Credits.
  • Principles of Business Communication,19 Credits.
  • The Functions of Human Resources in Business Management, 24 Credits.
  • Business Operational and Strategic Management,14 Credits.
  • Principles of Control and Risk Management, 8 Credits.
  • Principles of Leadership, 18 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of business management and apply basic management principles, competencies and practices.
    2. Apply the basic principles of financial management, which include the recording of financial transactions, using financial statements and information to measure, analyse and interpret the financial performance of an organisation or department.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively within a multicultural and diverse organisation or department, using various communication mediums and technology to establish and improve employee relations.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to perform basic human resource management tasks and practices for the effective functioning of a business unit organisation.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to initiate, develop, implement and evaluate operational strategies, projects and action plans to improve the effectiveness of the unit.
    6. Demonstrate an understanding and apply the principles of risk management and control within an organisation.
    7. Demonstrate the ability to lead and manage a team of first line managers to enhance individual, team and unit effectiveness OR enhance the development of teams and team members. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Discuss a manager's place, their roles, and tasks of managers in an organisation and apply knowledge related to the managerial competencies applied in a business environment.
  • Describe key terms, concepts and general principles related to business management and the nature and importance of management.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the evolution of managerial thought. Apply knowledge of the fundamentals of decision making, demonstrate an understanding of the decision-making process conditions and types of decisions.
  • Identify business opportunities and threats from a given scenario and make recommendations to indicate how these opportunities can be utilised and how to manage and control the identified threats.
  • Analyse a work-based scenario to evaluate the impact of environmental change on a business and propose ways in which a business can prepare for environmental change.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Achieve the intended outcomes of the unit by applying accepted principles and practices of financial Management.
  • Use the principles and practices of financial management and accounting to record financial transactions within a work-based context.
  • Discuss the key concepts of managerial finance.
  • Create, maintain and update record keeping systems and draft Financial Statements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of communication terminology, principles and practices through verbal and non-verbal communication methods and tools.
  • Demonstrate effective communication in a digital era by using a social media platform to convey information to a diverse and multi-cultural audience.
  • Promote effective communication by identifying and eliminating barriers to effective communication within a work-based context.
  • Utilise and apply technology for effective business communication for a given scenario using one or more of the following tools: social media, webinars for interactive discussions, online discussion boards, emails, blogs or smartphone applications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply fundamental knowledge of the task and scope of human resource management within a business environment by using basic human resource management principles and practices to facilitate the effective functioning of at least one business unit, department or function.
  • Apply problem-solving steps and techniques to propose ethical and socially responsible solutions to a business-related problem.
  • Consider and apply labour legislation to a given scenario to improve employment relations within a business unit or organisation.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of diversity and diversity management by analysing a work-based scenario to identify diversity management challenges and to recommend appropriate strategies to overcome these challenges for improved effectiveness of a business unit, department, function or project.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Identify priorities by considering a broad range of factors in solving problems and making decisions on operational strategies.
  • Discuss the need for and the benefits of change and make recommendations to achieve intended results.
  • Discuss the initiatives to be undertaken by the unit linked to organisational goals and objectives.
  • Initiate and develop operational strategies, projects and action plans.
  • Implement and evaluate operational strategies, projects and action plans.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Apply basic risk management concepts to assist management in the management of business operations.
  • Discuss internationally accepted risk management terminology and risk management framework in the work context
  • Manage risk in the unit by considering the impact and likelihood of a variety of internal and external factors.
  • Apply internationally accepted risk assessment techniques to identify and analyse organisational risk.
  • Apply risk management tools in managing risk in the organisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Evaluate the talents of each team member according to the needs and operational requirements of the unit.
  • Provide the teams with direction towards the fulfilment of organisational goals.
  • Identify and use resources to accomplish the objectives of the unit.
  • Facilitate the acquisition and enhancement of skills through people's development processes.
  • Recognise and harness the diversity in the team to add value to team effectiveness.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Learner competence is assessed through a range of activities, quizzes, formative knowledge assignments, case studies and summative assessments.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessment is conducted continuously during the learning process and provides ongoing feedback to learners. Formative activities include engagement in weekly topic discussions during compulsory online sessions to assess comprehension and critical thinking, regular short quizzes for key concepts to reinforce learning and short case studies allowing learners to reflect on their learning and identify areas for improvement.

    Activities include:
  • Weekly online discussions to assess comprehension and critical thinking.
  • Short online quizzes to reinforce key concepts.
  • Mini case studies and short assignments that allow learners to apply theory, reflect on learning, and identify areas for improvement.

    Summative Assessment:
    Summative assessment is conducted at the end of each module to measure learner achievement of outcomes. Summative assessment methods in the form of a written assignment allow learners to answer in more critical and analytical ways, thus encouraging higher order thinking skills. Understanding of the learning outcomes of the module is assessed and the ability to understand and provide innovative solutions to complex challenges is tested.

    Summative assessment methods include:
  • Case study analysis of real or simulated business scenarios.

    Work-Integrated Learning (WIL):
    A Strategic Business Simulation is included as a capstone assessment, integrating learning outcomes across modules. Learners apply their knowledge to simulated business environments and are assessed on:
  • Planning tasks are aligned with course content.
  • Periodic decision-making submissions with justifications.
  • Team-based projects that reflect contemporary workplace practices.

    This WIL component ensures that graduates leave with hands-on experience that enhances employability and workplace readiness.

    Learners are required to complete the following assessments:
    Formatives assessments:
  • Online discussion forum at the beginning of the module, capped at 5% towards the overall mark.
  • Online quiz per chapter within each module, capped at 25% towards the overall mark.

    Summative assessment:
  • Submitted assignment at the end of the module, capped at 70% towards the overall mark.

    Total weighting of Formatives and Summative: 70%.

    WIL integrated: 30%. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Australia
    Institution: Aspire Institute
    Qualification title: Diploma of Business
    Duration: 12 months (1 year)

    Entry Requirements:
  • Recent secondary education: Completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent.
  • Higher education study: Completion of a higher education qualification or at least four undergraduate subjects.
  • VET study: Certificate IV qualification (AQF) or equivalent.
  • Work and life experience: Over 18 years old with at least 2 years of full-time paid work experience, supported by documentation (CV, references, job descriptions, etc.).

    Purpose/rationale:
    The Aspire Institute in Australia offers a Diploma of Business, which is designed for management positions. This program equips learners with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in any sector of the diverse and dynamic business industry.

    Qualification structure:
  • Pathway to success.
  • Financial and Commercial Literacy.
  • Global Citizenship.
  • Management Solutions for a Changing World.
  • Data Informed Decision Making.
  • Marketing.
  • Plus 2 elective subjects tailored to career interests.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications from South Africa (SA) and Aspire Institute (AI) are done in 12 months.
  • They both serve as entry-level business qualifications.
  • Both qualifications from SA and AI provide pathways to further study in business degrees.
  • They both cover core business disciplines like marketing, finance, and management.
  • They both include practical and theoretical components.

    Differences:
  • Qualification from Aspire Institute offers direct credit transfer to 2nd year at partner universities; meanwhile, South African (SA) qualification may articulate into diplomas or degrees, but not always with credit.
  • AI qualification accepts work experience and international qualifications, while the SA qualification's entry requirement is primarily academic-based entry (NSC or equivalent), with a few exceptions for RPL access.
  • AI qualification offers elective subjects, while the SA qualification only has compulsory modules.
  • AI qualification includes global citizenship and sustainability; SA qualification focuses more on localised content.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution name: Chartered Management Institute
    Qualification title: Management and Leadership (Level 5)
    Duration: 3 Years Part-time

    Purpose:
    This qualification is aimed at practising or aspiring managers and leaders who are typically accountable to a senior manager or business owner. The primary role of a practising or aspiring manager and leader is to lead and manage individuals and teams to deliver aims and objectives in line with organisational strategy.

    Qualification structure:
  • Principles of Management and Leadership in an Organisational Context, 7 Credits.
  • Principles of Leadership Practice, 8 Credits.
  • Developing, Managing and Leading Individuals and Teams to Achieve Success, 6 Credits.
  • Principles of Managing and Leading Individuals and Teams To Achieve Success, 5 Credits.
  • Managing Performance, 5 Credits.
  • Forming Successful Teams, 4 Credits.
  • Managing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, 5 Credits.
  • Principles of Delivering Coaching and Mentoring, 5 Credits.
  • Principles of Developing a Skilled and Talented Workforce, 4 Credits.
  • Managing Stakeholder Relationships, 4 Credits.
  • Managing Conflict, 5 Credits.
  • Principles of Recruiting, Selecting and Retaining Talent, 5 Credits.
  • Workforce Planning, 4 Credits.
  • Managing Projects to Achieve Results, 6 Credits.
  • Managing Change, 5 Credits.
  • Creating and Delivering Operational Plans, 6 Credits.
  • Planning, Procuring and Managing Resources, 6 Credits.
  • Principles of Innovation, 5 Credits.
  • Managing Risk, 6 Credits.
  • Managing Quality and Continuous Improvement, 6 Credits.
  • Managing Finance, 6 Credits.
  • Using Data and Information for Decision Making, 5 Credits.
  • Managing the Customer Experience, 5 Credits.
  • Principles of Marketing Products and Services, 6 Credits.
  • Conducting a Management Project, 10 Credits.
  • Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability, 7 Credits.
  • Using Reflective Practice to Inform Personal and Professional Development, 5 Credits.

    Similarities:
  • The Charted Management Institute (CMI) and the South African (SA) qualification overlap in outcomes, including leading teams, developing operational strategies, applying financial and risk management, and communicating effectively in diverse work environments.
  • The following CMI qualification modules: Principles of Recruiting, Selecting and Retaining, Managing Risk, and Principles of Leadership Practice, compare well to the following SA qualification modules: The Functions of Finances in Business Management, The Functions of Human Resources in Business Management, Principles of Control and Risk Management, and Principles of Leadership.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification has compulsory modules only, whereas CMI has both compulsory and elective modules.
  • The CMI programme places heavier emphasis on leadership and professional practice, while the SA qualification provides a broader grounding in business management principles, finance, communication, HR, operations, and risk.
  • The CMI qualification has no specific entry requirements; meanwhile, the SA qualification has entry requirements. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Certificate: Management Studies, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Business Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Human Resources Management, NQF Level 6.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Generic Management: Disaster Risk Management, NQF Level 4.
  • National Certificate: Generic Management: Strategic Management, 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. Institute of Business Management of Southern Africa 


    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.