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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Certificate in Management Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96712  Advanced Certificate in Management Studies 
ORIGINATOR
MANCOSA 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
Advanced 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 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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
36068  Certificate: Management Studies  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Advanced Certificate in Management Studies qualification is to provide learners with theoretical knowledge and applied skills in all facets of business and management. The qualification is designed to achieve this purpose by covering the functional areas of the discipline of business management, such as marketing, accounting, and information technology. The qualification is targeted at individuals aiming to be promoted or who are currently in managerial positions. The curriculum's focus on functional areas reflects the increasing demand for versatile managers who are proficient in multiple business domains and can adapt to a rapidly evolving business landscape (O'Neill and Carter, 2022). Therefore, the graduates will benefit from completing the qualification, as it will provide them with the tools needed to enhance their leadership capabilities and advance their careers within their organisations (Kumar and Singh, 2021).

The learner will benefit by gaining critical management competencies, leadership skills and adaptability, making the qualification attractive for career advancement. Additionally, it will provide learners with a judicious blend of theoretical knowledge and practical knowledge to apply in real-life settings in a BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Non-Linear and Incomprehensible) world (Kraaijenbrink,2022). By completing the qualification, the learner will be able to conduct basic research, solve problems, and use technology to communicate new ideas. Learners would be able to apply essential management skills in real-world settings to support community goals and make informed, data-based decisions, building a foundation for ongoing learning and effective management. The qualification's focus on developing critical competencies, including problem-solving and adaptability, directly supports career advancement, making the qualification highly relevant for individuals looking to grow within their organisations or transition into more senior positions.

With the current skills needs and the scarcity of qualifications in management studies, this qualification aims to produce graduates who are in possession of specific graduate attributes. The qualification's graduate attributes below align with the institution's Graduate Attributes of communication skills, global leadership, cultural Intelligence, critical thinking, ethical awareness, interpersonal skills, innovation and entrepreneurship. The qualification's graduate attributes identified below demonstrate the competencies the learner will possess upon completion of the modules and assessments within the qualification:
  • Apply advanced management theories and concepts to real-world business situations.
  • Achieve organisational goals by developing and implementing effective management strategies.
  • Analyse and evaluate complex business situations critically and make informed decisions.
  • Effectively lead and manage diverse teams, fostering collaboration and innovation.
  • Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.
  • Lead ethically and demonstrate a commitment to corporate social responsibility.
  • Continually learn and adapt to changing business environments.

    Upon completion of the qualification, graduates will be able to:
  • Apply fundamental management principles in a work-based context.
  • Apply quantitative methodologies in making work-based decisions.
  • Utilise technology to communicate effectively.
  • Conduct basic research to plan, execute, and report on projects in a management context.

    Graduates can aspire towards the following positions:
  • Business Manager.
  • Business Assistant.
  • Management Assistant.
  • Administration Manager.

    Rationale:
    The qualification is designed to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully lead and manage in a variety of sectors. The qualification's curriculum aligns well with the needs of the modern workplace, since it provides a solid foundation in key management principles and practices. The qualification focuses on key management principles and practices, such as leadership, and ensures that graduates are equipped to handle these challenges effectively.

    According to the South African National Skills Development Plan (NSDP) 2030, there is a need to address skills shortages and support national economic development in leadership and management (Department of Higher Education and Training, 2019). Therefore, the qualification fulfils this need by enabling learners to prepare for management roles across a wide range of sectors via its curriculum. Furthermore, the qualification benefits the sector, society and the economy by offering career advancement opportunities to graduates who complete the qualification. By equipping individuals with essential leadership and managerial skills, the qualification responds to the increasing demand for qualified professionals who can drive growth and efficiency in both private and public sectors (Williams and Brown, 2021). Additionally, as industries face challenges such as digital transformation and regulatory shifts, the qualification helps graduates develop the critical thinking and decision-making skills necessary to navigate these complexities (Johnson and Smith, 2020).

    Graduates of the qualification will have access to a range of career opportunities, such as general managerial positions in both the private and public sector, as well as the opportunity to engage in entrepreneurship. As such, upon completion of the qualification, graduates can aspire towards the following positions:
  • Business Manager.
  • Business Assistant.
  • Management Assistant.
  • Administration Manager.

    The qualification is targeted at learners in managerial and leadership positions, as well as individuals aspiring to these positions who want to improve their competencies. Typical learners of the qualification include mid-level professionals, aspiring managers, and business owners. Additionally, the qualification provides clear learning and career pathways enabling graduates to articulate into related fields of management and marketing. 
    		•

    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 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 advanced standing 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 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:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 5.
    Or
  • National Vocational Certificate, NQF Level 5, with appropriate subject combination and levels of achievement as defined in the Minister's policies.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in General Management, NQF Level 5.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Management, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at the National Qualifications Framework Level 6, totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 120 Credits:
  • Principles of Management, 20 Credits.
  • Contemporary Marketing Fundamentals, 20 Credits.
  • Information Systems, 20 Credits.
  • Fundamentals of Microeconomics, 20 Credits.
  • Business Statistics, 20 Credits.
  • Accounting, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply fundamental management principles in a work-based context.
    2. Apply quantitative methodologies in making work-based decisions.
    3. Utilise technology to communicate effectively.
    4. Conduct basic research to plan, execute, and report on projects in a management context. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Explore decision-making and problem-solving techniques to identify workplace challenges and implement appropriate solutions.
  • Apply planning, organising, leading, and controlling processes to understand effective management of tasks and resources.
  • Assess work-based projects and activities to demonstrate application of management principles in achieving organisational objectives.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply quantitative tools, techniques, and basic statistical methods to illustrate analysis of numerical data for informed decision-making.
  • Evaluate financial, operational, and performance data to demonstrate evidence-based solutions to workplace problems.
  • Produce calculations, models, and graphical representations to explain clear presentation of quantitative findings in a professional context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply digital communication tools and platforms to demonstrate effective interaction with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
  • Produce written, visual, and verbal content to demonstrate understanding in conveying messages clearly, effectively, and professionally within a business context.
  • Evaluate communication strategies and etiquette to demonstrate appropriate use of technology in different organisational contexts

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply research methods, data collection tools, and basic analysis techniques to demonstrate the ability to plan and carry out a management project.
  • Evaluate relevant literature and case examples to identify key findings and implications for management practice.
  • Communicate project results and recommendations to demonstrate effective presentation and documentation skills.

    Integrated Assessment
    The institution's Assessment Strategy aligns with the Council on Higher Education Accreditation Criteria (2012), the National Policy and Criteria for Designing and Implementing Assessment for NQF Qualifications and Part-Qualifications and Professional Designations in South Africa (SAQA, 2014).

    Integrated assessment at the institution requires careful consideration in implementing formative and summative assessment methods, which offer an inclusive and holistic view of learners' learning. Assessments are aligned with the pre-defined learning outcomes per module, culminating with the qualification exit level outcomes. Formative and summative assessments are diverse in nature, and these encompass knowledge check questions, case studies, and scenario-based questions. Formative assessments allow for regular feedback to learners, highlighting areas of success and improvement. Summative assessments evaluate learners' learning after a learner's learning journey. Imperative to integrated assessments is the provision of feedback not only to learners but also internally, whereby the results of assessments play a critical role in informing the development of future assessments, assessment practices and the continuous improvement of the qualification.

    Formative Assessment:
  • Formative Assessment 1 (Knowledge Check Quiz 1).
  • Formative Assessment 2 (Case Study/Scenario).

    Summative Assessment:
  • Summative Assessment.

    The final mark is calculated as follows:
  • Formative Assessment 1 (Knowledge Check Quiz 1) - 10%
  • Formative Assessment 2 (Case Study/Scenario) - 30%
  • Summative Assessment - 60%

    To pass a module, the following requirements must be met:
  • The compulsory completion of ALL assessment activities.
  • To pass a module, a sub-minimum of 50% is required in each form of assessment, and a final combined mark of 50% is required.
  • Learners are required to attempt formative assessments 1 and 2 and achieve a combined average of at least 50% before writing their Online Summative Assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is comparable to the following international qualifications:

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution name: The Open University
    Qualification title: Certificate of Higher Education in Business Management
    Duration: 1 year full-time
    Credits: 120

    Purpose:
    This qualification will provide learners with an introduction to the theoretical and work-based knowledge relevant to the application of business management in theory and practice. Learners will gain the ability to recognise key individual and stakeholder differences in business management and the issues arising from such diversity. The qualification provides graduates with several important business skills, which learners can apply within their current job functions.

    Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to:
  • An understanding of the main concepts, theories and principles associated with business management.
  • Apply their knowledge and understanding to the routine professional techniques and practices of business management using appropriate terminology and conventions.
  • Gather, evaluate and interpret information or 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.
  • Begin to develop an insight into personal goals, preferences and aptitudes.
  • Identify work options and take steps to determine required qualifications, skills and experience.
  • Develop their understanding and use of the resources available to help the learner learn and begin to develop as an independent learner and understand the relevance of the learner's learning to their career.

    Content/modules:
  • Business data analytics and decision making.
  • Communication skills for business and management.
  • Design thinking: creativity for the 21st century.
  • Discovering mathematics.
  • Economics in context.
  • Fundamentals of accounting.
  • Introducing statistics.
  • Fundamentals of Accounting.

    Similarities:
  • Both the SA's qualification and UK qualification are 120 credits.
  • Both qualifications include similar modules within the curriculum, thereby equipping learners with business management knowledge and skills which are recognised by employers as having great value for work in management and related business professions.
  • Both qualifications emphasise the development of essential business management skills such as decision-making, communication, and problem-solving, which are highly valued in professions like management, marketing, finance, and human resources. Finally, both qualifications promote independent learning, enabling learners to take ownership of their education and apply their knowledge in professional settings, thereby enhancing their career prospects.

    Differences:
  • The UK qualification has no formal entry requirement, whereas the SA qualification requires applicants to possess a National Senior Certificate or the National Certificate Vocational with an appropriate subject combination and levels of achievement.
  • The UK qualification places a stronger emphasis on theoretical knowledge alongside work-based learning, whereas the SA qualification tends to focus more on applied management techniques and professional skills. These differences reflect the diverse ways in which the two institutions approach business management education, catering to different learner needs and professional goals.

    Country: Namibia
    Institution name: Namibia University of Science and Technology
    Qualification title: Diploma in Business Process Management
    Duration: 2 years
    Creduts: 144

    Purpose:
    The Diploma in Business Process Management is designed to equip learners with a broad knowledge in the areas of business economics, accounting, retail, marketing, sales, and logistics. Learners who exit with a Certificate will be able to find employment in the industry as warehouse administration clerks, clearing and forwarding consultants, administrators, and clerks (debtors, planning, control, and export).

    Learning Outcomes:
  • Analyse and apply principles of accounting and finance in the work environment.
  • Formulate and assess arguments and foster competence to communicate in varying professional contexts across national and cultural boundaries.
  • Analyse the business supply chain and project management concepts in view of logistics systems and processes in business.
  • Analyse and classify markets and marketing opportunities in the internal and external marketing environment of a business.
  • Illustrate and understand the retail environment and retailing strategies to improve retailing performance and customer satisfaction.
  • Apply the learnt business administrative theory in the real workplace to manage time and communicate effectively.

    Content/modules:
  • Introduction to Business Management.
  • Business Accounting.
  • Commercial Law.
  • Business Ethics.
  • Business Accounting.
  • Introduction to Marketing and Its Environment.
  • Basic Business Statistics.

    Similarities:
  • Both the SA qualification and Namibia qualification focus on equipping learners with essential skills in business process management tools and techniques needed to improve, manage, and maintain processes within the transport, logistics, and related industries.
  • Both qualifications aim to provide learners with broad knowledge in business-related areas, including management principles, economics, accounting, and logistics.
  • Both institutions also emphasize the application of theoretical concepts to real-world business environments, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for industry demands.

    Differences:
  • The Namibia qualification requires two years of full-time study, whereas the SA qualification requires only one year of full-time study. Additionally, the focus of the qualifications differs slightly, with Namibia's Diploma providing a more specialised emphasis on logistics, supply chain management, and retail strategies, tailored for roles such as warehouse administration clerks and clearing and forwarding consultants. In contrast, the SA qualification offers a broader management perspective, equipping learners with advanced skills in leadership, business strategy, and general management, preparing them for managerial roles across various industries.
  • The SA qualification is offered via distance learning, providing greater flexibility for working professionals, while the Namibia qualification is campus-based, offering more face-to-face interaction and practical, on-site learning experiences.

    Conclusion:
    From the above international comparability, it can be ascertained that the SA qualification is comparable with the international qualifications and provides learners with opportunities for mobility and advancement. Moreover, it culminates in the development of business-oriented skills from comparable labour markets in South Africa that are transferable to the global market. This comparison is in line with international best practices and demonstrates how the Advanced Certificate in Management Studies qualification fits into a global context. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides the following articulation options:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Certificate in Business Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Advanced Certificate in Business Management and Administration, NQF Level 6.
    Possible horizontal articulation options between Sub-Frameworks for this qualification reached the registration end date in December 2025.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Business Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration, NQF Level 7.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • Advanced Occupational Diploma: Business Banker, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    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. MANCOSA 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.