School of Occupational Health and SafetyNational Occupational CertOpen for enrolment

National Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Officer

NQF Level 4SAQA ID 121929120 credits12 MonthsFull-time

Programme Overview

This qualification prepares learners to manage occupational health and safety in workplaces. Covers risk assessment, incident investigation, OHS legislation, emergency planning, and workplace inspections.

SAQA & Registration

SAQA Qualification ID121929

NQF LevelNQF Level 4

Total Credits120

Qualification TypeNational Occupational Cert

Quality CouncilQCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations

Accreditation / Quality AssuranceSACPCMP — Registered

QCTO Accreditation — 1 record

Accreditation No. 07-QCTO/SDP100626103033Active

SAQA 121929 · NQF Level 4 · 120 credits

Valid 29 May 2026 – 28 May 2031

Accredited site: 378 Pretorius Street, Pretoria, Gauteng 0001

Certification for this occupational qualification is issued by the QCTO — Highbury College is the accredited skills development provider and is not the awarding body.

This qualification is registered on the National Qualifications Framework. Highbury programme availability and intake status are confirmed by Admissions. Detailed regulatory evidence is published on the Accreditation page.

Frame of Learning

Knowledge Modules

50credits

5 modules

Theory and subject knowledge that underpins the occupation.

Practical Skills Modules

44credits

7 modules

Hands-on skills developed in simulated and supervised settings.

Workplace Experience Modules

26credits

4 modules

Structured experience completed in an approved workplace.

Admission Requirements

Official Minimum Entry Requirement (SAQA)

NQF Level 3 Qualification (as stated on the SAQA record).

Highbury Application Documents

Certified copy of ID or passport
Certified copies of highest school results
Proof of residential address

Curriculum

Fundamentals of Occupational Health and Safety226302-001-01-KM-014 cr
Fundamentals of Representing Employees Regarding OHS Issues226302-001-01-KM-024 cr
Fundamentals of Communication within the OHS Discipline226302-001-01-KM-034 cr
OHS Administration and Record Management226302-001-01-KM-0416 cr
Occupational Health and Safety Applications226302-001-01-KM-0522 cr

Assessment Criteria

Internal Assessment

Continuous formative assessment and practical tasks are conducted throughout the programme, supported by a portfolio of workplace evidence and a logbook completed under supervision. Internal assessment follows the criteria and weighting stipulated in the official curriculum.

External Assessment

The qualification concludes with an External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) conducted through the relevant assessment quality partner. Learners must complete all modules and internal assessment requirements before admission to the final external assessment.

Delivery Mode and Duration

Highbury Delivery Arrangement

Study ModeFull-time

Highbury Duration12 Months

CampusPretoria Campus, 378 Pretorius Street, Pretoria, Gauteng

Learning PlatformHighbury Digital Campus

Learning ArrangementClassroom + practical + workplace

IntakesConfirmed by Admissions

Delivery combines structured classes and practical sessions with a compulsory workplace component arranged with approved employers, supported online through the Highbury Digital Campus. The duration above is Highbury’s delivery schedule and is separate from the official SAQA credit value.

Articulation and RPL

Articulation

Horizontal: National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 4. Vertical: Occupational Certificate: Health Products Information Officer, NQF Level 5.

Recognition of Prior Learning

RPL may be used for access to the programme and, where applicable, for credits or exemption against completed modules, in line with official RPL policy. Contact Admissions for an RPL evaluation.

Career Pathways

OHS OfficerSafety ManagerRisk AssessorCompliance OfficerHSE Coordinator

Workplace Experience

Workplace experience is compulsory: 4 modules totalling 26 credits, completed in an approved workplace under supervision with a logbook and portfolio of evidence. Highbury supports learners with placement arrangements through its employer partnerships.

Processes of Representing Employees Regarding their Workplace OHS Needs
Processes of Executing OHS Administration and Document Management
Processes of Managing Workplace Accidents, Incidents and other Emergencies
Incident Investigation Processes

Certification

Highbury College may issue permissible institutional records, statements and completion documents. The official occupational qualification certificate is issued by the responsible quality council or certification authority after all prescribed requirements have been met.

Certification follows successful completion of all modules and the final external integrated summative assessment.

Ready to apply?

This programme is open for enrolment. Start your application online — our admissions team will guide you through every step.

Apply Now Contact Admissions

Official qualification information sourced from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Highbury-specific delivery, fees, intake and campus arrangements are maintained separately by Highbury College.

Programme availability and intake dates are confirmed by Highbury Admissions.

View official SAQA record Last verified: 2026-07-12Factsheet v1.0