School of Occupational Health and SafetyHigher Occupational CertOpen for enrolment

Higher Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner

NQF Level 5SAQA ID 121527120 credits12 MonthsFull-time

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Higher Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner

Programme Overview

Advanced OHS practitioner qualification.

SAQA & Registration

SAQA Qualification ID121527

NQF LevelNQF Level 5

Total Credits120

Qualification TypeHigher Occupational Cert

Quality CouncilQCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations

Accreditation / Quality AssuranceSACPCMP — Registered

QCTO Accreditation — 1 record

Accreditation No. 07-QCTO/SDP100626103033Active

SAQA 121527 · NQF Level 5 · 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

34credits

3 modules

Theory and subject knowledge that underpins the occupation.

Practical Skills Modules

48credits

4 modules

Hands-on skills developed in simulated and supervised settings.

Workplace Experience Modules

38credits

2 modules

Structured experience completed in an approved workplace.

Admission Requirements

Official Minimum Entry Requirement (SAQA)

National Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Officer, NQF Level 4 (under registration process).

Highbury Application Documents

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

Curriculum

Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems226302-000-01-KM-0111 cr
Governance and Sustainability within the OHS Context226302-000-01-KM-0211 cr
Fundamentals of Operations Management for OHS Practitioners226302-000-01-KM-0312 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 Diploma Occupational Safety, NQF Level 5. Vertical: Diploma in Safety Management, NQF Level 6.

Recognition of Prior Learning

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

Career Pathways

OHS PractitionerSenior Safety ManagerOHS Consultant

Workplace Experience

Workplace experience is compulsory: 2 modules totalling 38 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.

Operational Planning and Review Processes
Management and Supervision 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