1What is it?
A trade qualification certifies that you are a competent artisan in a listed trade. It is earned through an apprenticeship or learnership followed by a trade test, or through Recognition of Prior Learning for experienced workers who never formally qualified.
2Who needs it?
- Anyone who wants to register with PIRB, obtain a Wireman's Licence, or register as a gas practitioner
- Artisans wanting to charge qualified rates and take on commercial work
- Experienced workers who have the skill but no certificate
3Who doesn't need it?
- Handymen and general maintenance providers doing non-regulated work — although a qualification still lifts your rates and trust score
4Registration categories
Apprenticeship
Employer-based training with a SETA, ending in a trade test.
Learnership
Structured theory plus workplace experience toward a qualification.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Assessment route for experienced workers with no formal certificate.
Trade test
The final practical assessment at an accredited trade test centre.
5Why is it important?
A trade certificate is the gateway document. Almost every trade licence, board registration and CoC authority in South Africa requires it first.
6Benefits
- Unlocks PIRB, Wireman's, SAQCC Gas and other trade registrations
- Materially higher hourly rates and better commercial access
- Strengthens your FIX IT Trust Score
- A recognised, portable national qualification
7Step-by-step guide
- 1Identify your trade and the relevant SETA or QCTO qualification.
- 2Choose your route: apprenticeship, learnership or RPL.
- 3Gather evidence of experience — payslips, employer letters, job photographs, logbooks.
- 4Register with an accredited training or assessment provider.
- 5Complete the required theory modules and workplace hours.
- 6Book and pass the trade test at an accredited trade test centre.
- 7Receive your trade certificate and upload it to FIX IT.
8Supporting documents
- Certified copy of ID
- Highest school qualification
- Employer letters or logbooks proving practical experience
- Any prior training certificates
9Costs
Government fees
Trade test fees typically R6 000 – R18 000 depending on trade and centre.
Training costs
Apprenticeship or RPL preparation typically R15 000 – R60 000. SETA-funded and employer-funded routes may cover this in full.
Other costs
Tools, travel and accommodation for assessment blocks.
10Expected turnaround time
Apprenticeship 2 – 4 years; RPL commonly 6 – 12 months; trade test results typically within 4 – 8 weeks.
11Renewal requirements
Trade qualifications do not expire. Board registrations built on them do.
12Official website
13Official contact details
- QCTO: 012 003 1800
- NAMB (National Artisan Moderating Body): 012 826 6000
- Your relevant SETA
14Frequently asked questions
I have 15 years of experience but no certificate. What now?
Recognition of Prior Learning is designed exactly for you. Gather your evidence and approach an accredited RPL provider.
Is a Red Seal the same as a trade test?
The Red Seal is the national trade certificate endorsement issued after a successful trade test.
Can a SETA fund my trade test?
Often yes, through discretionary grants or employer-linked programmes. Ask your SETA directly.
15How FIX IT verifies this
- You upload your trade certificate or Red Seal and record the trade and issue date.
- Our reviewer checks the issuing body, certificate number and holder name.
- The name must match your verified FIX IT identity.
- Approval contributes to the Trade Verified facet and to your Trust Score milestones.
- Qualifications do not expire, so no expiry monitoring is applied.
16Download centre
You may also need
Plumbing Industry Registration Board registration and the authority to issue a Certificate of Compliance.
Department of Employment and Labour registration authorising an electrician to issue a Certificate of Compliance.
SAQCC Gas registration authorising installation, servicing and CoC issue for LP gas appliances.
Industry associations such as IOPSA, ECA(SA), SAIA and MIWA — credibility, training and dispute support.