What Are The Requirements To Study NATED Courses?

The National Certificate (Vocational) or NATED qualification offers an opportunity for South Africans seeking career-oriented education and practical skills development.

NATED courses are offered at public TVET Colleges (Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges) throughout the country and cater to individuals seeking to enter or advance within a specific profession.

If you’re considering enrolling in a NATED program, understanding the entry requirements is needed for a smooth application process.

What are NATED Courses?

NATED courses are vocational training programs accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Designed to be practical and industry-specific, these programs equip learners with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in various professions.

NATED programs consist of three N Levels (N4, N5, and N6) followed by a practical component that allows students to apply their learned skills in real-world settings.

Who Can Apply for NATED Courses?

Fortunately, the entry requirements for NATED programs are relatively straightforward. Here’s a breakdown of the main criteria:

1. Matric Certificate or Equivalent: Generally, enrolling in a NATED course requires a completed Matric certificate (National Senior Certificate or Amended Senior Certificate). This ensures you possess the foundational knowledge necessary to grasp the complexities of the program.
2. Minimum Age: You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a NATED course.
3. English Proficiency: As most NATED course materials are delivered in English, a strong understanding of the language is essential for successful completion.

Other Requirements for Specific NATED Courses

While the above criteria apply to most NATED programs, some fields might have additional entry requirements. Here are some examples:

1. Engineering Fields: Studying engineering-related NATED courses might require achieving a minimum mark (often 40% or higher) in Mathematics and Physical Science during your Matric exams. This demonstrates a basic aptitude for these subjects, crucial for success in engineering disciplines.
2. Experience Requirements: In rare cases, specific NATED programs might require some prior work experience in the relevant field. This is usually to ensure you have a foundational understanding of the industry before embarking on the theoretical aspects of the course.

What if I Don’t Have a Matric Certificate?

If you don’t possess a Matric certificate, there are still pathways to access NATED programs. Here are a few options to consider:

1. Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET): ABET programs offer opportunities for adults to improve their literacy and numeracy skills. Successfully completing an ABET program might qualify you to pursue a National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV) course, which can serve as a stepping stone to a NATED program.
2. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): If you have extensive experience in a particular trade but lack formal qualifications, you might be eligible for RPL. This process assesses your existing skills and knowledge against the requirements of a specific NATED course. Successful RPL can grant you partial credit or even full exemption from some NATED program modules.

There’s no upper age limit for NATED programs. As long as you meet the entry requirements, you can enroll at any age.

What is the difference between NATED and NQF Levels?

N Levels are specific to NATED programs and don’t directly translate to National Qualifications Framework (NQF) levels.

However, successful completion of a NATED program can award you with an NQF qualification.

Can I use a NATED qualification to enter university?

NATED qualifications are primarily designed for vocational training and might not directly qualify you for university entrance.

However, some universities might offer bridging courses or recognize specific NATED qualifications for certain degree programs.

How long do Nated courses typically take to complete?

The duration of a NATED program depends on the specific course and N Level.

Generally, NATED programs range from 18 months to 3 years, with a combination of theoretical learning and practical application.

Many public TVET colleges and private training providers offer NATED programs.

You can search the websites of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) or QCTO for a list of accredited institutions and their NATED course offerings.