The Journey to Your Red Seal Certificate In South Africa:

The Red Seal is a national recognition of excellence for artisans who have proven their competence through an Occupational Certificate issued by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). It confirms that you have the knowledge, practical skills, and workplace experience required to perform your trade at a nationally recognised level.

When will you receive your Red Seal Certificate?

Once you have completed your Workplace Modules and completed your Observation and Logbook you are able to enrol for your Trade Test with the Department of Labour. If you pass your exam you will receive your Certificate, no more than 4 weeks after completion.

The Path to Your Red Seal Qualification

The Red Seal is on par with an NQF Level 5 qualification. If you have successfully completed your Red Seal Certificate you can be assessed by the Department of Labour.

Step 1: Enrol for an Accredited Occupational Qualification

Start your journey by enrolling with an accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP), such as AIE, offering your chosen trade qualification.

Your learning journey includes three integrated components:

• Knowledge Component (Theory) - Classroom-based or online learning covering trade theory and principles.
• Practical Component (Application) - Hands-on training in a simulated environment, guided by qualified facilitators.
• Work Experience Component (Workplace Exposure) - Real-world training at an approved workplace to apply and refine your skills.

Learners must be found Competent (C) in all three components before they can be entered for their final trade test.

Step 2: Internal Assessments and the Statements of Results (SoR)

Before sitting for the national trade test, learners complete internal formative (continuous) and summative assessments for each module.

These results are recorded and verified through a Quality Assurance (QA) process. Once all components are complete and competence is achieved, the SDP issues a Statement of Results (SoR) - your official admission ticket to the final assessment.
The SoR is valid for two years.

Step 3: The External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA)

The EISA is the national final assessment conducted under the oversight of the QCTO. It is administered by a Quality Partner (QP) using standardised national instruments that integrate theory, practical, and workplace competencies.
The purpose of the EISA is to determine whether a candidate is occupationally competent and ready to be certified.

Step 4: Trade Test and Certification

After passing your EISA, the results are verified and approved by the QCTO.
You will then be awarded your Occupational Certificate and the Red Seal endorsement for your trade.
This certification is nationally and internationally recognised and does not expire.

Is the Red Seal the Same as a Degree?

No. The Red Seal is not an academic degree - it is a competency-based occupational qualification registered on the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework (OQSF) of the NQF.
It represents mastery in a practical trade or craft, equivalent in level of expertise to other post-school qualifications, but with a focus on applied technical skill.

Why You Need a Red Seal Trade Test Certificate

To legally work as an artisan in South Africa, you must hold a Trade Test Certificate issued through a QCTO-approved assessment centre.
This certificate demonstrates your competence and allows you to register as an artisan nationally.

Your Red Seal Journey with AIE

• Choose Your Trade & Enrol - Find the trade that matches your passion and enrol at AIE.
• Gain Knowledge & Practical Skills - Complete your theoretical and practical components with guidance from qualified trainers.
• Workplace Experience - Build real-world competence through approved industry placements.
• Trade Test (EISA) - Sit for the External Integrated Summative Assessment and, once successful, receive your Red Seal Certificate.