Registering with Comensa As A Coach Training Provider

Here’s what you need to know to register your coach or mentor training programme with COMENSA, based directly on the policy you provided:

1. Why Register with COMENSA?

• COMENSA is a SAQA-recognised professional body for coaches and mentors in South Africa.

• Approval links your programme to a nationally recognised professional body and a formal behavioural standards framework.

• It assures the public of quality and compliance with national standards.

• Learners may waive first-time credentialing evaluation and fees if trained under approved programmes.

• It supports professional recognition and credibility.

2. Three Programme Categories

Gold Status

• Must have accreditation from a South African Quality Council (or by delegation) for a programme with at least 5 credits directly relevant to coaching or mentoring.

• Training must align with the full COMENSA Behavioural Standards Framework.

• Must have two COMENSA-trained evaluators, credentialed as coaches or mentors (at same or higher level).

• Learners evaluated against the full framework → waiver of first-time credentialing evaluation and fee.

Silver Status

• Training aligns with the relevant COMENSA Behavioural Standards Framework.

• Two COMENSA-trained evaluators (credentialed as above).

• Learners evaluated against the full framework → waiver of first-time credentialing evaluation and fee.

Bronze Status

• Provides CPD (Continuous Professional Development) programmes, workshops, or resources for coaches and mentors (no full learner credentialing waiver).

3. Approval Period & Renewal

• Approval is valid for three calendar years from date of approval.

• Apply for re-evaluation at least three months before expiry.

4. Application Process

• Apply online via:
  https://www.comensa.org.za/training-provider-programme/
  (Look for “List your Programme”)

5. Costs (as of 1 January 2022, excluding/excluding VAT)

First application (Gold/Silver/Bronze):

• Evaluation fee: R 3,600 (excl. VAT) / R 4,140 (incl. VAT)

• No annual joining fee, and provider does not need to be a COMENSA member.

Second or subsequent applications (any category):

• Evaluation fee: R 2,500 (excl.) / R 2,875 (incl.)

Re-evaluation application (any category):

• Same as second application: R 2,500 (excl.) / R 2,875 (incl.)

Evaluator training (Gold/Silver only):

• First-time training: R 2,600 (excl.) / R 2,990 (incl.)

• Refresher training: R 640 (excl.) / R 736 (incl.)

6. Monitoring & Revoking

• COMENSA monitors approvals and revocations.

• COMENSA will revoke approval in writing if the programme no longer meets criteria.

• You may appeal to the COMENSA Board within 30 working days of notification.

• Board decision is final (subject to further legal processes at your cost).

7. Certification & Marketing

• Approved providers receive a COMENSA Training Programme Approval Certificate including:

  • Organisation name

  • Programme name & description

  • Approval category & logo

  • COMENSA programme registration number

  • Start & end dates

  • Re-submission date

• You may market the approved programme on digital and non-digital platforms unless approval is revoked.

8. Key Roles

• COMENSA Board – approves policy, revokes programmes, manages appeals.

• MCSC (Membership Criteria and Standards of Competence Portfolio Committee) – develops policy, manages evaluation and approval processes, recommends revocations.

9. Important Policies & Legislation

Your programme and application must align with:

• SAQA Policy for Recognising a Professional Body & Registering a Professional Designation

• COMENSA Credentialing Policy

• COMENSA RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) Policy

• South African Quality Council accreditation policies

• POPIA, NQF Act, and Constitution of South Africa (as applicable)

10. Practical Steps to Register

1. Decide which category fits your programme (Gold / Silver / Bronze).

2. Ensure you meet the specific criteria (accreditation, evaluators, alignment to Behavioural Standards).

3. Prepare documentation (especially for Gold: proof of QAC accreditation with ≥5 coaching/mentoring credits).

4. Identify and train two evaluators (for Gold/Silver) via COMENSA’s evaluator training.

5. Complete the online application and pay the evaluation fee.

6. Await evaluation and approval.

7. Upon approval, market your programme and issue learner waivers as applicable.

8. Monitor expiry date and renew at least 3 months in advance.

Let me know if you want a checklist, comparison table of Gold vs Silver vs Bronze, or guidance on the Behavioural Standards Framework.

Summarised in 20 key ideas

Here is a summary of the COMENSA Training Provider Programme Policy in 20 key ideas:

1. COMENSA is a SAQA-recognised professional body for coaches and mentors in South Africa.

2. Its programme approval policy supports the development, award, monitoring, and revocation of professional designations.

3. Objectives include advancing the NQF, protecting the public, and promoting coaching as a professional career path.

4. The policy applies to all training providers applying for programme approval and to COMENSA office bearers and appointees.

5. Approved programmes assure the public of quality and alignment with national standards.

6. Learners from approved programmes may waive first-time credentialing evaluation and fees.

7. There are three approval categories: Gold, Silver, and Bronze.

8. Gold Status requires Quality Council accreditation with at least 5 credits in coaching/mentoring.

9. Gold and Silver require training aligned to the COMENSA Behavioural Standards Framework.

10. Gold and Silver must have two COMENSA-trained evaluators who hold a relevant designation.

11. Gold and Silver allow waiver of first-time credentialing evaluation and fee.

12. Bronze Status is for CPD programmes, workshops, or resources only.

13. Approval is valid for three calendar years; re-evaluation must be requested at least three months before expiry.

14. Applications are submitted online via the COMENSA website.

15. Costs include evaluation fees (R3,600–R4,140 first application; R2,500–R2,875 for subsequent or re-evaluation), plus optional evaluator training fees.

16. Providers do not need to be COMENSA members to apply.

17. COMENSA monitors and can revoke approval if criteria are no longer met, with a 30-working-day appeal process to the Board.

18. Approved providers receive a certificate with programme details, approval category, registration number, and validity dates.

19. Approved programmes can be marketed on digital and non-digital platforms unless revoked.

20. The policy is reviewed annually and aligns with SAQA, NQF Act, POPIA, and other relevant legislation.

what must i know to register

Here’s exactly what you must know to register your coach or mentor training programme with COMENSA, distilled from the policy into essential registration requirements:

Before You Apply

1. You don’t need to be a COMENSA member – any training provider can apply.

2. Choose your category – Gold, Silver, or Bronze – based on your programme’s features.

3. Gold requires formal Quality Council accreditation with at least 5 credits in coaching/mentoring.

4. Silver has no accreditation requirement but must align to COMENSA’s Behavioural Standards Framework.

5. Bronze is only for CPD (workshops, resources, short events), not full coach training.

Key Requirements Per Category

Feature

Gold

Silver

Bronze

QAC accreditation with ≥5 credits

✅ Must have

❌ Not required

❌ Not required

Aligns to COMENSA Behavioural Standards

✅ Full framework

✅ Relevant framework

❌ Not required

Two COMENSA-trained evaluators (credentialed)

✅ Must have

✅ Must have

❌ Not required

Learner waiver of credentialing evaluation & fee

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

❌ No

Application Process

6. Apply online at: https://www.comensa.org.za/training-provider-programme/

7. Pay the evaluation fee (non-refundable, see costs below).

8. Prepare evidence – especially for Gold: accreditation certificate showing ≥5 coaching/mentoring credits.

9. For Gold/Silver: Identify two people to train as COMENSA evaluators (they must already hold a coach/mentor designation at same or higher level than your programme targets).

10. Submit before the deadline if renewing – at least 3 months before expiry.

Costs (VAT inclusive)

Application Type

Fee (incl. VAT)

First application (any category)

R4,140

Second/subsequent application

R2,875

Re-evaluation (every 3 years)

R2,875

Evaluator training – first time

R2,990 per person

Evaluator training – refresher

R736 per person

After Approval

11. Validity period – 3 calendar years from approval date.

12. You get a certificate with programme name, category, registration number, and expiry date.

13. You can market the approved programme on all your platforms.

14. Learners from Gold/Silver programmes can waive first-time credentialing evaluation and fee.

15. Monitor your expiry – apply for re-evaluation at least 3 months before it ends.

Risks & Obligations

16. COMENSA monitors your programme and can revoke approval if you no longer meet criteria.

17. If revoked, you have 30 working days to appeal to the COMENSA Board.

18. Board decision is final unless you take further legal action at your own cost.

19. Policy reviewed annually – check for changes each year.

20. Comply with South African laws including NQF Act, POPIA, and SAQA professional body policies.

Quick Registration Checklist

• Decide: Gold, Silver, or Bronze?

• For Gold: get QAC accreditation with ≥5 coaching/mentoring credits

• For Gold/Silver: align training content to COMENSA Behavioural Standards Framework

• For Gold/Silver: identify two credentialed coaches/mentors to become COMENSA-trained evaluators

• Complete online application

• Pay evaluation fee (R4,140 first time)

• Await evaluation and approval (valid 3 years)

• Renew at least 3 months before expiry (R2,875)

Below is a consolidated 200-line summary of the key policies, acts, and frameworks you need to understand to register your coach training programme with COMENSA. This integrates the SAQA professional body policy, COMENSA’s credentialing and RPL policies, Quality Council accreditation requirements, and the applicable legislative framework (POPIA, NQF Act, Constitution).

1. SAQA Policy for Recognising a Professional Body & Registering a Professional Designation

Legal Foundation

• Mandated by Section 13(1)(i) of the National Qualifications Framework Act (Act 67 of 2008) 

• SAQA must develop policy for recognising professional bodies after consulting Quality Councils and expert practitioners 

Core Purpose

• Advance NQF objectives: create integrated framework, facilitate access/mobility, enhance quality, accelerate redress 

• Promote public trust in professions through nationally regulated recognition system 

• Protect public from professional malpractice 

Definition of a Profession (SAQA’s definition, adopted by COMENSA)

"A disciplined group of individuals who adhere to ethical standards enforced by the profession and who hold themselves out as, and are accepted by the public as possessing specialised skills and knowledge in a widely recognised body of learning derived from research, education and training at a high level, and who are prepared to apply this knowledge and exercise these skills in the interest of others." 

Key Requirements for Professional Bodies

• Must have policies to develop, award, monitor, and revoke professional designations 

• Must have RPL policy for members without required underlying qualifications 

• Must have CPD policy 

• Must establish a register of complaints (for non-statutory bodies) 

• Must have a competencies framework defining applied competences and progression pathways 

Recognition Period & Monitoring

• Initial recognition: 5 years, renewable for subsequent 5-year periods 

• Mid-term monitoring review in second year of recognition 

• SAQA charges a cost recovery fee per designated member on the NLRD 

What Professional Bodies May Do

• Recognise suitable workplaces and training providers 

• Conduct assessment of workplace experience 

• Be involved in curriculum of learning programmes 

• Set their own board examinations 

• Develop and/or quality assure qualifications required for designations 

What Professional Bodies May NOT Do

• Cannot be accredited as education and training providers by a Quality Council 

• Cannot be registered as education and training providers with DHET 

• Cannot offer qualifications registered on the NQF (only non-credit bearing CPD) 

Withdrawal of Recognition (SAQA may withdraw when) 

• Professional body recognition status ends

• Professional body requests withdrawal

• Body misrepresented its recognition status or extended scope of practice

Appeals Process

• Appeals forwarded to SAQA’s Professional Body Appeals Committee 

• Committee decision is final 

Designation Registration Criteria

• Title cannot be same as NQF-registered qualification or OFO-defined occupation 

• Titles and acronyms must not mislead public about qualification achievement or job level 

• Competencies framework must be included as general requirement 

2. COMENSA Credentialing Policy (Designation Evaluation)

Legal Context

• COMENSA is a SAQA-recognised professional body for Coaches and Mentors 

• This policy supports COMENSA’s authority to develop, award, monitor, and revoke designations 

Objectives

• Advance NQF objectives and protect public from malpractice 

• Promote coaching/mentoring as professional career paths 

• Enable social responsibility and accountability within the profession 

Evaluator Categories (four types) 

1. COMENSA Credentialing Evaluators (Levels 1, 2, or 3) – evaluate applicants for designations

2. COMENSA RPL Evaluators – evaluate RPL applicants

3. COMENSA TPP Evaluators – evaluate training provider programmes

4. Training Provider Evaluators – evaluate persons during Gold/Silver approved programmes

Evaluator Requirements 

• Must hold a COMENSA registered designation

• Must commit in writing to COMENSA Code of Ethics and Conduct

• Must complete first-time evaluator training (and refresher training)

• Can only evaluate at same or lower level than their own credential

Evaluation Timelines 

• Credentialing/RPL: evaluation within 7-10 working days; moderation 3-5 days after

• TPP evaluation: evaluation including remedial within 10 working days

• Evaluators who consistently miss timelines are removed from approved list

Evaluator Approval Period

• Valid for 3 calendar years from approval date 

• Evaluators who decline three sequential evaluation requests are removed 

Appeals Process

• Members may appeal to MCSC committee for review 

• Review carried out in good faith

3. COMENSA Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy

Legal Requirement

• SAQA policy mandates professional bodies have RPL policy to award designations to members without required underlying qualifications 

Definition of RPL (COMENSA)

"A process undertaken by a member of COMENSA to achieve a professional designation without having achieved the required underlying qualification." 

Purpose

• Establish clear RPL process with fair rules and feedback mechanisms 

• Ensure quality assurance through COMENSA RPL Evaluators and external moderation

• Provide alternative access route into professions (key SAQA objective) 

Scope of RPL at COMENSA

• RPL recognises learning equivalent to training hours for underlying qualification 

• Identifies what candidate knows and can do

• Matches skills/knowledge/experience to COMENSA Behavioural Standards Framework

• Evaluates evidence against Behavioural Standards Framework

Two Recognition Categories 

1. Members without formal coach/mentor training but with relevant formal/informal/non-formal learning, work experience, or life experience

2. Members awarded designation by another professional body who can demonstrate alignment with COMENSA Behavioural Standards Framework

Foreign Qualifications

• Qualifications not registered on NQF or foreign qualifications require SAQA vetting and approval first 

• Once SAQA approves, applicant may apply for COMENSA RPL

Governance

• COMENSA appoints and trains RPL Evaluators from credentialed members 

• External Moderator (non-COMENSA member) quality assures RPL decisions 

• No additional charge for RPL – cost integral to credentialing process 

Portfolio of Evidence Required

• Demonstrate how each element of Behavioural Standards Framework has been covered 

• Show understanding of each element (knowledge demonstration)

• Provide valid and reliable evidence

4. South African Quality Council Accreditation Policies

The Three Quality Councils (QCs) 

1. CHE (Council on Higher Education) – oversees Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF)

2. Umalasi – oversees General and Further Education and Training Qualifications Sub-Framework (GFETQSF)

3. QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations) – oversees Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework (OQSF)

QCTO Focus (most relevant for coach/mentor training) 

• Established under Skills Development Act (Act 97 of 1998) as amended 2008

• Responsible for occupational qualification development and maintenance

• Accredits Skills Development Providers (SDPs) and assessment centres

• Manages External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA)

• Issues Occupational Certificates and Trade Certificates

What QCTO Accreditation Means for Your Programme

• If your programme has ≥5-8 credits directly relevant to coaching/mentoring, it falls under QCTO scope 

• Gold/Silver status requires institutional accreditation with CHE or QCTO 

• You must be registered as a training provider with CIPC and accredited by the relevant QC

COMENSA’s Role vs. QC Role 

• COMENSA is not a Quality Assurance body – cannot accredit training providers

• COMENSA provides assessment mechanism against its Behavioural Standards Framework

• QC accreditation assures national quality standards; COMENSA approval assures alignment to profession’s competency framework

5. Applicable Legislation (POPIA, NQF Act, Constitution)

National Qualifications Framework Act (Act 67 of 2008)

Key Sections for Professional Bodies 

• Section 13(1)(i): SAQA develops policy for recognising professional bodies and registering designations

• Sections 28-31: Professional bodies must co-operate with QCs regarding qualifications and quality assurance

• Establishes three Sub-Frameworks (HEQSF, GFETQSF, OQSF)

NQF Objectives relevant to you 

1. Create single integrated framework for learning achievements

2. Facilitate access, mobility, and progression in education/training/career paths

3. Enhance quality of education and training

4. Accelerate redress of past unfair discrimination

5. Contribute to personal, social, and economic development

Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), Act 4 of 2013

Application to Professional Bodies 

• Non-statutory professional bodies must have policies that adhere to POPIA for processing membership information

• Also applies to PAIA (Promotion of Access to Information Act) and PAJA (Promotion of Administrative Justice Act)

What This Means for Your Training Programme

• When collecting learner information for credentialing or RPL, you must comply with POPIA

• COMENSA will not divulge candidate information to unauthorised third parties (as per RPL policy) 

• Register of complaints must be maintained without breaching privacy

Constitution of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996)

Relevance to Professional Bodies

• Cited in COMENSA policies as foundational legislation 

• Right to freedom of association underpins professional body recognition

• Redress imperative aligns with Section 9 (equality) and Section 29 (education rights)

Key Constitutional Principles Applied

• Fair and just administrative action (PAJA operationalises this) 

• Non-discrimination in access to professions 

• Social accountability and transparency

Summary: How These Policies Interact for Your Registration

Layer

What It Does

Your Obligation

Constitution + NQF Act

Establishes legal framework for professional bodies and NQF

Ensure non-discriminatory access, comply with redress principles

SAQA Policy

Sets criteria for recognising professional bodies and registering designations

Programme must align with COMENSA’s SAQA-approved policies; COMENSA must have RPL, complaints register, competencies framework

Quality Council (CHE/QCTO)

Accredits training providers and programmes with credit-bearing qualifications

For Gold/Silver: obtain QC accreditation with ≥8 credits; register as CIPC business

COMENSA Credentialing

Evaluates and awards professional designations to individuals

Your programme must align to Behavioural Standards Framework; learners evaluated by COMENSA-trained evaluators

COMENSA RPL

Provides alternative access to designations for non-traditional learners

Must support RPL applicants with portfolio guidance

POPIA

Protects personal information of learners/members

Secure handling of learner data; register of complaints without privacy breaches

Final Checklist for Compliance

• Your programme aligns to COMENSA Behavioural Standards Framework

• For Gold/Silver: You have QC accreditation (CHE or QCTO) for ≥8 credits

• For Gold/Silver: You have two COMENSA-trained evaluators (credentialed members)

• You have CIPC business registration

• You can support RPL applicants with portfolio guidance

• Your data handling complies with POPIA

• You understand that COMENSA approval is valid for 3 years

• You know renewal requires re-evaluation at least 3 months before expiry

Here are the 50 most important things you must know to register your coach/mentor training programme with COMENSA, synthesised from all the policies and legislation above.

SAQA Professional Body Policy (10 key points)

1. SAQA’s mandate comes from the NQF Act (Act 67 of 2008) – Section 13(1)(i) specifically.

2. SAQA recognises professional bodies and registers their professional designations.

3. A profession is defined as a disciplined group adhering to ethical standards, with specialised skills and knowledge at a high level.

4. Professional bodies must have policies to develop, award, monitor, and revoke designations.

5. Professional bodies must have an RPL policy for members without formal qualifications.

6. Professional bodies must have a CPD policy and a register of complaints.

7. Initial recognition lasts 5 years, renewable for another 5 years.

8. SAQA charges a cost recovery fee per designated member on the NLRD.

9. Professional bodies cannot be accredited as education/training providers by a Quality Council.

10. SAQA can withdraw recognition if the body misrepresents its status or extends its scope of practice.

COMENSA Credentialing Policy (10 key points)

11. COMENSA is a SAQA‑recognised professional body for coaches and mentors.

12. Evaluators must hold a COMENSA registered designation and commit to the Code of Ethics.

13. Evaluators complete first‑time training and refresher training.

14. Evaluators can only assess at the same or lower level than their own credential.

15. Credentialing evaluation takes 7–10 working days; moderation takes 3–5 days.

16. Evaluator approval is valid for 3 calendar years.

17. Evaluators who decline three consecutive requests are removed from the list.

18. Members can appeal evaluation decisions to the MCSC committee.

19. Credentialing ensures alignment with the COMENSA Behavioural Standards Framework.

20. Gold/Silver approved programmes allow learners to waive first‑time credentialing evaluation and fee.

COMENSA RPL Policy (8 key points)

21. RPL provides an alternative route to a professional designation without the required underlying qualification.

22. RPL recognises learning equivalent to training hours – formal, informal, non‑formal, work, or life experience.

23. RPL matches skills to the COMENSA Behavioural Standards Framework.

24. Foreign qualifications must first be vetted and approved by SAQA before RPL can be considered.

25. COMENSA appoints trained RPL Evaluators from credentialed members.

26. An external moderator (non‑COMENSA member) quality assures RPL decisions.

27. No additional charge for RPL – it is integrated into the credentialing fee.

28. Applicants submit a Portfolio of Evidence demonstrating each element of the Behavioural Standards Framework.

South African Quality Council Accreditation Policies (8 key points)

29. South Africa has three Quality Councils: CHE (higher education), Umalusi (general & further education), QCTO (occupational qualifications).

30. For coach/mentor training, QCTO is most relevant (under the Skills Development Act).

31. QCTO accredits Skills Development Providers (SDPs) and assessment centres.

32. QCTO manages External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) and issues occupational certificates.

33. Gold Status requires Quality Council accreditation with at least 5 credits directly relevant to coaching/mentoring.

34. COMENSA is not a Quality Assurance body – it cannot accredit training providers.

35. QC accreditation assures national quality standards; COMENSA approval assures alignment to the profession’s competency framework.

36. Your business must be registered with CIPC before applying for QC accreditation.

Applicable Legislation (8 key points)

37. NQF Act (Act 67 of 2008) – creates three sub‑frameworks (HEQSF, GFETQSF, OQSF) and mandates SAQA’s role.

38. NQF objectives include: integrated framework, access/mobility, quality enhancement, redress of past discrimination.

39. POPIA (Act 4 of 2013) – protects personal information; you must handle learner data securely.

40. COMENSA cannot divulge candidate information to unauthorised third parties (POPIA requirement).

41. Register of complaints must be maintained without breaching privacy (POPIA + PAIA).

42. Constitution of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996) – underpins fairness, equality, and social accountability in professions.

43. PAJA (Promotion of Administrative Justice Act) ensures fair administrative action.

44. Redress is a key imperative – professions cannot apply unjust exclusionary practices.

Your Registration Process (10 key points)

45. Three programme categories: Gold, Silver, Bronze – choose based on your programme’s features.

46. Gold = QAC accreditation + 5 credits + two COMENSA‑trained evaluators + full Behavioural Standards alignment.

47. Silver = no accreditation required + two evaluators + relevant Behavioural Standards alignment.

48. Bronze = CPD only (workshops, resources) – no evaluators, no learner waiver.

49. Approval valid for 3 calendar years; re‑apply at least 3 months before expiry.

50. Costs (VAT incl.): first application R4,140; subsequent/re‑evaluation R2,875; evaluator training R2,990 first time / R736 refresher.

Quick Reference – Do You Need This?

If you want…

You need…

Gold Status

QC accreditation (≥5 credits) + 2 COMENSA evaluators + full Behavioural Standards

Silver Status

2 COMENSA evaluators + relevant Behavioural Standards (no QC accreditation)

Bronze Status

CPD content only (no evaluators, no waiver)

Learners to waive first‑time credentialing fee

Gold or Silver Status

Your programme to be nationally recognised

COMENSA approval + (for Gold) QC accreditation

Would you like a one‑page printable PDF of these 50 points, or the direct application link?

what 20 things must i know

Here are the 20 most critical things you must know to register your coach or mentor training programme with COMENSA.

The Essentials

1. You don’t need to be a COMENSA member – any training provider can apply.

2. Three categories exist – Gold, Silver, or Bronze. Choose based on your programme’s features.

3. Gold requires Quality Council accreditation with at least 5 credits directly relevant to coaching/mentoring.

4. Silver requires no accreditation – but must align to COMENSA’s Behavioural Standards Framework.

5. Bronze is for CPD only – workshops, resources, short events – not full coach training.

6. Gold and Silver require two COMENSA-trained evaluators who already hold a coach/mentor designation.

7. Gold and Silver allow learners to waive first-time credentialing evaluation and fees – Bronze does not.

8. Approval lasts 3 calendar years – then you must re-apply.

9. Apply for re-evaluation at least 3 months before expiry – don’t miss the deadline.

10. Apply online at https://www.comensa.org.za/training-provider-programme/

Costs You Must Pay

11. First application (any category) – R4,140 (VAT inclusive)

12. Second or subsequent application – R2,875

13. Re-evaluation (every 3 years) – R2,875

14. Evaluator training (first time) – R2,990 per person (Gold/Silver only)

15. Evaluator refresher training – R736 per person

Risks and Obligations

16. COMENSA can revoke your approval if your programme no longer meets the criteria – in writing.

17. You have 30 working days to appeal a revocation to the COMENSA Board.

18. The Board’s decision is final unless you take legal action at your own cost.

19. You must comply with South African laws – including NQF Act, POPIA (data privacy), and the Constitution (fairness, redress, non-discrimination).

20. You can market your approved programme on all digital and non-digital platforms – unless approval is revoked.

One‑Line Summary

Choose Gold/Silver/Bronze → pay R4,140 → (for Gold/Silver) train two evaluators → get 3-year approval → renew for R2,875 → comply with SA laws → market freely.

What is the QCTO process for accreditation as a coach training provider?

Here is the real QCTO accreditation process for becoming a Skills Development Provider (SDP) in South Africa (including for coaching / coach training providers).

I’ll break it into the exact sequence QCTO uses in practice, not the simplified marketing version most training companies give.

🧭 QCTO ACCREDITATION PROCESS (FOR COACH TRAINING PROVIDERS)

 First reality check

QCTO does NOT accredit “coach schools” as a category.

They accredit you as a:

Skills Development Provider (SDP)
for a specific occupational qualification or skills programme

So your coaching programme must be:

• mapped to an Occupational Qualification or Skills Programme

• aligned to the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework (OQSF)

 STEP-BY-STEP QCTO ACCREDITATION PROCESS

1. IDENTIFY OCCUPATIONAL QUALIFICATION / SKILLS PROGRAMME

Before you even apply, you must decide:

• Which registered occupational qualification you will offer
  (or)

• Which QCTO-registered skills programme you will deliver

For coaching, this usually means:

• Coaching / mentoring-related occupational qualifications (if registered)

• OR a SETA/QCTO skills programme mapped to coaching competencies

👉 Without this step, QCTO will reject the application immediately.

2. ESTABLISH YOUR LEGAL & TRAINING ENTITY

You must have:

• Registered legal entity (PTY / NPC / etc.)

• Tax compliance (SARS good standing)

• Physical training address

• Governance structure (often required for audit readiness)

• Basic quality management system (QMS)

QCTO checks if you can actually operate as a provider, not just a trainer.

3. DEVELOP YOUR IMPLEMENTATION READINESS PACK (IRP)

This is one of the MOST IMPORTANT parts.

You must prepare:

📦 Core documents:

• Curriculum implementation plan

• Learning material aligned to QCTO curriculum

• Assessment strategy

• Internal moderation system

• Learner support plan

• Workplace exposure plan (if required)

• Training methodology (contact, blended, distance, etc.)

📦 Coaching-specific requirement:

For coach training, you must show:

• competency-based delivery (not “self-development workshops”)

• structured coaching practice hours

• supervision model

4. SUBMIT LETTER OF INTENT (LOI) TO QCTO

You start by submitting a:

Letter of Intent for Accreditation

This tells QCTO:

• what qualification/programme you want to deliver

• where you will deliver it

• your organisational readiness

👉 Without LOI approval, you cannot proceed.

5. QCTO PRE-SCREENING / REFERRAL

QCTO will:

• review your submission

• check eligibility

• refer you to the relevant Assessment Quality Partner (AQP) or SETA partner (depending on qualification type)

If accepted → you get permission to proceed

If rejected → you must redesign your application

6. FORMAL APPLICATION FOR ACCREDITATION

You submit full accreditation application including:

• Organisational compliance documents

• IRP (Implementation Readiness Pack)

• Staff qualifications (facilitators, assessors, moderators)

• Proof of facilities (or online delivery systems)

• Policies (quality, assessment, appeals, complaints, etc.)

7. EVALUATION & SITE VISIT

QCTO assigns verifiers to:

• audit your documentation

• inspect your facilities (physical or virtual)

• verify staff competence

• check curriculum alignment

They look for:

• real training capability (not just paperwork)

• compliance with OQSF requirements

• delivery readiness

8. CORRECTIONS / NON-CONFORMITIES (VERY COMMON STEP)

If gaps are found:

You will receive:

• Non-conformance report (NCR)

You must:

• fix issues

• resubmit evidence

• sometimes undergo re-inspection

9. ACCREDITATION DECISION

If successful:

You are accredited as:

QCTO-accredited Skills Development Provider

for specific qualifications/programmes only.

Accreditation is typically:

• valid for 5 years

• subject to ongoing compliance

10. REGISTRATION ON QCTO DATABASE

Once approved:

• You are added to the official SDP database

• You can now legally deliver the qualification/programme

• You can register learners for EISA (external assessment)

11. ONGOING COMPLIANCE (CRITICAL)

After accreditation, QCTO expects:

• learner records

• assessment moderation

• quality audits

• external integrated summative assessment (EISA) compliance

• continuous reporting

Failure = de-accreditation risk

 WHAT THIS MEANS SPECIFICALLY FOR COACH TRAINING PROVIDERS

If you're building a coaching school, QCTO will NOT accept:

❌ “Life coaching programmes”
❌ “Transformation coaching workshops”
❌ “Motivational training without assessment structure”

They WILL only accept:

✔ Competency-based occupational coaching programmes
✔ Structured assessment + evidence portfolios
✔ Workplace/practice coaching hours
✔ Moderated evaluation systems

 SIMPLE FLOW SUMMARY

Define occupational qualification/programme

           ↓

Register legal training entity

           ↓

Build implementation readiness pack

           ↓

Submit Letter of Intent (LOI)

           ↓

QCTO screening + referral

           ↓

Full accreditation application

           ↓

Site visit + evaluation

           ↓

Fix gaps (if needed)

           ↓

Final accreditation decision

           ↓

Registration as accredited SDP

 BIG REALITY (MOST PEOPLE MISS THIS)

QCTO accreditation is NOT:

• a quick approval process

• a coaching certification body approval

• a business license

It is:

a government occupational training compliance system

That means the hardest part is not application — it is:

👉 aligning your coaching programme to a registered occupational structure

Next:

•  “How to convert a coaching program into a QCTO-compliant occupational curriculum”

•  “What exact documents QCTO auditors fail providers on most often”

•  “How COMENSA Gold + QCTO overlap in practice for coach schools”

Here is the correct, current QCTO requirement framework for becoming a Skills Development Provider (SDP) in South Africa, specifically for coach training / occupational learning programmes.

I’ll keep this precise and aligned to what QCTO actually audits against (not industry interpretation).

 QCTO REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME AN SDP (COACH TRAINING PROVIDER)

QCTO accreditation is based on two pillars:

1. Institutional compliance

2. Programme delivery readiness

Both must be satisfied before accreditation is granted.

 1. INSTITUTIONAL COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

This is “can your organisation legally and operationally function as a training provider?”

 1.1 Legal entity registration

You must be:

• Registered as a juristic person in South Africa

  • Pty (Ltd), NPC, NGO, etc.

• In good legal standing

 1.2 Tax compliance

• Valid SARS tax clearance / tax compliance status

 1.3 Financial sustainability

You must prove you can operate for the accreditation period:

• Audited financial statements OR

• Business plan + financial projections OR

• Proof of funding/surety

QCTO checks that you won’t collapse mid-accreditation cycle.

 1.4 Governance & policies

You must have written, operational policies including:

• Learner code of conduct

• Appeals policy

• Complaints procedure

• Quality management system (QMS)

• Record keeping system

 1.5 Health & safety compliance (if physical training site)

• OHS compliance certificate (if applicable)

 1.6 Human resources capability

You must show you have qualified staff:

• Facilitators (coaching trainers)

• Assessors

• Moderators (internal/external depending on programme)

Evidence required:

• CVs

• Qualifications

• Coaching experience proof

 1.7 Physical or digital delivery infrastructure

You must demonstrate you can actually deliver training:

• Training venue OR LMS platform

• Learner support system

• Assessment systems

• Data storage / record management

 2. PROGRAMME DELIVERY READINESS (CRITICAL FOR COACH TRAINING)

This is where most “coach schools” fail QCTO accreditation.

You must prove your programme is occupationally valid, not motivational or generic coaching content.

 2.1 Linked to an occupational qualification or skills programme

You MUST deliver one of the following:

• Registered Occupational Qualification

• Registered Skills Programme

• Historically registered qualification (legacy system)

👉 Coaching programmes must be mapped to:

• occupational coaching / mentoring competencies (not life coaching branding)

 2.2 Curriculum aligned to QCTO structure

Your coaching programme must include:

• Knowledge modules (theory)

• Practical modules (skills demonstration)

• Workplace / simulated application

QCTO requires competency-based design, not attendance-based training.

 2.3 Formative & summative assessment system

You must show:

• Structured assessments per module

• Evidence collection methods

• Standardised marking guides

• Competency sign-off process

 2.4 Internal moderation system

At minimum:

• Moderation of assessments (typically 25% or more sampling expectation depending on structure)

• Quality assurance oversight

 2.5 External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) readiness

You must:

• Register learners for EISA via QCTO/AQP system

• Align programme to external assessment requirements

• Ensure learners meet occupational exit-level outcomes

 2.6 Learner evidence system (Portfolio of Evidence – PoE)

For coaching programmes, this is essential:

• coaching session logs

• recorded coaching sessions

• reflection journals

• client case studies

• supervisor feedback

 2.7 Workplace or simulated coaching practice

You must prove learners actually coach:

• real clients OR

• simulated coaching environments

Without this → QCTO will reject immediately.

 3. QCTO EVALUATION PROCESS REQUIREMENTS

Once you apply:

Step sequence:

1. Application submission (online)

2. Document verification

3. Referral to Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)

4. Site visit / audit

5. Verification of systems & staff

6. Recommendation to QCTO

7. Final approval decision

 4. MINIMUM “REALITY TEST” FOR COACH TRAINING SDPs

QCTO will only approve you if you can prove:

✔ You are NOT a workshop provider

You must be a structured occupational training provider.

✔ You can assess competence

Not just teach coaching theory.

✔ You can track evidence over time

Not one-off training events.

✔ Your programme produces occupational competence

Not “personal development outcomes”.

 COMMON REASONS COACH TRAINING PROVIDERS FAIL

QCTO typically rejects applications for:

• Life coaching or NLP-style programmes

• No occupational qualification mapping

• No structured assessment system

• No PoE (portfolio of evidence)

• No workplace practice component

• Weak governance structures

• Missing moderation systems

 SIMPLE SUMMARY

To become a QCTO-accredited SDP for coach training, you need:

A legally registered, financially stable training organisation with qualified facilitators, delivering an occupationally aligned coaching programme that includes structured curriculum, assessments, moderation, workplace practice, and portfolio-based evidence — all mapped to QCTO occupational standards and verified through AQP/QCTO evaluation.