SDP for QCTO

Here’s a detailed overview of how to register as a Skills Development Provider (SDP) with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) in South Africa — the process, criteria, key requirements, timelines and tips. I can also pull together a simple checklist/template if you like.

1. What is this about

If you want your institution to deliver occupational qualifications/part‐qualifications/skills programmes that fall under the Occupational Qualifications Sub­Framework (OQSF), you must apply to become accredited as a Skills Development Provider (SDP) with QCTO. qcto.org.za+2qcto.org.za+2
Without this accreditation you cannot legally offer those qualifications. trainyoucan.co.za+1

2. Key criteria you must meet

In short: you will need to show institutional compliance and delivery readiness. The major criteria (from QCTO’s “Criteria & Guidelines on Accreditation of SDPs”) include:

A. Institutional compliance:

• Be a legal entity (established under South African law) at the time of applying. qcto.org.za+1
  
  

• Have proof of registration (e.g., CIPC certificate) or proof of establishment. qcto.org.za+1
  
  

• Valid Tax Compliance Status (TCS) if applicable. qcto.org.za
  
  

• Financial sustainability: audited financials if operating >1 year; business plan if <1 year. qcto.org.za+1
  
  

• Occupational Health & Safety certificate if applicable. qcto.org.za
  
  

• Provide evidence of qualified human resources: CVs and certified copies of the qualifications of facilitators/assessors. qcto.org.za
  
  

• Have policies such as learner appeals, code of conduct etc. qcto.org.za
  
  

• Physical address in South Africa (for accreditation) even if delivery is virtual. qcto.org.za
  
  

B. Programme delivery readiness:

• You must show that you have capacity to deliver the qualification/programme you’re applying for: infrastructure, facilities, equipment, learning materials aligned with the curriculum. qcto.org.za+1
  
  

• QCTO conducts a site visit (unless certain extensions). eohcb+1
  
  

• Application must include details such as facilitators’ qualifications, learning materials, implementation plan etc. qcto.org.za
  
  

3. The Application Process – Step by Step

Here is a typical flow of how to apply:

1. Prepare your institution – Ensure you meet the institutional compliance criteria listed above.
   
   

2. Download / access the application form – Via QCTO’s website: under “For Skills Development Providers” > Accreditation. qcto.org.za+1
   
   

3. Submit the online application – The applicant completes the online form. qcto.org.za+1
   
   

4. Upload required documentation – After submission you will receive (within a month) a link to upload your compliance documents. qcto.org.za
   
   

5. Desktop evaluation (Phase 1) – QCTO reviews your documentation (legal entity, tax, CVs, etc). qcto.org.za+1
   
   

6. Site visit (Phase 2) / Programme delivery readiness check – QCTO (or its appointed evaluators) visits your site to check infrastructure, readiness. eohcb+1
   
   

7. Accreditation decision issued – If everything is compliant, you receive an accreditation letter. It is valid for 5 years. qcto.org.za+1
   
   

8. Once accredited – You can begin delivering the qualification/programme. You are required to enrol learners, report to QCTO, maintain policies, etc. qcto.org.za+1
   
   

4. Fees and Timelines

• There is a non-refundable application fee (for example: R750 in one document). qcto.org.za
  
  

• There may be additional desktop evaluation fees, depending on the type of qualification. qcto.org.za
  
  

• Typical turnaround: for occupational qualifications ~90 working days, for some part‐qualifications ~40 working days (once documentation is complete) according to policy. trainyoucan.co.za
  
  

5. Important Considerations & Tips

• Do not advertise or start offering the qualification before you are accredited. qcto.org.za+1
  
  

• If you change your physical site/address, you must apply for a new accreditation (or amendment) and a site visit will be needed. qcto.org.za
  
  

• Maintain annual reporting and monitoring; the accreditation can be withdrawn if you fail to perform. qcto.org.za
  
  

• Ensure your learners are properly enrolled with QCTO and you submit enrolment details within required timeframes. E.g., within 21 days of training start date for some programmes. qcto.org.za+1
  
  

• Align your learning materials and delivery to the specific curriculum document – QCTO emphasises that SDPs must have comprehensive materials aligned. qcto.org.za
  
  

6. South African context / Local relevance

Since you are in South Africa (Johannesburg), note:

• You must be a registered South African entity (CIPC registration etc).
  
  

• The accreditation is for a physical address in South Africa.
  
  

• Learner enrolment, external assessment (EISA), certification etc are all managed via QCTO for OQSF qualifications.
  
  

• These qualifications are increasingly the “future” of skills development in SA (rather than the legacy SETA/unit standard system).