QCTO Venue Limitation: Two SDPs Per Training Site?
QCTO intends to limit each physical training address to two SDPs. But when this
September 14, 2026
Knowledge Hub
Stay up to date with QCTO accreditation matters, search over 100 articles for the info you need
Private SDPs Are Organising Themselves – Are You on a Provincial Forum?
Private SDPs are organising through provincial forums across South Africa. Here’s why these groups
August 26, 2026
Are You Letting This Silent Killer Into Your Training Business?
Something may be quietly undermining your training business. Fair warning: this article is deliberately
August 21, 2026
QCTO & SAQA Webinar on Transitional Arrangements (Video)
Watch the full QCTO and SAQA webinar on transitional arrangements covering unit standards, qualifications,
July 1, 2026
Can You Get the QCTO to Develop a Curriculum You Need?
QCTO curriculum development is possible when industry needs a new programme. Learn how SETAs,
June 18, 2026
Download the List of Qualifications Extended Past 30 June 2026
Download the official list of qualifications extended past 30 June 2026. See which qualifications
June 18, 2026
Who Should Complete QCTO Form 5? The Applicant or the Verifier?
The QCTO Road to Success guide distinguishes between preparing evidence and verifying evidence. This
June 11, 2026
Unit Standard Expiry 2026: My Advice to Training Providers Remains the Same
As the 30 June 2026 unit standard expiry deadline approaches, training providers face the
May 15, 2026
Can You Offer Individual Curriculum Components From a QCTO Qualification?
Can a training provider offer embedded curriculum components from a QCTO qualification as standalone
May 15, 2026
QCTO Statement of Results vs SETA Statement of Results: Understanding the Difference
The meaning of a Statement of Results changed significantly under the QCTO system. Learn
May 15, 2026
QCTO Accreditation: Improving Quality or Increasing Paperwork?
Is QCTO accreditation genuinely improving training quality, or are training providers being overwhelmed by
May 7, 2026
What is a QCTO FISA? Explanation, Generator Demo and Compliance Tips
The Lime Green FISA Generator creates unique, curriculum-aligned QCTO FISAs and matching rubrics in
April 22, 2026
QCTO Accreditation Address Confusion: CIPC vs Training Venue
If you’re unsure whether to use your CIPC address or training venue for QCTO
April 21, 2026
QCTO assessment department FISA compliance trap
QCTO expects pre-approved FISAs and a unique test for every cohort, yet does not
April 9, 2026
QCTO Accountability and Customer Service: A Practical Discussion
A real case study shows how gaps between policy, practice, and communication at QCTO
April 9, 2026
QCTO Rules for Training Venues | Complete Guide for SDPs
QCTO training venue rules can be confusing, especially if you do eLearning, mobile training,
January 21, 2026
Lime Green QCTO-aligned learning material terms of use (Updated)
I’ve published a 10-point Learning Material Terms of Use. Not to restrict good training, but
January 20, 2026
Missed the QCTO Private SDP engagements? We’ve got you
If you weren’t able to attend the QCTO Private SDP Stakeholder Engagements, this article
November 12, 2025
11 New QCTO OHS Skills Programs are Finally Live!
Eleven QCTO Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Skills Programs are now live as of
November 4, 2025
First new QCTO OHS progam goes active 24 Oct. Developing situation…
Update these programs are already live 👉 Learning material for many of these programs
October 24, 2025
What a Consultant Managed QCTO Application Looks Like
A consultant managed QCTO application should be structured and always moving forward with clear
September 18, 2025
QCTO accreditation quiz
QCTO Accreditation Quiz Getting accredited with the QCTO opens the door to offering recognised,
September 8, 2025
Protected: Client zone: QCTO Accreditation step by step
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
September 5, 2025
Do you need a LMIS for QCTO accreditation?
Yes, you need a LMIS but the exact type you need depends… If you
September 5, 2025
Guide for the newly QCTO accredited
This page directs you to the guides you need as a newly accredited provider.
September 1, 2025
QCTO policy on the use of consultants (legal clarity)
Getting accredited with the QCTO opens the door to recognised, credit-bearing, legal compliance training. But
August 28, 2025
Facilitator or assessor registration with QCTO (do you need to?)
When moving from the old SETA system to the QCTO model, one of the
August 28, 2025
Training at clients (QCTO accredited mobile units)
The QCTO’s Road to Success guide and Form 5 evaluation tool allow for “mobile
August 28, 2025
QCTO certificates (who can issue them)
Only the QCTO can issue official QCTO certificates of competence. This article explains why
August 28, 2025
QCTO-accredited training explained
QCTO-accredited training is structured, quality-assured, and leads to certificates with permanent and recognised NQF
August 28, 2025
How to select a competent QCTO accreditation consultant
If you decide to use a consultant for your QCTO application, make sure you
August 27, 2025
The QCTO-Ready QMS for Training Providers (what’s inside?)
Lime Green’s plug-and-play Quality Management System (QMS) is built for South African training providers
August 27, 2025
How to get QCTO accredited (checklist)
Getting accredited with the QCTO opens the door to recognised, credit-bearing, legal compliance training. But
August 26, 2025
How to do your own QCTO accreditation (Video Series)
How to do your own QCTO accreditation application, start to finish  A complete
August 26, 2025
QCTO Fire Skills Program: Session with LGSETA 12 Aug
QCTO accreditation for new OHS Skills Programs is coming soon, but they’re not live yet. While their launch is imminent, paying upfront for accreditation or material now is premature and carries risk.
July 23, 2025
Video update after meeting with HWSETA re QCTO OHS programs
QCTO accreditation for new OHS Skills Programs is coming soon, but they’re not live yet. While their launch is imminent, paying upfront for accreditation or material now is premature and carries risk.
July 10, 2025
Warning against paying for QCTO accreditation on SP’s that are not live yet
QCTO accreditation for new OHS Skills Programs is coming soon, but they’re not live yet. While their launch is imminent, paying upfront for accreditation or material now is premature and carries risk.
July 8, 2025
Meeting set with HWSETA about the new QCTO OHS skills programs: 10 July
Meeting being booked so HWSETA can update the public about the pending QCTO OHS programs still being established.
July 4, 2025
Status of the QCTO audio screening skills program
A QCTO-aligned Occupational Skills Program: Occupational Audiometric Screener is under development at HWSETA.
June 26, 2025
Update: Coming QCTO OHS Skills Programs
The five new QCTO skills programs in OHS closer to completion than the rest
June 13, 2025
New QCTO vision screener skills program does not see light of day (HPCSA)
At the Tenth (10th) Ordinary Meeting of the PBODO ETRC it was discussed with HPCSA…
June 6, 2025
Is learning material on this website really pre-approved?
Can learning material be pre-approved? Yes! here is how.
June 4, 2025
A look at the learning material for QCTO First Aid
A look at top notch first aid learning material by Lime Green. Download and view samples, read more, and find out what’s in the box.
May 26, 2025
A list of QCTO accredited SDPs for OHS and first aid training
Lime Green supports training businesses and provides the products and services they need,
May 8, 2025
Dispelling this week’s misinformation about first aid (Updated)
Dispelling this week’s misinformation about QCTO first aid
April 10, 2025
April update on QCTO implementing accreditation fees (fees on hold)
QCTO fees were due to start 1 April (the date of this article). No media was released, so I contacted them for info and got a clear answer. I’ve also included some reasons why these fees should never be implemented.
April 1, 2025
Why QCTO has not yet started on creating a fire skills program
It is hard to talk about workplace OHS without talking about fire.
February 24, 2025
Quick (and tiny) update on QCTO OHS programs
Short update on the establishement and development of QCTO OHS programs.
February 24, 2025
Private SDPs to pay for QCTOs favouritism of govt TVETS and FETs
QCTO reveals that they will be spending private training providers’ and entrepreneurs’ accreditation tariffs on their govt run TVETs and FETs.
February 7, 2025
Why certifying original documents actually invalidates them
Why certifying a physical document and then scanning it, or e-stamping a digital document after it was issued, actually invalidates the document instead of proving its authenticity.
February 3, 2025
QCTO tariffs start on April first (not a prank)
QCTO starts charging accreditation tariffs from 1 April (not an April fool prank)
January 27, 2025
QCTO to start charging SDPs accreditation tariffs
QCTO have released a document indicating they will start charging accreditation tariffs. Hopefully these tariffs will go toward improving QCTO’s services of private SDP’s and not just enhance their existing favouritism govt TVETs and FETs over private.
January 23, 2025
Stats SA area codes
Download this career progression document for first aid training. It covers QCTO first aid level 1,2,3 and the progression to HPCSA endorsed courses, and more…
December 11, 2024
QCTO first aid career pathway and progression
Download this career progression document for first aid training. It covers QCTO first aid level 1,2,3 and the progression to HPCSA endorsed courses, and more…
November 7, 2024
HWSETA & QCTO First aid letter of review regarding HPCSA commentry
This is about the current versions of the QCTO basic, intermediate, and advanced curricula, and how they will be affected by the commentary made by HPCSA (and other stakeholders).
October 30, 2024
QCTO OHS curricula open for comment until end Nov
These are the new QCTO OHS curricula in draft copy that are open for public comment until end Nov 2024
October 30, 2024
October update first aid, OHS, fire, heights, forklift
This update is very short one hoping to give some idea of where your program is. For each one I take a look at the QCTO version, and the SETA version. I aim to give just objective information rather than any opinion or forecast.
October 14, 2024
QCTO first aid SP230801, 230802, 230803 name change matter, update
In April 2024 HPCSA sent a letter to QCTO about the three first aid skills programs. Since then many new providers have applied for and become QCTO accredited for first aid. There has been some development on this matter.
October 2, 2024
Why do Batho Pele principles matter?
Batho Pele matters because the author of the white paper sees citizens – in a way – as the ‘customers’ of the government’s public services departments. It sympathises with the person making use of government departments because they cannot ‘take their business elsewhere’.
September 7, 2024
Spring update about QCTO first aid
This relates to previous articles reagrding QCTO first aid and the name changes that HPCSA and NDOH suggested; a change that would lead to QCTO forcing all first aid accredited providers into a re-application process.
September 2, 2024
Protected: How to register a temporary training venue with QCTO
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
August 15, 2024
Download the current versions of the new QCTO OHS skills programs
Download and view current versions of the QCTO OHS skills programs that are under development and open for public comment.
August 14, 2024
HPCSA / QCTO first aid name change debacle: is no news good news?
Some time has passed and there has been no news or action on the QCTO first aid skills program name changes. Is no news good news?
August 14, 2024
Some unit standards get a new last date for enrolment, but are SETA’s taking SDP applications?
Some unit standards have had their last date for enrolment extended on the SAQA website. But do these concessions mean the “doors are open” for providers to apply again?
August 13, 2024
Still trying to prevent the QCTO first aid SDP ‘cattle call’
Trying to avoid the ‘cattle call’ that will happen if QCTO and HWSETA change the QCTO first aid skills program titles and then require all first aid training SDPs to re-apply. Unless things change, that is where this is heading.
July 25, 2024
Qualifications get all the attention and unit standards don’t
To actually extend a unit standard or qualification three parties need to agree. SAQA, QCTO, and the SETA under that course’s SIC code. As things stand, qualifications are getting all the attention and the unit standards are getting none Are you complaining enough? And can you help capture a unicorn?
July 9, 2024
Suspending services that involve 3rd party learning material
Suspending use of 3rd party learning material in application so that outcomes can be guaranteed.
July 4, 2024
Have SETA’s made any concessions for program extensions?
Mostly rumours, but one written memo from a SETA about extending their ability to train fire or OHS. Please continue to be careful about rumours, but here is info I have currently. Is anyone at all still going to be able to train unit standards in fire and OHS moving forward (after 1 July 2024). The answer seems to be “yes, BUT…”.
July 2, 2024
Rumours abound (be very careful)
What do ETQA managers say? How far are the much needed QCTO OHS and Fire programs? Should I buy unit standard aligned learning material?
July 1, 2024
June 2024 touching base with you about first aid training in South Africa
The message here is that if you are training short courses in first aid for legal compliance, you should still go with the QCTO programs that are available, being SP230801, 230802, 230803. Do this until there is a clear new path.
June 20, 2024
HPCSA & QCTO flag all three QCTO first aid programs because of the word “emergency”
HPCSA say they will not move on the matter of the removal of the word “emergency” from the title of all three first aid programs. And QCTO say they will not move on changing the skills program ID’s if the titles must change. If the skills program ID’s change SDP’s must apply for them as if they are new programs.
June 19, 2024
Protected: GUIDE: Operational guidance for the newly QCTO accredited
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
June 8, 2024
Protected: GUIDE: Submitting learner enrolment and results to QCTO
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
June 7, 2024
A list of qualifications that are being extended past 30th June 2024
QCTO have released documents describing and naming the qualifications that will be extended. Please note there are no unit standards named, only qualifications. The extension is for two years maximum.
June 5, 2024
3 June 2024 directive by Dr Nzimande re unit standard expiry and renewal
I explore this 3rd June Gazette no. 50742. Will unit standards be extended? The short answer? There are no blanket extensions. It is on a case by case basis. There are conditions…
June 3, 2024
Why did HPCSA discontinue BAA and AEA?
The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) made the decision to stop offering their Ambulance Emergency Assistant (AEA) and Basic Ambulance Assistant (BAA) courses. This article takes a look at that.
May 31, 2024
QCTO 27th May meeting to hear complaint about first aid curricula
There have been quite a few articles about this in general, but please note, as things stand, still none of the three QCTO curriculums are under review by HWSETA and QCTO. Not the basic, intermediate, or advanced. Skills programs SP230801, 230802, or 230803. None of them are ‘frozen’ and training providers are actively applying for them and training them on a daily basis. And can continue to do so.
May 30, 2024
HPCSA meeting 21 May with QCTO etc (post meeting update)
This is a quick update on the meeting that occurred on 21 May 2024. It was with HPCSA emergency care and education board members, members of the (non-QCTO) focus group that developed the QCTO curriculum, Ben van As the HWSETA curriculum developer, and the QCTO. The meeting is about the QCTO advanced first aid curriculum (SP230801).
May 21, 2024
What percentage of QCTO skills program assessments must be moderated?
QCTO’s policy on moderation of assessments for skills programs is not prescriptive. It is unclear how many of your learners you must moderate as a skills development provider. I recommend 5% – 10%. This article explores why.
May 15, 2024
May 2024 update on QCTO OHS and fire skills programs
May update on the progress QCTO is making replacing SETA unit standards with QCTO skills programs
May 8, 2024
Are 756 OHS programs being replaced with less than twenty?
Is QCTO developing less than 20 OHS programs to replace the 756 OHS programs HWSETA had?
May 8, 2024
Being productive in the unit standard to QCTO chaos
Some basic advice on how to be productive while the chaos of unit standard to QCTO skills program change takes place.
May 7, 2024
Are the QCTO first aid curriculums under review?
Are the QCTO first aid curriculums under review? The short answer is no. This article aims to demystify what was intentionally mystified.
April 24, 2024
HPCSA letter to QCTO about advanced first aid
An update on the progress the QCTO (and related SETA’s / QAP’s) are making in establishing OHS & fire programs to replace unit standards.
April 10, 2024
March 2024 update on QCTO skills programs
An update on the progress the QCTO (and related SETA’s / QAP’s) are making in establishing OHS & fire programs to replace unit standards.
March 6, 2024
Discussion around letter Intra wrote
How QCTO applications are managed: The training provider, the QCTO, and any assistance from consultancies and how it works.
February 28, 2024
Management of QCTO applications
How QCTO applications are managed: The training provider, the QCTO, and any assistance from consultancies and how it works.
February 6, 2024
Turnaround time for QCTO applications
The phases and times taken to complete a QCTO application from start (initial application) to finish (receiving certificate)
February 6, 2024
QCTO letter to DEL about regulated training
Exploring the letter written by the QCTO, addressing DEL, and discussing the ‘onus’ of regulated training courses and licenses
January 24, 2024
Update on QCTO OHS and fire skills programs
An update on the progress the QCTO (and related SETA’s / QAP’s) are making in establishing OHS & fire programs to replace unit standards.
January 24, 2024
Spring 2023 arrival of the QCTO first aid skills programs
It is here. My office has been working on this for just under a
September 29, 2023
Do I need learning material to get QCTO accredited?
Every application for accreditation with the QCTO (and other bodies) requires that you have
September 15, 2023
Update on QCTO programs to replace unit standards
This is a developing situation, this article aims to answer some common questions that
August 10, 2023
QUICK Q&A on SETA to QCTO changeover
This is a developing situation, this article aims to answer some common questions that
May 17, 2023
Has QCTO seen the light re unit standard deregistration deadline?
Thankfully QCTO’s Mr Thomas Lata has come to the sane and logical conclusion that
November 11, 2022
What are DEL and QCTO saying about SETA unit standards?
This article relates to the article about what to do about the unit standard-based
October 31, 2022
What to do about unit standard-based training expiring end June 2023
This article follows this one about the upcoming proposed 2023 deregistration of SETA unit
October 31, 2022
Intended deregistration of SETA unit standards
Regarding changes to the landscape of training for first aid, fire, OHS and others
October 25, 2022
High quality QCTO and SETA accredited learning material
These are our beliefs and values for learning material we develop and sell. 1.
March 16, 2022
Does first aid level 1,2,3 still exist?
At time of writing (early 2022) most training organisations have become familiar with the
February 3, 2022
Basic assessor / facilitator requirements
Please note: This article has been adapted to explain the QCTO requirement for trainers
July 28, 2021
Terms and conditions for accreditation
This relates to applications undertaken on a flat or fixed rate. IN SHORT Terms
July 13, 2021
Do I need to submit a PAIA manual to the SAHRC?
Opinion article written 23rd June 2021: 1. How do I compile a manual for
June 23, 2021
Do I need to send a letter of intent to the QCTO before applying with a SETA?
This question comes up quite often. A training organisation who wants to become accredited
April 21, 2021
What’s up with Dept of Labour first aid now?
An opinion on changes in DEL First Aid training. I have received so many
March 30, 2021
March 8, 2021
Why do learners want accredited training?
Employers want to hire people who are competent. If you complete a course and
February 26, 2021
QCTO Occupational Audiometric Screener in Development at HWSETA
A QCTO-aligned Occupational Skills Program: Occupational Audiometric Screener is under development at HWSETA in response to NIHL regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The Department of Employment and Labour requires such a program to be registered. Draft curriculum available for download.
February 9, 2021