082 776 8560

How to get QCTO accredited (checklist)

Getting accredited with the QCTO opens the door to recognised, credit-bearing, legal compliance training. But the requirements can be confusing. This checklist simplifies the essentials, from business registration and a compliant QMS to qualified staff, venues, and equipment, helping South African training providers understand exactly what’s needed.

QCTO Accreditation Requirements in South Africa

 

Getting accredited as a training provider with the QCTO unlocks the ability to offer recognised, credit-bearing programmes. But the requirements can feel overwhelming. 

See requirements below, or take the QCTO accreditation quiz.

 

1. A Registered Business

You must have a South African company registered with CIPC, in good standing with SARS, and operating a business bank account in the same name.

 

2. A Compliant QMS

The Quality Management System (QMS) is central to your application. It captures your policies, procedures, and forms. Essentially your business on paper. The Lime Green QMS is fully plug-and-play and has passed countless audits with QCTO, SETAs, DEL, and others.

 

3. Published Curriculum

You can only be accredited to train against a curriculum published on the QCTO website. Your application must match the requirements of that course.

 

4. Learning Material

Your learning material must align with the curriculum outcomes (knowledge, practical, workplace). It should generate a portfolio of evidence (POE) showing learners have achieved competence. Poor or outdated material is one of the most common reasons providers struggle. Lime Green’s material is accurate, current, and classroom-ready.

 

5. Qualified Facilitator 

You need agreements in place with an adequately qualified facilitator  for each course. These can be ad-hoc or no-obligation agreements to meet compliance for the application stage.

 

6. Training Venue & OHS Report

You must show access to a safe, compliant training environment. This could be your own venue or a rented space with a valid OHS site safety report from a competent practitioner. Ad-hoc rental is fine.

 

7. Equipment

Each curriculum specifies the equipment required. For example, first aid needs CPR manikins; lifting training requires access to lifting machinery. You must show you have the right tools in place.

 

8. Other Requirements & Costs

  1. QCTO fees: No application fee at present (may change).

  2. Consultants: If used, they will charge.

  3. Venue: Hire costs for training and QCTO site visit.

  4. OHS: Safety report by an OHS professional may be required.

  5. Trainers: Possible signing/linkage fee plus possible interview fee at site visit.

  6. Other: Equipment purchases or professional body memberships if required by the curriculum.

👉 Ready? Start here.

👉 Take the QCTO accreditation quiz.

 

Graphic for this article

 

QCTO Accreditation Requirements: Complete Checklist