Higher Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner

Programme overview

A Higher Occupational Certificate for people who advise and facilitate health and safety in the workplace: inspections, incident investigation and operational OHS management systems.

Who should enrol

• Safety officers and SHE representatives moving into practitioner roles
• Supervisors responsible for health and safety
• Holders of the NQF 4 OHS Officer qualification

Programme purpose

The qualification prepares learners to work as Occupational Health and Safety Practitioners who advise and facilitate health and safety matters for employees and management, including workplace inspections, incident investigation and maintaining OHS management systems, and supports progression toward managerial OHS roles.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this programme, you should be able to:

1. Facilitate and support actions to eliminate or control hazards to mitigate risks in a designated work area.
2. Plan the implementation of operational OHS management systems.
3. Monitor and continually improve the effectiveness of operational OHS management systems.
4. Promote a culture of OHS within the organisation.
5. Facilitate the integration of OHS reporting into overall organisational reporting systems and processes.
6. Communicate with external stakeholders and regulators relevant to OHS management.

Modules and Curriculum Structure

Knowledge modules (34 credits)

Practical skill modules (48 credits)

Work experience modules (38 credits)

Module titles and credits are taken from the SAQA record. Detailed topic elements are in the QCTO curriculum document and are available on request.

Entry requirements

• National Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Officer (NQF Level 4)
• Access is also possible through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

NQF level and credits

NQF Level 5, 120 credits

Duration and study mode

Duration: 2 years (provider-stated)

Study mode: To be confirmed. Please contact us.

Practical learning and assessment

48 credits of practical skill modules and 38 credits of workplace experience. A signed Statement of Work Experience is required for the external assessment.

Assessment

• Internal (formative) assessment by the skills development provider.
• External Integrated Summative Assessment through the QCTO Assessment Quality Partner (HWSETA): written assessment and evaluation of practical tasks at an approved site, by a panel of assessors, within one day.

Accreditation and endorsement

QCTO accreditation 05-QCTO/SDP270126142548, valid 16 January 2026 to 15 January 2031.

Certification

Certificated by the QCTO after successful external assessment.

Career opportunities and progression

• Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner (OFO 226302)
• Progression: Diploma in Safety Management (NQF 6)

Fees and intake dates

To be confirmed. Please contact us. Ask about fees and the next intake.

Frequently asked questions