Purpose of the Qualification
The purpose of this qualification is to provide the required knowledge, practical skills and workplace-based experience to prepare a learner to operate as a Social Counselling Worker. A Social Counselling Worker provides supportive counselling services to individuals, families, groups and/or communities within various contexts. Qualifying learners will be able to:
- Screen and/or assess well-being in supportive counselling services.
- Facilitate appropriate interventions based on various clients' needs.
- Compile client intervention plan.
- Apply appropriate referral procedures as per organisational processes and procedures.
Rationale
The counselling qualifications, Further Education and Training Qualification and the Certificate for Counselling, currently registered are required to be realigned to the occupationally based qualifications of the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). This requirement prompted industry stakeholders, in collaboration with the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) to initiate a process of realigning the registered counselling qualifications to the QCTO model. In addition to this, it was found that the two registered qualifications were not fit for purpose. The training currently offered to 'Lay Counsellors' is diverse and not standardised.
This qualification is aimed at formalising the standard of training offered to individuals who offer supportive counselling in various contexts The realignment process is aimed at addressing the need for counsellors. Currently there are individuals who operate as 'Lay Counsellors' who often work in a variety of contexts in environments where mental health professionals such as psychologists and social workers are not necessarily accessible to the majority of the population.
This qualification is aimed at both new entrants as well as learners who are already working in welfare environments, which include but are not limited to, educational facilities, faith communities, health communities, the criminal justice system, as well as the youth and the elderly. The qualification will provide learners with knowledge and skills that will enable them to apply counselling techniques to facilitate and enhance client well-being.
The qualification offers a variety of learning pathways in areas such as public health and wellbeing, social work, community work, religious communities, nursing and emergency care. Learners who successfully complete the qualification may take up more responsibilities as supervisors and/or managers in areas specific to their own areas of practice or pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.
Learners who have gained knowledge and skills through experience will be assessed through the process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in order to recognise their competencies.
It is recommended that qualified learners should register with South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) recognised Statutory and/or Professional Bodies upon completion of the qualification. This qualification will benefit learners to access employment opportunities. Society in general will benefit from the qualification because they will be served by qualified Social Counselling Workers.
Note: The above qualification information is taken from the SAQA Doc ID 111142.
Curriculum
Compulsory knowledge, practical skill and work experience modules · 143 credits in total.
KKnowledge Modules3 modules30 credits
| Code | Module | NQF | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| KM-01 | Fundamentals of Screening and/or Assessment within the Scope of Counselling | Level 4 | 5 |
| KM-02 | Counselling Skills | Level 5 | 15 |
| KM-03 | Professionalism and Ethical Compliance applicable to Counselling | Level 4 | 10 |
PPractical Skill Modules4 modules48 credits
| Code | Module | NQF | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM-01 | Compile the Client Profile | Level 5 | 15 |
| PM-02 | Facilitate appropriate Interventions | Level 5 | 15 |
| PM-03 | Apply Basic Counselling Skills in a Problem Saturated Situation | Level 4 | 10 |
| PM-04 | Facilitate the Quality of Multi-Level Optimal Functioning | Level 5 | 8 |
WWork Experience Modules4 modules65 credits
| Code | Module | NQF | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| WM-01 | Processes Related to the Compilation of Clients' Profiles in relation to Different Social and Environmental Context | Level 5 | 20 |
| WM-02 | Facilitation of Resolutions | Level 5 | 15 |
| WM-03 | Application of Basic Counselling Skills in a Problem Saturated Situation | Level 4 | 15 |
| WM-04 | Facilitation of Multi-Level Functioning | Level 5 | 15 |
How to apply
Apply online and our admissions team will take you through the next steps.
- Certified copy of ID or Passport with the valid study visa /permanent residence
ID. - Certified copy of NQF Level 4 certificate or Senior Certificate/ Grade 12.
- Signed PoPI agreement (Download here)
- A certified letter of experience/verification from the Employer. (Only RPL Students)
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (Only RPL Student
- Certified copies of all the in-formal or non-formal Training in Counselling.
(Only RPL Students) - Copy of police (SAPS) clearance certificate or proof of application for the police clearance certificate. (Note: the police clearance certificate is compulsory for
the workplace experience modules and for Professional body affiliation. Without a police clearance certificate, learners will not be able to complete Workplace Experience modules).
2026 Fee Structure
All amounts in South African Rand (ZAR).
| Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee (Per Year) | R 350 (Non-Refundable) |
| Enrolment Fee | R1 200 (Non-Refundable) |
| Upfront Once-Off | R18 900 |
| Per Month Option | R 700 (Non-Refundable) × 30 Months |
| Final exam (EISA) fee | R 1 500(The EISA fee will be revised annually) |
| Printed Material | R 700(Full learning material) |
| RPL Fee | R 1 500(Non-refundable and excluding RPL Assessment fee) |
| Re-activation Fee | R 200 |