The Higher Certificate in Education: Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching at the University of South Africa (UNISA) is a National Qualifications Framework level 5 open distance learning qualification of 120 credits, with a maximum of three years to complete. It is aimed at those who wish to support teaching and learning in the Senior Phase and Further Education and Training band (Grades 7 to 12). Students gain foundational knowledge of adolescent development, classroom support, subject content, and the structure of the South African schooling system. The qualification enables students to work as education assistants under qualified teachers and to progress toward a Bachelor of Education, but does not on its own confer professional teacher registration.
Admission requires a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 40% in the language of teaching and learning, or a Senior Certificate (SC) with at least an E symbol on the higher grade or a D symbol on the standard grade in the language of teaching and learning, or a National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at level 4 with at least 40% in the language of teaching and learning. The admission point score (APS/AS) for this qualification is 18. A recognition of prior learning route is available for applicants who are at least 23 years old, have completed at least Grade 10, and have at least three years of relevant work experience. The SAQA identification number for this qualification is 101813.
