Institutions who want to apply to be accredited for presenting a ministry qualification within the National Qualifications Framework of South Africa, have to submit their application to one of the Quality Councils within the  National Qualifications Framework (NQF). For ministry training there are two options: either to apply for accreditation via the Council on Higher Education (CHE) to present academic qualifications, or via the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) to present occupational qualifications.

The Difference between QCTO and CHE

• Regarding CHE: This Quality Council is responsible for the development, implementation and quality assurance of qualifications that fall within the Higher Education Qualification Sub-framework (HEQSF) of the NQF. Public universities and private tertiary institutions may apply with CHE to become accredited education and training providers of academically focussed qualifications. These institutions presenting theology qualifications, are required to excel in their academic standards. While occupational outcomes are important, these institutions are primarily evaluated by CHE in terms of their success in achieving academic outcomes.
• Regarding QCTO: This Quality Council is responsible for the development, implementation and quality assurance of qualifications that fall within the Occupational Qualification Sub-framework (OQSF) of the NQF. These qualifications are primarily designed to prepare persons for a specific occupation. QCTO accreditation emphasises training where the focus is on preparing the students for the work of ministry. A strong academic foundation of training is provided, but the volume of academic work is relatively smaller,with a concentration on themes and content that are critical for the work of ministry. There is an extended focus on practical work and on “on the job training”. Because the focus is on work orientated outcomes, accreditation with QCTO will be appropriate for ministry training institutions that are primarily interested in the skilling of persons for ministry.
• Regarding CPD programmes registered with one of the ACRP Councils: Training providers are also invited to register their courses or events with ACRP (as SAQA recognised professional body) for Professional Development (CPD) purposes. Read more about  ACRP’s CPD Policy and Criteria.

Applying for QCTO Accreditation

Several ministry training curriculums have already been developed under the auspices of the QCTO. See a list of the training institutions.

For most of the relatively smaller (community based) ministry training institutions, applying for QCTO accreditation will be more appropriate compared to an application for CHE accreditation. "More appropriate" relates to the goal of the training (focus on preparation for ministry) of most community-based ministry training institutions. QCTO's standards require that the training institution must be aligned both in terms of institutional compliance and programme readiness. Thus, in applying for QCTO accreditation, a ministry training institution must prove that the institution is structured according to QCTO's requirements and has the necessary infrastructure, staff and policies and procedures in place ("institutional readiness"). Christian ministry qualifications, that are overseen by QCTO, is referred to as "programme readiness".

For more information on how to apply for accreditation as a training provider with QCTO visit the QCTO website  .

Applying for CHE Accreditation

For more information on how to apply for accreditation as a training provider with CHE, visit the CHE website  .