BOTSWANA QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY: SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION
(previously “APPRENTICESHIP AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING” and later renamed to “VOCATIONAL TRAINING”)
INDEX TO SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION
Accreditation of Vocational Training Institutions and Assessment Centres Regulations
Apprenticeship and Industrial Training (Appointment of Board) Regulations
Apprenticeship and Industrial Training Regulations
Botswana Qualifications Authority (Fees) Regulations
Botswana Qualifications Authority (Accreditation of Learning Programmes) Regulations
Botswana Qualifications Authority (National Credit and Qualifications Framework) Regulations
Registration of Vocational Training Institutions and Assessment Centres Regulations
Vocational Training (Levy) Order
Vocational Training (Structured Training) Regulations
Vocational Training (Reimbursement) Regulations
APPRENTICESHIP AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING (APPOINTMENT OF BOARD) REGULATIONS
(section 3(2))
(6th October, 1989)
ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS
REGULATION
1. Citation
2. Appointments to Board
Schedule – Government Representatives on Board
S.I. 89, 1989.
These Regulations may be cited as the Apprenticeship and Industrial Training (Appointment of Board) Regulations.
(1) The National Advisory Board for Apprenticeship and Industrial Training, hereinafter referred to as the Board, shall be comprised of seven members representing the Government, four members representing the employers and four members representing the employees.
(2) The members representing the Government shall be the public officers specified in the Schedule to these Regulations or their representatives, and the Chairman of the Board, the Vice-Chairman and the Secretary shall be as therein indicated.
(3) The members representing the employers and the employees shall be appointed by the Minister, by notice in the Gazette, but before making any such appointment the Minister shall consult such registered organisations as appear to him to represent the employers and the employees in any trade, section of trade, industry or section of industry likely to be most concerned with the appointment, and have been invited by the Minister to make nominations for membership of the Board.
SCHEDULE
GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES ON BOARD
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1. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs who shall be Chairman of the Board. |
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2. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, who shall be Vice-Chairman. |
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3. Chief Technical Education Officer, Ministry of Education. |
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4. Assistant Director of Personnel Training. |
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5. Commissioner of Labour and Social Security. |
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6. Director of Industrial Affairs, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. |
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7. Employment Coordinator, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning. |
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The Director of Apprenticeship and Industrial Training, Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, is appointed to be Secretary of the Board. |
APPRENTICESHIP AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING REGULATIONS
(section 57)
(13th August, 1993)
ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS
REGULATION
1. Citation
2. Trades for apprentices
3. Duration of apprenticeship
4. Training standards
5. Pass marks
6. Margins for successful completion of apprenticeship
7. Salary increments, when due
8. Absence from place of work
9. Reduced contractual period
10. Forms
11. Trade test standards
12. Application for trade test
13. Employer’s certificate
14. Practical competency certificate “C”(P)
15. Exemption from parts of tests
16. Exemption from NCC examination
17. Tools of trade
18. Trade tests
19. All parts to be passed
20. Training courses
21. Requirements for writing final NCC test
22. Repeat of tests
23. Results of tests
24. Award of certificate
25. Register of certificates
26. Replacement of certificates
27. Part-time testing officers
28. Offences
29. Fees
30. Director’s discretion
Schedule 1 – Apprenticeable and Designated Trades
Schedule 2 – Contract of Apprenticeship
Schedule 3 – Forms
S.I. 84, 1993,
S.I. 123, 1993.
These Regulations may be cited as the Apprenticeship and Industrial Training Regulations.
The trades listed in Schedule 1 shall be designated or apprenticeable trades within the terms of section 14 of the Act.
(1) An apprenticeship shall, unless the apprentice fails to meet the required standards, be for a period of four years.
(2) The duration of an apprenticeship in the trades of chef and waiter in the hotel and tourism industry shall be for 3 years, with the first year being a common year:
Provided that the Board may vary the period for both trades from time to time.
(3) Every candidate for an apprenticeship shall have passed Junior Certificate or Standard VII education standards with Trade Test “C” (T+P) certificates.
Training standards for apprentices shall be laid down by the Board, on the advice of the relevant Trade Advisory Committee, and may be varied from time to time.
(1) In all theoretical and practical tests for apprentices, at all levels and in all subjects, minimum pass marks shall be 50%.
(2) In order for an apprentice to qualify it shall be necessary for him to pass the technology and the practical tests, and any two subjects out of the remaining three related theoretical subjects.
6. Margins for successful completion of apprenticeship
(1) An apprentice may be permitted to immediately re-sit a maximum of two academic subjects, and a failure to pass those subjects a second time shall be sufficient reason for requiring him to repeat the whole of that academic year, and, if he should again be unsuccessful, his contract of apprenticeship may thereafter be terminated.
(2) An apprentice who is unsuccessful in the practical assessment or the final test shall be required to repeat the whole year of practical training, and if he is again unsuccessful in the test, his contract of apprenticeship may be terminated.
7. Salary increments, when due
(1) An apprentice shall be entitled to receive an annual increment upon successful completion of the industrial and institutional annual assessment tests at the beginning of the apprenticeship year.
(2) Where an apprentice fails to complete his annual examination at the end of an academic year, due to his own negligence, but does so at a later date, he shall be entitled to receive his increment as from such later date.
(3) The employer of an apprentice shall inform the Director of his reasons for withholding an apprentice’s increment.
(4) After examining the reasons for the withholding of an apprentice’s increment, the Director may, if he is not satisfied that the reasons therefor are adequate, order the employer concerned to pay the increment from such date as he may specify in the order.
(1) An apprentice shall not be entitled to be paid any salary for any period during which he is absent from his place of institutional or industrial training during working hours, unless he has been granted paid leave by his employer, or the institution, as the case may be, or he is incapacitated by illness or injury and subsequently produces a certificate from a qualified medical practitioner to prove that he was so incapacitated.
(2) An apprentice who is absent for 2 weeks from institutional training, or who fails to complete 30 weeks practical training at his employer’s workplace, will be required to repeat the whole year’s training.
(1) Apprentices who have successfully passed the first assessment test, or its equivalent trade test “C” (C+P), or the second assessment test or its equivalent trade test ‘B’, may be enrolled as an apprentice for a correspondingly reduced period of apprenticeship.
(2) Apprentices who have passed an assessment test will not, in addition, be entitled to the issue of an equivalent trade test certificate, or vice-versa, without passing the appropriate test as provided in regulation 12.
(1) A contract of apprenticeship shall be in the form set out in Schedule 2 hereto.
(2) The forms set out in Schedule 3 hereto shall be the forms to be used for the purposes stated—
(a) Form 1 – National Craft Certificate (NCC)
(b) Form 2 – Trade Test Certificate “C” (T+P)
(c) Form 3 – Trade Test Certificate – “B” grade
(d) Form 4 – Practical Competency Certificate “C” (P)
(e) Form 5 – Certificate of Appointment of an Industrial Training Officer.
National trade test standards for the designated trades specified in Schedule 1 shall be established to ascertain whether the applicant, after a prescribed period of employment and/or training in the trade, has acquired the necessary range of skills and related knowledge to enable him to perform work of the quality and standard required by industry. The national trade test standards shall be in the form and subject to the conditions prescribed by the National Advisory Board for Apprenticeship and Industrial Training.
12. Application for trade test
(1) An application to take a trade test shall be made by the applicant on the prescribed form to the Director, and before writing the trade test the applicant shall be required to fulfil the appropriate requirements as detailed in subregulations (2) and (3).
(2) In case of an applicant for a grade ‘C'(T+P) trade test he shall have completed at least 3 years employment and/or acceptable training in the trade, and have also satisfactorily completed any skills improvement courses at this level, or another approved 2 years course conducted in industry or in a training institution approved by the Director.
(3) In the case of an applicant for a grade “B” trade test, after passing grade “C”(T+P) he shall have completed 2 years employment and/or institutional training including approved institutional training and any necessary skills improvement courses, or one year full time institutional training approved by the Director.
An applicant wishing to take a trade test shall submit, in the application form, written evidence from his employer or employers showing the period during which he was employed in the trade and evidence of any periods of approved institutional training.
14. Practical competency certificate “C” (P)
(1) Applicants who have insufficient academic levels will be able to attend a practical skills improvement course based on ‘C’ grade practical testing standards in the respective trade. At the end of the course, the candidates will be required to obtain at least 50% marks in the practical examination to be entitled to a “Practical Competency Certificate” or ‘C'(P).
(2) An applicant for a Practical Competency Certificate should have a minimum of 3 years practical experience in the trade.
15. Exemption from parts of tests
Applicants who have considerable experience in a trade and who have satisfactorily completed an approved course of industrial training may, with the permission of the Director take a trade test other than ‘C’ in that trade.
16. Exemption from NCC examination
The Director may, if satisfied of a candidate’s qualifications and experience obtained within the country or from abroad, exempt a candidate from writing the national craft certificate examination and issue him with a national craft certificate in the respective designated trade.
An applicant undergoing a trade test shall provide his own trade hand tools.
(1) A trade test shall consist of a theoretical and a practical test at C(T+P) and B grade levels.
(2) The theoretical test shall be a written test in English and will comprise of trade theory, associated studies and other related subjects determined by the trade advisory committee concerned.
(3) In the practical test an applicant shall be expected to complete a test piece or job, or a series of test pieces or jobs within a given time.
(4) In all tests at all levels and in all subjects minimum pass marks will be 50%, and in all practical tests pass marks will also be 50%.
(1) An applicant shall be required to pass both the theoretical and the practical tests. An applicant who fails to obtain a pass in the theoretical or the practical test may subsequently, within the next 18 months, re-sit the test in which he failed. If the candidate does not within that period successfully pass the failed test, he shall be required to re-sit the whole test both in the theoretical and practical subjects.
(2) It shall be compulsory to pass the technology and the practical test and any two subjects out of the remaining three related theoretical subjects to pass the test as a whole.
Persons who have not entered into a contract of apprenticeship may work towards, and be tested for, the first or the second assessment tests by following a full time approved course of training at an approved training institution.
21. Requirements for writing final NCC test
An applicant for the NCC examination who holds a trade ‘B’ certificate and also has 2 years experience, will be required to pass an aptitude test equal to the 2nd assessment test and then attend two blocks of thirteen weeks institutional training leading to the 3rd assessment test and then the final NCC test respectively. A candidate who holds the trade test ‘A’ certificate will be required to pass an aptitude test equal to the 3rd assessment test and then to attend one block of thirteen weeks of institutional training leading to the final NCC examination.
(1) If an applicant fails in the practical part of the trade test he shall not be eligible to repeat the test for a period of six months thereafter, but if he fails in the theoretical subjects he may resit them after a period of 2 months. If an applicant fails a second or further time he shall not be eligible to re-sit the test for a period of twelve months thereafter.
(2) A candidate who has failed in a test shall be obliged to reapply for permission to re-sit the examination.
An applicant shall be informed in writing of his results as soon as possible, and in any case not later than 60 days after the date of trade test.
An applicant shall be awarded a trade test certificate in Form 2, Form 3 or Form 4 of Schedule 3 not later than 30 days after the declaration of the result.
The Director shall cause a register or registers to be kept in the appropriate form of trade test certificates and national craft certificates issued by him.
26. Replacement of certificates
If a trade test certificate or national craft certificate is lost, damaged or destroyed, the Director may issue a duplicate certificate marked “duplicate” against a fee prescribed by the Board and upon production of evidence of such loss, damage or destruction.
27. Part-time testing officers
The Director may designate qualified and experienced persons to act as part-time trade testing officers to carry out trade tests and assessment tests in a particular specialised trade on the recommendations of the trade advisory committee concerned.
Any person who—
(a) makes use of a trade test certificate to which he is not entitled under these Regulations;
(b) being entitled to a trade test certificate under these Regulations, parts with possession of it to a person not so entitled, for use by that person as his own trade test certificate;
(c) alters or defaces a trade test certificate issued under these Regulations, or makes any model, likeness or facsimile of such certificate with intent to deceive or defraud,
shall be guilty of an offence and be liable to the penalties prescribed under section 56 of the Act.
The Board may, at its discretion, determine fees for trade tests.
The Director of Apprenticeship and Industrial Training is authorised to use his discretion in matters of an urgent nature, or in respect of matters not fully covered under these Regulations:
Provided that the exercise of such discretion shall not in any way conflict with the provisions of the Act or these Regulations.
SCHEDULE 1
APPRENTICEABLE AND DESIGNATED TRADES
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Group |
1 01 |
AUTOMOTIVE TRADES |
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01/10 |
Auto Mechanic |
(Apprenticeable) |
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01/20 |
Auto Electrician |
(Apprenticeable) |
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01/30 |
Panel Beater & Spray Painter |
(Apprenticeable) |
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01/40 |
Driver |
(Designated) |
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Group |
2 02 |
BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES |
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02/10 |
Bricklayer and Plasterer |
(Apprenticeable) |
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02/20 |
Plumber |
(Apprenticeable) |
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02/30 |
Painter and Decorator |
(Apprenticeable) |
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02/40 |
Pipe Fitter |
(Apprenticeable) |
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02/50 |
Carpenter and Joiner |
(Apprenticeable) |
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02/60 |
Cabinet Maker |
(Apprenticeable) |
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02/70 |
Architectural Draughtsman |
(Designated) |
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02/80 |
Upholsterer |
(Designated) |
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Group |
3 03 |
ELECTRICAL TRADES |
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03/10 |
Installation and Appliance Electrician |
(Apprenticeable) |
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03/20 |
Maintenance Industrial Electrician |
(Apprenticeable) |
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03/30 |
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic |
(Apprenticeable) |
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Group |
4 40 |
METAL TRADES |
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04/10 |
Fitter Machinist |
(Apprenticeable) |
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04/20 |
Welder and Fabricator |
(Apprenticeable) |
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04/30 |
Maintenance Fitter |
(Apprenticeable) |
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Group |
5 05 |
HEAVY PLANT TRADES |
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05/10 |
Borehole Mechanic |
(Apprenticeable) |
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05/20 |
Heavy Plant Mechanic |
(Apprenticeable) |
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05/30 |
Plant Operator |
(Designated) |
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05/40 |
Driller |
(Designated) |
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Group |
06 06 |
HOTEL & TOURISM TRADES |
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06/10 |
Chef |
(Apprenticeable) |
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06/20 |
Waiter |
(Apprenticeable) |
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06/30 |
Housekeeper |
(Designated) |
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Group |
7 07 |
TEXTILE TRADES |
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07/10 |
Dress Maker |
(Designated) |
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07/20 |
Knitter |
(Designated) |
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07/30 |
Sewing Machine Mechanic |
(Designated) |
SCHEDULE 2
CONTRACT OF APPRENTICESHIP
1. The Employer:
1.1 NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
1.2 REGISTERED OFFICE
ADDRESS:…………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………..Tel No…………………………………………….
2. Contact Address:
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………….Tel No…………………………………………….
3. The Apprentice:
3.1 NAME: …………………………………………………………………………………………………
3.2 ADDRESS:……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3.3 DATE OF BIRTH: ………………………………..or other certified approximate birth date
……………………………………………………………………..or age in years
4. The contracted Trade:
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
5. Duration of Apprenticeship:
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
6. The employer agrees:
6.1 To employ the apprentice for the purpose of providing a course of approved instruction in order that he may achieve the necessary proficiency in his trade to become a skilled worker within the scheduled period as defined by the National Trade Standards of the Apprenticeship and Industrial Training Act Cap 47:04.
6.2 To remunerate the apprentice at a rate not less than that fixed by the National Advisory Board for Apprenticeship and Industrial Training.
6.3 To ensure that the apprentice is not employed on work unconnected with the trade for which he is being trained.
6.4 To set basic hours of work which are the same as those worked, by the company’s employees who have qualified in the trade.
6.5 Not to require the apprentice to work overtime if the apprentice is under the age of 18 years. Overtime for apprentices over the age of 18 years is permissible subject to the provisions of Employment Act, provided this overtime does not interfere with the theoretical or practical training of the apprentices.
6.6 To pay the apprentice for the time off due to illness or injury certified by a medical practitioner in accordance with the rules relating to such absence within the company, provided that the apprentice shall be entitled to minimum of full pay for the first 30 days and half pay for the next 30 days of such absence in any one year of his apprenticeship period.
6.7 To respect the right of the apprentice to all the public holidays observed in the industry in which he is engaged.
6.8 To grant paid leave at the rate of not less than 15 days per annum.
6.9 To provide the apprentice sufficient tools, materials, and protective clothing necessary for the practical training in the trade.
6.10 To provide the Director with an annual progress report on the apprentice.
6.11 To release the apprentice without loss of pay to institutional training either by day or block release.
6.12 To release the apprentice without loss of pay to take any examinations in relation to his training.
6.13 To bear all necessary travelling costs incurred by the apprentice in connection with the apprentice going to attend institute training/examinations associated with this apprenticeship agreement.
6.14 To phase industrial training relative to the physical development of the apprentice and to report immediately any irregularities to the Director of Apprenticeship and Industrial Training.
7. The Apprentice Agrees:
7.1 To obey all reasonable instructions given to him by his employer or any other person designated as his supervisor or instructor.
7.2 To work conscientiously.
7.3 To take good care of all tools machinery and equipment entrusted to him and to take all necessary steps to avoid damage to machinery or waste of materials.
7.4 To keep confidential any professional information he may acquire concerning the affairs of the company.
7.5 To attend work at the times specified and not to absent himself without the permission of the employer and or the institute.
7.6 To refrain from engaging in any activity which shall or might interfere with his duties and/or his studies.
7.7 To attend all necessary classes or courses at any institution approved by the Board and to diligently pursue his course at such institutions and not to absent himself from his course studies without the permission of the institution.
7.8 To reach the required standard in practical and theoretical knowledge of the trade necessary to pass the relevant tests and examinations, failing which the contract may be terminated or extended and the salary affected in accordance with the rules determined by the Director.
7.9 That it shall be at the discretion of the employer whether to provide regular employment or not after completion of the apprenticeship.
8. The Employer and the Apprentice jointly agree that
8.1 The first six months of this contract may be regarded as a period of probation during which either party may terminate the contract communicating the cause to the Director and after giving the other party at least 21 days’ notice.
8.2 A training log-book as prescribed by the Director shall be maintained.
8.3 The contract may be transferred to another employer in certain circumstances in accordance with the Act and with the permission of the Director.
8.4 The contract may be terminated in certain circumstances after the period of probation as provided in the Act and with the approval of the Director.
8.5 The contract may be extended or reduced in certain circumstances as provided in the Act and with the approval of the Director.
8.6 In case of pregnancy, maternity leave shall be granted in accordance with the existing rules of the company.
8.7 If a dispute should arise between the apprentice and the employer, every effort shall be made to settle the matter between the two parties. If a settlement cannot be reached, either party may refer the matter to the Director.
8.8 They shall comply with any testing and certification procedures prescribed by the Director of Apprenticeship and Industrial Training for the contracted trade.
9. Signatories
9.1 Both parties consent to accept the conditions of this contract of apprenticeship.
9.2 this ……………………………………….. day of ………………………………… 20 …………..
9.3 signed by the apprentice …………………………………………………………………………
9.4 signed by legal guardian or witness ………………………………………………………….
9.5 Address ………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
9.6 Signed by the employer ………………………………………………………………………….
9.7 in the presence of ………………………………………………………………………………….
9.8 Address ………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
10. Registration
10.1 This contract is hereby registered in terms of section 20(2) of the Act.
10.2 Registration No: …………………………………………………………………………………..
Director of Apprenticeship and Industrial Training,
Private Bag 00267,
GABORONE
(N.B: To be submitted in triplicate to the Director)
SCHEDULE 3
FORMS
Form 1
NATIONAL CRAFT CERTIFICATE
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REGISTRATION NUMBER ………………………………….. |
CERTIFICATE NO. ………………………………………………………… |
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MINISTRY OF LABOUR & HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR & SOCIAL SECURITY NATIONAL CRAFT CERTIFICATE APPRENTICESHIP AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING ACT, Cap 47:04 (Section 37) This is to certify that ………………………………………………………………… has completed apprenticeship training as ………………………………………………………………….. in ……………………………………….. and ………………………………….. |
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(Firm |
(Institution) |
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From:…………………………………20……………. To:………………………………………..20………. and has passed the FINAL EXAMINATION attaining the Standards prescribed by the National Advisory Board for Apprenticeship and Industrial Training in TRADE PRACTICE AND THEORY Signed this ……………………………………. day of …………………………………………. 20…….. |
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………………………………………………….. |
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(Chairman) |
Director of Apprenticeship |
Form 2
TRADE TEST CERTIFICATE “C” (T+P)
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Registration Number |
Certificate Number |
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Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs |
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This is to certify that |
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has passed the trade test ‘C (T+P)’ in the trade |
on |
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according to the standards prescribed by the National Advisory Board for Apprenticeship and Industrial Training securing percentage marks shown against each of the following: |
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Technology ____________________ |
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________________ |
________________ |
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Signature of certificate holder: _____________ |
Form 3
TRADE TEST CERTIFICATE – “B” GRADE
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Registration Number |
Certificate Number |
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Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs |
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This is to certify that |
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has passed the trade test ‘B’ in the trade |
on |
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according to the standards prescribed by the National Advisory Board for Apprenticeship and Industrial Training securing percentage marks shown against each of the following: |
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Technology ____________________ |
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_______________ |
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_________________ |
________________ |
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Signature of certificate holder: _____________ |
Form 4
PRACTICAL COMPETENCY CERTIFICATE “C” (P)
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Registration Number |
Certificate Number |
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Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs |
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This is to certify that |
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has passed the trade test ‘C (P)’ in the trade |
on |
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according to the standards prescribed by the National Advisory Board for Apprenticeship and Industrial Training securing percentage marks shown against each of the following: |
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Practical ______________________________ |
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__________________ |
__________________ |
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Signature of certificate holder: _____________ |
Form 5
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT OF AN INDUSTRIAL TRAINING OFFICER
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APPRENTICESHIP AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING ACT |
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This is to Certify that |
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT |
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…………………………………………………….. |
The person named on this |
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whose photograph appears below holds the appointment of |
certificate is hereby authorised |
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…………………………………………………….. |
to exercise the powers of an |
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INDUSTRIAL TRAINING OFFICER as |
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……………………………………………………. |
set out in sections 11(2) and |
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in the Directorate of Apprenticeship and Industrial Training Under the Department of Labour and Social Security, Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs |
(3) of the Apprenticeship and Industrial Training Act Cap 47:04 and this certificate shall serve as the authority required by the said Act |
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………………………………. |
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(Signature of Holder) |
Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs |
(under section 57)
(1st January, 1999)
S.I. 104, 1998.
1. Citation and commencement
This Order may be cited as the Apprenticeship Wages Order.
2. Minimum wages
The following scale of wages shall constitute the minimum wages payable to persons entering into apprenticeships in any of the designated and apprenticeable trades listed in the First Schedule of the Apprenticeship and Industrial Training Act:—
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(a) 1st year of apprenticeship |
P315 00 per month; |
(b) 2nd year of apprenticeship
P35 500 per month;
(c) 3rd year of apprenticeship
P526.00 per month; and
(d) 4th year of apprenticeship
P796.00 per month.
ACCREDITATION OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTIONS AND ASSESSMENT CENTRES REGULATIONS
(section 31)
(9th April 2010)
ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS
REGULATION
1. Citation
2. Interpretation
3. Application for accreditation
4. Requirements for accreditation
5. Grant of accreditation
6. Verification of information
7. Issue of certificate of accreditation
8. Fees
9. Expanding the scope of accreditation
10. Notification of significant changes
11. Renewal of accreditation
12. Annual report
13. Revocation of accreditation
14. Interim authority
15. Maintaining of register of training institutions and assessment centres
16. Monitoring and audit of training institutions and assessment centres
17. Offences
18. Appeals
19. Transitional provision
SCHEDULES
S.I. 17, 2004,
S.I. 35, 2010.
These Regulations may be cited as the Accreditation of Vocational Training Institutions and Assessment Centres Regulations.
In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires—
“accreditation” means the recognition granted to a training institution and assessment centre under regulation 5;
“module” means a small, self-contained component being integral to a greater whole, such as an important part of a course;
“new programme” means any programme that is newly designed and conceptualised and not previously accredited or a revised programme in which the changes effected constitute more than 50 per cent of the programme; and
“programme” means a scheme of proceedings for a course of study, or a structured pathway of learning or training leading to an award.
3. Application for accreditation
(1) An application for accreditation as a training institution or assessment centre, shall be made to the Authority, in the form set out in Schedule I and shall be accompanied by such supporting documents as the Authority may require.
(2) The application under subregulation (1) shall be made to the Authority by a duly authorised representative of the training institution or assessment centre.
(3) A training institution or assessment centre making an application under subregulation (1) shall demonstrate that it has systems appropriate to its scale of operations and scope of services to manage the quality of its training and assessment operations and in particular, it shall ensure that—
(a) each staff member is suitably qualified and competent in his or her duties;
(b) appropriate and adequate learning and assessment strategies to meet the needs of its learners are identified, negotiated, planned and implemented;
(c) it has learning or assessment environments and resources appropriate to meet the needs of its learners;
(d) its assessment procedures are fair, valid and consistent and also meet the requirements of outcomes specified in relevant standards within the scope of its services, and the assessment and moderation requirements set for national awards;
(e) effective administration and records management procedures are in place, and accurate and current records of learner activity and attainment are maintained;
(f) regular and timely feedback on attainment is provided to learners and reported to the Authority and other relevant authorities;
(g) equity and access principles are applied in recruitment of staff and enrolment of learners;
(h) timely, appropriate and accurate information on programmes, programme requirements and any fees payable are made available and accessible to the members of public;
(i) guidance and support services that assist learners to identify and achieve their desired goals are made available and accessible;
(j) each in ended programme shall be justified in terms of local, national or regional economic and social needs and be clearly supported by key stakeholders; and
(k) its learners are registered with the Authority.
(4) The training institution or assessment centre shall set out, in the application form—
(a) its planned activities for a period of 12 months from the date of application;
(b) The programmes intended to be offered, facilitated or supported, which programmes shall—
(i) conform to the requirements of the Botswana National Vocational Qualifications Framework levels, and
(ii) relate to the qualification or approved field of learning.
4. Requirements for accreditation
The training institution or assessment centre shall, in its application, provide evidence that it—
(a) is a body corporate with defined values, visions and missions and specific objectives related to vocational training institutions or assessment centres;
(b) has stated strategic directions and plans that will contribute to the Government’s socio-economic and technological development goal, and the development of a viable vocational training system as a whole;
(c) has appropriate and adequate governance and management structures and qualified and competent personnel to ensure sound financial management and ethics;
(d) has in place rigorous processes of self-evaluation and internal audit that are inclusive of key stakeholders;
(e) is financially sustainable and has systems and internal and external controls to maintain its financial sustainability over a long term;
(f) has appropriate and adequate systems to safeguard any payments made to it prior to the commencement of an education or training programme;
(g) meets the learning needs of its learners through the provision of appropriate training and support services;
(h) supports credit transfer and recognition of prior learning through assessment;
(i) has safe and healthy learning and assessment environments and that these are well maintained;
(j) improves equity and access to vocational training;
(k) has met other legal requirements in the location intended for the operation of a vocational training institution or assessment centre;
(l) has a defined scope of training services approved by the Authority;
(m) has training and assessment services aligned to the Botswana National Vocational Qualifications Framework;
(n) uses unit standards and qualifications registered in named fields, sub-fields or domains of the Botswana National Vocational Qualifications Framework; and
(o) has suitably qualified and competent trainers and assessors registered and accredited with the Authority.
(1) The Authority shall, if assured that a training institution or assessment centre has the necessary capacity for the grant of accreditation and that such capacity is likely to be maintained or enhanced, grant accreditation to the training institution or assessment centre—
(a) for a specified scope of training services, and for the organisational structure set out in the application form and the supporting documents;
(b) subject to any conditions imposed by the Authority limiting or restraining the provisions of any training services offered; and
(c) subject to any other conditions as the Authority may prescribe from time to time.
(2) The accreditation of a training institution or assessment centre shall be for such period, not exceeding five years, as shall be specified in the certificate of accreditation issued under regulation 7.
6. Verification of information
(1) An officer of, or authorised representative of the Authority may, at any time, enter the premises of a training institution or assessment centre for the purpose of verifying any evidence—
(a) furnished as part of an application for accreditation;
(b) contained in an annual report; or
(c) in the course of monitoring and audit visits.
(2) The Authority shall, after verifying evidence under subregulation (1), report the level of compliance with the criteria set for accreditation to the Board.
(3) The Authority may, in verifying the contents of an application for accreditation, enlist the assistance of such industry or subject experts as necessary to determine the capacity of the applicant to deliver quality vocational training.
(4) The Authority may, in accordance with section 19 of the Act, summon any person who is able to furnish any information required for verification or investigation or who is in possession or in control of any document, book or other object relating to a subject, to appear before the Authority to be questioned or to produce such document, book or other object.
7. Issue of certificate of accreditation
(1) The Authority shall, where it is satisfied that a training institution or assessment centre meets the quality requirements for accreditation, issue a certificate of accreditation to the training institution or assessment centre.
(2) The Authority shall, when issuing the certificate of accreditation, update the register of accredited training institutions or assessment centres by recording—
(a) the legal name or trading name of the accredited training institution or assessment centre;
(b) the accreditation number allocated to such training institution or assessment centre;
(c) the date of grant of accreditation;
(d) the period of accreditation granted or the scheduled date for renewal of accreditation;
(e) the physical sites and address for which accreditation has been granted;
(f) the scope of accreditation granted; and
(g) any other accreditation conditions imposed by the Authority.
(1) The Authority may impose the fees prescribed in Schedule II on the training institutions and assessment centres for the—
(a) application for accreditation under regulation 3;
(b) carrying out of quality assurance processes related to the initial grant, extension of scope or reconfirmation of accreditation;
(c) application for renewal of accreditation under regulation 11; and
(d) carrying out of monitoring and audit visits.
(2) The fees imposed under subregulation (1) are subject to periodic review by the Authority.
9. Expanding the scope of accreditation
(1) An accredited training institution or assessment centre may at any time, make an application in the form set out in Schedule III, to the Authority, to expand the scope of the training services provided by the training institution or assessment centre.
(2) An application for expanding the scope of accreditation shall be made where—
(a) additional programmes are to be offered in an area, sub-field or domain not covered by the existing accreditation;
(b) additional courses are to be offered in an area, sub-field or domain at a level higher than that covered by an existing accreditation; or
(c) there is to be an addition to the delivery sites covered by an existing accreditation, particularly where such sites are located in a village, town or city.
(3) The application form under subregulation (1) shall be accompanied by such supporting evidence as may be necessary to demonstrate clearly that the system for establishing and managing the quality of training or assessment services offered has been suitably amended to ensure that the system remains both relevant and realistic and in compliance with the criteria set for accreditation.
(4) An officer of, or authorised representative of the Authority may, at any time, enter the premises of a training institution or assessment centre to conduct an evaluation and verification of the new details submitted to it.
(5) The Authority may, in evaluating and verifying the contents of an application for expansion of scope of accreditation, enlist the assistance of such industry or subject experts as necessary to determine the capacity of the applicant to deliver the training or assessment services.
(6) The Authority may, upon receiving the report under subregulation (4), grant an expansion of scope of accreditation and such grant shall be within the same period as the existing accreditation.
(7) The Authority may impose any other conditions on any or all of the new training services granted in an expansion of scope of accreditation and any training or assessment services covered by the accreditation of the training institution or assessment centre across any or all of its delivery sites.
10. Notification of significant changes
(1) Where the accredited training institution or assessment centre seeks to renew its accreditation or seeks to make any changes or additions to programmes, activities and enrolments, it shall first seek the approval of the Authority to do so.
(2) A training institution or assessment centre shall immediately notify the Authority of any changes that may compromise the validity of any previous decision of the Authority to grant accreditation where these changes consist of—
(a) a change in the ownership of the training institution or assessment centre;
(b) a change in the legal status;
(c) a decision to cease operations;
(d) a change in the location of the head office or satellite site;
(e) a change in the composition of the governing body;
(f) a change in the senior management personnel;
(g) a change in the funding sources;
(h) a change in any franchising or partnership arrangements;
(i) a decrease or increase in the number of learners of more than ten per cent in any one year;
(j) a major change in the profile of the learners;
(k) a change of site of the training institution or assessment centre;
(l) a significant change in the mode of delivery of any course covered by an existing accreditation;
(m) a change in the residential nature of any course;
(n) the opening of a new site outside Botswana;
(o) a change in the staffing of the institution or assessment centre; or
(p) cancellation of a course or programme or service from the scope.
(3) Where the Authority has received an application from a training institution or assessment centre for renewal of accreditation or approval for changes made under subregulation (1) and (2), and the Authority is of the opinion that the renewal or proposed changes meets the criteria set for accreditation, the Authority shall grant an accreditation, renew accreditation or approve the changes made.
(4) Where the Authority is not satisfied with the changes made by the training institution or assessment centre under subregulation (2) and the training institution or assessment centre does not meet the criteria set for accreditation, the Authority shall not—
(a) grant the accreditation;
(b) approve the changes; or
(c) renew the accreditation.
(5) Where the training institution or assessment centre makes changes or additions to programmes, activities and enrolments without the approval of the Authority, the Authority shall revoke its accreditation.
(6) The Authority shall, after verifying the changes made to a training institution or assessment centre and if it is satisfied with the changes made, renew the accreditation of the training institutions and assessment centre for a period not less than two years and not exceeding five years depending on the criteria set for accreditation.
(7) The Authority shall publish in the Gazette and in any newspaper of wide circulation, the name of any training institution or assessment centre whose accreditation status has been denied, withdrawn or revoked.
(8) Before the Authority denies, withdraws or revokes the accreditation, or publishes the name of a training institution or assessment centre in the Gazette under subregulation (7), the Authority shall inform the training institution or assessment center to comply with the requirements or remedy any shortcomings within one month of receipt of its application under subregulation (1).
(1) A training institution or assessment centre which wishes to remain accredited shall, within six months before its period of accreditation expires, apply to the Authority to have the accreditation renewed.
(2) Where the Authority has received an application for renewal of accreditation from a training institution or assessment centre under subregulation (1), and the Authority is of the opinion that the training institution or assessment centre meets the criteria set for accreditation, the Authority shall grant the renewal for accreditation.
(3) An application for renewal of accreditation under these Regulations shall be in the form set out in Schedule IV, and shall be accompanied by such supporting documents as the Authority may require and the fee prescribed in Schedule II.
(1) An accredited training institution or assessment centre shall, in an annual report to the Authority, provide substantive proof that it—
(a) continues to meet all the qualitative requirements for accreditation;
(b) is achieving its specific objectives in relation to learner performance; and
(c) remains financially secure and continues to use effective financial management procedures, and that this is independently verified by an auditor approved by the Authority.
(2) The accredited training institution or assessment centre shall provide updated information on the training services offered and outline any anticipated changes or additions to programmes, activities and enrolments.
13. Revocation of accreditation
(1) The Authority shall revoke the accreditation of a training institution or an assessment centre, in whole or in part, where the Authority has good cause to believe that the training institution or assessment centre no longer meets the criteria set for accreditation.
(2) The Authority shall, before making the decision to revoke accreditation of a training institution or assessment centre, issue a written notice to the governing body of the training institution or assessment centre stating—
(a) that it believes that certain requirements for programmes offered are not being met;
(b) the grounds for the identified non-compliance;
(c) that the training institution or assessment centre shall be allowed 21 days within which to comply with the requirements not being met; or
(d) that the training institution or assessment centre has the right to make submissions on the matter.
(3) Where the Authority has issued the formal written notice under subregulation (2), the training institution or assessment centre shall not enroll any new learner in programmes which the Authority believes do not meet certain requirements, commence any new programmes, or commence new services at any site, until such time that the notice is formally withdrawn.
(4) Where the training institution or assessment centre has made submissions to the Authority under subregulation (2)(d), the Authority shall, renew the accreditation, with new conditions imposed, or revoke the accreditation of the training institution or assessment centre.
(5) Where the Authority has made the decision to revoke the accreditation of a training institution or assessment centre, the training institution or assessment centre shall, immediately, submit its certificate of accreditation to the Authority.
(6) Where the Authority has granted renewal of the accreditation to an institution or assessment centre with new conditions imposed, it shall issue a revised certificate of accreditation to the training institution or assessment centre.
(7) Where a training institution or assessment centre has had its accreditation revoked, it shall not make a new application for accreditation within one year of the decision of the Authority to revoke its accreditation, unless the Authority accepts that it is clearly in the national interest for the application to be made within that period.
(1) Where a training institution or assessment centre has not appointed a governing body at the time it makes an application for accreditation, the Authority shall, authorise the training institution or assessment centre to appoint an interim authority.
(2) The Authority shall, authorise the interim authority to make preparations towards the implementation of the following—
(a) setting up a governing body for the training institution or assessment centre intended to be established;
(b) commencing or continuing the development of physical facilities;
(c) commencing or continuing the assembly of academic resources; and
(d) advertising the approved programmes of instruction expected to be conducted a that institution.
(3) The Authority may suspend or revoke the appointment of an interim authority, if the training institution or assessment centre has not, within one year, made substantial progress in implementing the provisions of subregulation (2) or has not notified the Authority of its intention to proceed with its application for accreditation.
(4) Where the Authority has suspended the appointment of an interim authority, it shall indicate the steps which the training institution or assessment centre must take before the appointment of the interim authority can be restored.
(5) Where the Authority has revoked the appointment of an interim authority, it shall not entertain any subsequent appointment of an interim authority by the same training institution or assessment centre within one year of the revocation, unless good cause is shown by the training institution or assessment centre.
15. Maintaining of register of training institutions and assessment centres
(1) The Authority shall maintain a register of all—
(a) operating accredited training institutions and assessment centres;
(b) closed training institutions and assessment centres; and
(c) audited and non compliant training institutions and assessment centres.
(2) The register maintained in terms of subregulation (1) shall be kept at the offices of the Authority and shall be open for inspection by any member of the public, during office hours.
(3) The register shall clearly describe in respect of each accredited training institutions and assessment centre—
(a) the form and structure of the training institution or assessment centre;
(b) the range of services that the training institution or assessment centre offers;
(c) the scope of accreditation of the training institution or assessment centre; and
(d) the date of accreditation and expiry of accreditation.
(4) The Authority reserves the right to publish the register by notice in the Government Gazette or in local news paper.
16. Monitoring and audit of training institutions and assessment centres
(1) The Authority shall monitor and carry out audits of all reported attainments, systems and documents of accredited training institutions and assessment centres.
(2) The Authority shall inspect the premises of accredited training institutions and assessment centres to ensure that such training institutions and assessment centres continue to meet—
(a) qualitative requirements; and
(b) training and assessment standards set by the Authority.
A person who—
(a) operates a training institution or an assessment centre without being accredited in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations;
(b) pretends or holds himself or herself to be an accredited training institution or assessment centre when the Authority has not granted that person such status;
(c) withholds required information and supplies false or misleading information relevant to the accreditation requirements;
(d) makes a statement that is false or misleading in a material particular to an authorised officer or representative of the Authority in relation to an application for accreditation;
(e) offers a programme not accredited by the Authority;
(f) fails to notify the Authority of any significant changes as stated under regulation 10; or
(g) otherwise contravenes a provision of these Regulations for which a penalty is not provided,
commits an offence and is liable to the penalty prescribed under section 30 of the Act.
(1) A person aggrieved by a decision of the Authority under these Regulations may, within 14 days of notification of that decision, appeal to the Minister in writing.
(2) A person aggrieved by the decision of the Minister under these Regulations may, within 14 days of notification of that decision, appeal to the High Court.
Any training institution or assessment centre which, on the coming into operation of these Regulations, has been carrying on the business or activity of vocational training shall, within six months of the coming into operation of these Regulations, comply with the provisions of these Regulations.
SCHEDULE I
APPLICATION FOR ACCREDITATION OF TRAINING INSTITUTION AND ASSESSMENT CENTRE
(reg. 3(1))
Form: BOTA/………………………….
SCHEDULE II
REVISED SCHEDULE OF FEES FOR BOTSWANA TRAINING AUTHORITY
(reg. 8)
1.0 Background
1.1 The Botswana Training Authority is required to generate funds for its operations as stated in the Vocational Training (Cap. 47:04) – ‘The funds of the Authority shall consist of such other moneys or assets which may accrue to or vest in the Board, whether in the performance of its functions or otherwise.’
1.2 The Botswana Training Authority has a Schedule of Fees which was revised in June 2008 following the need to include new items as well as update existing charges. The said Schedule of Fees contains payments for services rendered to the Authority as well as payments to the Authority for services rendered to its clients/stakeholders.
1.3 The full implementation of the Botswana National Vocational Qualifications Framework which the Authority carried out through the Culture, Arts and Crafts Project has revealed that there are some services linked to assessment which will require engaging the services of persons outside the Authority.
1.4 The development of the new BOTA Strategic Plan 2008-2011 and the cost implications of its implementation have led to the Authority reviewing its stand on some of the assessment services it has been rendering to stakeholders. There is need to enter into cost sharing with stakeholders on some of these services, hence the current review of the Schedule of Fees.
2.0 Revised Schedule of Fees
The Schedule of fees is as follows:
ANNEX I
SCHEDULE OF FEES
SCHEDULE III
APPLICATION FOR EXPANSION OF SCOPE/CANCELLATION OF PROGRAMME(S)/COURSE(S)
(reg. 9(1))
SCHEDULE IV
APPLICATION FOR RENEWAL ACCREDITATION OF TRAINING INSTITUTION AND ASSESSMENT CENTRE
(reg. 11(3))
Form: BOTA/ ……………………………………………..
VOCATIONAL TRAINING (LEVY) ORDER
(section 24)
(5th December, 2008)
ARRANGEMENT OF PARAGRAPHS
PARAGRAPH
1. Citation
2. Interpretation
3. Imposition of levy
4. Rate of levy
5. Exemption from levy
6. Collection of levy
7. Returns
8. Due date for payment
9. Interest on late payment
S.I. 9, 2008,
S.I. 101, 2008,
S.I. 94, 2009,
S.I. 50, 2010,
S.I. 25, 2011.
This Order may be cited as the Vocational Training (Levy) Order.
In this Order unless the context otherwise provides—
“employer” means any person registered or liable for registration under the Value Added Tax Act (Cap. 50:03);
“oil industry” means companies or entities, being wholesalers and retailers, which are dealing with, or are in the business of marketing, refining and selling of regulated petroleum products; and
“tax period” has the same meaning as in section 25 of the Value Added Tax Act.
An employer shall be liable to pay a levy to be determined under regulation 4.
A levy payable under regulation 3 shall be at the rate of—
(a) 0.2 per cent of the turnover in respect of an employer with a turnover of P500 000 and not more than P2 billion; and
(b) 0.05 per cent in respect of a turnover in excess of P2 billion.
(c) 0.05 per cent in respect of companies in the oil industry as defined in paragraph 2.
(1) An employer—
(a) with a turnover of less than P500 000 per annum;
(b) registered with Botswana Innovation Hub; and
(c) within the Diamond Hub, who is engaged in diamond cutting and polishing,
shall be exempted from payment of the levy under this Order.
(2) Employers under subparagraphs (1)(b) and (c) shall be exempted from payment of the levy for a period not exceeding five years from the date of registration with the Hub.
The levy shall be collected by the Commissioner General of Botswana Unified Revenue Service and deposited into the Fund Account.
(1) Every employer shall furnish the Commissioner General with a return for each tax period, within 25 days after the end of the period whether or not levy is payable in respect of that period.
(2) A return shall be in the prescribed form and shall—
(a) state the information necessary to calculate the levy payable; and
(b) be furnished in the manner prescribed.
The levy payable under this Order is due from an employer for a tax period, by the due date for the return of the tax period.
(1) An employer who fails to pay a levy by the due date shall be liable to pay interest on the unpaid amount at the rate of two per cent per month or part thereof, compounded monthly.
(2) Any unpaid levy shall be recoverable from an employer as a fine imposed by a court under section 303(1) of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act (Cap. 08:02).
(3) An affidavit sworn by an officer of the Authority shall be sufficient proof of the lawful imposition of the levy.
VOCATIONAL TRAINING (STRUCTURED TRAINING) REGULATIONS
(under section 31)
(11th January, 2008)
ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS
REGULATION
1. Citation
2. Interpretation
3. Application for approval of agreement
4. Duties of employer
5. Duties of trainee
6. Variation of agreement
7. Alteration by Authority
8. Transfer of rights, etc.
9. Suspension of agreement
10. Termination of agreement
11. Award on completion
12. Appeals
13. Offence and penalty
First Schedule
Second Schedule
Third Schedule
S.I. 74, 2006,
S.I. 1, 2008.
These regulations may be cited as the Vocational Training (Structured Training) Regulations.
In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires—
“agreement” means a training agreement approved under regulation 3; and
“employer” means, for purposes of these Regulations, any person registered under the Value Added Tax Act (Cap. 50:03).
3. Application for approval of agreement
(1) An employer desirous of undertaking the training of a trainee shall enter into an agreement with the trainee in the form set out in the First Schedule which shall be approved by the Authority.
(2) For the purposes of obtaining approval of an agreement entered into in accordance with subregulation (1), an employer shall make an application, in writing, to the Authority for the approval of the agreement.
(3) An application made under subregulation (2) shall be accompanied by a duly completed agreement in the form set out in the First Schedule.
(4) Upon receipt of an application under subregulation (2), the Authority shall—
(a) inspect or cause to be inspected by a designated officer the facilities and other opportunities the employer proposes to provide as part of the training; or
(b) call for additional information it considers necessary, in relation to the training programme.
(5) Where the Authority is satisfied that the training programme including facilities and other opportunities are satisfactory, it shall approve the agreement and notify the applicant, in writing, of the approval.
(6) Where the Authority is of the opinion that the agreement including facilities and other opportunities to be provided as part of the training programme are unsatisfactory, it shall reject the application and notify the applicant, in writing, of the rejection and the grounds thereof.
An employer shall—
(a) provide the trainee with appropriate training in an environment conducive to achieve the outcome required by the agreement;
(b) provide appropriate tools and facilities for the trainee, in accordance with the agreement;
(c) provide the trainee with adequate supervision;
(d) release the trainee to attend approved training as per the agreement;
(e) pay the trainee the agreed training allowance (if any) during the duration of the training;
(f) assess the trainee;
(g) maintain records of training and discuss same with the trainee;
(h) advise the trainee on policies and procedures of the employer; and
(i) apply the same disciplinary, grievance and dispute resolution procedures to the trainee as to other employees.
The trainee shall—
(a) comply with the policies and procedures of the employer; and
(b) complete any time sheets or written assessment tools supplied by the employer to record training experience.
(1) The employer and the trainee shall not vary an agreement without the approval of the Authority.
(2) Where the employer and the trainee agree to vary the agreement, they shall make a joint application to the Authority, for the approval of the variation.
(3) Where the Authority is satisfied that the proposed variation is justified, it shall approve the variation and notify the applicants, in writing, of the approval.
(4) Where the Authority is of the opinion that the proposed variation is not justified, it shall reject the variation and notify the applicants, in writing, of the rejection and the grounds thereof.
(1) The Authority may alter the period of the agreement where—
(a) a trainee is absent from training other than for the purpose of training recess, for a period of or for periods amounting in the aggregate of not less than 30 days;
(b) a trainee has previously undergone other training that justifies an alteration of the period; or
(c) a trainee has acquired a degree of proficiency in the vocation that justifies an alteration of the period of agreement.
(2) Where the Authority is satisfied of the conditions set out in subregulation (1), it shall alter the period of the agreement and the agreement shall thereafter be read and construed accordingly.
(1) The rights and obligations of the employer may, at the request of either the employer or the trainee and with the consent of the other, be transferred to some other employer (hereinafter referred to as the “new employer”).
(2) A request made under subregulation (1) shall be made to the Authority in writing and accompanied by the consent of the employer or trainee and the consent of the new employer whom it is intended that the rights and obligations be transferred to.
(3) The Authority shall not approve a transfer where—
(a) the request does not comply with subregulation (2);
(b) the trainee has not fully and freely consented to the proposed transfer; and
(c) the proposed transfer is not in the interests of the trainee.
(4) Where the Authority is satisfied that the proposed transfer is justified, it shall approve the transfer and notify the applicants, in writing, of the approval.
(5) The Authority shall, where it rejects a transfer under this section, notify the applicants, in writing, of the rejection and the grounds thereof.
(1) Where the employer is of the opinion that a trainee has committed a serious breach of the agreement, the employer shall lodge a written request with the Authority, for a suspension of the agreement.
(2) Where the Authority is satisfied that the breach referred to in subregulation (1) justifies a suspension of the agreement, it shall approve the suspension and notify the employer and the trainee in writing, of the suspension.
(3) Where the Authority is of the opinion that there is no breach or the breach does not justify a suspension, it shall reject the request for suspension and notify the employer and the trainee in writing, of the rejection and the grounds thereof.
(1) An agreement shall not be terminated by the employer or trainee without approval by the Authority.
(2) Where the employer and the trainee agree to terminate the agreement, they shall jointly apply to the Authority for approval of the termination.
(3) Where the Authority is satisfied that the proposed termination is justified, it shall approve the termination and notify the applicants, in writing, of the approval.
(4) Where the Authority is of the opinion that the proposed termination is not justified, it shall reject the termination and notify the applicants, in writing, of the rejection and the grounds thereof.
(1) The employer shall on the satisfactory completion of the training programme, lodge with the Authority a written notification to the effect that the trainee has satisfactorily completed the training programme.
(2) Where the Authority is satisfied that a trainee has satisfactorily completed a training programme, it shall award a trainee a certificate in the Forms A, B or C set out in the Second Schedule, where the programme leads to a qualification.
(3) Where the Authority is satisfied that a trainee has satisfactorily completed a training programme, it shall award a record of learning in the form set out in the Third Schedule, where the programme does not lead to a qualification.
(1) A person aggrieved by a decision of the Authority made under these Regulations, may, within 14 days of notification of the decision, appeal in writing, to the Minister.
(2) A person aggrieved by a decision of the Minister may appeal to a court.
A person who contravenes a provision of these Regulations commits an offence and shall be liable upon conviction to a fine, not exceeding P500, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both.
FIRST SCHEDULE
VOCATIONAL TRAINING (STRUCTURED TRAINING) AGREEMENT
(regs. 3(1) and (3))
SECOND SCHEDULE
FORM A
NATIONAL FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE
(reg. 11(2))
FORM B
NATIONAL INTERMEDIATE CERTIFICATE
(reg. 11(2))
FORM C
NATIONAL CERTIFICATE
(reg. 11(2))
THIRD SCHEDULE
RECORD OF LEARNING
(reg. 11(3))
VOCATIONAL TRAINING (REIMBURSEMENT) REGULATIONS
(section 31)
(15th February, 2008)
ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS
REGULATION
1. Citation
2. Interpretation
3. Entitlement to reimbursement
4. Reimbursement Formula
5. Allocation of amounts to special groups and emergent industries
6. Application for reimbursement
7. Eligible training
8. Maximum claim
9. Training sourced in Botswana
10. Training costs
11. Monitoring of reimbursements
12. Offences
Schedule
S.I. 8, 2008,
S.I. 40, 2010
S.I. 97, 2012.
These Regulations may be cited as the Vocational Training (Reimbursement) Regulations.
In these Regulations unless the context otherwise requires—
“emergent industry” means an infant industry identified by the Authority as requiring special training;
“levy” means an amount paid under the Vocational Training (Levy) Order (Cap. 47:04 (Sub. Leg.));
“reimbursement” means an amount payable from the Fund under these Regulations;
“small micro and medium enterprise” means an enterprise with a turnover of less than P500 000 per annum;
“special groups” refers to employees who have particular training needs.
3. Entitlement to reimbursement
An employer who has incurred training costs shall be entitled to reimbursement in accordance with section 21 of the Act.
(1) Every Pula up to a maximum of P1 000 per annum paid into the Fund as levy shall generate reimbursement of P7.50.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subregulation (1)—
(a) every Pula above P1 000 but below P5 000 per annum paid into the Fund as levy shall generate an additional reimbursement of P3.75; and
(b) every Pula paid as levy into the Fund in excess of P5 000 per annum shall generate an additional reimbursement of P2.00.
5. Allocation of amounts to special groups and emergent industries
(1) At the beginning of each financial year, the Authority shall allocate moneys in the Fund as follows—
(a) two and a half per cent for special groups;
(b) one per cent for skills in emergent industries;
(c) five per cent for small micro and medium enterprises; and
(d) 20 per cent for the Government of Botswana.
(2) The Authority shall by notice published in the Gazette, specify in accordance with subregulation (1) the total amount in the Fund available for claim as reimbursement.
6. Application for reimbursement
An employer who has incurred training costs may make an application to the Authority for reimbursement in Form 1 set out in the Schedule.
(1) An employer under regulation 6 shall be entitled to reimbursement for—
(a) training provided to citizens of Botswana whether or not training is conducted in Botswana or outside:
Provided that an employer may claim reimbursement for training of non-citizens where the Authority is satisfied that the training is necessary for security reasons and will not delay the localisation plans of the claimant;
(b) training that falls within the definitions of any one or more of the three levels of the Botswana National Vocational Qualifications Framework as defined in section 20(2) of the Act;
(c) training that includes a minimum of a total of 10 learning hours.
(d) training sourced from a training institution accredited under the Accreditation of Vocational Training Institutions and Assessment Centres Regulations (Cap. 47:04 (Sub. Leg.)), except that, with the prior approval of the Authority, training courses—
(i) approved by the Tertiary Education Council under the Tertiary Education Act (Cap. 57:04);
(ii) approved by a national quality assurance body of the same standing as the Authority operating in another country; or
(iii) where quality assurance criteria and processes comparable to those applied by the Authority have been applied;
shall be eligible for the claim of reimbursement.
(2) For the purposes of subregulation (1)(c), 10 learning hours is the equivalent of one credit on the Botswana National Vocational Qualifications Framework, the smallest industry-recognised award able to be placed on the Botswana National Vocational Qualifications Framework.
The Authority shall not reimburse an employer an amount in excess of the training costs approved by the Authority under regulation 10.
9. Training sourced in Botswana
(1) An employer shall not be entitled to reimbursement for training sourced outside Botswana.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subregulation (1), an employer may claim reimbursement for training undertaken outside Botswana where prior to such training being undertaken—
(a) the employer, in writing, notified the Authority that an equivalent training is not available in Botswana; and
(b) the Authority authorised, in writing, that the training be undertaken outside Botswana.
(3) The Authority shall consider the Southern African region before authorising training in accordance with subregulation (2).
(1) Where an employer sources training from a training institution accredited under the Accreditation of Vocational Training Institution and Assessment Centres Regulations (Cap. 47:04 (Sub. Leg.)), the course fees charged by the training institution and duly receipted by that institution shall be the basis for the calculation of training costs of the employer.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subregulation (1) where training is delivered on-the-job but assessment is carried out by a training institution accredited under the Accreditation of Vocational Training Institution and Assessment Centres Regulations, an employer shall be entitled to training costs calculated as follows—
(a) the actual salary of the trainer incurred in the duration of specific training;
(b) material, stationery, and equipment used for the specific training, with the capital cost of any equipment used being appropriately discounted to account for use in other, prior or future training activities;
(c) costs of facility hire or operational costs such as electricity, telephone, maintenance, or insurance cover of in-house training facilities appropriately discounted to recognise the duration of the particular training and the use of facilities for other training activities and or other uses;
(d) any reasonable travel or accommodation costs incurred in undertaking the specific training; and
(e) the actual basic salary costs of the trainees for the period they were under training.
(3) An employer shall produce receipts and other evidence to substantiate the cost of vocational training.
11. Monitoring of reimbursements
The Authority shall monitor the reimbursement claims made from the Fund and where it has concerns regarding the validity or integrity of any claim made, shall undertake such investigations as are considered necessary.
(1) An employer who—
(a) makes a false statement to the Chief Executive Officer;
(b) fails or omits to give information required under these Regulations, or
(c) gives any information which is false in any material particular commits an offence and is liable to a fine not exceeding P5,000 and to a term of imprisonment not exceeding six months, or to both.
(2) Where an offence is committed under these Regulations by a company or registered person, any person who at the time of the commission of the offence was a director, general manager, secretary, or similar officer of the company, or was acting or purporting to act in such capacity, also commits the offence unless he or she proves that—
(a) the offence was committed without his or her knowledge, or
(b) he or she took all reasonable steps to prevent the commission of the offence.
SCHEDULE
VOCATIONAL TRAINING FUND
(reg. 6)
Form: 1
APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT
REGISTRATION OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTIONS AND ASSESSMENT CENTRES REGULATIONS
(under section 31)
(30th October, 2003)
ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS
REGULATION
1. Citation
2. Interpretation
3. Application for registration
4. Registration as training institution or assessment centre
5. Period of validity of registration
6. Revocation of registration
7. Verification of information
8. Renewal of registration
9. Annual report
10. Maintaining of register of institutions and assessment centres
11. Appeals
12. Offences
13. Transitional provision
S.I. 56, 2003.
These Regulations may be cited as the Registration of Vocational Training Institutions and Assessment Centres Regulations, 2003.
In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires—
“Authority” means the Botswana Training Authority established under section 3 of the Act; and
“Botswana National Vocational Qualifications Framework” means the Framework established under section 20 of the Act; and
“training institution” means a private or public centre, organisation, employer or person, providing vocational training.
3. Application for registration
(1) A person who wishes to operate a training institution or assessment centre shall apply to the Authority for registration as a training institution or assessment centre, as the case may be.
(2) An application for registration under these Regulations shall be in the form set out in the First Schedule, and shall be accompanied by such supporting documents as the Authority may require and a fee of P1 000.
(3) An applicant shall set out, in the application form, the planned activities of the training institution or assessment centre for the period of twelve months from the date of application, and shall also set out—
(a) the programmes the training institution intends to offer, facilitate or support, which programmes shall—
(i) conform to the requirements of the Botswana National Vocational Qualifications Framework level,
(ii) relate to a qualification or approved field of learning, and
(iii) be justifiable in terms of national, regional or local economic and social needs;
(b) any community or industrial development activities which the training institution intends to undertake;
(c) the modes and sites where the activities referred to in paragraph (b) will take place; and
(d) the range of performance indicators that will be used to measure and monitor performance against the objectives of the institution.
(4) The Authority may, in writing, require an applicant to provide it with such further information which the Authority considers relevant to the application.
(5) The Authority shall not register, as a training institution or an assessment centre, as the case may be, a body in relation to which an application has been made in terms of subregulation (1), unless the applicant provides proof that the body—
(a) is a body corporate whose specific objectives are to provide vocational education and training or assessment services;
(b) has policies that will contribute to the Government’s socio-economic and technological development goals, and the development of a viable vocational education and training system;
(c) has appropriate governance and management personnel structures and systems that will ensure sound financial management and ethics;
(d) will improve equity and access to vocational education and training;
(e) will support credit transfer and the recognition, through assessment, of learning which has occurred either in a formal or informal context;
(f) will meet the learning needs of its students through the provision of appropriate educational training and support services;
(g) applies equity and access principles in recruitment of staff and is committed to the professional development of its staff;
(h) has safe and healthy learning and assessment environments and that these are well maintained;
(i) has in place rigorous processes of self-evaluation and internal audit that are inclusive of key stakeholders;
(j) is financially sustainable and has systems and internal and external controls to maintain its financial sustainability over the long term; and
(k) has appropriate systems to safeguard any payments made to it prior to the commencement of an education or training service.
(6) A training institution or assessment centre shall, within six months of its registration, apply for accreditation with the Authority.
4. Registration as training institution or assessment centre
(1) Where the Authority is satisfied that an applicant satisfies the provisions of regulation 3, it shall register the applicant as a training institution or assessment centre, as the case may be.
(2) Where the Authority registers a training institution or assessment centre, it shall, within 30 days—
(a) issue, to the applicant, a certificate of registration; and
(b) record such registration in the Register.
5. Period of validity of registration
A training institution or assessment centre shall remain registered for such period as may be specified by the Authority which period shall not exceed five years.
(1) The Authority may revoke registration granted to a training institution or assessment centre where—
(a) any of the conditions under regulation 3 has ceased to exist; or
(b) the training institution or assessment centre, has failed to submit its annual report.
(2) Where the Authority decides to revoke the registration of a training institution or assessment centre, it shall issue written notice to the governing body of the training institution or assessment centre—
(a) stating that a registration requirement provided for under the regulations is no longer met;
(b) giving the grounds for the finding under paragraph (a); and
(c) allowing the training institution or assessment centre 14 days within which to comply with the registration requirement referred to under paragraph (a).
(3) Where the training institution or assessment centre does not, within 14 days of the written notice referred to in subregulation (2), comply with the requirement which led to the notice to revoke being issued, the Authority shall revoke the registration of that training institution or assessment centre, as the case may be.
(4) Where the Authority revokes registration in terms of subregulation (3), the training institution or assessment centre, as the case may be, shall cease all operations.
7. Verification of information
An officer of, or authorised representative of, the Authority may, at any time, enter the premises of a registered institution to seek information for the purpose of verifying any evidence furnished as part of—
(a) an application for registration; or
(b) an annual report.
(1) A training institution or assessment centre which wishes to remain registered shall, within six months before its period of registration expires, apply to have the registration renewed.
(2) An application for renewal of registration under these Regulations shall be in the form set out in the Second Schedule, and shall be accompanied by such supporting documents as the Authority may require and a fee of P1 000.
(1) A training institution or assessment centre shall, within a period of six months, after the date of the anniversary of its registration or within such longer period as the Minister may approve, produce an annual report containing evidence that the institution—
(a) continues to meet all the requirements for registration;
(b) is achieving its specific objectives in relation to learner performance and contributions to socio-economic and technological development goals of the society; and
(c) remains financially secure and continues to use effective financial management procedures, and that this is independently verified by an auditor approved by the Authority.
(2) A training institution or assessment centre shall provide annually, in writing, updated information on the education and training services offered and shall outline any anticipated changes or additions to programmes, activities and enrolments.
(3) A training institution or assessment centre shall inform the Authority, in writing, of the occurrence of any of the following, within 14 days of such occurrence—
(a) a change in the ownership or governance of the institution;
(b) a change in the composition of the senior management of the institution;
(c) a major change in the lead staff of the institution;
(d) a change in its listed premises;
(e) a change in its funding, fees, policies or funding source; or
(f) a change in the education or training services offered.
10. Maintaining of register of institutions and assessment centres
(1) The Authority shall maintain a register of all registered training institutions and a register of all registered assessment centres.
(2) The register maintained in terms of subregulation (1) shall be kept at the offices of the Authority and shall be open for inspection to any member of the public, during office hours.
(3) The register shall clearly describe—
(a) the form and structure of the institution or assessment centre;
(b) the range of services that the institution or assessment centre offers;
(c) the scope of the institution’s accreditation; and
(d) the date on which the institution or assessment centre was registered.
A person aggrieved by a decision of the Authority under these Regulations may appeal to the Minister, against that decision within fourteen days of learning of the decision.
A person who—
(a) operates a training institution or assessment centre without being registered in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations;
(b) states or purports to be a registered training institution or assessment centre when the Authority has not granted that person registration status;
(c) makes a statement that is false or misleading in a material particular to an authorised officer or representative of the Authority in relation to an application for registration; or
(d) otherwise contravenes a provision of these Regulations for which a penalty is not provided,
commits an offence and is liable to the penalty prescribed under section 30 of the Act.
Any institution which, at the coming into operation of these Regulations, has been carrying on the business or activity of vocational training shall, within six months of the coming into operation of these Regulations, comply with the provisions of these Regulations.
FIRST SCHEDULE
APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRAINING INSTITUTION AND ASSESSMENT CENTRE
(regulation 3(2))
Form
BOTA/RA IR/101
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BOTSWANA TRAINING AUTHORITY |
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Private Bag BO 340 Tel: (+267) 3159 481 Physical Address: |
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1. Institutional management and location. |
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(a) Name of training institution/assessment centre……………………………………………… |
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(b) Postal Address:…………………………………………………………………………………….. |
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(c) Physical address of administration site:………………………………………………………. |
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(d) Lease period of administration site (Please indicate if administration site is owned):Commencement date……………………… Expiry date……………………………. |
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(e) Location (name of city/town/village and district/sub-district): ……………………………. |
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(f) Telephone:…………………………………………………………………………………………… |
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(g) Fax:…………………………………………………………………………………………………… |
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(h) E-mail:……………………………………………………………………………………………….. |
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(i) Physical address(es) of any other delivery site(s), period of plot lease, city/town/village and district/sub-district for each site (please write owned if plot(s) is owned): |
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Physical Address |
City/town/ village |
District/sub-district |
Lease Period/Plot owned |
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Commencement date |
Expiry date |
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(j) State category of institution (i.e. Community, Private, Public, NGO or Company owned):……………………………………………………………………………………………….. |
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(k) Name of current operational manager:…………………………………………………………. |
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• Date of birth:…………………………………………………………………………………………. |
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• Gender (tick appropriate box): male female |
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• Nationality……………………………………………………………………………………………. |
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• Relevant experience……………………………………………………………………………….. |
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• Qualifications ………………………………………………………………………………………. |
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(l) Governors/Directors particulars: |
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Names of Governors/ Directors |
Nationality |
Work experience |
Highest level of education attained |
Present occupation |
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2. This application has been checked and it contains the information which proves that the training institution or assessment, as the case may be (tick appropriate boxes): |
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(a) is a body corporate |
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(b) has a clear hierarchical structure of staff with clear allocation of functions and accountability |
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(c) has clear financial systems and internal financial controls in place, that is, that the institution or assessment centre, inter alia– |
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(i) has a person responsible for financial management, |
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(ii) has its accounts certified at least annually by a qualified, registered and practicing accountant, |
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(iii) has in place, systems to protect fees paid in advance, |
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(d) has measurable goals and objectives |
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(e) has a clear rationale for each programme offered and provides career guidance |
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(f) has a clear staff recruitment and staff development policy |
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(g) is committed to quality- |
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(i) by having documented policies, procedures and review mechanisms that ensure that the training institution or assessment centre is effective in realising its goals and objectives |
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(ii) by having a process of self evaluation and internal audit |
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(iii) by having measurable performance indicators for its mission, goals and objectives |
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(iv) by ensuring that its staff is qualified |
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NB: The bulk of the evidence should be in the form of supporting documents from other sources (e.g. using self-evaluation instrument), prepared by the applicant. |
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3. Declaration. |
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We the undersigned state that: |
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(i) The information contained in the application is, to the best of our knowledge, true and accurate. |
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(ii) Our institution has sufficient financial provision to cover its operations. |
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Name of Operational Manager. …………………………………………………………………………….. |
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Signature: ………………………………….. Date:…………………………………………………………… |
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Name of chairperson of Governing body:………………………………………………………………….. |
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Signature: ………………………………….. Date:…………………………………………………………… |
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Name of one member of Board of Governors:……………………………………………………………. |
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Signature: ………………………………….. Date:…………………………………………………………… |
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4. For official use by BOTA. |
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(i) Date application received and checked……………….. Signature:……………… |
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(ii) Assigned provider number:………………………. Signature:……………………… |
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(iii) Name of BOTA officer processing application:…………………………………….. |
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iv) Date provider details captured on database:…………… Signature:……………. |
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(v) Date of application vetting and results:……………….. Signature:……………… |
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(vi) Date applicant informed of outcome:………………….. Signature:……………… |
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(vii) Date registration certificate issued:………………….Signature:…………………. |
Delete whichever is not applicable
SECOND SCHEDULE
APPLICATION FOR RENEWAL OF REGISTRATION OF TRAINING INSTITUTION OR ASSESSMENT CENTRE
(regulation 8(2))
Form
BOTA/RA IR/201
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BOTSWANA TRAINING AUTHORITY |
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Private Bag BO 340 Tel: (+267) 3159 481 Physical Address: |
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1. Institutional management and location (Apart from paragraphs (a) and (b) below, please write “same” if information is the same as in the previous application, otherwise enter the required details). |
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(a) Name of training institution/assessment centre: ……………………………………………. |
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(b) Training institution/assessment center number:…………………………………………….. |
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(c) Postal address:…………………………………………………………………………………….. |
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(d) Physical address of administration site:………………………………………………………. |
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(e) Lease period of administration site (Please indicate if administration site is owned): |
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Commencement date……………………….. Expiry date……………………………………. |
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(f) Location (name of city/town/village and district/sub-district):…………………………….. |
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(g) Telephone:…………………………………………………………………………………………… |
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(h) Fax:…………………………………………………………………………………………………… |
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(i) E-mail:……………………………………………………………………………………………….. |
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(j) Physical address(es) of any other delivery site(s), city/town/village, district/sub-district and period of plot lease for each site (Please write owned if plot(s) is/are owned): |
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Physical address |
City/town/ village |
District/sub-district |
Lease period/Plot owned |
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Commencement date |
Expiry date |
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(k) State category of institution (i.e. Community, Private, Public, NGO or Company owned):……………………………………………………………………………………………….. |
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(l) Name of current operational manager:…………………………………………………………. |
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• Date of birth:…………………………………………………………………………………… |
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• Gender (tick appropriate box): male female |
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• Nationality……………………………………………………………………………………… |
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• Relevant experience…………………………………………………………………………. |
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• Qualifications ………………………………………………………………………………… |
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(m) Record of any change(s) in Governors/Directors particulars: |
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Names of Governors/ Directors |
Nationality |
Work experience |
Highest level of education attained |
Present occupation |
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2. This application has been checked and it contains the information which proves that the training institution or assessment centre, as the case may be (tick appropriate boxes): |
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(a) is a body corporate |
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(b) has a clear hierarchical structure of staff with clear allocation of functions and accountability |
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(c) has clear financial systems and internal financial controls in place, that is, that the institution or assessment centre, inter alia– |
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(i) has a person responsible for financial management, |
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(ii) has its accounts certified at least annually by a qualified, registered and practicing accountant, |
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(iii) has in place, systems to protect fees paid in advance, |
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(d) has measurable goals and objectives |
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(e) has a clear rationale for each programme offered and provides career guidance |
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(f) has a clear staff recruitment and staff development policy |
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(g) is committed to quality- |
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(i) by having documented policies, procedures and review mechanisms that ensure that the training institution or assessment center is effective in realising its goals and objectives |
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(ii) by having a rigorous processes of self evaluation and internal audit |
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(iii) by having measurable performance indicators for mission, goals and objectives |
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(iv) by ensuring that staff is qualified |
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NB: The bulk of the evidence should be in the form of supporting documents from other sources (e.g. using self-evaluation instrument), prepared by the applicant. |
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3. Declaration. |
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We the undersigned state that- |
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(i) The information contained in the application is, to the best of our knowledge, true and accurate. |
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(ii) Our institution has sufficient financial provision to cover its operations. |
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Name of Operational Manager ……………………………………………………………………………… |
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Signature: …………………………………… Date:…………………………………………………………. |
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Name of Chairperson of Governing body:…………………………………………………………………. |
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Signature: …………………………………… Date:…………………………………………………………. |
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Name of one member of Board of Governors:…………………………………………………………… |
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Signature: …………………………………… Date:…………………………………………………………. |
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4. For official use by BOTA. |
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(i) Date application received and checked:………………. Signature:……………….. |
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(ii) Assigned provider number:………………………. Signature:…………………………. |
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(iii) Name of BOTA officer processing application:……………………………………….. |
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(iv) Date provider details captured on database:………………. Signature:…………. |
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(v) Date of application vetting and results:………………. Signature:…………………. |
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(vi) Date applicant informed of outcome:…………… Signature:……………………….. |
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(vii) Date registration certificate issued:…………. Signature:……………………………. |
Delete whichever is not applicable
BOTSWANA QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY (FEES) REGULATIONS
(under section 31(g))
(17th June, 2016)
ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS
REGULATIONS
1. Citation
2. Fees payable under the Act
SCHEDULE
S.I. 62, 2016,
S.I. 18, 2018.
These Regulations may be cited as the Botswana Qualifications Authority (Fees) Regulations.
The fees payable to the Authority under section 21(1)(c) of the Act shall be as set out in the Schedule.
SCHEDULE
A 1. REGISTRATION AND ACCREDITATION OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROVIDER AND RENEWAL (VALID FOR NOT MORE THAN 10 YEARS)
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EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROVIDER |
APPLICATION FEE ANNUAL FEE |
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Early Childhood |
P5,000.00P2,000.00 |
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Primary |
P10,000.00P4,000.00 |
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Secondary |
P15,000.00P6,000.00 |
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Consultancy |
P10,000.00P4,000.00 |
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Workplace |
P15,000.00P6,000.00 |
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Tertiary (TVET and higher) with: |
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up to 100 learners |
P10,000.00P4,000.00 |
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101 – 500 learners |
P15,000.00P6,000.00 |
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More than 500 learners |
P20,000.00P8,000.00 |
A 2. REGISTRATION AND ACCREDITATION OF AWARDING BODIES (VALID FOR NOT MORE THAN 10 YEARS)
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EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROVIDER |
APPLICATION FEE |
ANNUAL FEE |
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General Education |
P5,000.00 |
P2,000.00 |
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Tertiary (TVET and higher) with: |
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up to 100 learners |
P10,000.00 |
P4,000.00 |
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101 – 500 learners |
P15,000.00 |
P6,000.00 |
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More than 500 learners |
P20,000.00 |
P8,000.00 |
B. AUDIT OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROVIDERS
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EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROVIDER |
FEE |
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Early Childhood |
P5,000.00 |
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Primary |
P10,000.00 |
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Secondary |
P15,000.00 |
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Consultancy |
P20,000.00 |
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Workplace |
P30,000.00 |
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Tertiary (Tvet and higher) with: |
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up to 100 learners |
P40,000.00 |
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101 – 500 learners |
P60,000.00 |
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>500 learners |
P80,000.00 |
C 1. REGISTRATION AND ACCREDITATION OF AN ADDITIONAL SITE
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EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROVIDER |
FEE |
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Early Childhood |
P8,000.00 |
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Primary |
P10,000.00 |
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Secondary |
P20,000.00 |
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Consultancy |
P15,000.00 |
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Workplace |
P25,000.00 |
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Tertiary (TVET and higher) |
P30,000.00 |
C 2. RELOCATION OF A SITE
|
EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROVIDER |
FEE |
|
Early Childhood |
P8,000.00 |
|
Primary |
P10,000.00 |
|
Secondary |
P20,000.00 |
|
Consultancy |
P15,000.00 |
|
Workplace |
P25,000.00 |
|
Tertiary (TVET and higher) |
P30,000.00 |
D 1. ACCREDITATION OF LEARNING PROGRAMMES (TERTIARY INSTITUTION – TVET AND HIGHER EDUCATION) AND RENEWAL (VALID FOR NOT MORE THAN 5 YEARS)
|
EXIT LEVEL |
FEE |
|
Short Courses all levels of the NCQF (less than 120 credits) |
P5,000.00 |
|
NCQF level 5 (e.g. A Level Certificate) |
P20,000.00 |
|
NCQF level 6 (e.g. Diploma) |
P30,000.00 |
|
NCQF level 7 (e.g. Bachelors Degree) |
P45,000.00 |
|
NCQF Level 8 (e.g. Honours, PGC, PGD ) |
P50,000.00 |
|
NCQF level 9 (e.g. Masters Degree) |
P60,000.00 |
|
NCQF level 10 (e.g. Doctoral Degree) |
P70,000.00 |
D 2. ACCREDITATION OF LEARNING PROGRAMMES (SCHOOL LEVEL PROGRAMME – GE) (VALID FOR NOT MORE THAN 5 YEARS)
|
EXIT LEVEL |
FEE |
|
Early Childhood |
P2,000.00 |
|
Primary Exit Level (e.g. PSLE) |
P4,000.00 |
|
Junior Certificate Exit Level (e.g. JC) |
P6,000.00 |
|
Senior Secondary Exit Level (e.g. BGCSE, IGCSE) |
P8,000.00 |
|
NCQF Level 5 (e.g. A Levels) |
P12,000.00 |
E. OTHER FEES
|
SERVICE PROVIDED |
FEE (BWP) |
|
Purchase of application pack (all types) |
100.00 |
|
Registration and accreditation of assessor or moderator |
1,000.00 |
|
Renewal of registration and accreditation as an assessor or moderator |
500.00 |
|
Payment for investigation of client complaints about an education and training provider (on site): per day. The ETP pays if audit query finds the ETP to be liable |
5,000.00 |
|
Evaluation of qualifications – local (30 days) |
1,000.00 |
|
Evaluation of qualifications – external (30 days) |
2,000.00 |
|
Express evaluation of qualifications – local (15 days) |
2,000.00 |
|
Express evaluation of qualifications – external (15 days) |
5,000.00 |
|
Review of curricular materials per document |
1,000.00 |
|
Appeals against BQA – minimum daily rate (to be paid by appellant) |
5,000.00 |
F. CERTIFICATION AND RECORD OF LEARNING FEES
|
SERVICE ISSUED BY BQA |
FEE (BWP) |
|
Issuance of Initial Certificate |
300.00 |
|
Issuance of duplicate Certificate |
200.00 |
|
Issuance of Initial Record of Learning per learner |
200.00 |
|
Issuance of duplicate Record of Learning per learner |
100.00 |
G. PROVISION OF CAPACITY BUILDING SERVICES (daily rate):
|
SERVICE PROVIDED |
FEE (BWP) |
|
Capacitating participants ranging from: |
|
|
5 – 10 participants |
3,000.00 |
|
11 – 20 participants |
5,000.00 |
|
21 – 30 participants |
8,000.00 |
|
The fees exclude accommodation and meals |
BOTSWANA QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY (REGISTRATION AND ACCREDITATION OF ASSESSORS AND MODERATORS) REGULATIONS
(under section 31)
(17th June, 2016)
ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS
REGULATION
1. Citation
2. Interpretation
3. Application for registration and accreditation
4. Registration and accreditation of assessors and moderators
5. Categories of registration and accreditation
6. Validity of registration and accreditation
7. Renewal of registration and accreditation
8. Application to be in a prescribed form
9. Revocation of registration and accreditation
10. Notice of revocation of registration and accreditation
11. Maintenance of register of accredited assessors and moderators
12. Appeals
13. Offences and penalties
14. Transitional provision
15. Revocation of S.I. No. 32 of 2004
SCHEDULE
S.I. 32, 2004,
S.I. 63, 2016.
These Regulations may be cited as the Botswana Qualifications Authority (Registration and Accreditation of Assessors and Moderators) Regulations.
In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires—
“assessment” means the process of collecting evidence of learners’ work to measure and make judgment about achievement or non-achievement of specified National Credits and Qualifications Framework (hereinafter “NCQF”) standards or qualifications;
“assessor” means a person registered and accredited by the Authority in accordance with established criteria to collect evidence of learners’ work to measure and make judgment about achievement or non-achievement of specified NCQF standards or qualifications;
“education and training provider” means a person who provides or organises a programme of education and training, including the provision of professional development services;
“Fees Regulations” means the Botswana Qualifications Authority (Fees) Regulations;
“moderation” means the process which ensures that assessment of outcomes described in the NCQF standards or qualifications are fair, valid, reliable and consistent;
“moderator” means a person who is registered and accredited by the Authority to ascertain whether or not the assessment of outcomes described in the NCQF standards or qualifications are fair, valid, reliable and consistent;
“register” means a register maintained in terms of regulation 11; and
“registration” means the process by which the Authority ascertains that a moderator or an assessor has the requisite qualifications to be registered as an assessor or moderator in accordance with the provisions of these regulations.
3. Application for registration and accreditation
(1) A person who wishes to be registered and accredited as an assessor or moderator shall apply to the Authority for registration and accreditation.
(2) An application made under subregulation (1) shall be in Form A as set out in the Schedule and be accompanied by a non-refundable fee as set out in the Fees Regulations.
(3) The Authority may, in writing, require an applicant to provide such further information as the Authority may consider relevant to the application.
(4) Where the applicant is required to provide further information in terms of subregulation (3), such information shall be submitted within 21 working days from the date of notification.
(5) Where the applicant fails to submit required information as stipulated in subregulation (4), the Authority shall reject the application.
4. Registration and accreditation of assessors and moderators
(1) Where the Authority is satisfied that an applicant meets the requirements set out in these Regulations for registration and accreditation as an assessor or moderator it shall register and accredit that person for a defined scope of assessment or moderation services.
(2) Where the Authority registers and accredits a person as an assessor or moderator, it shall, within 30 working days of such registration and accreditation—
(a) record the registration and accreditation in the register; and
(b) issue to that person, a certificate of registration and accreditation as set out in Form B of the Schedule.
5. Categories of registration and accreditation
The Authority may determine different categories of registration and accreditation where there is a justifiable cause for such differentiation to allow for special circumstances in education and training sub-systems.
6. Validity of registration and accreditation
(1) An assessor or moderator shall be registered and accredited for such period as may be specified by the Authority, which period shall not exceed five years.
(2) Where registration and accreditation has expired, an assessor or moderator shall cease to practice.
7. Renewal of registration and accreditation
An assessor, and or moderator may, within six months before his or her registration and accreditation expires, apply for renewal of registration and accreditation.
8. Application to be in a prescribed form
(1) An application for renewal of registration and accreditation shall—
(a) be made to the Authority in Form C as set out in the Schedule, and
(b) be accompanied by a non-refundable fee as set out in the Fees Regulations.
9. Revocation of registration and accreditation
The Authority may revoke registration and accreditation granted to an assessor or moderator where the assessor or moderator—
(a) makes a statement which is false or misleading to the Authority, in relation to an application for registration and accreditation;
(b) fails to comply with the required standards of a practising assessor or moderator within such period as the Authority may consider reasonable; or
(c) is convicted of a criminal offence, the penalty for which is imprisonment for a term exceeding six months.
10. Notice of revocation of registration and accreditation
(1) Where the Authority decides to revoke the registration and accreditation of an assessor or moderator, it shall issue a written notice to the assessor or moderator—
(a) informing such assessor or moderator of the reason for the revocation of the registration and accreditation; and
(b) allowing such assessor or moderator 21 working days within which to make representation to the Authority.
(2) Where the Authority decides to revoke the registration and accreditation of an assessor or moderator, the Authority shall inform in writing, the education and training provider at which the person is an assessor or moderator of such revocation.
11. Maintenance of register of accredited assessors and moderators
(1) The Authority shall maintain a register of all registered and accredited assessors and moderators.
(2) The Register maintained in terms of subregulation (1) shall clearly record information including—
(a) personal details of the assessor or moderator;
(b) educational background of the assessor or moderator;
(c) scope of the assessment or moderation services granted; and
(d) period of validity of the registration and accreditation.
A person aggrieved by a decision of the Authority under these Regulations shall, within 21 days of learning of the decision, make an appeal in writing to the Appeals Committee.
A person who—
(a) practices as an assessor or moderator without being registered and accredited in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations;
(b) states or purports to be a registered and accredited assessor or moderator when the Authority has not granted that person registration and accreditation status; or
(c) makes a statement that is false or misleading to an authorised officer of the Authority in relation to an application for registration and accreditation,
commits an offence and shall be liable upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding P5 000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both.
Any person who, at the coming into operation of these Regulations, is registered as an assessor or moderator, shall, continue to practice as an assessor or moderator until the expiration of his or her certificate.
15. Revocation of S.I. No. 32 of 2004
The Vocational Training (Registration of Assessors and Trainers) Regulations, 2004 are hereby revoked.
SCHEDULE
Form A
| ASSESSOR |
Recent
colour
passport
size
photo
MODERATOR
(Tick appropriate box)
The Category of registration for this application is
| Provisional Registration |
Full Registration
1.0 PERSONAL INFORMATION (Fill in Using Block Letters)
| 1.01 Title |
| 1.02 Surname |
| 1.03 First Name (s) |
| 1.04 Previous Name (s) (If applicable) |
| 1.05 Date of Birth | __________________ / __________________ / __________________ / (dd) (mm) (yyyy) |
| 1.06 Gender |
| 1.07 Place of Birth (Country) |
| 1.08 Marital Status |
| 1.09 Nationality |
| 1.10 ID No. (Citizens) |
| 1.10.1 Passport Number (Non-citizens) |
| 1.11 Postal Address |
| 1.12 Phone work: |
|
Home: |
|
Cell: |
|
Fax: |
| 1.13 Email Address |
| 1.14 Present Employer (if applicable) |
2.0 EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
List ALL qualifications relevant to assessment/moderation service you are currently offering or intend to offer.
|
Name of Qualification |
Name of Institution Awarding Qualification |
Full address of Institution |
Dates From/To (mm/yyyy) |
Full-time or Part-time |
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From |
To |
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3.0 WORK EXPERIENCE
List experience in profession, vocation or trade, with your most recent work experience first
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Name of Employer |
Address of Employer |
Dates of Employment (dd/mm/yyyy) |
Position Held |
Full-time or Part-time |
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From |
To |
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4.0 ASSESSOR/MODERATOR SERVICES
List all assessor/moderator service (s) for which you wish to be registered and accredited.
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Assessor/Moderator Services |
|
1. |
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2. |
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3. |
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5.0 ATTACHMENTS
Please find enclosed in this application pack, the following documents to support my application:
i. Certified copy of National Identity (Omang) for citizens or passport for non-citizens.
ii. Certified copies of certificates and transcripts, showing approved course of training and attestation from referees/employer on competencies for services to be provided.
iii. Evidence of membership of a Professional Association (if applicable).
iv. Evidence of attainment following assessment against recognised moderator or assessor standards. These could be standards registered on other national qualifications frameworks.
v. Copy of current CV relevant to the application.
6.0 REFERENCES
A minimum of two references should be supplied, and the names and addresses of referees must be indicated below:
|
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First Referee |
Second Referee |
Third Referee |
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Name |
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Postal Address |
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Town/Village |
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Country |
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Telephone |
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Fax |
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Mobile |
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7.0 DECLARATION BY APPLICANT:
I declare that I have not in the past five years been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction, either within or outside Botswana, for a criminal offence that carries a minimum penalty of six months or more imprisonment without the option of a fine and authorise Botswana Qualifications Authority to seek clarification from the relevant authorities.
I declare that the above details are correct.
|
Name: _______________________ |
Signature: __________________ |
|
Date: ________________________ |
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Witness: |
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Name: _______________________ |
Signature: __________________ |
|
Date: ________________________ |
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10.0 FOR OFFICIAL USE BY BQA
|
Date application received by Educational Records Management Division |
______________ |
Signature |
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Date ETPs data captured on database |
______________ |
Signature |
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Date application received by Quality Assurance Division |
______________ |
Signature |
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Name of BQA officer processing application |
(surname) |
(first name (s)) |
|
|
Date application allocated to Quality Assurance Officer |
______________ |
Allocated by: |
| • Registration and Accreditation number assigned: |
| • By name |
| • Signature: | _______________________________________________ |
| Date of registration: | ___________/ _________/_________________ |
| Date of expiry of registration: | ___________/ _________/_________________ |
Guidance notes for completion of the attached application and reference forms
A Application Form
• This application form is for applicants who are providing training and/or assessment functions in Vocational Training Institutions. Before completing this Application Form, the Applicant should read the Criteria for the Registration and Accreditation of Trainers and/or Assessors prepared by BQA.
• The applicant is required to indicate the category of registration applied for.
• In section 1.0, the applicant is requested to fill in personal information about her/him, which will be used solely for the purpose of establishing a database of practitioners in Vocational Training.
• Section 6.0 requires applicants to submit attachments which can be complemented with Curriculum Vitae.
• The applicant could present evidence of attainment following assessment against published benchmark standards. This is credit that could have been achieved by the applicant, as a result of being assessed against other standards in other frameworks internationally.
B Letter of Reference
• Anybody who has served in a position senior to the applicant qualifies to be a referee for the purposes of this application. It could be a principal, head of department, lecturer, employer or supervisor. Such a person, who has also been associated with applicants for not less than 12 months, qualifies to act as referee for purposes of this application
• The referee is required to give a comprehensive opinion of the applicant, using the guidelines provided. S/he is requested to fill in the box provided on the personality attributes of the applicant. If s/he feels that the box restricts her/him to expand on these, there are some spaces provided below this box specifically for that extra information.
The procedure to follow regarding the letter of reference is as stipulated below:
– Applicant identifies her/his preferred referees.
– Applicant gives the referee the letter of reference.
– Referee completes the reference.
– At least two references would be required to support this application. The sources of reference should include at least one professional referee (that is present supervisor or head of department/institution).
– The referee could indicate the personality attributes of the applicant by rating him/her on a scale of 1 – 5, provided in the reference section of this application package. Please note that items 4A and 4B are complementary to each other and you are at liberty to complete only one of them, if you so wish.
C Definitions
• Training institution (VTI) means “a private or public centre, organisation, employer or person providing vocational training.”
• Vocational training means “provision of skills, knowledge and attitudes up to certain specified levels of qualification below technician level.”
• Trainer means “a person providing vocational training.”
• Assessor means “a person who collects and interprets evidence of ability or competence in vocational training”.
• Competencies means “possession of skills, knowledge and attitude that enables one to perform the duties of a trainer in a specified vocation.”
• Attestation means “a letter of reference from a qualified person giving clear evidence to the fact that the applicant possesses the competencies s/he has indicated in the application.”
Form B
Certificate of Registration and Accreditation
Form C
Application for Renewal of Registration and Accreditation
(regulation 8)
| ASSESSOR |
Recent
colour
passport
size
photo
MODERATOR
(Tick appropriate box)
The Category of registration for this application is
| Renewal of Provisional Registration |
Renewal of Full Registration
2.0 PERSONAL INFORMATION (Fill in Using Block Letters)
| 1.15 Title |
| 1.16 Surname |
| 1.17 First Name (s) |
| 1.18 Previous Name (s) (If applicable) |
| 1.19 Date of Birth | __________________ / __________________ / __________________ / (dd) (mm) (yyyy) |
| 1.20 Gender |
| 1.21 Place of Birth (Country) |
| 1.22 Marital Status |
| 1.23 Nationality |
| 1.24 ID No. (Citizens) |
| 1.10.1 Passport Number (Non-citizens) |
| 1.25 Postal Address |
| 1.26 Phone work: |
|
Home: |
|
Cell: |
|
Fax: |
| 1.27 Email Address |
| 1.28 Present Employer (if applicable) |
2.0 EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
List ALL qualifications relevant to assessment/moderation service you are currently offering or intend to offer.
|
Name of Qualification |
Name of Institution Awarding Qualification |
Full address of Institution |
Dates From/To (mm/yyyy) |
Full-time or Part-time |
|
|
From |
To |
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3.0 WORK EXPERIENCE
List experience in profession, vocation or trade, with your most recent work experience first.
|
Name of Employer |
Address of Employer |
Dates of Employment (dd/mm/yyyy) |
Position Held |
Full-time or Part-time |
|
From |
To |
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4.0 ASSESSOR/MODERATOR SERVICES
List all assessor/moderator service(s) for which you wish to be registered and accredited.
|
|
Assessor/Moderator Services |
|
1. |
|
|
2. |
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3. |
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4. |
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5. |
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6. |
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7. |
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5.0 ATTACHMENTS
Please find enclosed in this application pack, the following documents to support my application:
vi. Certified copy of National Identity (Omang) for citizens or passport for non-citizens.
vii. Certified copies of certificates and transcripts, showing approved course of training and attestation from referees/employer on competencies for services to be provided.
viii. Evidence of membership of a Professional Association (if applicable).
ix. Evidence of attainment following assessment against recognised moderator or assessor standards. These could be standards registered on other national qualifications frameworks.
x. Copy of current CV relevant to the application.
6.0 REFERENCES
A minimum of two references should be supplied, and the names and addresses of referees must be indicated below:
|
|
First Referee |
Second Referee |
Third Referee |
|
Name |
|
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|
|
Postal Address |
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|
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Town/Village |
|
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|
Country |
|
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Telephone |
|
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|
|
Fax |
|
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|
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|
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|
|
Mobile |
|
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|
7.0 DECLARATION BY APPLICANT:
I declare that I have not in the past five years been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction, either within or outside Botswana, for a criminal offence that carries a minimum penalty of six months or more imprisonment without the option of a fine and authorise Botswana Qualifications Authority to seek clarification from the relevant authorities.
I declare that the above details are correct.
|
Name: _______________________ |
Signature: ___________________ |
|
Date: ________________________ |
|
|
Witness: |
|
|
Name: _______________________ |
Signature: ___________________ |
|
Date: ________________________ |
|
10.0 FOR OFFICIAL USE BY BQA
|
Date application received by Educational Records Management Division |
_________________ |
Signature |
|
|
Date ETPs data captured on database |
_________________ |
Signature |
|
|
Date application received by Quality Assurance Division |
_________________ |
Signature |
|
|
Name of BQA officer processing application |
(surname) |
(first name (s)) |
|
|
Date application allocated to Quality Assurance Officer |
_________________ |
Allocated by: |
| • Registration and Accreditation number assigned: |
| • By name |
| • Signature: | _______________________________________________ |
| Date of registration: | ___________/ _________/_________________ |
| Date of expiry of registration: | ___________/ _________/_________________ |
Guidance notes for completion of the attached application and reference forms
A Application Form
• This application form is for applicants who are providing training and/or assessment functions in Vocational Training Institutions. Before completing this Application Form, the Applicant should read the Criteria for the Registration and Accreditation of Trainers and/or Assessors prepared by BQA.
• The applicant is required to indicate the category of registration applied for.
• In section 1.0, the applicant is requested to fill in personal information about her/him, which will be used solely for the purpose of establishing a database of practitioners in Vocational Training.
• Section 6.0 requires applicants to submit attachments which can be complemented with Curriculum Vitae.
• The applicant could present evidence of attainment following assessment against published benchmark standards. This is credit that could have been achieved by the applicant, as a result of being assessed against other standards in other frameworks internationally.
B Letter of Reference
• Anybody who has served in a position senior to the applicant qualifies to be a referee for the purposes of this application. It could be a principal, head of department, lecturer, employer or supervisor. Such a person, who has also been associated with applicants for not less than 12 months, qualifies to act as referee for purposes of this application.
• The referee is required to give a comprehensive opinion of the applicant, using the guidelines provided. S/he is requested to fill in the box provided on the personality attributes of the applicant. If s/he feels that the box restricts her/him to expand on these, there are some spaces provided below this box specifically for that extra information.
The procedure to follow regarding the letter of reference is as stipulated below:
– Applicant identifies her/his preferred referees.
– Applicant gives the referee the letter of reference.
– Referee completes the reference.
– At least two references would be required to support this application. The sources of reference should include at least one professional referee (that is present supervisor or head of department /institution).
– The referee could indicate the personality attributes of the applicant by rating him/her on a scale of 1 – 5, provided in the reference section of this application package. Please note that items 4A and 4B are complementary to each other and you are at liberty to complete only one of them, if you so wish.
C Definitions
• Training institution (VTI) means “a private or public centre, organisation, employer or person providing vocational training.”
• Vocational training means “provision of skills, knowledge and attitudes up to certain specified levels of qualification below technician level.”
• Trainer means “a person providing vocational training.”
• Assessor means “a person who collects and interprets evidence of ability or competence in vocational training”.
• Competencies means “possession of skills, knowledge and attitude that enables one to perform the duties of a trainer in a specified vocation.”
• Attestation means “a letter of reference from a qualified person giving clear evidence to the fact that the applicant possesses the competencies s/he has indicated in the application.”
BOTSWANA QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY (REGISTRATION AND ACCREDITATION OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROVIDERS) REGULATIONS
(under section 31)
(17th June, 2016)
ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS
REGULATION
1. Citation
2. Interpretation
3. Application for registration and accreditation
4. Registration and accreditation of education and training providers
5. Registration and accreditation of awarding bodies
6. Register of education and training providers
7. Publication of Register in Gazette and other media
8. Quality delivery of learning programmes and assessments
9. Malpractice or maladministration
10. Mitigation strategies in cases of malpractice or maladministration
11. Validity of registration and accreditation
12. Renewal of registration and accreditation
13. Monitoring and evaluation of education and training providers
14. Notification of significant changes
15. Revocation of registration and accreditation
16. Suspension of services, enrolment and programmes
17. Return of Certificate after revocation of registration and accreditation
18. Publication of name in Gazette and other media
19. Removal of name from Register
20. Appeals
21. Offences and penalties
22. Transitional provisions
23. Revocation of Statutory Instruments Numbers 56 of 2004, 56 of 2005 and 100 of 2008
SCHEDULE
S.I 56, 2004,
S.I. 56, 2005,
S.I. 100, 2008,
S.I. 64, 2016,
S.I. 148, 2017.
These Regulations may be cited as the Botswana Qualifications Authority (Registration and Accreditation of Education and Training Providers) Regulations.
In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires—
“learning programmes” means quality assured, structured learning programmes that lead to a qualification;
“awarding body” means an organisation recognised by the Authority, which awards accredited qualification;
“Fees Regulations” means the Botswana Qualifications Authority (Fees) Regulations;
“Register” means a register maintained in terms of regulation 6;
“registration” means the process by which the Authority ascertains that the education and training provider has the requisite human and material resources, systemic structures, policies and processes to operate as an education and training provider; and
“registration and accreditation of an education and training provider” means a process that an education and training provider shall undertake with the Authority, as a pre-requisite for accreditation to ascertain the education and training provider’s capacity to provide for a defined scope of education and training, in accordance with the Act.
3. Application for registration and accreditation
(1) A person wishing to operate as an education and training provider shall apply to the Authority for registration and accreditation.
(2) The application made under subregulation (1) shall be in Form A as set out in the Schedule and shall be accompanied by a non-refundable fee set out in the Fees Regulations.
(3) The application shall be in accordance with the quality assurance criteria for registration and accreditation of education and training providers determined by the Authority.
(4) The Authority may, in writing, require an applicant to provide further information which the Authority considers relevant to the application.
(5) Where the applicant is required to provide further information in terms of subregulation (4), such information shall be submitted within 21 working days from the date of notification.
(6) Where the applicant fails to submit the required information as stipulated in subregulation (4), the Authority shall reject the application.
(7) Where the Authority is satisfied that an applicant satisfies the provisions of this regulation, it shall register and accredit the applicant as an education and training provider.
(8) An education and training provider shall, within 12 months of its registration and accreditation, apply for learning programme accreditation with the Authority, failing which the registration and accreditation shall be revoked.
4. Registration and accreditation of education and training providers
(1) When the Authority registers and accredits an education and training provider, it shall, within 30 working days—
(a) record such registration and accreditation in the Register; and
(b) issue to the applicant, a Certificate of Registration and Accreditation in Form C as set out in the Schedule.
(2) An education and training provider shall display the Certificate of Registration and Accreditation within its premises, where it will be visible to the public.
5. Registration and accreditation of awarding bodies
(1) The Authority shall develop and implement a criterion for registration and accreditation of awarding bodies.
(2) An awarding body whose learning programmes are offered by an independent education and training provider shall apply for registration and accreditation by the Authority in a manner specified by the Authority.
(3) An awarding body referred to under subregulation (2) may enter into a written agreement with the education and training provider as approved by the Authority.
6. Register of education and training providers
(1) The Authority shall maintain a register of all registered and accredited education and training providers.
(2) The register maintained in terms of subregulation (1) shall be kept at the offices of the Authority and shall be open for inspection to any member of the public.
(3) The Register shall clearly describe the—
(a) form and structure of the education and training provider;
(b) scope of services that the education and training provider is offering; and
(c) date on which the education and training provider was registered and accredited.
7. Publication of register in Gazette and other media
The Authority shall publish the register referred to in regulation 6 annually, in the Gazette and in newspapers of wide circulation in Botswana.
8. Quality delivery of learning programmes and assessments
An awarding body referred to in regulation 5 shall undertake quality assurance of delivery of learning programmes and associated assessment and moderation processes as specified by the Authority.
9. Malpractice or maladministration
An awarding body shall ensure that there is no malpractice or maladministration within each of the education and training providers that have entered into an agreement with the awarding body in accordance with regulation 5(3) regarding—
(a) delivery of learning programmes;
(b) assessment and moderation;
(c) protection of enrolled learners;
(d) governance and management; and
(e) any other matters pertaining to regulatory requirements to be complied with as specified by the Authority.
10. Mitigation strategies in cases of malpractice or maladministration
(1) An awarding body shall implement appropriate mitigation strategies where malpractice or maladministration, as referred to under regulation 9, occurs within the education and training provider that it has entered into an agreement with in accordance with regulation 5(3).
(2) The Authority shall undertake quality assurance of the assessment and moderation system and practices of the awarding body.
11. Validity of registration and accreditation
An education and training provider shall remain registered and accredited—
(a) for a period not exceeding 10 years;
(b) until such time when the Registration and Accreditation is revoked by the Authority; or
(c) until the education and training provider requests for termination of registration and accreditation status.
12. Renewal of registration and accreditation
(1) An education and training provider who wishes to remain registered and accredited shall, at least six months before the period of registration and accreditation expires, apply for renewal of registration and accreditation.
(2) An application for renewal of registration and accreditation shall be in Form B set out in the Schedule, accompanied by a non-refundable fee as set out in the Fees Regulations and any relevant documentation and information as may be required by the Authority.
13. Monitoring and evaluation of education and training providers
(1) The Authority shall monitor and audit registered and accredited education and training providers at a fee set out in the Fees Regulations by the Authority.
(2) The Authority shall audit an education and training provider at least midway through the lifecycle of its registration and accreditation.
14. Notification of significant changes
(1) A registered and accredited education and training provider shall notify the Authority of any significant change, which is likely to affect the operations of the education and training provider, such as the following, but not limited to—
(a) a change in ownership;
(b) a change in legal status;
(c) a decision to cease operations;
(d) a change in location of sites used;
(e) a change in the composition of the governing body;
(f) a change in senior management or senior academic personnel;
(g) a change in funding sources;
(h) a change in any franchising or partnership arrangements;
(i) an increase or decrease in enrolment of more than 10%;
(j) a change in staffing status;
(k) the opening of a new site locally and outside Botswana; and
(l) a change in the mode of delivery of any programme or course and assessment.
(2) Where the Authority is notified of a change referred to in subregulation (1) the Authority may institute an investigation to determine whether the changes are consistent with the education and training provider’s aims and objects.
15. Revocation of registration and accreditation
(1) The Authority may revoke registration and accreditation where an education and training provider has failed to submit its annual report in accordance with the Authority’s annual reporting policy.
(2) Where the Authority decides to revoke the registration and accreditation of an education and training provider, it shall—
(a) issue a written notice to the governing body of the education and training provider, stating that registration and accreditation requirements referred to under the regulations are no longer being met; giving grounds for the findings under subregulation (1); and
(b) grant the education and training provider a period of time, to be determined by the Authority, within which to comply with the registration and accreditation requirements referred to under paragraph (a).
16. Suspension of services, enrolment and programmes
(1) Where notice of revocation has been issued to an education and training provider, the concerned registered and accredited education and training provider shall not—
(a) enrol any new learners in any programme to which the notice applies;
(b) commence any new programmes; and
(c) commence services at any new site until such time as the notice is formally withdrawn by the Authority or until the registration and accreditation of the provider is confirmed in terms of subregulation (2).
(2) Following consideration of any submission made by the education and training provider, the Authority may—
(a) re-confirm the registration and accreditation;
(b) re-confirm the registration and accreditation with conditions imposed; or
(c) revoke the registration and accreditation.
(3) Where the Authority issues a notice in terms of regulation 15(2), an education and training provider shall take measures, as specified by the Authority, for the protection of enrolled learners who have begun but not completed the learning programme.
(4) The Authority shall carry out necessary actions to ensure that the education and training provider meets obligations referred to under subregulation (3) and that learner protection is fulfilled.
(5) The Authority shall revoke the registration and accreditation of an education and training provider where the provider does not comply with the conditions specified in the notice referred to in regulation 15(2)(b).
(6) Where the Authority revokes registration and accreditation, the education and training provider shall cease all operations.
17. Return of Certificate after revocation of registration and accreditation
Where registration and accreditation has been revoked, the education and training provider must return the original Certificate of Registration and Accreditation to the Authority within 21 working days of the revocation.
18. Publication of name in Gazette and other media
The Authority shall publish, in the Gazette and other media, the name and particulars of every education and training provider whose programme or registration and accreditation has been revoked.
19. Removal of name from Register
(1) The Authority shall remove the name of an education and training provider whose registration and accreditation has been revoked from the Register.
(2) Subsequent to revocation referred to under regulation 15, the education and training provider may apply for registration and accreditation after a period of three years.
(3) During the period referred to under subregulation (2) directors of the affected education and training provider shall not establish or operate a new education and training entity.
A person or entity aggrieved by a decision of the Authority under these Regulations may appeal to the Appeals Committee in accordance with the appeals procedure as set out by the Authority.
(1) A person who or entity which—
(a) operates as an education and training provider or awarding body without being registered and accredited in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations;
(b) states or purports to be a registered and accredited education and training provider or awarding body when the Authority has not granted that person or entity registration and accreditation status;
(c) withholds required information or makes a statement that is false or misleading to an authorised officer or representative of the Authority in relation to registration and accreditation matters;
(d) fails to return the Certificate of Registration and Accreditation upon revocation; or
(e) otherwise contravenes any provisions of these Regulations for which a penalty is not provided,
commits an offence and shall be liable upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding P5 000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or both.
(2) An education and training provider found guilty under these Regulations, may re-apply for registration and accreditation after a period of three years.
(3) During the period referred to under subregulation (2) directors of the affected education and training provider shall not establish or operate a new education and training entity.
(1) An education and training provider who has been carrying on the business or activity of education and training in general education shall within 48 months from 2nd December, 2017, comply with the provisions of these Regulations.
(2) An education and training provider who has been carrying on the business or activity of education and training in technical and vocational education shall within 12 months from 2nd December, 2017, comply with the provisions of these Regulations.
(3) An education and training provider who has been carrying on the business or activity of education and training in higher education shall within 12 months from 2nd December, 2017, comply with the provisions of these Regulations.
23. Revocation of Statutory Instruments Numbers 56 of 2004, 56 of 2005 and 100 of 2008
The Registration of Private Tertiary Institutions Regulations, 2004, Registration of Operating Private and Public Tertiary Institutions Regulations, 2005, and the Accreditation of Private Tertiary Institutions Regulations, 2008, are hereby repealed.
SCHEDULE
Form A
APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION AND ACCREDITATION AS TRAINING AND EDUCATION PROVIDER
(reg. 3)
APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION AND ACCREDITATION OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROVIDERS
1. Education and Training Provider management and location
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Name of Education and Training Provider |
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Registration & Accreditation No. |
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Postal address |
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Physical address of administration site |
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Lease period of the administration site (Please write owned if applicable) |
Commencement date (dd/mm/yyyy) |
Expiry date (dd/mm/yyyy) |
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Telephone Number |
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Fax Number |
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Email address |
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Name of city/town/village |
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District/Sub-District |
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Application submitted by |
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Designation |
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Name of contact person |
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First name(s) |
Individual ID. |
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Date of birth |
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Gender (tick appropriate box) |
Male |
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(dd/mm/yyyy) |
Female |
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Nationality (country) |
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Omang No. (Citizens)/Passport No. (Non-citizens) |
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2. Governors’/Directors’ particulars:
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Names of Governors/ Directors (surname first) |
Nationality (Country) |
Work experience |
Highest level of education attained |
Present occupation |
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3. State the scope of education and training services you intend to offer.
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Scope |
Levels |
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4. Declaration
We, the undersigned, state that:
i) the information contained in the application is, to the best of our knowledge, true and accurate.
ii) our institution has sufficient financial provision to cover its operations.
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Name of Management Representative |
(surname) |
(first name(s)) |
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Signature |
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Date |
(dd/mm/yyyy) |
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Name of chairperson of Governing body |
(surname) |
(first name(s)) |
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Signature |
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Date |
(dd/mm/yyyy) |
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Name of one member of Board of Governors |
(surname) |
(first name(s)) |
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Signature |
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Date |
(dd/mm/yyyy) |
5. For official use by BQA
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Date application received by Records Management Division |
Date |
Full Name |
Signature |
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Date ERD captured data on database |
Date |
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Signature |
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Date application received by Quality Assurance Division |
Date |
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Signature |
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Name of BQA officer processing application |
(Surname) |
(First name(s)) |
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Date application allocated to Quality Assurance Officer |
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Date |
Allocated by: |
Form B
Renewal of Registration and Accreditation
(regulation 12)
APPLICATION FOR RENEWAL OF REGISTRATION AND ACCREDITATION
1. Education and Training Provider management and location
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Name of Education and Training Provider |
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Registration & Accreditation No. |
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Postal address |
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Physical address of administration site |
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Lease period of the administration site (Please write owned if applicable) |
Commencement date |
Expiry date |
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Telephone Number |
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Fax Number |
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Email address |
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Name of city/town/village |
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District/Sub-District |
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Application submitted by |
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Designation |
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Name of contact person |
(Surname) |
First name(s) |
Individual ID. |
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Date of birth |
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Gender (tick appropriate box) |
Male |
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(dd/mm/yyyy) |
Female |
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Nationality (country) |
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Omang No. (Citizens)/Passport No. (Non-citizens) |
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2. Governors’ / Directors’ particulars:
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Names of Governors/ Directors (surname first) |
Nationality (Country) |
Work experience |
Highest level of education attained |
Present occupation |
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3. State the scope of education and training services you intend to offer
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Scope |
Levels |
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4. Declaration
We, the undersigned, state that:
i) the information contained in the application is, to the best of our knowledge, true and accurate.
ii) our institution has sufficient financial provision to cover its operations.
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Name of Management Representative |
(surname) |
(first name(s)) |
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Signature |
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Date |
(dd/mm/yyyy) |
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Name of chairperson of Governing body |
(surname) |
(first name(s)) |
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Signature |
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Date |
(dd/mm/yyyy) |
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Name of one member of Board of Governors |
(surname) |
(first name(s)) |
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Signature |
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Date |
(dd/mm/yyyy) |
5. For official use by BQA
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Date application received by Records Management Division |
Date |
Full Name |
Signature |
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Date ERD captured data on database |
Date |
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Signature |
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Date application received by Quality Assurance Division |
Date |
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Signature |
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Name of BQA officer processing application |
(Surname) |
(First name(s)) |
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Date application allocated to Quality Assurance Officer |
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Date |
Allocated by: |
Form C
Certificate of Registration and Accreditation
(regulation 4)
BOTSWANA QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY (ACCREDITATION OF LEARNING PROGRAMMES) REGULATIONS
(under section 31)
(17th June, 2016)
ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS
REGULATION
1. Citation
2. Interpretation
3. Learning programmes to be registered and accredited
4. Application for accreditation to be in a prescribed Form
5. Accreditation of learning programme
6. Accreditation of learning programme in the workplace
7. Assessment design and application
8. Register of accredited learning programmes
9. Publication of list of accredited learning programmes
10. Expanding the scope of accreditation
11. Validity of accreditation of learning programme
12. Renewal of accreditation of learning programme
13. Monitoring and evaluation of accredited learning programme
14. Protection of enrolled learners
15. Notification of significant changes
16. Revocation of accreditation of learning programmes
17. Appeals
18. Offences and penalties
19. Transitional provisions
SCHEDULE
S.I. 65, 2016,
S.I. 146, 2017.
These Regulations may be cited as the Botswana Qualifications Authority (Accreditation of Learning Programmes) Regulations.
In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires—
“accredited learning programme” means a quality assured, structured learning programme that leads to a qualification;
“assessment” means the process of collecting evidence of learners’ work to measure and make judgement about achievement or non-achievement of specified National Credit and Qualifications Framework (hereinafter referred to as ‘NCQF’) standards or qualifications;
“assessor” means a person registered and accredited by the Authority in accordance with established criteria to collect evidence of learners’ work to measure and make judgment about achievement or non-achievement of specified NCQF standards or qualifications;
“Fees Regulations” means the Botswana Qualifications Authority (Fees) Regulations;
“learning outcomes” means a statement that specifies what learners will know or will be able to do as a result of a learning activity;
“learning programme” means the sequential learning activities, associated with curriculum implementation, leading to the achievement of a particular qualification;
“moderation” means the process which ensures that assessment of the outcomes described in NCQF standards or qualifications, is fair, valid, reliable and consistent;
“moderator” means a person who is registered and accredited to ascertain whether or not the assessment of outcomes described in the NCQF standards and qualifications are fair, valid, reliable and consistent;
“qualification” means a formal outcome of an assessment and validation process which is obtained when a competent body determines that an individual has achieved learning outcomes to given standards;
“Register” means a register maintained in terms of regulation 8;
“scope of accreditation” means the extent of accreditation that has been granted to an education and training provider;
“sub-field” means a specific area of education or training at qualifications level within a field;
“structured work-place learning” means on-the-job training during which a learner is expected to master a set of skills or competencies, related to a work based learning programme accredited by the Authority; and
“unit standard” means a statement of the outcome of any learning assessed, the type and quality of evidence that represents performance worthy of an award of credits and the context in which that evidence shall be demonstrated.
3. Learning programmes to be registered and accredited
(1) An education and training provider that wishes to offer learning programmes at any level shall apply to the Authority for accreditation for such learning programmes.
(2) Any person may develop learning programmes and associated curricular materials based on NCQF standards or qualifications and submit them to the Authority for accreditation.
4. Application for accreditation to be in a prescribed Form
(1) An application for accreditation of a learning programme under these Regulations shall be made in Form A in the Schedule, accompanied by a fee set out in the Fees Regulations.
(2) The Authority may, in writing, require an applicant to provide additional information which it considers relevant to the application.
(3) Where the applicant is required to provide further information in terms of subregulation (2), such information shall be submitted in writing within 21 working days from the date of notification.
(4) Where an applicant fails to submit required information in terms of subregulation (3), the Authority shall reject the application.
(5) The Authority shall not accredit a learning programme unless the application meets criteria and guidelines for accreditation of learning programmes as determined by the Authority.
5. Accreditation of learning programme
(1) A learning programme submitted for accreditation shall meet the national human resource needs.
(2) The accreditation of a learning programme shall be based on the requirements of the NCQF standards or qualifications.
(3) Where the Authority is satisfied that an applicant satisfies the provisions of regulation 4, it shall grant accreditation of learning programme status.
(4) Where the Authority grants accreditation of learning programme status, it shall—
(a) record the accredited learning programmes in the register; and
(b) issue to the applicant, a certificate of accreditation of learning programme.
6. Accreditation of learning programme in the workplace
(1) A structured work-place learning programme shall be accredited by the Authority in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations.
(2) Where a work-place learning programme is not accredited, assessment and moderation shall be done by a registered and accredited assessor and moderator through a registered and accredited assessment body.
(3) Information on assessment and moderation, and associated quality assurance processes for qualifications and learning programmes submitted to the Authority shall be in accordance with criteria and guidelines determined by the Authority.
7. Assessment design and application
(1) Assessment design and administration for qualifications on the Framework shall be based on learning outcomes and requirements stipulated for the qualifications, as determined by the Authority.
(2) The Authority shall develop criteria and guidelines for the design and implementation of outcomes-based assessment and moderation system.
(3) An education and training provider shall develop and implement policies, processes and procedures to ensure credibility in assessment and conformity to criteria and guidelines referred to in subregulation (2).
(4) Assessment and moderation for accredited learning programmes shall be undertaken by registered and accredited assessors and moderators in a manner determined by the Authority.
(5) The Authority shall undertake quality assurance of assessment and moderation systems implemented by education and training providers and awarding bodies for accredited learning programmes.
8. Register of accredited learning programmes
(1) The Authority shall maintain a register of all accredited learning programmes, which register shall be open for inspection by any member of the public.
(2) The register shall contain the—
(a) name of the learning programme;
(b) name of the qualification upon which the learning programme is based;
(c) name of the provider and awarding body of the learning programme;
(d) level of the learning programme;
(e) credit value of the learning programme;
(f) date when the learning programme was accredited; and
(g) date when the qualification upon which the learning programme is based, is to be reviewed.
9. Publication of list of accredited learning programmes
The Authority shall publish a list of accredited learning programmes in the Gazette and in any newspaper of wide circulation in Botswana.
10. Expanding the scope of accreditation
(1) An accredited education and training provider may apply for expansion of the scope of education and training services in a manner specified by the Authority.
(2) An application for expanding the scope of accreditation may be made where—
(a) additional learning programmes are to be offered in an area, sub-field or domain not covered by the existing accreditation scope;
(b) additional learning programmes are to be offered in an area, sub-field or domain at a level higher than that covered by an existing accreditation scope; or
(c) there is to be an addition to the delivery sites covered by an existing accreditation scope, particularly where such sites are in different locations.
(3) The Authority shall, upon being assured that the accredited education and training provider has the capacity to provide the new education and training services or expand its services to new sites, grant an expansion of scope of accreditation.
(4) The Authority shall conduct evaluation and verification of the new learning programmes and relevant inputs in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and subject matter experts.
(5) The Authority may set conditions on any or all of the new education and training services granted in an expanded scope of accreditation or any education and training services covered by the accreditation scope of the education and training provider across any or all of its delivery sites.
11. Validity of accreditation of learning programme
A learning programme shall remain accredited—
(a) for a period not exceeding five years;
(b) unless the accreditation is revoked by the Authority; or
(c) until the education and training provider requests for the learning programme to be de-accredited.
12. Renewal of accreditation of learning programme
(1) An education and training provider who wishes to have their learning programme remain accredited shall, at least six months before the period of accreditation expires, apply for renewal of accreditation of learning programme.
(2) An application for renewal of accreditation shall be made to the Authority in Form B as set out in the Schedule.
(3) The application shall be accompanied by a non-refundable fee set out in the Fees Regulations.
13. Monitoring and evaluation of accredited learning programme
(1) An authorised officer of the Authority may enter the premises of a registered and accredited education and training provider to seek information for the purpose of verifying any evidence pertaining to—
(a) implementation of accredited learning programmes;
(b) corrective actions associated with audit findings; or
(c) an annual report.
(2) The Authority shall monitor and carry out audits of resources, systems and documentation pertaining to the accredited learning programmes in accordance with criteria and guidelines set by the Authority.
(3) An education and training provider shall submit an annual report, to the Authority in accordance with criteria and guidelines set by the Authority.
(4) An education and training provider and an awarding body shall review each of its accredited learning programmes in accordance with the procedures set by the Authority.
(5) The Authority shall conduct auditing of learning programmes within two and a half years of the accreditation of the learning programme.
14. Protection of enrolled learners
(1) An education and training provider shall put arrangements in place for the protection of enrolled learners, who have begun but not completed the learning programme, where the provider ceases to provide the learning programme for any reason.
(2) An education and training provider shall submit details of the arrangements referred to in subregulation (1) that it has in place to the Authority in writing when—
(a) making an application under regulation 4 for accreditation of a learning programme; or
(b) submitting a request for delegation of authority to make an award in respect of an accredited learning programme.
(3) Details of the arrangements put in place in accordance with subregulation (2) shall be in accordance with criteria and guidelines for protection of enrolled learners determined by the Authority.
15. Notification of significant changes
(1) A registered education and training provider shall notify the Authority of any significant change which is likely to affect the provision of an accredited learning programme where the changes include, but are not limited to, any of the following—
(a) a change in the name of a learning programme;
(b) a change in ownership;
(c) a change in legal status;
(d) a decision to cease operations;
(e) a change in the duration or credit value of a learning programme;
(f) a change in the content of a learning programme of more than 30% of the core components;
(g) discontinuation of a learning programme;
(h) a change in location of sites used;
(i) a change in the composition of the governing body;
(j) a change in senior management or senior academic personnel;
(k) a change in funding sources;
(l) a change in any franchising or partnership arrangements;
(m) an increase or decrease in enrolment of more than 20%;
(n) a change in learner-teacher ratio;
(o) a change in accreditation status of staff;
(p) the opening of a new site locally; or
(q) a change in the mode of delivery of any programme or course and assessment.
(2) Where the Authority is notified of a change referred to in subregulation (1) it may institute an investigation to determine whether the change is consistent with the requirements for learning programme accreditation.
(3) Where the Authority finds that a proposed change is inconsistent with the requirements for learning programme accreditation, it shall forthwith require the education and training provider to rectify the change causing the inconsistency.
16. Revocation of accreditation of learning programmes
(1) Accreditation may be revoked where the Authority has good cause to believe that the accredited learning programme no longer meets the criteria set for learning programme accreditation.
(2) The Authority may revoke the accreditation of a learning programme when the applicant has failed to submit its annual report in accordance with the Authority’s annual reporting requirements.
(3) Where the Authority decides to revoke the accreditation of a learning programme, it shall issue a written notice to the governing body of the education and training provider—
(a) stating that the accreditation requirements referred to under the regulations are no longer being met;
(b) giving grounds for the findings under paragraph (a); and
(c) allowing the education and training provider a sufficient time frame as may be determined by the Authority, within which to comply with the accreditation requirements referred to under paragraph (a).
(4) Where a written notice under subregulation (3) has been issued, the education and training provider shall suspend the—
(a) enrolment of new learners into learning programmes in which concern has been expressed; and
(b) commencement of services of the same learning programme at any new site until such time as the notice is formally withdrawn by the Authority.
(5) The Authority may, following consideration of any submission made to it by the education and training provider—
(a) re-confirm the accreditation;
(b) re-confirm the accreditation with conditions imposed; or
(c) revoke the accreditation.
(6) Where the education and training provider does not comply with the requirements specified in the notice issued in terms of subregulation (3)(c), within the time frame specified in the notice, the Authority shall revoke the accreditation of the learning programme.
(7) The Authority shall update the register of accredited learning programmes where conditions are imposed on accreditation.
(8) Where accreditation has been revoked, the education and training provider shall return the certificate of accreditation to the Authority within 21 working days of notification.
(9) Where the Authority revokes accreditation, the education and training provider shall cease all operations pertaining to the learning programme affected.
(10) The Authority shall cause to be published in the Gazette and at least one newspaper with wide circulation in Botswana, and any other appropriate media, a list of the learning programmes which have been revoked, and indicating the names of the education and training providers who offered the learning programmes.
A person aggrieved by a decision of the Authority under these Regulations shall, within 21 days of being notified of such decision, make an appeal in writing to the Appeals Committee.
A person who—
(a) offers an unaccredited learning programme leading to award of credits or a qualification;
(b) states or purports that a learning programme is accredited when the Authority has not granted accreditation status to that learning programme;
(c) makes a statement that is false or misleading to an authorised officer of the Authority in relation to learning programme accreditation; or
(d) fails to return the certificate of accreditation of learning programme,
commits an offence and shall be liable upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding P5 000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or to both.
(1) An education and training provider who has been carrying on the business or activity of education and training in general education shall within 60 months from 2nd December, 2017, comply with the provisions of these Regulations.
(2) An education and training provider who has been carrying on the business or activity of education and training in technical and vocational education and training shall within 36 months from 2nd December, 2017, comply with the provisions of these Regulations.
(3) An education and training provider who has been carrying on the business or activity of education and training in higher education shall within 36 months from 2nd December, 2017, comply with the provisions of these Regulations.
SCHEDULE
Form A
Application for Accreditation of Learning Programme
(reg. 4)
1. Details of the Education and Training Provider
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Name of Education and Training provider (applicant) |
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ETP accreditation number |
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Name of body/education and training provider responsible for developing the learning programme |
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Body/ETP accreditation number |
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Name of Contact Person |
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Position |
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Postal address |
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Telephone |
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Fax |
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Date of application |
(dd/mm/yyyy) |
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Application submitted by: |
Surname:……………………………. Name(s):…………………………… |
Designation |
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2. Description of the learning programme(s)
Please note: The table may be reproduced if space provided is not enough.
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Title of Qualification* |
Code |
Title of learning programme |
NCQF level |
Sub-field |
Total credits of the learning programme |
Proposed start date |
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* Qualifications include part qualifications such as unit standards.
3. This application has been checked and it contains information in all of the following (tick appropriate boxes):
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Recruitment of qualified staff and enrolment of learners |
Applicant |
BQA |
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Relevant qualifications |
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Entry requirements (E.g. formal qualifications or pre-requisites needed to undertake the programme and selection criteria) |
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Protection of enrolled learners policy |
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Outline of Learning Programme structure |
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Learning Programme aims and objectives |
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Learning Programme content (An outline of topics covered, in general, credit value, NCQF level) |
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Programme Learning outcomes (In general terms, knowledge, skills and competencies attained by students completing the award) |
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Teaching, learning and assessment strategies (This should include continuous assessment (CA) |
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Progression pathways (Should include a general statement advising learners on available learning pathways). |
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Resources statement (Description of overall resources required for the programme, including physical resources and the evaluation of adequacy of resources and ease of access of resources) |
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MOU in relation to co-operation between two ETPs (Where applicable) (To be completed in the case of learning programmes offered jointly) |
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Date dd/mm/yyyy |
Date dd/mm/yyyy |
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Signature: |
Signature: |
4. Declaration
We, the undersigned, state that:
(i) the information contained in the application is, to the best of our knowledge, true and accurate.
(ii) our institution has sufficient financial provision to cover its operations.
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Name of Management Representative |
Surname: |
Name(s): |
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Signature: |
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Date |
__________________ |
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Name of Chairperson of Governing body |
Surname: |
Name(s): |
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Signature: |
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Date |
__________________ |
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Name of one member of Board of Governors |
Surname: |
Name(s): |
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Signature: |
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Date: |
__________________ |
5. For official use by BQA
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Date application received by Education Records Division |
__________________ |
Full Name: |
Signature: |
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Date ETPs data captured on database |
__________________ |
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Signature: |
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Date application received by Quality Assurance Division |
__________________ |
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Signature: |
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Name of BQA officer processing application |
Surname: |
Name(s): |
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Date application allocated to Quality Assurance Officer |
(dd/mm/yyyy) |
Allocated by: |
Form B
Renewal of Accreditation of Learning Programme
(regulation 12)
4. Details of the Education and Training Provider
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Name of Education and Training provider (applicant) |
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ETP accreditation number |
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Name of body/education and training provider responsible for developing the learning programme |
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Body/ETP accreditation number |
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Name of Contact Person |
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Position |
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Postal address |
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Telephone |
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Fax |
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Date of application |
(dd/mm/yyyy) |
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Application submitted by: |
Surname: Name(s): |
Designation |
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5. Description of the learning programme(s)
Please note: The table may be reproduced if space provided is not enough.
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Title of Qualification * |
Code |
Title of learning programme |
NCQF level |
Sub-field |
Total credits of the learning programme |
Proposed start date |
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* Qualifications include part qualifications such as unit standards.
6. This application has been checked and it contains information in all of the following (tick appropriate boxes):
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Recruitment of qualified staff and enrolment of learners |
Applicant |
BQA |
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Relevant qualifications |
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Entry requirements (E.g. formal qualifications or pre-requisites needed to undertake the programme and selection criteria) |
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Protection of enrolled learners policy |
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Outline of Learning Programme structure |
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Learning Programme aims and objectives |
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Learning Programme content (An outline of topics covered, in general, credit value, NCQF level) |
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Programme Learning outcomes (In general terms, knowledge, skills and competencies attained by students completing the award) |
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Teaching, learning and assessment strategies (This should include continuous assessment (CA) |
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Progression pathways (Should include a general statement advising learners on available learning pathways). |
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Resources statement (Description of overall resources required for the programme, including physical resources and the evaluation of adequacy of resources and ease of access of resources) |
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MOU in relation to co-operation between two ETPs (Where applicable) (To be completed in the case of learning programmes offered jointly) |
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Date |
Date |
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dd/mm/yyyy |
dd/mm/yyyy |
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Signature: |
Signature: |
6. Declaration
We, the undersigned, state that:
(i) the information contained in the application is, to the best of our knowledge, true and accurate.
(ii) our institution has sufficient financial provision to cover its operations.
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Name of Management Representative |
Surname: |
Name(s): |
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Signature: |
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Date |
___________________ |
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Name of Chairperson of Governing body |
Surname: |
Name(s): |
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Signature: |
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Date |
___________________ |
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Name of one member of Board of Governors |
Surname: |
Name(s): |
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Signature: |
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Date: |
___________________ |
7. For official use by BQA
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Date application received by Education Records Division |
_________________ |
Full Name: |
Signature: |
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Date ETPs data captured on database |
_________________ |
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Signature: |
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Date application received by Quality Assurance Division |
_________________ |
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Signature: |
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Name of BQA officer processing application |
Surname: |
Name(s): |
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Date application allocated to Quality Assurance Officer |
_________________ |
Allocated by: |
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BOTSWANA QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY (NATIONAL CREDIT AND QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK) REGULATIONS
(under section 31, read with section 4(2)(d))
(2nd December, 2016)
ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS
REGULATION
1. Citation
2. Interpretation
3. Establishment of the National Credit and Qualifications Framework
4. Authority to collaborate with any person
5. Authority to liaise with any person on setting national standards for qualifications
6. Structure of the NCQF
7. Framework qualifications
8. Authority to oversee, regulate and supervise sub-frameworks
9. Qualifications in each sub-framework
10. Quality assurance within each sub-framework
11. NCQF Classification System
12. Qualifications to be awarded by accredited education and training providers
13. Criteria for the evaluation of external qualifications
14. External qualifications to be awarded by competent body in the country of origin
15. Review of NCQF level descriptors
16. Registration of qualifications
17. Validity period of registered qualifications
18. Renewal of registration of qualifications
19. Referencing of the NCQF to regional and international frameworks
20. Appeals
21. Offences and penalties
22. Transitional provisions
SCHEDULE I
SCHEDULE II
S.I. 133, 2016,
S.I. 147, 2017.
These Regulations may be cited as the Botswana Qualifications Authority (National Credit and Qualifications Framework) Regulations.
In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires—
“competent body” means a body recognised for accreditation of education and training providers, assessors and moderators or awarding bodies;
“credit” means the amount of learning recognised through qualifications and unit standards registered on the NCQF, measured in terms of national learning hours;
“domain” means a group of unit standards or modules in a specific area of education or training within a sub-field;
“early childhood” means the period, in relation to a person, from birth to the age of eight years old;
“entity” means a person or organisation that has a legal and separately identifiable existence, to provide or organise a programme of education and training, including the provision of professional development services;
“Fees Regulations” means the Botswana Qualifications Authority (Fees) Regulations;
“field” means a particular area of learning used as an organising mechanism for the NCQF;
“learning outcomes” means a statement that specifies what a learner will know or will be able to do as a result of a learning activity;
“learning programme” means the sequential learning activities, associated with curriculum implementation, leading to the achievement of a particular qualification;
“level descriptor” means characteristics of a qualification that would lead to it being assigned to a particular group of qualifications;
“National Credit and Qualifications Framework” or “NCQF” means a framework established under regulation 3 for the classification of qualifications according to set criteria, for specified levels of learning achieved;
“national learning hours” means the number of hours an average learner needs to achieve specified learning outcomes;
“qualification” means a formal outcome of an assessment and validation process which is obtained when an assessor and moderator determines that an individual has achieved learning outcomes to given standards;
“quality assurance of qualifications” means the process of ensuring that qualifications registered on the NCQF meet stipulated criteria set by the Authority;
“sector skills plan” means a strategy developed by relevant stakeholders, including employers, labour unions and education and training providers, over a specified period, for a specific industry or economic sector to develop a skilled workforce;
“sub-field” means a specific area of education or training at the qualifications level within a field; and
“sub-framework” means any one of the three qualifications sub-frameworks under regulation 6(4), being General Education (GE), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Higher Education (HE).
3. Establishment of the National Credit and Qualifications Framework
There is hereby established a National Credit and Qualifications Framework to provide for—
(a) a single integrated national framework for learning achievements from early childhood to tertiary education and training;
(b) access, mobility and progression within education, training and career paths;
(c) enhancement of quality of education and training;
(d) comparability and determination of equivalency of qualifications;
(e) alignment of qualifications with industry needs;
(f) promotion of lifelong learning through the recognition of all forms of learning achievements including workplace learning;
(g) promotion of regional and international recognition of local qualifications;
(h) promotion of portability of local qualifications;
(i) recognition of international quality assured qualifications; and
(j) registration of quality assured qualifications.
4. Authority to collaborate with any person
(a) developing, fostering and maintaining an integrated and transparent national framework for the recognition of learning achievements; and
(b) ensuring that qualifications meet appropriate criteria, and are internationally comparable and recognisable.
5. Authority to liaise with any person on setting national standards for qualifications
The Authority shall liaise with any person in order to facilitate co-operation in setting national standards for qualifications or developing part qualifications.
(1) The NCQF shall be organised as a series of 10 levels of learning achievements, arranged in a manner that reflects complexity of learning.
(2) Each level of the NCQF shall be described by a level descriptor and there shall be one set of level descriptors to guide the three sub-frameworks.
(3) A level descriptor, referred to in subregulation (2), shall provide a broad indication of the learning achievements appropriate to a qualification at that level as set out in Annexure A of Schedule I.
(4) The NCQF shall be a single integrated system comprising of three co-ordinated qualifications sub-frameworks for—
(a) general education;
(b) technical and vocational education and training; and
(c) higher education.
(1) The qualifications on the framework shall be based on learning outcomes that are anchored on the level descriptors set out in Annexure A of Schedule I.
(2) The NCQF shall be based on credits, one credit being equivalent to 10 notional learning hours, inclusive of directed and self-directed learning and assessment.
8. Authority to oversee, regulate and supervise sub-frameworks
The Authority shall, in order to achieve the objectives of the Framework, oversee and regulate the sub-frameworks.
9. Qualifications in each sub-framework
The Authority shall, with regard to the qualifications in each of the sub-frameworks—
(a) develop and implement national policy and criteria for the development, registration and publication of qualifications; and
(b) ensure the development of qualifications necessary for the human resource development sector skills plans, including strategies for the assessment of learning achievement.
10. Quality assurance within each sub-framework
The Authority shall, with regard to the quality assurance of qualifications within each sub-framework—
(a) ensure implementation of the national policy and strategy for quality assurance;
(b) ensure credibility of the quality assurance system; and
(c) ensure that such quality assurance system is implemented for the sub-framework.
11. NCQF Classification System
(1) The NCQF shall consist of a number of fields of learning, sub-fields and domains known as the NCQF Classification System.
(2) A field of learning, sub-field and domain shall be determined by the Authority in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
(3) The terms “National” and “Botswana”, when used in conjunction with the name of a qualification or unit standard, shall be protected NCQF terms and may only be used in naming a qualification or unit standard developed in and for a context that meets the NCQF qualification types and level descriptors set out in Annexure B of Schedule I.
(4) A qualification shall be registered on the NCQF according to the NCQF Classification System and level descriptors.
(5) The Authority shall manage the qualifications classification system in accordance with criteria set out in Annexure C of Schedule I.
12. Qualifications to be awarded by accredited education and training providers
A qualification to be registered on the NCQF shall be awarded by a registered and accredited education and training provider and a recognised awarding body.
13. Criteria for the evaluation of external qualifications
The Authority shall develop criteria for the evaluation of external qualifications for recognition purposes.
14. External qualifications to be awarded by competent body in the country of origin
Where an education and training provider offers a learning programme for which the qualification is awarded by an external awarding body, the Authority shall seek evidence of accreditation by a competent body in the country of origin.
15. Review of NCQF level descriptors
The Authority shall periodically review the NCQF level descriptors and associated components as required to ensure that they remain current.
16. Registration of qualifications
A person shall apply for registration of qualifications in Form A set out in Schedule II and accompanied by a fee set out in the Fees Regulations.
17. Validity period of registered qualifications
A qualification shall be registered on the NCQF for five years.
18. Renewal of registration of qualifications
(1) A person shall apply for renewal of registration of the qualifications at least six months before expiry of the registration.
(2) An application made under subregulation (1) shall be made in Form B set out in Schedule II and accompanied by a fee set out in the Fees Regulations.
(3) An application made under subregulation (1) shall be accompanied by evidence that the take up of the qualification is consistent with the rationale stated at the time of registration and that the qualification is producing the type of graduates that meet industry requirements.
19. Referencing of the NCQF to regional and international frameworks
The Authority shall undertake referencing of the NCQF to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional qualifications framework and other qualification frameworks to ensure regional and international comparability and recognition of the national qualifications system.
A person or entity aggrieved by a decision of the Authority under these Regulations may appeal against such decision within 21 working days of learning of the decision of the Authority.
A person who contravenes any of the provisions of these Regulations shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding P5 000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both.
(1) An education and training provider and awarding body in general education shall within 48 months from 2nd December, 2017, comply with the provisions of these Regulations.
(2) An education and training provider and awarding body in technical and vocational education and training shall within 24 months from 2nd December, 2017, comply with these Regulations.
(3) Any education and training providers and awarding bodies in higher education and training shall within 24 months from 2nd December, 2017, comply with these Regulations.
(4) A learner enrolled for a learning programme leading to qualification that commenced before 2nd December, 2017 shall complete his or her studies.
(5) A learner currently working towards a non NCQF qualification may transfer his or her credits to the new qualification.
SCHEDULE I
Annexure A
Level Descriptors
(regulation 6(3)
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LEVEL DESCRIPTORS |
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Level |
Knowledge |
Skills |
Competence |
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10 |
Most advanced knowledge at the frontier of a field of work or study, Advancement of frontiers of existing knowledge or professional practice in a discipline, professional or interdisciplinary discourse through research and high level reflective practice. |
Ability to undertake original and scholarly research of international standard to solve problems; Highest level of specialised skills and techniques including critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas to develop new knowledge and approaches or extend and redefine existing knowledge and professional practice; Ability to develop and implement a strategy for dissemination of research findings and defend the research work and outputs before a diverse audience. |
Self-directed and demonstrates strategic leadership, high level mastery of professional practice and associated systems design, implementation and management with full responsibility and accountability for resource management, own work output and of others. Sustained commitment to development of new ideas and processes at the forefront of the profession, through research and high level reflective practice, exercises a high level of initiative, authority, and autonomy, scholarly and professional integrity in a wide range of contexts. |
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9 |
Advanced knowledge at the frontier of a specialised discipline or cross-disciplinary fields. Capable of contributing towards development of professional practice through research or reviewing existing knowledge. |
Demonstrates a high level of mastery of the field of study or practice and capacity to retrieve, evaluate, analyse and interpret information to make propositions and judgments; critical analysis and evaluation of existing professional practice and ability to comprehend and put issues and ideas in perspective; specialised research and capacity to develop and apply new skills and techniques to identify and solve in a range of professional contexts. |
Self-directed study or work within a discipline or profession, making informed decisions with considerable authority. Demonstrates innovation, autonomy, scholarly and professional integrity; Takes responsibility for contributing to professional knowledge and practice and accountability for resource management, own work output and of others. |
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8 |
Highly specialised knowledge in a discipline or profession involving critical analysis and independent evaluation of qualitative and quantitative data. Grounded understanding of contemporary theories, principles and concepts that can form the basis for professional judgment or research. |
Demonstrates mastery of professional practice in a particular field of work or study. Ability to manage functions and processes. Capacity to carry out basic research, critical evaluation and synthesis of ideas, issues and concepts. Capable of identifying and solving complex and unpredictable problems. |
Applies a range of advanced specialist knowledge and skills with a sense of identification with and responsibility for the integrity of the profession. Exercises autonomy, initiative and authority and takes responsibility and accountability for own work output and of others within a field of work or study. |
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7 |
Specialised knowledge in a field of work or study including understanding of methods of enquiry and established codes of practice and capacity for critical analysis and interpretation of information. |
Capacity to carry out processes that require the use of specialised basic and applied research skills to solve problems, manage processes within broad parameters for specified activities and work outputs. |
Applies a range of advanced technical processes and skills to generate solutions to unpredictable and complex problems; Demonstrates considerable responsibility and accountability for own work output and of others within a field of work or study. |
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6 |
Advanced knowledge of a field of work or study involving understanding of theories and principles. |
Applies advanced skills and demonstrates mastery of and innovation required to identify and solve complex and unpredictable problems in a specialised field of work or study. |
Demonstrate ability to select and apply technical processes and assume responsibility for design or management of processes within defined area(s) of expertise, including accountability for personal and group outcomes. |
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5 |
Broad technical knowledge and understanding of underlying concepts and principles as well as standard codes of practice within a field of work or study. |
Capacity to apply a broad range of cognitive and practical skills required to solve abstract problems in a relevant occupation or profession. |
Performs complex work and demonstrates autonomy, self-direction, accountability, and responsibility for related work outputs with potential to supervise work or learning of others. |
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4 |
Broad knowledge of practical concepts and processes and capacity to interpret information to make informed judgments of concrete, abstract and often unfamiliar problems. |
Capacity to perform a significant range of practical and cognitive tasks. Ability to select and use relevant procedures and techniques to solve a variety of concrete, abstract and unfamiliar problems. |
Demonstrates independence, responsibility and accountability for own work or learning and potential for supervisory functions. |
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3 |
Basic operational and the identical knowledge of a field of work or study and ability to interpret basic information. |
Demonstrates a range of basic cognitive and practical skills and has capacity to perform a range of tasks or standard processes in a specific field of work or study using basic methods, tools and materials. |
Performs routine work under supervision and takes some responsibility for own learning and completion of work. |
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2 |
Basic factual knowledge and capacity to interpret basic information. |
Demonstrates basic cognitive and practical skills and capacity to perform basic tasks using simple tools. |
Works under close supervision in structured contexts. |
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1 |
Elementary knowledge associated with literacy, numeracy and cognitive faculties required to carry out simple tasks. |
Demonstrates elementary skills required to perform simple and familiar tasks using simple tools. |
Works under direct guidance and supervision in highly structured contexts. |
Annexure B
NCQF Qualification Types and Level Descriptors
BOTSWANA NATIONAL CREDIT AND QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK
(regulation 11(3))
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SUB-FRAMEWORKS |
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(Level) |
General Education |
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) |
Higher Education |
Minimum number of credits |
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10 |
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Doctoral Degree |
Doctoral Degree |
360 |
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9 |
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Master’s Degree |
Master’s Degree |
240 |
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8 |
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Bachelor’s Degree Honours |
Bachelor’s Degree Honours |
120 |
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7 |
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Bachelor’s Degree |
Bachelor’s Degree |
360 |
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6 |
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Diploma |
Diploma |
240 |
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5 |
Certificate V |
Certificate V |
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120 |
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4 |
Certificate IV |
Certificate IV |
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60 |
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3 |
Certificate III |
Certificate III |
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40 |
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2 |
Certificate II |
Certificate II |
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40 |
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1 |
Certificate I |
Certificate I |
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40 |
Annexure C
The National Credit and Qualifications Framework (NCQF) Classification System
(regulation 11(5))
1.0 Introduction
The purpose of this document is to provide information on the structure and management of the National Credit and Qualifications Framework (NCQF) Classification System in accordance with the Botswana Qualifications Authority Act, Regulations for Qualifications on the NCQF.
The NCQF Classification System of Botswana is the categorisation of qualifications and part qualifications registered on the NCQF. Where content is closely related, subjects are grouped together to form the broad, narrow and detailed fields of classification, based on the similarity of the subject matter. In the NCQF Classification System, it is the main subject matter which determines the fields of learning into which qualifications should be classified.
2.0 Purpose of the NCQF Classification System
The NCQF Classification System—
(a) promotes consistency in the terms used to describe the subject area(s) covered by any qualification, that is consistency in naming qualifications;
(b) enables stakeholders to readily locate part qualifications or qualifications that may be of interest to them;
(c) allows qualifications and part qualifications to be placed in an orderly manner in the NCQF;
(d) assists education and training providers to describe the scope of services for which they need accreditation;
(e) assists qualification developers and education and training providers to describe flexible qualification pathways within a qualification; and
(f) enables qualification data sharing at a national, regional and international level.
3.0 The structure of the NCQF Classification System
3.1 The NCQF Classification System shall have three categories—
(a) fields of learning, being the broadest combination of learning outcomes with a coherent alignment;
(b) sub-fields of learning, being coherent sub-classifications of fields; and
(c) domains of learning, being the smallest coherent combination of learning outcomes, having a detailed and specific alignment.
3.2 The following 14 fields of learning are the broadest classification of learning outcomes on the NCQF in Botswana—
| Field 1 |
Agriculture and Nature ConservationField 2Business, Commerce and Management StudiesField 3Culture, Arts and CraftsField 4Education and TrainingField 5Generic SkillsField 6Health and Social ServicesField 7Humanities and Social SciencesField 8Information and Communication TechnologyField 9Law and SecurityField 10Manufacturing, Engineering and TechnologyField 11MiningField 12Natural, Mathematical and Life SciencesField 13Physical Planning and ConstructionField 14Services
3.3 Fields of Learning have been determined by the Botswana Qualifications Authority in consultation with stakeholders and may only be amended by the Authority in consultation with stakeholders. This control is to protect the viability and integrity of the NCQF Classification System.
3.4 Sub-fields and domains
(a) Sub-fields and domains shall be identified by relevant stakeholders in consultation with the Authority. The approval and subsequent management of the NCQF Classification System shall be the responsibility of the Authority.
(b) The Authority shall ensure that there is coherence between field, sub-field and domain.
(c) The Authority will also ensure that the identified nomenclature is comprehended by stakeholders and that there is no duplication of terms.
4.0 An Illustration of the three categories (field, sub-field and domain)
To illustrate the three categories described above in category 3, the following, example is given—
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Field |
Sub-field |
Domain |
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Agriculture and Nature Conservation |
Beef Farming |
Animal Husbandry |
5.0 Management of the NCQF Classification System
5.1 Adding items to the NCQF Classification System
(a) The addition of a new item on the NCQF Classification System may be required when a new classification of learning is—
(i) identified in the part qualification or qualification analysis or design process,
(ii) requested by an industry sector as existing items are no longer fit for purpose,
(iii) identified through a review of part qualification or qualifications, or
(iv) proposed by the Authority to eliminate duplications and overlaps.
(b) Before submitting a new item, there shall be verification that the proposed classification—
(i) conforms to the definitions of one of the two relevant levels of the classification system,
(ii) contains more than one domain if a sub-field is proposed,
(iii) contains more than one part qualification if a domain is proposed,
(iv) is distinctive, i.e., it doesn’t duplicate an existing classification name,
(v) is specific to the higher classification in which it will be placed, and
(vi) is meaningful to the industry sector or qualifications development body.
5.2 Removal of items from the NCQF Classification System
(a) The removal of an existing item from the NCQF Classification System may be required when the classification of learning is—
(i) identified in the part qualification or qualification analysis or design process as no longer being needed,
(ii) identified by an industry sector or qualifications development body as an existing item is no longer fit for purpose,
(iii) identified as no longer required through a review of part qualifications or qualifications, and
(iv) proposed by the Authority to eliminate duplications and overlaps.
(b) Removing an item will have an impact as the classification item may have a number of uses. Before submitting a request for removal of an existing item, an impact study should be conducted and a report prepared in accordance with criteria and guidelines prescribed by the Authority.
The report shall detail—
(i) the likely consequences on part qualification registrations, qualification structures, and education and training provider accreditations, and
(ii) suggested actions to deal with any consequences.
(c) An analysis shall be carried out to see if any registered or draft part qualifications or qualifications are in the category that is proposed to be removed—
(i) if there are no items under the category to be removed, then the recommendation to remove will be easy to effect, or
(ii) if there are part qualifications or qualifications under the category to be removed, then a new class must be proposed. A timeframe for moving the part qualifications or qualifications into their new class shall also be provided.
(d) Verification must be made with the Authority to determine current accreditations that include the classification proposed for removal—
(i) if there are no current accreditations inclusive of the classification, then the recommendation to remove will be easy to effect,
(ii) if accreditations exist for the classification proposed for removal, then a plan to protect the accreditation status of education and training providers, and individuals shall be attached to the report mentioned in category 5.2(a), or
(iii) before changing the classification item, the Authority must verify the feasibility of managing any accreditation categorisation.
5.3 Moving classification items
(a) As the NCQF develops, an industry sector or qualifications development body may find that some domains are better placed under a different sub-field, while some sub-fields are better placed under a different field.
(b) The actions for moving classification items are the same as for removal of sub-fields or domains. A key requirement is the assurance that any accreditations are shifted as well and that the integrity of any affected qualifications is upheld.
5.4 Re-naming an existing classification
(a) The triggers for renaming sub-fields or domains are similar to those outlined for adding items. Any renaming of sub-fields or domains shall meet the general requirements for classification referred to under category 5.1.
(b) Consideration should be made regarding the implications of any renaming in the classification system related to qualifications, part qualifications, accreditations, assessment guides and other support documents.
(c) The requirements in category 5.4(a) may have to be amended immediately or, preferably, at the next scheduled review of the affected part qualifications or qualifications.
SCHEDULE II
Form A
Application for Registration of Qualifications
(regulation 16)
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This form is used for application for registration of qualifications on the National Credit and Qualifications Framework (NCQF). The application should conform to the relevant NCQF qualification types and level descriptors. |
1. Details of the Applicant
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Name of Applicant |
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Company’s Registration Number |
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BQA Accreditation Number |
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Name of contact person |
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Contact person’s National ID/Passport Number |
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Position |
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Postal address |
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Physical address |
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Website |
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Mobile phone number |
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Telephone (work) |
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Fax |
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Date of application |
(dd/mm/yyyy) |
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Application submitted by |
Surname |
Name(s) |
Designation |
2. Details of the qualification
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Title of qualification |
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Level |
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Credit Value |
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Sub-framework (tick the appropriate box) |
GE |
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TVET |
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HE |
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Learning Field (tick the appropriate box) |
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Learning Field (tick the appropriate box) |
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Field 1 – Agriculture and Nature Conservation |
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Field 8 – Information and Communication Technology |
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Field 2 – Business, Commerce and Management Studies |
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Field 9 – Law and Security |
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Field 3 – Culture, Arts and Crafts |
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Field 10 – Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology |
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Field 4 – Education and Training |
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Field 11 – Mining |
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Field 5 – Generic Skills |
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Field 12 – Natural, Mathematical and Life Sciences |
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Field 6 – Health and Social Services |
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Field 13 – Physical Planning |
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Field 7 – Humanities and Social Sciences |
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Field 14 – Services |
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Proposed sub-field |
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Proposed domain |
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BQA ID code number (if qualification is being reviewed) |
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Qualification synopsis (maximum half page summary) |
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List attachments |
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Signature of applicant/representative |
Date |
Form B
Application for Renewal of Registration of Qualifications
(regulation 18(2))
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This form is used for application for renewal of registration of qualifications on the National Credit and Qualifications Framework (NCQF). The application should conform to the relevant NCQF qualification types and level descriptors. |
3. Details of the Applicant
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Name of Applicant |
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Company’s Registration Number |
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BQA Accreditation Number |
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Name of contact person |
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Contact person’s National ID/Passport Number |
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Position |
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Postal address |
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Physical address |
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Website |
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Mobile phone number |
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Telephone (work) |
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Fax |
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Date of application |
(dd/mm/yyyy) |
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Application submitted by |
Surname |
Name(s) |
Designation |
4. Details of the qualification
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Title of qualification |
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Level |
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Credit Value |
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Sub-framework (tick the appropriate box) |
GE |
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TVET |
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HE |
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Learning Field (tick the appropriate box) |
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Learning Field (tick the appropriate box) |
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Field 1: Agriculture and Nature Conservation |
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Field 8: Information and Communication Technology |
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Field 2: Business, Commerce and Management Studies |
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Field 9: Law and Security |
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Field 3: Culture, Arts and Crafts |
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Field 10: Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology |
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Field 4: Education and Training |
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Field 11: Mining |
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Field 5: Generic Skills |
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Field 12: Natural, Mathematical and Life Sciences |
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Field 6: Health and Social Services |
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Field 13: Physical Planning |
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Field 7: Humanities and Social Sciences |
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Field 14: Services |
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Proposed Sub-field: |
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Proposed Domain: |
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BQA ID code number (if qualification is being reviewed): |
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Qualification synopsis (maximum half page summary) |
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List attachments |
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Signature of applicant/representative: |
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Date: |