QCTO Qualifications & Skills Programmes
Occupational qualifications and credit-bearing skills programmes, with recognition of the experience you already have.
Occupational qualifications
Three qualifications, NQF 4 to 5.
SAQA 120885NQF 4 · 84 creditsSolar Photovoltaic Standalone System Mounter8–12 weeks · 25–40 day work module
Enquire about this courseWhat it covers
- Personal safety and environmental protection
- Tools, equipment and materials for mounting
- Reading mounting instructions
- Roof and ground mounting techniques
- Mechanical fixing and structural integrity
- Basic electrical connections at mounting level
- Site housekeeping and waste management
Entry requirements
- NQF 3 with Mathematics
- Medical fitness
- Age 18+
- Or entry through RPL
Outcome
A competent mounter who can safely and securely mount pre-designed PV systems under supervision.
SAQA 120883NQF 4 · 211 creditsSolar Photovoltaic Standalone Systems Installer6–12 months · 80–120 day work module
Enquire about this courseWhat it covers
- PV system design fundamentals
- Site assessment and client requirements
- Solar radiation and system sizing
- Mounting structures and installation
- DC/AC wiring and protection
- Inverter installation and configuration
- Basic battery storage integration
- Commissioning and performance testing
- Basic maintenance and fault finding
- Regulatory compliance and documentation
Entry requirements
- NQF 4 with Mathematics
- Medical fitness
- Age 18+
- Or entry through RPL
Outcome
A qualified installer who can plan and install compliant PV systems.
SAQA 99447NQF 5 · 344 creditsSolar Photovoltaic Service Technician12–24 months · 120–180 day work module
Enquire about this courseWhat it covers
- Advanced PV system theory
- Preventative and scheduled maintenance
- Unscheduled maintenance and fault finding
- Diagnostic testing and analysis
- Component replacement and repair
- Performance monitoring and optimisation
- Inverter and battery maintenance
- Grid-tied and standalone system maintenance
- PV farm operations and maintenance
- Safety management and risk assessment
- Documentation and reporting
Entry requirements
- NQF 4 with Mathematics
- Age 16+
- Medical fitness
- Electrical qualification recommended
- Or entry through RPL
Outcome
A qualified technician who can carry out full PV system maintenance and repair.
Skills programmes
Seven focused skills programmes.
Curriculum 900281NQF 4 · 60 creditsSolar PV Installation Practitioner4–6 weeks
Enquire about this courseWhat it covers
- Plan for PV installation
- Install PV system
- Test and verify functionality
- Safe routine maintenance and fault-finding
Entry requirements
- NQF 3 with Mathematics
- Or entry through RPL
Outcome
A competent practitioner for residential systems up to 15 kW, working under a registered person’s supervision.
NQF 3Renewable Energy Workshop AssistantUp to 30 days
Enquire about this courseWhat it covers
- Introduction to renewable energy
- Equipment and tools
- Principles of working at heights
- Basic mechanical concepts
- Basics of electricity
- Workplace fundamentals
Entry requirements
- NQF 3 with Mathematics
- Or entry through RPL
Outcome
A competent workshop assistant ready for entry-level renewable energy work.
NQF 5 · 60 creditsSolar PV Installation Planner
Enquire about this courseWhat it covers
- Site assessment and feasibility
- System design and sizing
- Component selection and procurement
- Installation planning and scheduling
- Regulatory and compliance planning
- Client liaison and documentation
Entry requirements
- NQF 4 with Mathematics
- Or entry through RPL
Outcome
A competent PV installation planner.
NQF 5 · 60 creditsSolar PV Installation Tester
Enquire about this courseWhat it covers
- Site inspection and hazard identification
- Solar resource estimation and system sizing
- Electrical testing: open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, insulation resistance, grounding
- Functionality checks
- Fault-finding and troubleshooting
- Inverter and transformer maintenance
Entry requirements
- NQF 4 with Mathematics
- Or entry through RPL
Outcome
A competent PV installation tester.
NQF 5 · 60 creditsSolar PV Modules Manufacturing
Enquire about this courseWhat it covers
- PV module components and materials
- Cell sorting and stringing
- Lamination and framing
- Testing and quality control
- Packaging and handling
- Manufacturing safety
Entry requirements
- NQF 4 with Mathematics
- Or entry through RPL
Outcome
A competent PV module manufacturing operator.
Curriculum 900277NQF level to be confirmedWind Turbine Operator
Enquire about this courseWhat it covers
- Wind turbine fundamentals
- Monitoring and control systems
- Operational safety
- Environmental hazard management
- Emergency procedures
- Data recording and reporting
Entry requirements
- NQF 2 minimum
- Or entry through RPL
Who it’s for
TVET candidates, youth with NQF 2, and existing employees without formal credentials.
Outcome
A competent wind turbine operator.
NQF 5 · 60 creditsEnergy Performance Certificate (EPC) Practitioner4–8 weeks
Enquire about this courseWhat it covers
- EPC regulatory framework and SANS 10400-XA
- Building energy auditing and data collection
- Metering, monitoring and verification
- EPC calculation and rating methodology
- Certificate issuance, lodgement and registry
- Professional conduct and reporting
Entry requirements
- NQF 4 with Mathematics
- Building, construction, engineering or solar PV background recommended
- Or entry through RPL
Outcome
A competent practitioner who can assess, rate and certify building energy performance and lodge certificates on the national EPC registry.
Recognition of prior learning
Your experience already counts.
RPL for Access
Don’t meet the formal entry requirements? A portfolio of evidence showing equivalent competency gets you in.
RPL for Qualification
Your existing skills are assessed against the qualification’s outcomes, as a route to the qualification itself.
PV Green Card RPL
Hold a PV Green Card? Fast-track into Academy Level 2 with a reduced portfolio.
Informal Installer RPL
Installed without formal training? Start at Level 1 with open entry and progress through portfolio evidence.
GC Solar Academy
Start your training enquiry.
Tell us which course and centre you have in mind, and the training team will come back with dates, pricing and the entry requirements.