Distance learning has made it possible to get the qualifications you have always wanted from the comfort of your own home. Get educated at your own pace and give yourself better career opportunities with Accredited and Non-accredited distance learning courses.
Which Courses Are Best For Distance Learning?
There are many non-accredited and accredited distance learning courses out there, from finance and accounting courses to photography and design courses and many more.
What Is A List Of Accredited Distance Learning Courses?
- ICB Courses
- NATED Courses
ICB Courses
With these ICB courses, you have the chance to earn a matric equivalent qualification:
- Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate
- Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate
There are other ICB courses that you can do to get yourself job-ready. These courses are accredited, but they may not be equivalent to a matric qualification. Further on in the article, we go into detail about ICB courses, so keep on reading.
NATED Courses
NATED stands for National Accredited Technical Education Diploma. If you have a Matric certificate or NQF 4 equivalent qualification, you will be able to apply for a NATED course. There are many different NATED courses to choose from, and we go into more detail later on in the article.
Non-Accredited Distance Learning Courses
Just because these courses are not accredited does not mean they do not count in your favour. These courses do not include any formal exams or tests, but you will learn the skills you need to start your career or own business. But keep in mind, that there will be assignments that you need to complete.
- Beauty Therapy Studies Courses
- Occupational Health And Safety Courses
- Project Management Courses
- Computer And IT Courses
- Child Day Care Courses
- Office Work Skills Short Courses
You can see there are many non-accredited distance learning courses out there that are meant to give you the skills you need to get your career started.
What Are The Different Types Of Matric Courses?
Are you unhappy with your Matric results? Have you not completed your matric yet? I have good news for you. Whether you want to complete your Matric or just improve your results, there are a few options that you can consider.
- Adult Matric
- Matric Rewrite
- Matric Upgrade
Adult Matric
Are you 21 or older and want to complete your matric? Well, Adult matric gives anyone over the age of 21 the chance to complete their matric qualification. You are never too old to get qualified and give yourself a better future.
Matric Rewrite
Do you want a second chance at writing your Matric? With Matric rewrite, you can get a chance to improve your results. Matric rewrite also known as supplementary exams, allows you to rewrite the subjects you did not pass. These are the requirements for you to qualify:
- You did not pass a maximum of 2 subjects
OR
- You were ill or injured when you wrote your final exams
OR
- There was a death in your immediate family when you wrote exams
Matric Upgrade
Are you unhappy with your Matric results? Have you decided to change your career path, but did not have the correct subjects in Matric? With a Matric upgrade course, you can change your subjects or rewrite the subjects you failed.
You need to meet these requirements:
- You must be 21 or older
- Be able to read, write, and understand English
What Are Matric Equivalent Certificates?
Do you want to pursue a career that does not need a diploma or degree? Or do you want the chance to study further, but you stopped school after Grade 11? You could complete one of these courses in order to study further or to start the career of your dreams.
- Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate
- Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate
Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate
Are you ready to become skilled in financial management and business management? With this Small Business Financial Management course, it is possible. In this course, you will learn about:
- How an office operates
- The laws that a business must follow
- Recruitment processes
- Human resource management
- How to become computer-literate
- What it takes for a business to go from being nationally recognised to globally recognised
Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate
Every business needs a bookkeeper, which means there will always be employment opportunities. Now you have the chance to take advantage of those opportunities, but first, you need a Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate. Get ready to learn how to:
- Check the financial books of a business and make sure they correspond with the transactions of the business.
- Learn how to write and understand financial statements
- Prepare financial records and general ledger accounts
- Calculate VAT and record VAT transactions and returns
- How to use computerised bookkeeping systems
Sounds amazing right? Even if you did not complete matric, there is no reason to give up hope. Now you have the chance to give yourself a better future. Let us have a look at the Matric Equivalent courses in a bit more detail.
| Matric equivalent courses | Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate | Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate |
| Subjects | Business Management 1 (BMT1) Bookkeeping to Trial Balance (BKTB) Business Literacy (BUSL) | Financial Statements (FNST) Cost and Management Accounting (CMGT) |
| Examinations | Students must complete three assignments and two tests. If you do not complete these tests and assignments, you will not qualify for the final exams. The final exams take place during the academic year. You will find these dates and registration deadlines on the ICB website. | Students must complete three assignments and two tests. If you do not complete these tests and assignments, you will not qualify for the final exams. The final exams take place during the academic year. You will find these dates and registration deadlines on the ICB website. |
| Course duration | 12 months | 24 months |
| Entry requirements | Grade 11 or an equivalent certificate (NQF 3) | Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate |
What Are ICB Courses?
If you did not complete your Matric, this is a qualification you can consider. ICB is an independent external examination body for NQF-accredited business courses. To do an ICB course, you need to do it through an ICB training provider and do exams.
There are different paths you can take with the ICB courses. Take a look at the different programs they offer and decide which one you like the most.
- Business Management Programme: ICB NQF 4 – NQF 6
- Office Administration Programme: ICB NQF 4 – NQF 6
- Bookkeeping And Accounting Programme: ICB NQF 4 – NQF 6
Business Management Programme
Learn how to manage a business with the ICB Business Management Program. The business management courses consist of the following:
- Small business financial management: ICB national certificate.
- Office administration – Business management: ICB higher certificate
- Financial accounting – Business management: ICB higher certificate
If you are looking for other courses related to Business Management, you can look into the NATED Business Management Courses. These courses build on each other, so you will have to start with the NATED N4 certificate and work your way up to the NATED N6 National Diploma.
- Business management NATED N4 National certificate
- Business management NATED N5 National certificate
- Business management NATED N6 National certificate
- Business management NATED N6 National diploma
Office Administration Programme
Do you have an eye for detail, or are you a very organised person? Then this program will teach you the skills to get yourself a job as an office administrator.
- Office Administration: ICB National Certificate
- Office Administration: ICB Higher certificate
- Office Administration: ICB National Diploma
Financial Accounting Programme
Are you good with numbers but would like to learn even more? Try out the Financial Accounting Programme and get the skills you need to step into the world of finance.
- Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate
- Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate
- Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National diploma
- Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
Will I get a job with an ICB certificate?
The answer is yes. With an ICB qualification, you will feel confident to step into a new job with the skills and knowledge you have learned. Let us have a look at your options:
After completing the ICB Business Management Programme, you can enter any of these fields of work:
- Business Management
- Financial Management
- Legal Practice
- Human Resource
- Computer Skills
- E-Commerce
- Global Business
After completing the ICB Office Administration Programme, you can enter these fields of work:
- Secretary
- Admin Clerk
- Personal Assistant
- Transport Administrator
- Receptionist
- Hospital Administrator
After completing the ICB Financial Accounting Programme, you can work in these sectors
- Bookkeeping
- Financial Accounting
- Financial Management
- Income Tax
- PAYE
- Reporting Standards
- Corporate Strategy
These ICB programmes are your ticket to a successful future. All you need to do is get in contact with an ICB training provider.
Completed Matric? NATED Courses Can Make You Employable
We spoke about NATED Courses earlier, but let us take a deeper look at the different types of NATED courses.
What Does NATED Mean?
NATED stands for National Accredited Technical Education Diploma. The entry requirement for a NATED course is a Matric qualification. NATED courses are also known as National qualification programmes or National Diploma Programmes
Does a NATED National diploma sound like something you want? Follow these steps.
- Use your Matric Certificate to apply for a NATED N4 National Certificate
- Complete the NATED N4 National Certificate
- Complete the NATED N5 National Certificate
- Complete the NATED N6 National Certificate
- Complete the necessary practical training
- Make sure you receive all of your Certificates
- Apply for 18 months of work experience
- Receive you NATED N6 National Diploma
Different Types Of NATED Courses
- Financial Management (NATED N4 -6)
- Business Management (NATED N4 -6)
- Marketing Management (NATED N4 -6)
- Educare (NATED N4 -6)
- Legal Secretary (NATED N4 -6)
- Human Resource Management (NATED N4 -6)
- Management Assistant (NATED N4 -6)
You are probably asking yourself these questions: How long does it take to complete? What subjects will I take? What do I need to apply? Hopefully, the tables below can answer all your questions.
Financial Management (NATED N4 -6)
| Financial Management | Course Subjects | Course duration | Entry requirements | NQF level | SAQA ID |
| NATED N4 National Certificate | Financial Accounting N4 | 6-12 months | Matric Certificate – Amended Senior Certificate Or National Senior Certificate | 04 | 66874 |
| Computerised Financial systems N4 | |||||
| Entrepreneurship and Business Management N4 | |||||
| Cost and Management Accounting N5 | |||||
| NATED N5 National Certificate | Financial Accounting N5 | 6-12 months | National Certificate- N4 Financial Management | 05 | 66954 |
| Computerised Financial systems N5 | |||||
| Entrepreneurship and Business Management N5 | |||||
| Cost and Management Accounting N5 | |||||
| NATED N6 National Certificate | Financial Accounting N6 | 6-12 months | National Certificate- N5 Financial management | 05 | 66998 |
| Computerised Financial systems N6 | |||||
| Entrepreneurship and Business Management N6 | |||||
| Cost and Management Accounting N6 | |||||
| NATED N6 National Diploma | Practical Training | 18 months | National Certificate- N6 Financial Management | 06 | 67040 |
| A log book to track work experience |
Business Management (NATED N4 -6)
| Business Management | Course Subjects | Course duration | Entry requirements | NQF level | SAQA ID |
| NATED N4 National Certificate | Management Communications N4 | 6-12 months | Matric Certificate – Amended Senior Certificate Or National Senior Certificate | 04 | 66871 |
| Introductory Accounting N4 | |||||
| Entrepreneurship and Business Management N4 | |||||
| Computer Practice N4 | |||||
| NATED N5 National Certificate | Entrepreneurship and Business Management N5 | 6-12 months | National Certificate- N4 Business Management | 05 | 66929 |
| Sales Management N5 | |||||
| Public Relations N5 | |||||
| Computer Practice N5 | |||||
| NATED N6 National Certificate | Entrepreneurship and Business Management N6 | 6-12 months | National Certificate- N5 Business Management | 05 | 66995 |
| Sales Management N6 | |||||
| Cost and Management Accounting N5 | |||||
| Public Relations N6 | |||||
| NATED N6 National Diploma | Practical Training | 18 months | National Certificate- N6 Business Management | 06 | 67036 |
| A logbook is used to track work experience. |
Marketing Management (NATED N4 -6)
| Marketing Management | Course Subjects | Course duration | Entry requirements | NQF level | SAQA ID |
| NATED N4 National Certificate | Entrepreneurship and Business Management N4 | 6-12 months | Matric Certificate – Amended Senior Certificate Or National Senior Certificate | 05 | 66872 |
| Marketing Management N4 | |||||
| Management Communications N4 | |||||
| Computer Practice N4 | |||||
| NATED N5 National Certificate | Entrepreneurship and Business Management N5 | 6-12 months | National Certificate- N4 Marketing Management | 05 | 66952 |
| Marketing Management N5 | |||||
| Sales Management N5 | |||||
| Computer Practice N5 | |||||
| NATED N6 National Certificate | Marketing Management N6 | 6-12 months | National Certificate- N5 Marketing Management | 05 | 66996 |
| Sales Management N6 | |||||
| Marketing Communication N6 | |||||
| Marketing Research N6 | |||||
| NATED N6 National Diploma | Practical Training | 18 months | National Certificate- N6 Marketing Management | 06 | 67037 |
| A logbook is used to track work experience. |
Educare (NATED N4 -6)
| Educare | Course Subjects | Course duration | Entry requirements | NQF level | SAQA ID |
NATED N4 National Certificate | Educare Didactics N4 | 6-12 months | Matric Certificate – Amended Senior Certificate Or National Senior Certificate | 05 | 66883 |
| Child Health N4 | |||||
| Education N4 | |||||
| Daycare Personnel Development N4 | |||||
NATED N5 National Certificate
| Educare Didactics N5 | 6-12 months | National Certificate- N4 Educare | 05 | 66971 |
| Entrepreneurship and Business Management N5 | |||||
| Educational Psychology N5 | |||||
| Daycare Communications N5 | |||||
| NATED N6 National Certificate | Educare Didactics N6 | 6-12 months | National Certificate- N5 Educare | 05 | 67007 |
| Daycare Management N6 | |||||
| Educational Psychology N6 | |||||
| Daycare Communications N6 | |||||
| NATED N6 National Diploma | Practical Training | 18 months | National Certificate- N6 Educare | 06 | 67050 |
| A logbook is used to track work experience. |
Legal Secretary (NATED N4 -6)
| Legal Secretary | Course Subjects | Course duration | Entry requirements | NQF level | SAQA ID |
| NATED N4 National Certificate | Office Practice N4 | 6-12 months | Matric Certificate – Amended Senior Certificate Or National Senior Certificate | 05 | 66880 |
| Communication N4 | |||||
| Information Processing N4 | |||||
| Mercantile Law N4 | |||||
NATED N5 National Certificate
| Office Practice N5 | 6-12 months | National Certificate- N4 Legal Secretary | 05 | 66959 |
| Communication N5 | |||||
| Information Processing N5 | |||||
| Legal Practice N5 | |||||
| NATED N6 National Certificate | Office Practice N6 | 6-12 months | National Certificate- N5 Legal Secretary | 05 | 66880 |
| Legal Practice N6 | |||||
| Information Processing N6 | |||||
| Mercantile Law N5 | |||||
NATED N6 National Diploma | Practical Training | 18 months | National Certificate- N6 | 06 | 67035 |
| A logbook is used to track work experience |
Human Resource Management (NATED N4 -6)
| Human Resource Management | Course Subjects | Course duration | Entry requirements | NQF level | SAQA ID |
NATED N4 National Certificate | Entrepreneurship and Business Management N4 | 6-12 months | Matric Certificate – Amended Senior Certificate Or National Senior Certificate | 05 | 66873 |
| Personnel Management N4 | |||||
| Management Communication N4 | |||||
| Computer Practice N4 | |||||
NATED N5 National Certificate
| Personnel Management N5 | 6-12 months | National Certificate- N4 Human Resource Management | 05 | 66953 |
| Personnel Training N5 | |||||
| Labour Relations N5 | |||||
| Computer Practice N5 | |||||
| NATED N6 National Certificate | Personnel Management N6 | 6-12 months | National Certificate- N5 Human Resource Management | 05 | 66997 |
| Personnel Training N6 | |||||
| Labour Relations N6 | |||||
| Computer Practice N6 | |||||
| NATED N6 National Diploma | Practical Training | 18 months | National Certificate- N6 Human Resource Management | 06 | 67039 |
| A logbook is used to track work experience | |||||
Management Assistant (NATED N4 -6)
| Management Assistant | Course Subjects | Course duration | Entry requirements | NQF level | SAQA ID |
NATED N4 National Certificate | Communication N4 | 6-12 months | Matric Certificate – Amended Senior Certificate Or National Senior Certificate | 05 | 66876 |
| Office practice N4 | |||||
| Information Processing N4 | |||||
| Computer Practice N4 | |||||
NATED N5 National Certificate
| Communication N5 | 6-12 months | National Certificate- N4 Management Assistant | 05 | 66956 |
| Office practice N5 | |||||
| Information Processing N5 | |||||
| Computer Practice N5 | |||||
| NATED N6 National Certificate | Communication N6 | 6-12 months | National Certificate- N5 Management Assistant | 05 | 67001 |
| Office practiceN6 | |||||
| Information Processing N6 | |||||
| Computer Practice N6 | |||||
| NATED N6 National Diploma | Practical Training | 18 months | National Certificate- N6 Management Assistant | 06 | 67033 |
| A logbook is used to track work experience | |||||
Take your time to decide which NATED course is perfect for you to get the job you have always wanted, and get started on your application today.
How Do I Know If A Course Is Accredited In South Africa?
It is important to check if a course is accredited before you begin so that you know if it is in line with your career goals.
Here are some tips on how to check if your course is accredited.
- Ask the college
- South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
- Umalusi
- Quality Council for Trades Occupations (QCTO)
Ask The College
It is so easy to find out if the course you want to study is accredited or not. All you need to do is call the college you want to study at and ask them if the course is accredited. They will give you an accreditation number that you can check online.
SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority)
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) oversees the setup and execution of the NQF accreditation. They make sure that the higher education courses live up to national standards.
Umalusi
Umalusi provides accreditation to institutions in the private sector that provide education and training. They are responsible for providing accreditation for:
- Schools: The Senior Certificate amended and the National Senior Certificate
- TVET Colleges: National Technical Certificate and National Certificate Vocational
- Adult Learning Centres: General Education and Training Certificate: Adults
Quality Council For Trades Occupations (QCTO)
The quality council for trades occupations makes sure skills development providers maintain certain standards for their qualifications, they provide certification, and accreditation of assessment centres.
Does A Course Have To Be Accredited?
For some people, they do not need an accredited qualification to advance in their careers. For others, it is important to have an accredited qualification. So it really depends on the path you want to take.
How do you check if your course is accredited?
- Does it have credits?
- Does your institution mention that it is accredited?
- Can they provide you with an accreditation number?
- Are they on Umalusi’s website
Do Short Courses Need Accreditation?
Short courses do not need to be accredited because they build valuable skills. Even though some short courses still need you to complete tests or assignments, they will probably have no credits.
Non-accredited courses and short courses should not be overlooked, though. When you complete it, you still walk away with a certificate that you can show future employers.
What Is An Accredited Course?
When a course is accredited, it means that it meets national standards. An accredited distance learning course can help you get the skills you need to land that job you want.
What Is NQF Accreditation?
I am sure you have heard the term NQF before. It stands for National Qualifications Framework. It consists of a set of regulations that students’ progress is measured against. Accreditation bodies need to make sure they stick to these regulations.
What Accreditation Is A Matric Certificate?
The National Senior Certificate is awarded to students by Umalusi and is considered an NQF 4 qualification. After you receive this, you can study further and get your other NQF levels.
What Are The Types Of Accreditation?
The Department of Higher Education and Training is the only recognised accreditation body in South Africa. All higher education training providers need to register with them.
All qualifications need to be registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The qualifications need to be regulated according to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
Accredited Courses Vs. Non-Accredited Courses
| Accredited Courses | Non-Accredited Courses | |
| Definition | When a course is accredited, it means it has met the NQF standards, and it is registered with the Department of Higher Education | Non-accredited courses have not been accredited by official exam bodies |
| Benefits |
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| Opportunities |
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Should I Go For Distance Learning?
Are you a parent who is dying for a promotion so that you can spend less time working and more time with your kids? Or are you unemployed and looking for an affordable way to add a qualification to your CV?
Distance learning makes it possible to juggle all of your responsibilities while you get a qualification, and it is affordable!
What Are The Advantages Of Distance Learning?
There are many advantages when it comes to distance learning. You can choose from accredited and non-accredited courses to start your journey. Here are the Top 6 advantages.
- Study At Your Own Pace
- Study Anywhere You Like
- No Need To Travel Every Day
- Gain Qualifications To Improve Your CV
- Upskill Yourself
- Cost-Effective
Study At Your Own Pace
Give yourself the option of focusing on the course work that you are struggling with the most. If you have other responsibilities like looking after a family, or you are already working, you will be able to fit distance learning into your lifestyle easily.
Study Anywhere You Like
Want to study from home? Now it is possible, as long as you have a computer or a laptop with an internet connection, you can actually study from anywhere at any time. Now nothing can stand between you and success.
No Need To Travel Every Day
No transport? No problem. There is no need to travel to college every day, so forget about waking up early every morning and sitting in traffic for hours. Now you will be able to skip the long trip to college and save precious time.
Gain Qualifications To Improve Your CV
In the future, you will have to compete with hundreds of other candidates for jobs. By completing a distance learning course, you will give yourself a competitive advantage and make your CV stand out from the rest.
Upskill Yourself
Give yourself the opportunity to get a promotion by learning new skills. Distance learning courses are also perfect if you want to change the direction of your career. You can learn new skills that are in line with what you want to pursue.
Cost Effective
There is no need to break the bank with distance learning courses. They are cost-effective because all the coursework and study materials are included, so you do not have to spend thousands on textbooks. You can expect quality education at a fraction of the cost.
What Short Course Is In Demand In South Africa?
Are you struggling to get a job? Get yourself out of the cycle of unemployment by making yourself job-ready in no time with these in-demand short courses.
- Sales Management
- Computer Courses
- Beauty Courses
- Occupational Health And Safety
Sales Management
Do you have a passion for sales? Do you want to level up and learn how to engage with clients? Then this short course might be perfect for you. Learn the key skills of a sales representative, which include communication skills, listening skills, problem-solving skills, and how to deliver sales presentations.
Computer courses
We know that technology is the future, but not everyone is comfortable using a computer or laptop. Computer short courses can teach you what you need to know and show companies that you know your way around a PC. Get over your fear of technology and get more work opportunities with these vital computer courses.
Beauty Courses
The beauty industry is booming right now, and it is an industry that will never go away. If you are interested in make-up, nail care, salon management, and skin care, you should consider a beauty short course. Afterwards, you can work with models and brides or start your own business.
Occupational Health and Safety
Dangerous work environments like construction sites, factories, and mines need people like occupational health and safety officers to make sure the areas are safe to work in. And these people also teach workers how to prevent accidents in their workplace.
If you care deeply about people’s health and safety this might be the right career path for you to follow. The perfect way to learn the basics will be with a short course.
How Do I Become A Successful Distance Learner?
So you have chosen a short course or a distance learning course that you are interested in, but you have no idea how you are going to make it work. Keep reading, because I am going to share all the tips you need to know to become successful.
Distance learning can be very rewarding when you put in the work. Here are some key tips to keep you on track.
- Do A SWOT Analysis
- Set Goals For Yourself
- Stick To A Schedule
- Create A Study Space
- Engage With Your Study Material
Do a SWOT analysis
It is important to know what your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats are so that you can come up with ways to overcome the threats and work on the weaknesses. A SWOT analysis will also help you set realistic goals for yourself.
Set goals for yourself
You know what you want to achieve, write these goals down and put them somewhere where you’ll see them every day. This will remind you to work hard and make your studies a priority. Let your goals drive you to work hard.
Stick To A Schedule
If you fail to plan, you definitely plan to fail. It is important that you set up a study schedule so that you do not lose track or leave all your assignments for the night before it is due. I know we are all guilty of this, but if you want good marks you will have to break up your coursework into small sections that you can work on every day.
Create A Study Space
Do you want to feel super focused and organised? Setting up a study space for yourself in a quiet area in your home will help you feel focused and organised. Make sure there is nothing to distract you.
Engage With Your Study Material
When you are studying, do not stick to passive ways of learning. Try to engage with the information you need to study. Set up a quiz after every section, make flashcards for definitions, and tell your friends and family what you are studying. These methods will help you remember the work and make studying less boring.
What Skills Are Needed For Distance Learning?
Distance learning can work for everyone since it is so flexible. But instead of just winging it, let us dive into some skills you need to have to be a great distance learner and get the marks you want.
- Organization Skills
- Self-Discipline
- Adaptability
- Time Management
- Motivation
Organization Skills
Once you write down all your exam dates and due dates on a calendar, you will feel less stressed. That is why it is important to be organised, when you know when the important days are happening you can just get straight to work and worry less.
Self-Discipline
This is probably the most important skill for distance learning because you are responsible for making sure you study all your work and do all your assignments. No one will be by your side to guide you. Self-discipline is a skill that can be learned over time, so do not be worried if it is not one of your strengths.
Adaptability
Distance learning is very different from the traditional classroom setup. Depending on if you are already working or you have a family you may try to fit distance learning into your lifestyle. This will all take some getting used to. This is why you need to be able to adapt easily.
Time Management
Do you have a lot on your plate? If you already have many responsibilities you will need to learn how to manage your time well so that you can balance everything and still make enough time for your studies.
Motivation
When it comes to distance learning you need to be your own cheerleader and motivate yourself to complete all of your course work. This is an important skill you will need for the rest of your life, so why not learn to do it now?
Author: Angela Mouton
Editor: Connor Bergsma
Date Published: September 21, 2023