In order for any trades specialist or artisan to be qualified in their respective fields, they must successfully undergo and complete a trade test. Luckily, there are a number of test centres located across the country.
A trade test is a test used to assess proficiency and skill level of an individual in a number of skilled trades. These tests may include written and/or skill demonstration sections.
It is also the final integrated summative assessment for any artisan qualification for a listed trade that is conducted at an accredited Trade Test centre in the county.
However, it is important to confirm whether the trade test centre has to assessor that is registered with National Artisan Moderating Body before completing the test.
There are many trade test centres in South Africa that specialise in various trades and some centres may even be administered and controlled by government agencies and organisations.
To find a trade test centre, individuals can visit the National Artisan Development Initiative website, where a complied list of various trade centres have been formulated in accordance with where individuals may live, and which trade they specialise in.
Visit the website and complete the suggested dropdown selections to find the nearest trade test centre in your province
Depending on the trade and experience, specific requirements to sit for a trade test (such as training or experiences) may vary.
Here are some of the minimum academic requirements that may be needed:
- N2 Certificate including the four relevant subjects of Maths, engineering science and a fourth subject as required by the trade; or
- Technical trade theory programs quality assured by a SETA deemed to be equivalent to NQF level 3; or
- Relevant Engineering NCV Certificate with seven subjects at NQF level 3; or
- Technical Grade 11 with Maths, Science, Language and related trade theory subject; or
- Relevant (directly related to the trade theory subjects) N6 certificate or National Technical Diploma (T, S or N stream.)
Rates and fees that are payable in order to complete the test vary and are entirely dependent on the centre chosen to do the test.
Once individuals have successfully completed the test, they will receive some form of certification and some skills will have additional levels of testing that will denote higher skill levels.
