Occupational Qualification · D10
Discretionary Grant · UpcomingDetective
- NQF Level
- NQF Level 6
- Credits
- 171
- Duration
- —
- SAQA ID
- 118211
Official QCTO Registry Profile
Source: SAQA / QCTO registry- SAQA ID
- 118211
- Min Credits
- 171
- Registered
- 2021-06-22
- Re-registration
- 2025-12-31
- Field
- Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security
- Sub-field
- Safety in Society
Sample Asset Preview





Overview & Scope
Programme Profile
- Target Designation
- Certified Detective Practitioner
- Competency Focus
- Master specialised practical applications, safety criteria, and regulatory mandates required of a qualified Detective.
- Academic Weight
- Full national recognition at NQF Level 6 yielding 171 credits upon successful PoE verification.
- Work Opportunities
- Deployment across As a qualified detective, you can find employment opportunities in Security, Policing, Justice, Corrections. Your skills will be in demand across both public and private sectors, and you may also choose to work as an independent contractor or start your own business in this field. operations under SASSETA scope.
- Audit Objective
- Bridges operational skills deficits under the governing SASSETA quality matrix.
- Value Proposition
- Measurable, legally compliant skills that optimise productivity, satisfy Workplace Skills Plans (WSP), and unlock B-BBEE scorecard weight.
Introduction▾
Designed as a Occupational Certificate at NQF Level 6 worth 171 credits, the Detective equips you with both theoretical understanding and hands-on capabilities. You will learn to perform complex tasks, solve real-world problems, and adapt to the demands of a dynamic work environment. This qualification is your stepping stone to becoming a confident, capable professional.
Purpose▾
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Detective. Detectives detect and investigate all reported crimes and incidents by gathering and analysing information with the focus of turning information into evidence, then presenting evidence in a court of law in order to solve a crime or incident which will lead to the identification and prosecution of offenders. A qualified learner will be able to: • Apply investigative methods and techniques to resolve categories of crimes and collect information and exhibits according to legal prescripts. • Formulate and validate a hypothesis about the nature of the crime through analysis of physical evidence and, by utilising the conclusions reached on the basis of such analysis, test various theories on the sequence of events before, during, and after a crime. • Assess information and exhibits to determine evidential value with the focus on turning information into evidence. • Apply administrative and judicial processes and procedures to administer a case docket in compliance with legal prescripts.
Entry Requirements▾
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification. Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through CAT. RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: ¿ NQF Level 4 qualification with Mathematical Literacy.
SAQA Rationale▾
South African citizens' rights are entrenched within the Constitution of South Africa. These rights are regarded as of paramount importance to ensure a democratic society. Once these rights are infringed upon, they become the responsibility of a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that the rights are restored and corrective actions taken, hence the fact that resolving, prevention and reduction of crime is a national priority on many levels. This qualification will address the need to ensure that a professional cadre of persons is available to perform effective resolving of crime responsibilities. The successful investigation of crime supports the concept of resolving of crime that will contribute to the trust of the community in the stakeholders within the criminal justice process. This qualification reflects the workplace-based needs of the investigation environment to perform the relevant roles in resolving of crime. Resolving of crime will contribute to the upholding of the Constitution of South Africa that guarantees human rights, such as protection of life and protection of property to create a safe and secure environment. Resolving of crime can be applied in various contexts, such as with regard to the economy, safety in society - including all categories of crime: crime against people, crime against property, crime against society and crime against the state. Criminal tendencies are determined by the desire of the individual, the opportunity that exists to commit crime and the illegal market that exists for trade in acquired stolen goods. This qualification will further ensure enhanced service delivery to the community, thereby providing a safe and secure community environment which will in turn enhance economic growth. Effective resolving of crime concepts will win trust from international partners in terms of investments on various levels. This qualification will contribute to the setting of standards in the resolving of crime sector and will enhance the ability of professionals within the sector. This qualification will equip the learners with the abilities and competencies needed within the sector. Typical learners targeted for this learning will be incumbents in the South African Police Services who have successfully completed the National Certificate: Policing or equivalent or investigators within Independent Police Investigation Directorate (IPID) with 3 years' experience in a Policing environment. On successful completion of this qualification, learners will be employed within the detective environment in the South African Police Services (SAPS) or IPID. The learner obtaining this qualification will be able to enhance service delivery to internal and external clients, thereby endeavouring to enhance satisfaction and trust. Qualified learners will be able to exercise their investigative responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution of SA as well as relevant legislation. There are currently 11 qualifications registered on the NQF, but these qualifications are specialised and relevant to the specialised field of Forensics and fall within the HEQSF. The Occupational Certificate: Detective is a generic qualification pertaining specifically to the occupation of detectives. This qualification does not require registration with a professional body because there are currently no associations for SAPS members.
Learning Assumed to be in Place & RPL▾
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification. Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through CAT. RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: ¿ NQF Level 4 qualification with Mathematical Literacy.
Exit Level Outcomes▾
1. Apply legal prescripts to a crime investigation. 2. Apply investigative methods and techniques to resolve categories of crimes and collect information and exhibits with the focus of turning information into evidence. 3. Formulate and validate a hypothesis about the nature of the crime through analysis of physical evidence and, by utilising the conclusions reached on the basis of such analysis, test various theories on the sequence of events before, during, and after a crime. 4. Assess information and exhibits to determine evidential value with the focus on turning information into evidence. 5. Apply administrative and judicial processes and procedures to administer a case docket in compliance with legal prescripts.
Learning Material Included
- Learner Guide (Theory and Knowledge Modules)
- Facilitator Guide
- Workplace Logbook
- Formative and Summative Assessment
- Assessor Guide & Marking Memorandum
- SETA / QCTO Alignment Matrix
- Administrative & Onboarding Pack
- Implementation Plan
Moderator-Ready Curriculum Breakdown
18 modules · 169 creditsTheory, regulatory and safety knowledge. Each row carries the registered module code, NQF level and credit weight used for formative assessment rubric mapping.
- 335501-000-00-KM-0115 cr
Regulatory Framework
NQF Level 6
- 335501-000-00-KM-0210 cr
Information Collection
NQF Level 6
- 335501-000-00-KM-034 cr
Principles of Crime Investigation
NQF Level 6
- 335501-000-00-KM-044 cr
Principles of Crime Administration and Documentation
NQF Level 6
- 335501-000-00-KM-054 cr
Crime Scene and Exhibits Management
NQF Level 6
- 335501-000-00-KM-063 cr
Personal and Interpersonal Skills
NQF Level 6
Qualification 118211 · Curriculum Architecture
Occupational Certificate: Detective · NQF Level 6 (171 Credits)
Three Curriculum Pillars
Knowledge Modules
Classroom & E-Learning
- Facilitated lectures & self-study
- Written question banks
- Formative comprehension checks
Practical Skill Modules
Simulated Line Tasks
- Simulated line tasks
- Observation rubrics
- Structured task sheets
Work Experience Modules
On-the-Job Production
- On-the-job rotation
- Mentor logbooks
- Workplace sign-offs
Evidence & Audit Pipeline
Learner Portfolio of Evidence (PoE)Owner · Candidate▾
Admin & Registration
ID, learner contract, induction pack, POPIA consent.
Knowledge Evidence
Written assessments & question banks — KM-01 to KM-07.
Practical Evidence
Task sheets, observation rubrics, assessor photos.
Workplace Evidence
Logbooks, mentor sign-offs, supervisor letters.
Assessor Master FileOwner · Registered Assessor▾
Assessment Reports
Judgements, learner feedback, remediation agreements, appeals log.
Internal Moderation & Quality FileOwner · Moderator / SDP▾
Moderation Evidence
10% sampling matrix, HACCP/LOTO compliance sheets, SDP sign-off.
Final Accreditation Gateway
Issued by the accredited Skills Development Provider once internal moderation is signed off.
Provider submits declaration + PoE to the Assessment Quality Partner (AQP).
QCTO awards the SAQA-registered certificate on successful EISA outcome.
Audit & Compliance
Evidence & Audit Pipeline
From portfolio assembly to external sign-off — the exact route your evidence travels.
- Step 1
PoE Assembly
Learner evidence, formative records and logbook entries filed against the alignment matrix.
- Step 2
Internal Assessment
Registered assessor judges each KM/PM/WM outcome using the supplied instruments.
- Step 3
Internal Moderation
Sampling and verification of assessor decisions, with remediation loop before submission.
- Step 4
External Moderation
SETA/QCTO desktop audit and certification upload against registered credits.
Broken Standard vs i2Graduates Standard
The measurable delta between improvised material and an audit-ready suite.
Broken Standard
i2Graduates Standard
Curriculum Mapping
Photocopied guides with mismatched outcomes
6 KM + 9 PM + 3 WM modules mapped to NQF Level 6
Assessment Bank
Missing formative and summative assessments
Pre-validated assessment bank per module
Alignment Evidence
No alignment matrix — audit fails
SASSETA alignment matrix included
Facilitation
Facilitators improvise Detective delivery
Facilitator scripts + learner activities per credit
Portfolio of Evidence
PoE gaps flagged in moderation
PoE templates that survive external moderation
Pricing & Delivery Tiers
Base licence from R68 550
Digital Master Suite
Editable master files, licensed to your SDP
- Learner Guide, Facilitator Guide & Assessment Suite
- Workplace logbook + alignment matrix (editable)
- Instant digital delivery under institutional licence
- Free minor corrections for 12 months
Turnkey Print & Bound Package
Printed, bound and couriered per learner
- Everything in the Digital Master Suite
- Full-colour print, wire-bound learner packs
- Per-learner PoE folders and dividers
- Nationwide courier with tracked delivery
Full Enterprise Accreditation Bundle
Assets plus accreditation support end-to-end
- Everything in the Print & Bound Package
- Bespoke QMS build mapped to your scope
- Moderation dry-run + written remediation report
- Brand & metadata integration across the suite
Complementary Services
Optional add-ons that harden your accreditation scope before an external audit.
Bespoke QMS Build
We author your Quality Management System — policies, procedures, records, matrices — mapped to your accreditation scope. From R18,500.
Request QuoteModeration Consultation
External moderation dry-run on your PoE + delivery pack. Written report with fixes before your real audit. From R4,900.
Book Moderation SessionThe i2Graduates Quality Guarantee
Every page of this bundle is checked for sequence and structural accuracy — no missing pages, no shortcuts. You get pre-validated assessment instruments ready to survive rigorous compliance moderation, wrapped in a curriculum your facilitators will enjoy teaching.
