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Occupational Qualification · I23

Discretionary Grant · Open

International Trade Administrator

QCTO Aligned Audit-ReadyTETA
NQF Level
NQF Level 4
Credits
130
Duration
—
SAQA ID
122625
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Official QCTO Registry Profile

Source: SAQA / QCTO registry
SAQA ID
122625
Min Credits
130
Registered
2024-08-22
Re-registration
2029-08-22
Field
Field 11 - Services
Sub-field
Transport, Operations and Logistics

Sample Asset Preview

Curriculum Alignment MatrixCRN ZA-SDP-2026-089
Curriculum Alignment Matrix — page 1
Curriculum Alignment Matrix — page 2
Curriculum Alignment Matrix — page 3
Curriculum Alignment Matrix — page 4
Curriculum Alignment Matrix — page 5
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Overview & Scope

Programme Profile

Target Designation
Certified International Trade Administrator Practitioner
Competency Focus
Master specialised practical applications, safety criteria, and regulatory mandates required of a qualified International Trade Administrator.
Academic Weight
Full national recognition at NQF Level 4 yielding 130 credits upon successful PoE verification.
Work Opportunities
Deployment across As a qualified international trade administrator, you can find employment opportunities in Transport, Logistics, Maritime, Aviation. 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 TETA scope.
Audit Objective
Bridges operational skills deficits under the governing TETA quality matrix.
Value Proposition
Measurable, legally compliant skills that optimise productivity, satisfy Workplace Skills Plans (WSP), and unlock B-BBEE scorecard weight.
Introduction▾

The International Trade Administrator (NQF Level 4, 130 credits) is a comprehensive National Occupational Certificate that blends foundational theory with intensive practical application. Throughout your learning journey, you will develop the competencies required to operate effectively, safely, and ethically within your industry. Employers value this qualification because it signals that you are job-ready from day one.

Purpose▾

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an International Trade Administrator. An International Trade Administrator administers import and export transactions for a company or clients, including the movement, insurance and the storage and release of goods. A qualified learner will be able to: • Administer import and export transactions. • Determine international commercial terms (Incoterms ®) rules and administer the cost for the international movement of goods. • Determine and administer the insurance of goods. • Arrange for the storage and release of cargo for customs compliance purposes.

Entry Requirements▾

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills programme. RPL for Exemption Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors. For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for Credits Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment. A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved. Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification, part-qualification. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO. Entry Requirements: An NQF Level 2 qualification.

SAQA Rationale▾

The need for this qualification stems from the requirement to improve the functioning of practitioners in the customs compliance environment as necessitated by the World Customs Organisation's (WCO) introduction of the Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Trade (SAFE Framework of Standards). As a member of WCO South Africa must comply with the SAFE Framework of Standards by implementing new legislation which is aligned to these standards. In light of this, the International Trade Administrator qualification is required to provide those involved in the administration processes related to customs compliance for international trade with the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure that all necessary documents, permits, and certifications are in place to streamline trade processes. No other national qualification that provides the requisite knowledge and skills for the international trade administrators is registered on the NQF. This qualification will benefit the logistics and supply chain sector and the economy as it is critical to the survival of the logistics industry by ensuring that all necessary documents, permits, and certifications are in place as per trade regulations and customs requirements. This will contribute to minimizing delays and reducing the cost of trade transactions. By managing paperwork and documentation related to imports and exports, International Trade Administrators help reduce administrative burdens on businesses engaged in international trade, and smooth trade operations. Delays at ports of entry or exit can result in increased transportation costs, storage costs, and lost opportunities. Minimizing these costs and risks by ensuring proper documentation, customs compliance and smoother logistics will contribute to enabling businesses to expand their operations internationally, leading to increased economic activity, growth and employment opportunities thus also benefitting society. As a scarce and critical skill area, the acquisition of this qualification and associated specialised competencies will increase the employability of the individual within the freight forwarding and import and export organisations. Typical learners for this qualification include those with an interest in starting a career in the field of international trade and customs. Stakeholders from different associations and organisations operating within the freight forwarding and customs compliance environment participated in the development of this qualification. The typical occupations related to this qualification include freight forwarding, customs, and international trade occupations.

Learning Assumed to be in Place & RPL▾

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills programme. RPL for Exemption Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors. For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for Credits Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment. A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved. Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification, part-qualification. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO. Entry Requirements: An NQF Level 2 qualification.

Exit Level Outcomes▾
  • Administer transactions related to the import and export of goods.
  • Apply international commercial terms (Incoterms ®) rules and administer the cost for the movement of goods internationally.
  • Administer the insurance of goods by applying appropriate methods.
  • Arrange for customs processes, the storage and release of cargo using understanding of applicable legislation and standards.

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

22 modules · 128 credits

Theory, regulatory and safety knowledge. Each row carries the registered module code, NQF level and credit weight used for formative assessment rubric mapping.

  • 333101-003-00-KM-013 cr

    Emotional Intelligence and Active Learning

    NQF Level 2

  • 333101-003-00-KM-023 cr

    Basics of Computers and Computing Systems

    NQF Level 2

  • 333101-003-00-KM-033 cr

    Ethics and Basic Business Principles

    NQF Level 3

  • 333101-003-00-KM-0420 cr

    Introduction to Freight Forwarding

    NQF Level 4

  • 333101-003-00-KM-053 cr

    The Administration of Import Transactions

    NQF Level 4

  • 333101-003-00-KM-065 cr

    The Administration of Export Transactions

    NQF Level 4

  • 333101-003-00-KM-082 cr

    Taxes and Foreign Exchange

    NQF Level 4

  • 333101-003-00-KM-095 cr

    The Scope of Transportation Risks and Insurance

    NQF Level 4

  • 333101-003-00-KM-103 cr

    Customs Warehouse Procedures

    NQF Level 4

Sub-total credits47
QCTO & TETA AlignedSAQA 122625

Qualification 122625 · Curriculum Architecture

National Occupational Certificate: International Trade Administrator · NQF Level 4 (130 Credits)

Filter View
§ 01

Three Curriculum Pillars

47
Credits

Knowledge Modules

Classroom & E-Learning

KM-01 to KM-09 · 9 modules
  • Facilitated lectures & self-study
  • Written question banks
  • Formative comprehension checks
46
Credits

Practical Skill Modules

Simulated Line Tasks

PM-01 to PM-09 · 9 modules
  • Simulated line tasks
  • Observation rubrics
  • Structured task sheets
35
Credits

Work Experience Modules

On-the-Job Production

WM-01 to WM-04 · 4 modules
  • On-the-job rotation
  • Mentor logbooks
  • Workplace sign-offs
§ 02

Evidence & Audit Pipeline

Learner Portfolio of Evidence (PoE)
Owner · Candidate
▾
1
Admin & Registration

ID, learner contract, induction pack, POPIA consent.

2
Knowledge Evidence

Written assessments & question banks — KM-01 to KM-07.

3
Practical Evidence

Task sheets, observation rubrics, assessor photos.

4
Workplace Evidence

Logbooks, mentor sign-offs, supervisor letters.

Assessor Master File
Owner · Registered Assessor
▾
5
Assessment Reports

Judgements, learner feedback, remediation agreements, appeals log.

Internal Moderation & Quality File
Owner · Moderator / SDP
▾
6
Moderation Evidence

10% sampling matrix, HACCP/LOTO compliance sheets, SDP sign-off.

§ 03

Final Accreditation Gateway

Step 1
Statement of Results

Issued by the accredited Skills Development Provider once internal moderation is signed off.

Step 2
EISA Readiness Declaration

Provider submits declaration + PoE to the Assessment Quality Partner (AQP).

Step 3
National Qualification Certificate

QCTO awards the SAQA-registered certificate on successful EISA outcome.

Learner Certified · Uploaded to National Learner Records Database (NLRD)

Audit & Compliance

Evidence & Audit Pipeline

From portfolio assembly to external sign-off — the exact route your evidence travels.

  1. Step 1

    PoE Assembly

    Learner evidence, formative records and logbook entries filed against the alignment matrix.

  2. Step 2

    Internal Assessment

    Registered assessor judges each KM/PM/WM outcome using the supplied instruments.

  3. Step 3

    Internal Moderation

    Sampling and verification of assessor decisions, with remediation loop before submission.

  4. 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

9 KM + 9 PM + 4 WM modules mapped to NQF Level 4

Assessment Bank

Missing formative and summative assessments

Pre-validated assessment bank per module

Alignment Evidence

No alignment matrix — audit fails

TETA alignment matrix included

Facilitation

Facilitators improvise International Trade Administrator delivery

Facilitator scripts + learner activities per credit

Portfolio of Evidence

PoE gaps flagged in moderation

PoE templates that survive external moderation

View on SAQA

Pricing & Delivery Tiers

Base licence from R56 500

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
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Most selected

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
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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
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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.

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Moderation Consultation

External moderation dry-run on your PoE + delivery pack. Written report with fixes before your real audit. From R4,900.

Book Moderation Session

The 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.