Occupational Qualification · I23
Discretionary Grant · OpenInternational Trade Administrator
- NQF Level
- NQF Level 4
- Credits
- 130
- Duration
- —
- SAQA ID
- 122625
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





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 creditsTheory, 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
Qualification 122625 · Curriculum Architecture
National Occupational Certificate: International Trade Administrator · NQF Level 4 (130 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
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
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
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.
