Career requirements cover what you need to enter a particular occupation in South Africa: the qualification, any professional registration, the physical or background checks that apply, and what employers ask for beyond the legal minimum.
The distinction that matters most is between a legal minimum and an employer preference. The first is fixed; the second varies between employers and changes with the labour market.
Popular Career Requirements Guides
The most frequently checked areas are general job entry requirements, aviation roles, public safety careers, learnerships and apprenticeships, technology roles and the skilled trades.
The strongest starting point in this category is Career Requirements. Use it to orient yourself before moving to a more specific guide.
Core Eligibility and Minimum Requirements
Entry requirements commonly involve a minimum qualification, an age range, physical or medical standards for some roles, a criminal record check, and registration with a professional or statutory body where the occupation is regulated.
Eligibility is set by the body that decides your application, not by this website. Where a rule depends on your circumstances, treat the guides here as preparation and confirm your own position with the responsible authority.
Documents, Specifications and Supporting Information
Identity documents, qualification certificates, academic records, police clearance and professional registration certificates are the documents requested most often. Where a qualification was obtained abroad, evaluation is normally required.
Applications, Compliance and Next Steps
Confirm whether the occupation is regulated, since that determines whether registration is a legal precondition or an employer preference. Where registration applies, start it before applying for posts rather than after an offer.
Browse Career Requirements by Subtopic
This category covers the following areas. Individual guides are being published for each, and this list will link through to them as they go live.
- Career entry requirements
- Aviation career requirements
- Public safety career requirements
- Learnership and apprenticeship requirements
- Technology career requirements
- Trade and artisan requirements
Frequently Checked Career Requirements
Is a qualification always required?
It depends on the occupation. Regulated professions normally require a specific qualification and registration; other roles may set qualifications as a preference rather than a legal minimum.
Do I need police clearance for a job?
Many employers require a criminal record check, and it is a legal requirement in some sectors, particularly those involving children, vulnerable people or security.
Where can I confirm career requirements?
Confirm with the relevant professional body or regulator for regulated occupations, and with the employer for role-specific requirements.
Where to Confirm Official Requirements
Requirements.co.za is an independent information website. It is not a government department, regulator, institution or provider, and it cannot process or decide applications. Confirm change-sensitive details with the responsible body before you apply. Start from Requirements to reach another category.