The boiler making course that leads to a recognised qualification is the National Occupational Certificate: Boilermaker (NQF level 4, 540 credits). Its entry requirement on the SAQA record is an NQF level 1 qualification with mathematics, and no additional legal or physical entry requirements are listed. A course alone does not make you a qualified boilermaker: the qualification ends in an external assessment, which is a trade test.
The certificate is registered from 4 February 2025 to 4 February 2030 and replaces the earlier boilermaker occupational certificate (SAQA 93626).
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- Qualification: National Occupational Certificate: Boilermaker, SAQA ID 123381, NQF level 4, 540 credits
- Entry: an NQF level 1 qualification with mathematics; recognition of prior learning (RPL) is available for access
- Legal or physical entry requirements: none listed for the qualification (an employer may still set its own conditions)
- To sit the final assessment: proof of all knowledge and practical modules plus a record of work experience
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The qualification is made up of compulsory knowledge, practical skill and work experience modules. To qualify for external assessment you must give proof that you completed all the required knowledge and practical modules, together with a record of your work experience (see the SAQA record).
The final external assessment of the previous boilermaker certificate was a trade test under section 26D of the Skills Development Act 97 of 1998, held at a QCTO-accredited assessment centre with a NAMB-registered assessor over at least two days. Confirm the arrangements for the current certificate with the assessment centre.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
There is no APS for this qualification. The only subject requirement the national record sets is mathematics at the NQF level 1 entry point. Grade 12 results are not listed as a requirement, although a provider may ask for more than the national minimum, so ask before you enrol.
Boilermaker (NQF 4) leads horizontally to Fitter and Turner and to NCV level 4, and vertically to the Occupational Certificate: Production Supervisor at NQF level 5.
Documents and Application Requirements
- Statements of results for every knowledge and practical module
- A record of your completed work experience
- For the experienced-worker route: a portfolio of evidence, which includes your CV, certified qualifications and employment records, the trade duties you have performed and photos where available
For anything else, such as ID copies, a CV or a medical certificate, ask the employer or training provider what it requires; the national record does not list them.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Experienced but without papers. If you have worked as a boilermaker without a certificate, you can apply for Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) at a Trade Test Centre accredited for the trade. A technical panel with at least one qualified artisan in the trade and at least two NAMB-registered people assesses your portfolio. See the National Artisan Development Support Centre.
Check accreditation before you pay. Not every course provider is accredited for the Boilermaker occupational certificate. Ask for the SAQA ID (123381) and confirm the provider is accredited through the QCTO or the relevant SETA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the boiler making course?
It is the National Occupational Certificate: Boilermaker, NQF level 4 with 540 credits, made up of knowledge, practical and workplace modules and finished with a trade test.
What makes me a qualified boilermaker?
Completing the required modules and work experience and then passing the external assessment, which is a trade test.
Do I need Mathematics to start?
The entry requirement is an NQF level 1 qualification with mathematics, with RPL available for access.
Do I need an employer?
You need a record of completed work experience to sit the final assessment. How you obtain the workplace experience (an apprenticeship or learnership) is arranged through an employer or SETA, so ask the relevant SETA about registered opportunities.
What if I have experience but no certificate?
Apply for ARPL at a Trade Test Centre accredited for the trade and compile your portfolio of evidence.
Are fitness and eyesight entry requirements?
Not for the qualification itself: the national record lists no additional legal or physical entry requirements. Employers may set their own, so ask them.
Confirm current requirements with the National Artisan Development Support Centre, the relevant SETA (merSETA or CHIETA) and the provider before you pay. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.