Accredited Artificial Intelligence Software Developer Course (NQF 5) in South Africa
The Occupational Certificate: Artificial Intelligence Software Developer is Wheelset Academy's structured, QCTO-aligned route into building AI-powered applications. Rather than a single-topic short course, it combines knowledge, hands-on practical skills and workplace experience so learners leave able to design, build, test and deploy real AI solutions using Python, SQL, Machine Learning and Deep Learning — not just talk about them.
It's registered at NQF Level 5 with 209 credits, with MICT SETA as the development quality partner. If you've been searching for "AI courses in South Africa", "AI courses South Africa" or an "artificial intelligence course in South Africa" that leads to a recognised qualification rather than a certificate of attendance, this is that qualification — delivered from Wheelset Academy's Pretoria and Kempton Park branches.
Share your details to access the brochure
What the NQF 5 AI Software Developer course covers
The 209-credit qualification is built from 12 knowledge modules (86 credits), 11 practical skill modules (63 credits) and 3 work experience modules (60 credits).
Knowledge modules · 86 credits
- Overview of Artificial Intelligence
- Introduction to Mathematics and Statistics
- Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Data, Databases and Data Visualisation
- Computing Theory
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep Learning
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Deep Learning
- Introduction to Governance, Legislation and Ethics
- Fundamentals of Design Thinking and Innovation
- 4IR and Future Skills
Practical skill modules · 63 credits
- Mathematics and Statistics for Programming
- Problem Definition, Analytical Thinking and Decision Making
- Access, Analyse and Visualise Structured Data Using Spreadsheets
- Use SQL to Communicate with a Database
- Build a Simple AI Solution Using Python
- Use Python Data Scraping to Populate Database Table in SQL
- Use Machine Learning to Build an AI Solution in Python
- Use Deep Learning to Build an AI Neural Network Architecture in Python
- Use Deep Learning to Build an AI Neural Network Architecture in TensorFlow
- Function Ethically and Effectively as a Member of a Multidisciplinary Team
- Participate in a Design Thinking for Innovation Workshop
Work experience modules · 60 credits
- AI Solution Design Interpretation and Development
- AI Solution Performance Testing
- AI Solution Deployment, Modification and Improvement
On completion, learners receive a Letter of Competence from Wheelset Academy and, once verified, a Certificate of Competence with a Statement of Results from the QCTO.
Hands-on work, not just AI theory
The practical skill modules translate directly into work you do yourself during the course, using the same tools employers expect an AI Software Developer to know.
- Query, manage and visualise structured data, including using SQL to communicate with a database
- Build a working AI solution from scratch using Python
- Collect real-world data with Python-based web scraping and load it into a database
- Train, apply and evaluate a Machine Learning model to solve a practical problem
- Design a Deep Learning neural network architecture in both Python and TensorFlow
- Apply design-thinking methods to define and validate an AI solution before building it
Is the AI Software Developer course right for you?
This course suits learners who hold an NQF Level 4 qualification (such as a matric certificate or equivalent) and want a structured, recognised route into artificial intelligence and software development, rather than a single short course covering one AI tool or concept.
Wheelset Academy's stated entry requirements are:
- NQF Level 4 qualification
- Basic computer literacy
- Interest in software development and emerging technologies
- Logical thinking and problem-solving ability
- Valid South African ID or Passport
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may apply where appropriate
Where this qualification can lead
- AI Software Developer
- Machine Learning Developer
- AI Engineer
- Deep Learning Developer
- AI Solutions Developer
- AI Application Developer
- Data Analytics Developer
- AI Systems Developer
- Intelligent Automation Developer
- Python AI Developer
- AI Research Assistant
- Junior AI Consultant
Job titles vary by employer and experience. A qualification supports career preparation but does not guarantee a specific title or salary.
Occupational qualification vs. a short AI course
Both routes have a place. Use this to decide which one matches what you actually need.
| Consideration | AI Software Developer Occupational Certificate | Typical short AI course |
|---|---|---|
| Formal recognition | NQF Level 5-registered qualification, 209 credits, QCTO-aligned | Usually a certificate of attendance, not NQF-credit bearing |
| Depth | 12 knowledge + 11 practical + 3 work-experience modules across maths, data, ML and deep learning | Typically one topic (e.g. prompting, or one framework) |
| Practical proof of skill | Includes assessed work-experience modules building, testing and deploying an AI solution | Varies; often exercises without formal assessment |
| Time investment | Structured multi-module programme | Hours to a few weeks |
| Best suited to | Career-changers or graduates who want a recognised qualification employers can verify | Professionals adding one specific AI skill to an existing role |
If you're not sure which fits your situation, contact admissions before applying — see the contact details below.
Verify this qualification yourself
Curriculum code 251201002
This qualification is developed with MICT SETA as quality partner and aligned to QCTO occupational qualification standards, registered under curriculum code 251201002 (occupation code 251201001, NQF Level 5). Check the current registration and Wheelset Academy's provider accreditation scope directly rather than taking any provider's word for it — including this page. Search the SAQA database · Check QCTO accreditation
Study the AI Software Developer course in Pretoria or Johannesburg
Pretoria / Hatfield
353 Festival Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028
Kempton Park / Johannesburg
10 Margaret Avenue, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 1620
Study options include classroom, blended online or on-site training, taught in English. Confirm current intake, delivery method and branch availability with admissions before registering.
AI Software Developer course FAQs
What is an Artificial Intelligence Software Developer?
An Artificial Intelligence Software Developer builds intelligent applications that use AI, Machine Learning and Deep Learning techniques to solve real-world problems, from data collection through to a working, deployed solution.
Is this AI Software Developer course accredited?
It's an Occupational Certificate developed with MICT SETA as the quality partner and aligned to QCTO occupational qualification standards. Confirm Wheelset Academy's current provider accreditation scope for this qualification before enrolling.
What NQF level is the qualification, and how many credits does it carry?
The Occupational Certificate: Artificial Intelligence Software Developer is registered at NQF Level 5 and carries 209 credits (86 knowledge, 63 practical skill and 60 work experience credits).
What programming language does the course use?
The programme is built primarily around Python, the most widely used language for AI and Machine Learning development, alongside SQL for working with databases and TensorFlow for deep learning.
Will I learn Machine Learning?
Yes. Machine Learning is a core knowledge module and a practical skill module, where you use Machine Learning to build an AI solution in Python.
Will I learn Deep Learning?
Yes. The qualification includes Deep Learning as a knowledge module, plus two practical modules building deep learning neural network architectures — one in Python and one in TensorFlow.
What's the difference between AI, Machine Learning and Deep Learning on this course?
The qualification treats them as related but distinct: Artificial Intelligence is the broad knowledge module covering intelligent systems generally, Machine Learning covers models that learn from data, and Deep Learning focuses specifically on neural network architectures, including how to build them in Python and TensorFlow.
Do I need coding experience before I start?
No prior coding experience is a stated entry requirement. You'll need an NQF Level 4 qualification, basic computer literacy and logical thinking and problem-solving ability; programming is taught as part of the course, starting from mathematics and statistics for programming.
Is AI hard to learn as a beginner?
AI development combines maths, programming and data concepts, so it takes consistent effort, but the qualification is structured to build these skills in stages — from foundational maths and analytical thinking through to machine learning and deep learning — rather than assuming prior expertise.
Does the course include practical training?
Yes. Learners complete 11 practical skills modules building real AI solutions in Python, SQL and TensorFlow, in addition to 3 work experience modules covering AI solution design, testing and deployment.
Can beginners enrol for this programme?
Applicants with an NQF Level 4 qualification, basic computer literacy and an interest in software development and emerging technologies may enrol. Prior IT work experience isn't a formal requirement.
Does the programme include workplace experience?
Yes. The qualification includes three work experience modules: AI Solution Design Interpretation and Development, AI Solution Performance Testing, and AI Solution Deployment, Modification and Improvement.
What jobs can I get after completing this course?
Graduates may pursue roles such as AI Software Developer, Machine Learning Developer, AI Engineer, Deep Learning Developer, AI Application Developer and related AI or data-focused development positions. A qualification supports career preparation but does not guarantee a specific title.
How much does the AI Software Developer course cost?
Course fees depend on the current intake and any payment plan options available at the time. Contact Pretoria or Kempton Park admissions directly for up-to-date fees before you apply.
How do I apply?
Review the current fees and intake information, then submit your application through Wheelset Academy's online application page. Admissions can assess your supporting documents before registration is finalised.
Ready to start the AI Software Developer course?
Or explore Wheelset Academy's other Information Technology courses before you decide, including the accredited Cybersecurity Courses pathway.
Qualification information reviewed: 13 August 2026. The NQF level, curriculum/occupation codes, credit value and entry requirement above reflect the registered occupational qualification. A SAQA ID is deliberately not shown above because it has not yet been independently verified for this page — confirm it against the SAQA database and add it once checked. Fees, intakes, delivery mode and workplace arrangements can change and should be confirmed with Wheelset Academy before enrolment.