Accredited Database Administrator Training Course (NQF 5) in South Africa
The Higher Occupational Certificate: Database Administrator prepares learners to maintain the security and quality of an organisation's digital databases — keeping data available, protected against loss, and accessible according to organisational policy and prevailing legislation. It combines knowledge, practical skill and workplace-based experience across deploying database servers, performing backups, recovering from failures, and managing and reporting on database performance.
It's registered at NQF Level 5 with 120 credits under SAQA ID 122661. If you've been searching for a "database administrator course in South Africa", "DBA qualification South Africa" or an "accredited database administration course" 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.
What the NQF 5 Database Administrator course covers
The 120-credit qualification is built from 4 knowledge modules (44 credits), 5 practical skill modules (40 credits) and 4 work experience modules (36 credits), curriculum code 252101-001-00-00.
Knowledge modules · 44 credits
- Establishing Databases · 12 credits
- Database Maintenance · 12 credits
- Database Compliance · 12 credits
- Personal Growth and Development · 8 credits
Practical skill modules · 40 credits
- Deploy Database Servers · 8 credits
- Perform Database Backups · 8 credits
- Recover Data After System and/or Hardware Failure · 8 credits
- Manage and Maintain Database Operations · 8 credits
- Manage and Report on Database Performance · 8 credits
Work experience modules · 36 credits
- Processes for Deploying Database Servers and Commissioning the Database for Use · 9 credits
- Processes for Database Backup and Recovery · 9 credits
- Processes for Maintaining Existing Databases · 9 credits
- Processes for Managing and Improving Database Performance · 9 credits
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.
Deploying, protecting and optimising real databases
With 36 of 120 credits sitting in assessed workplace experience, the qualification is built around the day-to-day responsibilities of a working Database Administrator, not only database theory.
- Deploy database servers and install the required database software
- Configure server environments for security, performance and access
- Create and maintain databases, tables and schemas for applications and users
- Schedule, execute and verify regular database backups
- Recover data after system or hardware failure
- Enforce access controls, user permissions and security patching
- Audit and monitor databases for security breaches
- Monitor, tune and report on database performance
How the Database Administrator qualification connects to other IT qualifications
The curriculum document sets out how this NQF 5 qualification articulates horizontally, vertically and diagonally with other registered qualifications.
| Articulation | Qualification | NQF Level |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal (within the OQSF) | Occupational Certificate: Data Science Practitioner | 5 |
| Horizontal (between sub-frameworks) | Higher Certificate in Information Communication Technology in User Support | 5 |
| Vertical | Occupational Certificate: Software Engineer | 6 |
| Diagonal | Diploma in Computer Networking | 6 |
Articulation possibilities still require validation of entry requirements at the receiving institution. Confirm current articulation routes with admissions before relying on this table.
Verify this qualification yourself
SAQA ID 122661 · MICT SETA quality partner
The Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA) is named in the curriculum document as the quality partner for both development and assessment of this qualification (curriculum code 252101-001-00-00). Confirm Wheelset Academy's current provider accreditation scope for this specific qualification directly with SAQA and the QCTO before relying on it.
View this qualification on the SAQA database · Check QCTO accreditation · Wheelset Academy accreditations page
Study Database Administration in Pretoria or Johannesburg
Pretoria / Hatfield
353 Festival Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028
Kempton Park / Johannesburg
10 Margaret Avenue, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 1620
Database Administration career opportunities
Job titles vary by employer, experience and specialisation. The curriculum document lists these as alternative industry titles for this occupation.
- Database Administrator
- Database Systems Administrator
- Junior Database Manager
- Assistant Database Engineer
- Data Warehouse Assistant
A qualification supports career preparation but does not guarantee a particular job title, salary or appointment.
Database Administrator course fees and study options
Course fees, registration charges, payment plans, intake schedules and delivery methods can change. Use Wheelset Academy's current fees information rather than relying on old search snippets or third-party course listings.
Before you register, confirm:
- Current intake dates and application deadlines
- Current tuition, registration and Portfolio of Evidence fees
- Full-time and part-time payment plan options
- Classroom, blended or other delivery arrangements
Database Administrator course FAQs
What is the Database Administrator course?
It's a Higher Occupational Certificate registered at NQF Level 5 with 120 credits (SAQA ID 122661), preparing learners to deploy database servers, perform backups and recovery, maintain database security, and monitor and optimise database performance.
What are the entry requirements?
The stated minimum requirement is an NQF Level 4 qualification with Computer Literacy.
What modules does the qualification include?
Four knowledge modules (44 credits) covering establishing databases, database maintenance, database compliance and personal growth; five practical skill modules (40 credits); and four assessed work-experience modules (36 credits) covering deployment, backup and recovery, maintenance, and performance management.
Who is the quality partner for this qualification?
The Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA) is named as the quality partner for both development and assessment in the qualification's curriculum document. Confirm Wheelset Academy's current accreditation scope directly with SAQA and the QCTO.
Can this qualification lead to further study?
The curriculum document sets out horizontal articulation with the Data Science Practitioner qualification (NQF 5) and a Higher Certificate in ICT in User Support (NQF 5), vertical articulation with the Software Engineer qualification (NQF 6), and diagonal articulation with a Diploma in Computer Networking (NQF 6). Confirm current articulation routes with admissions.
What jobs can I get after completing this course?
The qualification supports preparation for roles such as Database Administrator, Database Systems Administrator, Junior Database Manager, Assistant Database Engineer and Data Warehouse Assistant.
Can I study this course in Pretoria or Johannesburg?
Yes. Wheelset Academy delivers from a Pretoria/Hatfield branch and a Kempton Park/Johannesburg branch. Confirm current schedule and delivery method with admissions.
Where can I check Database Administrator vacancies and salaries in South Africa?
Database Administrator jobs, vacancies and salary ranges are regularly advertised on South African job boards and recruitment sites. This qualification builds the underlying skills those roles require — deploying servers, backups and recovery, security and performance management — but Wheelset Academy doesn't publish salary data itself, so check current job listings and salary surveys directly for up-to-date figures.
How do I apply?
Review the current fees and intake information, then submit your application through Wheelset Academy's online application page.
Ready to keep organisations' data available, secure and fast?
Apply for the Database Administrator course or speak to admissions about how it compares to the Data Science Practitioner and Software Engineer qualifications.