Accredited Learning and Development Professional Course (NQF 6) in South Africa
The Advanced Occupational Certificate: Learning and Development Professional is Wheelset Academy's senior-level qualification for people who design learning programmes, manage quality assurance, lead moderation processes and drive Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) at an organisational level.
It's registered at NQF Level 6 with 280 credits. If you've been searching for a "learning and development professional course in South Africa" or an "advanced skills development qualification" 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.
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What the NQF 6 Learning and Development Professional course covers
The 280-credit qualification is built from 8 knowledge modules (70 credits), 8 practical skill modules (130 credits) and 6 work experience modules (80 credits) — the largest and most advanced qualification in Wheelset Academy's Education and Training category.
Knowledge modules · 70 credits
- Theory of Learning Culture
- Management of Learning Programme Design and Development
- Quality Assurance of Learning and Development
- Leadership and Management of Learning and Development
- Stakeholder Management and Engagement in a Vocational or Occupational Learning Environment
- Project Management
- Moderation Principles and Practices
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Principles and Process
Practical skill modules · 130 credits
- Conduct Stakeholder Analysis, Mapping and Profiling
- Implement Strategy for Workplace-Based Learning Programmes/Bursary
- Conduct Research and Implement Learning Programme Design
- Design and Develop Policies for Quality Assurance
- Initiate and Implement a Project in Occupational/Vocational Context
- Conduct Moderation of Assessments
- Conduct RPL
- Lead and Manage Learning and Development in an Occupational/Vocational Setting
Work experience modules · 80 credits
- Research and Stakeholder Networking Processes
- Workplace-Based Learning Programmes Implementation
- Quality Management System Design and Development
- Internal and External Moderation/Verification Processes
- Recognition of Prior Learning Processes
- RPL Implementation Processes
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.
Strategic learning leadership, not just facilitation
- Design and lead workplace-based learning programmes
- Build and manage a quality assurance system for learning and development
- Conduct moderation of assessments across an organisation
- Lead Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) processes
- Initiate and manage a project in an occupational/vocational context
- Conduct stakeholder analysis, mapping and profiling
Verify this qualification yourself
Page information reviewed: 14 August 2026.
SAQA ID 121276
Confirm this and Wheelset Academy's current provider accreditation scope directly with SAQA and the QCTO before relying on it.
Search the SAQA database · Check QCTO accreditation · Wheelset Academy accreditations page
Learning and Development Professional career opportunities
- Learning and Development Professional
- Learning and Development Coordinator
- Learning Programme Designer
- Workplace-Based Learning Coordinator
- Skills Development Practitioner
- Quality Assurance Coordinator
- Moderation and Assessment Support Practitioner
- RPL Support Practitioner
- Learning and Development Manager
A qualification supports career preparation but does not guarantee a particular job title, salary or appointment.
Learning and Development Professional course FAQs
What is the Learning and Development Professional course?
It's an Advanced Occupational Certificate registered at NQF Level 6 with 280 credits, covering learning programme design, quality assurance, moderation, project management and RPL at a strategic level.
What are the entry requirements?
The stated minimum requirement is an NQF Level 5 qualification or equivalent with relevant experience, plus a valid South African ID or passport.
How is this different from Training and Development Practitioner?
Training and Development Practitioner (NQF 5) focuses on facilitating and assessing learning. This NQF 6 qualification is more advanced, focused on designing programmes, quality assurance systems, moderation and RPL leadership across an organisation.
Does the course include practical training?
Yes. 130 of the 280 credits are practical skill modules, and a further 80 credits are assessed work-experience modules.
How do I apply?
Review the current fees and intake information, then submit your application through Wheelset Academy's online application page.
Ready to lead learning and development at a strategic level?
Apply for the Learning and Development Professional course.
Qualification information reviewed: 14 August 2026. The SAQA ID, curriculum code, NQF level, credit values and entry requirement above reflect the registered occupational qualification. Fees, intakes, delivery mode and workplace arrangements can change and should be confirmed with Wheelset Academy before enrolment.