Accredited Occupational Health and Safety Officer Course (NQF 4) in South Africa
The National Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Officer is Wheelset Academy's structured, QCTO-aligned route into full-scope OHS work — representing employee OHS needs, inspecting workplaces, identifying hazards and risks, and administering an OHS function — not just a general safety-awareness certificate.
It's registered at NQF Level 4 with 120 credits, with HWSETA as the quality partner. If you've been searching for a "health and safety officer course in South Africa", "OHS officer course" or an "accredited occupational health and safety 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.
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What the NQF 4 OHS Officer course covers
The 120-credit qualification is built from 5 knowledge modules (50 credits), 7 practical skill modules (44 credits) and 4 work experience modules (26 credits).
Knowledge modules · 50 credits
- Fundamentals of Occupational Health and Safety
- Fundamentals of Representing Employees Regarding OHS Issues
- Fundamentals of Communication Within the OHS Discipline
- OHS Administration and Record Management
- Occupational Health and Safety Applications
Practical skill modules · 44 credits
- Represent the Needs of Employees With Regard to OHS Matters
- Inspect Workplaces, Identify Hazards and Risks and Take Immediate Action
- Conduct Workplace Inspections, Check the Application of Fundamental Workplace Standards
- Administer the Key Activities of an OHS Function
- Participate and Contribute Towards the Development of Hazard and Risk Assessments
- Supervise the Smooth Execution of the Activities of an OHS Function
- Coordinate the Work Activities of Occupational, Health and Safety Representatives
Work experience modules · 26 credits
- Processes of Representing Employees Regarding Their Workplace OHS Needs
- Processes of Executing OHS Administration and Document Management
- Processes of Managing Workplace Accidents, Incidents and Other Emergencies
- Incident Investigation 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.
Real workplace inspections and incident response, not just theory
- Inspect workplaces, identify hazards and risks, and take immediate action
- Represent employee OHS needs and coordinate OHS representatives
- Participate in developing hazard and risk assessments
- Administer and supervise the activities of an OHS function
- Investigate workplace accidents, incidents and other emergencies
- Check the application of fundamental workplace standards
Verify this qualification yourself
Page information reviewed: 14 August 2026.
SAQA ID 121929
This is a real, checkable SAQA qualification ID, not a marketing figure. Confirm it, HWSETA as quality partner, and Wheelset Academy's current provider accreditation scope directly with SAQA and the QCTO rather than taking any provider's word for it — including this page.
Search the SAQA database · Check QCTO accreditation · Wheelset Academy accreditations page
OHS Officer career opportunities
- Occupational Health and Safety Officer
- OHS Assistant
- OHS Administrator
- Safety Coordinator
- Compliance Support Officer
- Workplace Safety Representative Support Officer
- Risk and Safety Administration Officer
- Incident Reporting and OHS Documentation Officer
A qualification supports career preparation but does not guarantee a particular job title, salary or appointment.
OHS Officer course FAQs
What is the OHS Officer course?
It's a National Occupational Certificate registered at NQF Level 4 with 120 credits, covering employee OHS representation, workplace inspections, hazard identification and OHS administration.
What are the entry requirements?
The stated minimum requirement is an NQF Level 3 qualification plus communication competency. Relevant work experience is recommended but not compulsory, and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may apply.
Does the course include practical training?
Yes. 44 credits are practical skill modules and a further 26 credits are assessed work-experience modules, including incident investigation.
Can I progress to OHS Practitioner afterwards?
Yes. The OHS Practitioner qualification's stated entry requirement is the OHS Officer qualification at NQF Level 4.
What jobs can I get after completing this course?
The qualification supports preparation for roles such as OHS Officer, Safety Coordinator, Compliance Support Officer and Incident Reporting and OHS Documentation Officer, among others.
How do I apply?
Review the current fees and intake information, then submit your application through Wheelset Academy's online application page.
Ready to build a career in workplace health and safety?
Apply for the OHS Officer course, or compare it against OHS Assistant and OHS Practitioner first.
Qualification information reviewed: 14 August 2026. The SAQA ID, 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.