VerifiedEducation and Development is a National Certificate (Vocational) programme offered at public TVET colleges. It prepares students to work with young children, mainly in early childhood development (ECD) centres, and it can lead to further study in education.
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How the programme is structured
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Duration | Three years: NQF Levels 2, 3 and 4, one year each |
| Entry requirement | Grade 9 pass |
| Subjects per level | Seven: three fundamentals plus four vocational subjects |
| Fundamental subjects | English First Additional Language, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and Life Orientation |
| Quality assurer | Umalusi |
Colleges that offer it
Colleges that have offered NC(V) Education and Development include College of Cape Town, Vuselela and Sekhukhune TVET colleges. Check with your nearest college which campus runs it.
Important for 2027: under DHET circular TC 0153, public TVET colleges take no new Level 2 students in NC(V) Education and Development from January 2027. Students already enrolled can complete the qualification. New applicants should look at the occupational certificate below.
The occupational alternative
The Department of Higher Education and Training’s 2026 list includes an Occupational Certificate in Early Childhood Development, which qualifies for NSFAS allowances. It is offered at Boland, Buffalo City, Capricorn, Coastal, College of Cape Town, East Cape Midlands, Ekurhuleni West, Elangeni, False Bay, Gert Sibande, Goldfields, Maluti, Motheo, Northlink, Sekhukhune, South Cape, South West Gauteng, Tshwane North, Umgungundlovu, Vhembe, Waterberg TVET colleges.
Careers and further study
- ECD practitioner or assistant at a crèche, preschool or day-care centre
- Assistant in a Grade R class
- Starting your own ECD centre, which must be registered with the provincial education department
- Further study, such as a Grade R teaching diploma or an education degree at a university, if you meet the entry requirements
Since April 2022, early childhood development has fallen under the Department of Basic Education, which now registers and funds ECD programmes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Education and Development the same as ECD?
It is the NC(V) programme that prepares you for early childhood development work. There is also a separate occupational certificate in ECD.
Can I become a teacher with NC(V) Education and Development?
Not directly. You need a university teaching qualification, and NC(V) Level 4 can help you apply if you meet the university’s entry requirements.