NATED Courses: The Basics

NATED courses are courses that originated to fill a skills gap in the job market. They are career-oriented courses. You get certified at each level

NATED stands for National Accredited Technical Education Diploma. Here is a list of 28 NATED courses that are offered by Matric College under The following 7 NATED programmes:

Business Management Courses

Marketing Management Courses

Marketing Management courses equip students with the knowledge and skills to market goods and services in a business environment. Here are the courses that you will study under this programme:

  1. Marketing Management: NATED N4 National Certificate
  2. Marketing Management: NATED N5 National Certificate 
  3. Marketing Management: NATED N6 National Certificate  
  4. Marketing Management: NATED N6 National Diploma

Management Assistant Courses

Management Assistant courses equip students with the skills and knowledge to work in an office environment and assist managers to manage and run a business.  Here are the courses that you will study under this programme:

  1. Management Assistant NATED N4 National Certificate
  2. Management Assistant NATED N5 National Certificate
  3. Management Assistant NATED N6 National Certificate
  4. Management Assistant NATED N6 National Diploma

Human Resources Management Courses

Financial Management Courses

Financial Management courses equip students with the skills and knowledge to manage the finances of a business. This includes accounting for the income and expenditure of the business. Here are the courses that you will study under this programme:

  1. Financial Management: NATED N4 National Certificate
  2. Financial Management: NATED N5 National Certificate
  3. Financial Management: NATED N6 National Certificate
  4. Financial Management: NATED N6 National Diploma

Educare Courses

Educare courses equip students with the skills and knowledge of running and managing preschool institutions. This includes how to take care of children. Here are the courses that you will study under this programme:

  1. Educare NATED N4 National Certificate 
  2. Educare NATED N5 National Certificate 
  3. Educare NATED N6 National Certificate 
  4. Educare NATED N6 National Diploma 

Legal Secretary Courses

Legal Secretary courses equip students with the skills and knowledge to manage and run a legal office. Here are the courses that you will study under this programme:

  1. Legal Secretary NATED N4 National Certificate 
  2. Legal Secretary NATED N5 National Certificate
  3. Legal Secretary NATED N6 National Certificate
  4. Legal Secretary NATED N6 National Diploma

What Are NATED Courses?

NATED courses are courses that were originated by the Department of Higher Education and training. This was after the Department had identified a skills gap in the job marketplace. Here are the characteristics of NATED courses:

  • The courses build on each other
  • There is a practical element
  • You get certified at each level
  • They are career-oriented courses

How Do NATED Courses Work?

Each of the programmes is divided into four levels, and you are certified If you complete each one of the levels. 

If you intend to study the full course to gain your Diploma, you can complete six months of practical work at each level or study the theory first and complete the practicals after if you aim to achieve the Diploma. Here are the course levels of NATED Qualifications:

  • National N4 Certificate 
  • National N5 Certificate
  • National N6 Certificate
  • National N6 Diploma

What Does N4 - N6 Mean?

N4 – N6 are the successive NATED courses that you go through within a NATED Programme. Completing N4, N5 and N6 Certificates leads to the award of the NATED N6 National Diploma. 

The requirement for the Diploma Qualification is successful completion of 18 months of work experience.

What Are The Requirements For NATED Courses?

Here is the entry requirement for the NATED courses: 

Matric

Both the National Senior Certificate (NSC) and the Senior Certificate (Amended) are acceptable qualifications.

Can I Study A NATED Course Without Matric?

No, you can not study a NATED course without Matric. A Matric pass at any level is acceptable. You cannot study a NATED course, even with a Matric equivalent qualification.

How Long Does It Take To Finish NATED Courses?

LEVELDURATION
N46 months
N56 months
N66 months
Practical Work Experience18 months

Why Should I Study NATED Courses?

A NATED Qualification aims to give the learner theoretical and practical knowledge. Here are some of the advantages of a NATED Qualification:

  • A certificate is awarded at all levels
  • Courses offer theory and practice
  • Gateway to further studies
  • A rich CV

A Certificate Is Awarded At All Levels

A NATED programme has three levels, that is, N4, N5 and N6. A Certificate is awarded to students who successfully meet the requirements of each level. This means that you may be employed when you complete an N4, N5 or the N6 Certificate course.

Courses Offer Theory And Practicals

The NATED courses offer both theoretical and practical learning. You will be work-ready when you complete your course. This makes you an asset to any employer.

Gateway To Further Studies

A NATED qualification may be your gateway to further studies. You may also consider looking for employment opportunities. 

An Impressive CV

Successful completion of any level of a NATED course will boost your CV. You will have confidence when you apply for a position because you have gained the skills, knowledge and practical work experience in running and managing a business.

Can I Study NATED Course Online

Yes, you can study the NATED course online. Online learning is a form of distance learning because online tools are used. Here is why you should consider studying online: 

  • Flexibility
  • Cut transport costs
  • Study anywhere
  • COVID-19 safe
  • Earn and learn at the same time

Flexibility

There is flexibility in studying by distance learning. You plan your own study timetable. By studying through distance learning, you will never miss a class. You can study at your own pace in your own time.

Cut Transport Costs

With distance learning, there is no need to travel to classes. This way, you get to cut on travel costs. In addition to cutting costs, you also save on time since there will be no need to travel. The time that you would have spent travelling can be used for studying. 

Study Anywhere

Distance learning allows you to study anywhere you want, as you do not have to attend classes. You will, however, need internet access to be online. Remember, you also have your Matric College-issued study notes and textbooks that you can work from. 

Covid-19 Safe

By studying through distance learning, you reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 as you will be studying at home. If you have a smartphone, there will be no need to leave your home to visit an internet café. You can access relevant study material through your phone.

Earn And Learn At The Same Time

With distance learning, you can earn and learn at the same time. You can work full or part-time while studying. The added benefit of this option is that you can pay for your studies this way.

How Do I Get My Diploma After N6?

Now that you have completed your N4, N5 and N6 National Certificates, here is what you will need to do to achieve your N Diploma:

  • Complete the DHET application form
  • Submit a certified copy of your ID or passport
  • Submit certified copies of your N4, N5 and N6 Certificates
  • Submit an official letter from the Manager where you did your practical work experience

You should submit the application for your Diploma through Matric College, and we will forward it to the DHET.

Can I Apply At University With N4?

No, to apply to a university you need a Matric, National Senior Certificate or Amended Senior Certificate. You must have passed Matric with a Bachelor’s pass level.

Author: Collin Wilbesi
Editor: Connor Bergsma
Date Published: June 13, 2022