Frequent Questions

Without formal artisan training, you can register for the electrical- or plumbing trade test. To register for a trade test, you must:

• Have a Grade 9 High School certificate,
• Have 3 years of proven work experience as an electrician or plumber in South Africa,
• Complete the compulsory ARPL test, (Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning).

You can apply for your trade preparation training and trade test from early January to mid-December.

Classes start every Monday. Subject to availability, eligible candidates can start on the 1^st available Monday. Our office team will confirm start dates with you in advance.

Cape Town classes: Monday to Friday from 07:30-12:00 and 12:00-16:00.

Pretoria classes: Monday to Thursday from 7:30-13:00 and Friday from 7:30 to12:00.

Saturday preparation classes are available by prior arrangement at an additional cost. Please contact us to discuss Saturday class attendance.

Visit the electrical trade test or plumbing trade test page for costs. After we receive your application and supporting documents, we process your registration and issue an invoice. Course fees are payable before the first day of training. When you receive the invoice, you can pay via EFT, direct bank deposit, debit card, or credit card. Payment arrangements are available. Please contact us to discuss payment options.

Yes, you receive a printed manual on the 1^st day of your trade test preparation training. We provide stationery and fully equipped workshops for the electrical and plumbing trade tests.

Your preparation training and trade test is in English or Afrikaans.

We meet all OHSA and COVID 19 requirements and provide protective gloves. You must bring your own safety shoes, overalls, and jacket.

No, you are responsible for your own accommodation and transport. Safe parking is available.

We do not serve any food; however, you may bring your own food and refreshments. You will receive coffee and tea during breaks. Fast food outlets are available within walking distance and you may use the onsite meal area during breaks.

The trade test preparation follows a step-by-step installation process with individual attention from qualified assessors in a fully equipped workshop and helps you to:

• Assess your skills and knowledge of specific installations.
• Fill your practical skills gaps to meet specific industry and trade test standards.
• Focus on the practical examination modules of the NAMB curriculum.
• Identify installation uncertainty and skill gaps based on real work scenarios.
• Practice and prepare for your plumbing- or electrical NAMB trade test in a QCTO-accredited trade test centre.
• Build your confidence, productivity, problem-solving, and workplace safety awareness in a pleasant environment.

The preparation courses and ARPL takes 10 workdays. The final trade test takes 2 workdays. Please visit the electrical trade test or plumbing trade test page.

The trade test is a 2-day external final summative assessment to test how well you can perform the electrical or plumbing tasks as listed by NAMB (National Artisan Moderation Body). You must pass all 5 modules of the trade test to get your section 26D Red Seal trade certificate. Should you fail a module during your 1^st attempt you get 2 more attempts at intervals of 30 days.

After you pass your trade test, NAMB first verifies your results. Normally the QCTO issues your trade certificate within 3 to 6 months.

Yes, the trade test assessors are qualified and registered NAMB assessors.

Yes. NAMB (National Artisan Moderation Body), accreditation numbers AC000225NAMB (Cape Town) and AC000339NAMB (Pretoria).

CETA verifies your work experience and issues the serial number for your trade test.

NAMB (The National Artisan Moderation Body) moderates and verifies your trade test results.

QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations) issues the trade certificate.