SOCIAL COUNSELLING
WORKER COURSE – NQF Level 5
OCCUPATIONAL CERTIFICATE
ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY?
NEW COURSES ARE COMING SOON ALIGNED WITH CURRENT INDUSTRY NEEDS AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Stay informed about the latest progress in the Community Development professionalisation journey and use these insights to shape your career path. Be the first to hear about these exciting developments and future training opportunities, complete our “Enquire Now” form and stay informed. As a reputable training provider since 2004, we are committed to evolving with the times. In response to the growing demand and job shortages in South Africa, we are expanding our course offerings to better serve you and your future.
Be ready. Be relevant. Be qualified.
WHETHER YOU'RE BEGINNING YOUR STUDIES FOR THE FIRST TIME OR ARE PART OF OUR ALUMNI LOOKING TO EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TO A NEXT LEVEL, NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE A MEANINGFUL IMPACT.
With the increasing prevalence of depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health challenges across South Africa, there is a growing demand for trained professionals who can deliver effective support and intervention. Social Counselling Workers play a vital role in addressing these complex issues in communities, providing critical assistance in areas such as substance abuse, domestic violence, and poverty. This programme offers both new and returning students the opportunity to enhance their skills level and to make a real difference. It focuses on developing practical counselling skills along with the cultural competence necessary to navigate and respond to South Africa’s unique social realities. This ensures that the care provided is not only effective but also empathetic and culturally relevant. Whether you're just starting your journey or seeking to deepen your impact, investing in this programme is a step toward to personal growth—and toward creating stronger, more resilient communities across the country.
COURSE OVERVIEW
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
The Occupational Certificate: Social Counselling Worker
(NQF 5) provides a solid knowledge, practical and
workplace foundation.
The course equips you with skills to:
- Screen and/or assess well-being in supportive counselling services
- Facilitate appropriate interventions based on various clients’ needs
- Compile client intervention plan
- Apply appropriate referral procedures as per organisational processes and procedures
This full-time course (12 months) includes academic knowledge, practical skill and workplace experience, in order to ensure job readiness.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
DURATION
12 MONTHS
CREDITS
143
NQF LEVEL
NQF 5
KNOWLEDGE MODULES
- Knowledge Modules will be hosted online. Attendance of scheduled classroom training will be compulsory.
- Fundamentals of Screening and/or Assessment within the Scope of Counselling
- Counselling Skills
- Professionalism and Ethical Compliance applicable to Counselling
PRACTICAL SKILL MODULES
- Practical skill module training will be hosted online. Attendance of scheduled classroom training will be compulsory
- Compile the Client Profile
- Facilitate appropriate Interventions
- Apply Basic Counselling Skills in a Problem Saturated Situation
- Facilitate the Quality of Multi-Level Optimal Functioning
WORKPLACE
EXPERIENCE MODULES
- Completion of scheduled workplace training at a community development focussed organisation for a minimum of 650 workplace notional hours.
- Work placements at government departments, NPOs, community centres, residential care facilities, social service agencies and child welfare organisations.
- Processes Related to the Compilation of Clients’ Profiles in relation to Different Social and Environmental Context
- Facilitation of Resolutions
- Application of Basic Counselling Skills in a Problem Saturated Situation
- Facilitation of Multi-Level Functioning
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Grade 12 (or equivalent NQF Level 4)
- Proficiency in English
- Computer Literacy
- Computer Equipment
- Internet Connection
- Drawn to helping others
- Strong communication skills & problem solving ability
CAREER
OPPORTUNITIES
Become a qualified Social Counselling Worker
and join a growing industry that makes a
real difference.
This certificate opens doors in:
- Healthcare departments
- Education departments
- Social services
- Justice and Corrections
Strong demand for Social Counselling workers in South Africa. Excellent employability.
ARTICULATION &
FURTHER STUDY
Your Social Counselling Worker qualification
will give you an advantage to apply for
other programmes.
Further education upon completion:
- Advanced Certificate: Counselling and Communication Skills, NQF Level 6
- Diploma: Counselling and Communication, NQF Level 6
FEE STRUCTURE | 2026 (BLENDED LEARNING)
The table below illustrates how the total course fee is structured. The total of R34,900 reflects the total amount payable over one year. No surprises.
APPLICATION FEE
(non-refundable)
With application
form
R1,500
REGISTRATION FEE
Upon acceptance
and enrolment
R9,400
TUITION FEE
Once-off or over 12 equal
monthly instalments
R24,000
TOTAL COURSE FEE
Includes full access to
blended learning content
R34,900
*Tuition includes access to online resources, assessments and support materials.
ENQUIRE NOW
HAVE QUESTIONS? NEED HELP APPLYING?
Complete the form below and one of our friendly CEFA staff members will guide you through the process.
WHY STUDY AT

QCTO accredited
SAQA ID 98890
NQF qualification

Over 20 years of experience
in social service professions
education and training sector

Recognised training
institution in South Africa
and the rest of Africa

100% practical,
real-world training

Online training (Knowledge & Practical Skill Modules)
