Can I Teach with a Higher Certificate in Education in SA?

Many people who want to work in the education sector in South Africa ask a simple but important question: ‘Can I teach with a higher certificate in education?’ This question often comes from individuals who have just passed matric and from working professionals who want to change careers and enter teaching. However, they are unsure which qualification is enough to get started and help sustain a successful, long-term career.

In this article, we explore the Higher Certificate in Education in South Africa, eligibility to teach with it, its advantages, limitations, challenges and pathways to upgrade your teaching qualification.

What Is a Higher Certificate in Education in South Africa?

A higher certificate is a short, undergraduate qualification, usually at NQF Level 5. It provides basic knowledge and practical skills in a subject area. Some higher certificate programmes introduce classroom practice and basic teaching methods. However, they are usually seen as preparation rather than a full professional teaching qualification.

Before enrolling for such a programme, it is important to check the following: 

• NQF Level and credit value.
• Practical teaching hours or school-based experiential components.
• Whether the qualification states it is a professional teaching qualification or not.
• Accreditation or recognition by national authorities or professional bodies.
• Progression routes to higher qualifications, such as a BEd (Bachelor of Education).

Read more on What is a Bachelor of Education (BEd)? Scope, Eligibility, Duration & Career Opportunities.

Can I Teach With a Higher Certificate in Education?

The Department of Basic Education recognises full teaching routes as a four-year BEd or a Bachelor’s degree followed by a one-year Postgraduate Certification in Education (PGCE). Hence, the scope for full-time teaching in public schools with only a higher certificate is limited. It also depends on the role, employer, and SACE (South African Council for Educators) registration.

Here are some practical checks you can do:

• Confirm SACE will accept your qualification for the role you seek.
• Ask the school or employer for their minimum academic requirements.
• Request an academic record showing credits and NQF level.
• Check whether the post is temporary, assistant-level, or full-time classroom teacher.
• Keep copies of certified documents for SACE and employer checks.

Subjects And Grade Levels You Can Teach

A Higher Certificate often focuses on specific phases or subject areas and may be tied to adult education or foundation phase work rather than senior-phase classroom teaching. Some Higher Certificates are designed for foundation or intermediate tasks. They will not cover the full subject specialisation required for Senior Phase (Grades 7-9) or FET (Grades 10-12) classroom teaching.

Schools hiring for substitute or assistant teaching roles may accept such certificates. However, permanent posts in public schools generally require a professional teaching qualification.

Here are the teaching roles that you may get with a higher certificate:

• Teaching assistant, classroom support or learning support.
• Adult basic education and training (AET) facilitator roles.
• Substitute or temporary contract work in private schools.
• Remedial or tutorial roles for specific subjects.
• Pathway student roles while upgrading to higher qualifications.

Accreditation and Recognition of Higher Certificates in Education

A recognised qualification should appear on SAQA records and meet the minimum standards set by higher education policy and quality bodies. The Council on Higher Education (CHE) and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) publish minimum requirements for educational qualifications of teachers.

These documents clarify that full professional teaching qualifications in South Africa are at degree level or require a PGCE route. It should also be checked whether the qualification is accepted by SACE for educator registration in the specific category you need.

Read more on Top 7 Time Management Tips for Working Adults Pursuing a BEd Degree.

Advantages of Teaching with a Higher Certificate

A Higher Certificate is a short study option that helps you enter education support roles quickly. It focuses on basic classroom skills and usually includes practical school experience, making it suitable for entry-level teaching or similar roles.

For working professionals, this qualification can be a practical and affordable way to support teaching or work in adult education. It can also serve as a pathway to further study, such as the Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching at Regenesys School of Education.

Limitations and Challenges You May Face

A Higher Certificate is not generally accepted for permanent full-time teacher posts in public schools that require professional teacher qualifications. Limitations include narrower subject coverage, fewer credits towards degree-level study and restricted SACE registration options for some categories.

Employers in the public sector typically prefer a bachelor’s or postgraduate qualification. Without these, career progression and salary increases can be limited. Also, certain specialised teaching posts require subject depth that a Higher Certificate does not provide.

Read more on Challenges & Prospects for Bachelor of Education Graduates.

Pathways to Upgrade Your Teaching Qualification

To earn a full teaching qualification, you can enrol in a BEd programme, such as the one offered by Regenesys School of Education. You can also complete a Bachelor’s degree followed by a PGCE. These options provide a recognised route into full-time teaching roles and career progression.

Many Higher Certificate holders use their credits to gain recognition of prior learning or join degree programmes with bridging modules. Another upgrade option includes speaking with the specific institution about credit transfer agreements. Following an upgrade path helps you move from support roles to becoming a fully qualified teacher.

Career Opportunities Beyond Classroom Teaching

A Higher Certificate can provide access to opportunities beyond classroom teaching. This includes education support, curriculum assistance, community education, NGO training, and private tutoring. With further study, you can progress into roles in curriculum design, education management, policy, or teacher training.

Employers in private schools and adult-learning organisations also value the practical skills and classroom experience gained from a Higher Certificate programme. Having said that, for pursuing senior or specialist teaching roles, upgrading to a degree-level qualification is recommended. 

Read more on Bachelor of Education Applications Open for 2026.

Conclusion

A Higher Certificate in Education can be a useful first step into the education sector with classroom support or other entry-level roles. However, it is not a full professional teaching qualification for permanent public school posts. If your goal is to become a fully qualified classroom teacher in South Africa, plan to progress to a higher qualification.

Check SACE registration rules and the awarding institution’s accreditation before you enrol for a programme. If you need help planning the next step, contact us to speak with a career adviser about your available higher education options. Taking a planned pathway will help you move from entry-level roles into recognised teacher status.

Visit the Regenesys Education website to know more about our various programmes.

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