PRACTICAL GUIDELINES APPLICABLE FOR
RPL/SECTION 28 CANDIDATES TOWARDS A
TRADE ASSESSMENT
1. INTRODUCTION
This document outlines the management process that employers will embark on when enrolling
candidates for a RPL or Section 28 assessment. This guideline is aligned to:
 New Trade test regulations
 MOU between the AgriSETA and the applicable SETA in terms of managing
apprenticeships.
It is important that the most recently updated AgriSETA and Department of Higher Education
documents available on the AgriSETA website are used, no other versions of the documentation
will be accepted in the Artisan Development process unless approval is granted by the Manager
Artisan Development.
Trades available for RPL/Section 28 at AgriSETA
Category A: Designated to the AgriSETA in terms of section 2 of the Education and Training
Quality Assurance Regulations
No
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Trade Description
Automotive Mechanic
Electrician
Instrument Mechanician
Fitter
Fitter And Turner
Turner
Plater/ Welder
Mill Wright (Electromechanician)
Category B In terms of a Memorandum of Understanding with MerSETA
No
1
2
3
4
5
6
Trade Description
Diesel Mechanic
Diesel Fitter
Tractor Mechanic
Boilermaker
Refrigeration Mechanic
Rigger
2. Phased approach to implementing RPL/Section 28 programmes
STEP 1: Application for a Discretionary Grant
An employer may apply for a Discretionary Grant to fund the training of candidates for a section
28 development route. The relevant Discretionary Grant application documents must be
completed and submitted to AgriSETA in the annual funding window.
Employers who want to extend an existing grant are required to apply in the funding window
using the same application form. The Discretionary grant for 14/15 financial year will be
disbursed according to the national funding guidelines. All approved grants for previous financial
years will be disbursed according to the agreed guidelines of that financial year and is not
influenced by changes in the funding model. A Grant will only be allocated to workplaces
approved through the national workplace approval criteria.
An approval letter followed by a Discretionary Grant (DG) contract (2 party contracts) will be
forwarded to the successful applications. The DG contract must be signed and forwarded to
AgriSETA.
Relevant documentation:
1. Discretionary Grant Application form
2. Addendum to the Discretionary Grant agreement
3. Discretionary Grant Guidelines
4. Disbursement Reports
STEP 2: Workplace approval
The approval of workplaces is a prerequisite for any Artisan Development Programme.
Candidates that apply to recognize any training or experience must provide proof that the
experience within the workplace was relevant to the trade that he/she applied for. Workplaces
can be assessed using the instruments listed below.
Relevant Documentation:
1. Workplace approval criteria
2. Workplace approval instrument
STEP 3: Registration RPL Candidates
The employer must identify the accredited skills and practical training providers at registration. It
is important for employers to ensure that only accredited providers are utilized. AgriSETA will
not register any learning agreement if the providers are not accredited.
1. Requirements to register a RPL/Section 28 Trade candidate
All candidates are required to complete a RPL agreement with AgriSETA irrespective of the
funding status.
i. The candidate has to comply with one of the following entry requirements:A. A minimum of 6 (six) years relevant on the job practical experience should the
candidate hold a qualification other than N2 trade theory;
B. A minimum of 5(five) years relevant on the job practical experience and
relevant N2 theory;
C. A minimum of 4(four) years relevant on the job practical experience and N2
with a four subjects certificate (with relevant trade theory);
ii. Confirmation from a MerSETA accredited Training Provider / FET that the candidate
had been subjected to a practical skills level evaluation to identify current skills level and
recommendation for further training interventions in pursuit of a Qualifying Trade
Assessment against the designated trade;
iii. Proof of highest qualification or Letter of Oath of highest qualification inclusive of a list
of subjects
iv. A detailed breakdown reporting on previous and current practical experience aligned
with the designated training schedule on company letterhead (Separate letters from
each previous and current employer in terms of item 4.3 i. are required).
v. Complete and adhere to Part A., B. and C. of the RPL Agreement for Section 28 Evaluation.
Note: From April 2014 no candidates will be allowed access to a trade
test following the S28 route as guided by the Manpower training act,
but will have to apply through the Recognition of prior learning
process.
Relevant documentation:
1. Sample Letters reporting on detailed workplace breakdown include: Automotive Mechanic
 Electrician
 Instrument Mechanician
 Fitter
 Fitter and Turner
 Turner
 Plater / Welder
 Mill Wright (Electromechanician)
 Diesel Mechanic
 Diesel Fitter
 Tractor Mechanic
 Boilermaker
 Refrigeration Mechanic (Com. & Ind.)
 Rigger
2. AgriSETA RPL Agreement
3. Addendum to RPL Agreement
STEP 4: TRADE TEST APPLICATION

RPL/S28 candidate
i. Complete 2 x original signed copies of this application form;
ii. Attach 2 x certified copies of the national ID;
iii. Attach 2 x certified copies of highest qualification or affidavit of highest
qualification including a list of subjects;
iv. Attach 2 x originally Signed Letters on Company Letterhead:A. Declaring that the Candidate is employed / unemployed
B. Giving a detailed a breakdown of practical workplace experience
(previous and current employer on separate letterheads) against the
designated training schedule
C. Recommendation that the apprentice is Trade Test Ready; also attach
a Trade Test Readiness declaration from an accredited Training Provider
/ FET
D. Declaring that the apprentice acquired practical experience in the
designated trade
v. Attach 2 x certified copies of previous trade test results (NYC declaration) if
applicable;
vi. Attach proof of payment of trade test fee at the designated Trade Test Centre.

Relevant Documentation




Application for Trade Test Self Check
Trade Test Application Form
AgriSETA RPL TT Criteria and Checklist
STEP 6: CERTIFICATION
Once a candidate is found competent the Decentralized trade test centre will forward the results
to the AgriSETA. AgriSETA will prepare the required documentation and forward the learner
pack to the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB). NAMB will screen all the submissions for
compliance against the Trade Test Regulations and make recommendations to the Quality
Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) for certification. NAMB will distribute certificates to
candidates. If a candidate has lost his/her certificate the required application form must be
completed and forwarded AgriSETA similarly if the candidates wish to apply for a re-issue of a
certificate.
Relevant Documentation
 Check list for certification
 Re-issue or duplicate form