What Is The Difference Between Higher Certificate And Diploma

What Is The Difference Between Degree Higher Certificate And Diploma

A Certificate usually implies that you have gained a basic level of higher education knowledge and skills. After successful completion of a Certificate course, you will be able to apply your skills in the workplace and improve your overall productivity.

Certificate courses can also be studied for self-enrichment or hobbyist purposes. For example, if you love taking photos in your time, you can study a photography course and improve your knowledge and skills. A certificate has a Duration of 6 months to 1 year. These certificates vary based on the institution, level and qualification of choice and study.

Differentiating between a higher certificate and a Diploma can be a bit tricky, but for you on this post, sit and read carefully as this article has given the necessary explanation for you to be able to identify and to keep you informed about your career. Many are always confused when choosing a qualification at the tertiary level. The career path of your future depends on the qualifications you study.

From this post, you will get to know the definitions and the differences between a higher certificate, advanced certificates, Diplomas, degrees, bachelor’s degrees and more.

READ: Diploma in Accounting Sciences

What Are The Requirements Needed For Higher Certificate Qualification

To achieve a Higher Certificate Pass, the learner should meet the following requirements:

• The learner must achieve at least 40% for their Home Language subject.
• The learner must achieve at least 40% in two other subjects excluding Life Orientation.
• The learner must achieve at least 30% in any other three subjects.
• The learner can only fail one subject.

What Is The Difference Between Higher Certificate And Diploma?

Below are the differences between Higher Certificate And Diploma

• Higher Certificate:

A Higher Certificate is an entry-level qualification, usually completed in one year, offering foundational skills and knowledge, while a Diploma is a more advanced qualification, taking one to three years, providing in-depth expertise and wider career and educational opportunities.

Certificates and diplomas are quite similar. They both take a shorter time to complete. However, you can finish certificate courses much faster than a diploma course. You could have a certificate in a matter of weeks.

Certificates are focused on industry-specific skills. Employers will therefore often send staff to complete certificate courses. This allows them to gain updated knowledge on how to do their jobs.

What is a National Professional Diploma?

A National Professional Diploma allows under-qualified individuals to upgrade their level of education and get a ‘qualified’ status. For example, if you have studied to become a teacher, but do not have the necessary qualification to teach, you can study a National Professional Diploma in Education to get your full teacher status.

Duration of study: Part-time 2-3 years

What is a National Diploma?

A National Diploma will equip you with focused knowledge and skills in a particular field. Students who complete a National Diploma course can enrol for a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree in the same field of study.

Duration of study:

• Full-time 3 years / Part-time 4 years
• Full-time 1 year / Part-time 2 years (if succeeding in a National Higher Certificate)

What is a Bachelor’s Degree?

Bachelor’s Degrees are long-term learning programmes that can take three to four years to complete. This qualification enables graduates to illustrate the knowledge and competencies required for access to the job market, further education and training, postgraduate studies, or expert practice in a wide range of career fields.

Duration of study: Full-time 3 years / part-time 4-5 years

What is an Advanced Certificate?

An Advanced Certificate course will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the field you are studying. This level of certification is more specialized and can improve your job opportunities. Advanced Certificate programmes are career-focused and will prepare you for a specific job role.

Duration of study: Full-time 1 year / Part-time 2 years

What is a Diploma?

A Diploma course provides career-oriented training, to prepare you to work efficiently in a particular field. A comprehensive understanding, together with specialized skills, will enable you to apply for various jobs in the area you have studied.

Duration of study: Full-time 1 year / Part-time 2 years.

READ: List of Higher Certificate Courses at UNISA 2025

Contact DHET

Head Office

123 Fr​ancis Baard Street
Pretoria
0001
www.dhet.gov.za​

Call Centre Information
0800 87 2222
Email: callcentre@dhet.gov.za

Private Bag X174
Pretoria
0001​
Tel + 27 12 312 5911

You have now identified the qualifications linked to your career interests and future planning. The next step is to choose the qualification(s) for which you want to apply. This will enable Unisa to evaluate your application and advise you of the outcome. Visit The Official website of The Department of Higher Education and Training.

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