In addition, an electrician can choose to study and register for three classifications that enable them to work with different electric installation phases: Single-Phase (220 volts), Three-Phase (380 Volts) and a master electrician who is qualified to work with higher voltages and in more challenging environments.
Depending on the classification chosen above, the electrician will need to determine what documentation should be sent to the department of labour and therefore which qualifications and testing are required.
The Department of Labour (DOL) demands that you study specific NQF levels before you can register with them and obtain your wiremans license. This is why its important to ensure you are aware of what NQF levels you must study in order to register with the DOL as the correct electrician type (Correct legal person).
The DOL requirements for registering as one of the three types of electricians are illustrated below. This will help you determine which NQF levels you need to study.
Type of electrician | NQF level required by DOL |
|---|---|
Electrical Tester for single phase. | NQF 1,2,3 |
Installation Electrician (three-phase) | NQF 1,2,3,4 |
Master Electrician | NQF 1,2,3,4,5 |
An introduction to the N1, N2 and N3 certificates
The Electrical Engineering certificates N1, N2 and N3 are designed to give students a solid foundational competency in Electrical Engineering fundamentals. The objective is the application of knowledge, typically in the form of science, mathematics, and empirical evidence to the innovation, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of structures, machines, and materials in the Electrical Engineering field.
Included in the certificates is study material that will cover the principles required to solve engineering problems such as heavy and light current. Heavy current includes the distribution of electricity, domestic wiring in civil and industrial industries. Light current includes fields such as digital electronics and industrial electronics.
Entry requirements include foundational competencies in basic math and physics. Read our guide that explains all the prerequisite study requirements before starting.
What qualification and work will I get after completing N1 - N3?
You will be able to take up employment in one of the following fields as an apprentice or student technician to gain the necessary industrial experience to be able to do a trade test. Please note that without completing the trade test and registering with the Department of Labour, you will not be able to work in the fields below.
What job roles can I perform after completing the N1 - N3 certificates?
What job roles can I perform after completing the N3 - N6 certificates?
Are the N1 - N6 certificates accredited?
When studying through one of the recommended learning colleges, you can guarantee that your certificate is accredited by Umalusi (Education standards) and registered by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). These certificates are designed to improve your skills and enhance your career prospects in your chosen industry.
How long will it take to complete the NQF certificates?
NQF Level | Duration |
|---|---|
N1 | 3 months. |
N2 | 3 months. |
N3 | 3 months. |
N4 | 3 months. |
N5 | 3 months. |
N6 | 3 months. |
Total: | 18 months. |
Once you have completed N1 to N6 and you have also spent 24 months working within the electrical engineering industry, you are eligible to apply for a national diploma in electrical engineering. Once you have the diploma, you can decide if you would like to continue studying further at a university.
N1
SAQA ID: 67109 - National Certificate in Electrical Engineering
The N1 electrical engineering certificate introduces you to the basic principles of electrical engineering and prepares you for further study in this field. This certificate can count towards a full national qualification as listed on the NQF. This is a foundational level certificate and part of a 3-level engineering programme. You will learn the mathematics, science and drawing skills that form the basis of all engineering trades. Learn the skills and techniques to research, design, install and test electrical and electronic equipment and supervise its manufacturing. The electrical trade involves the generation, distribution, and management of all appliances and installations that generate or use electrical energy.
This certificate is required by the Department of Labour when registering as one of the following legal persons (electricians):
Study topics
Entry requirements
N2
SAQA ID: 67375 - National Certificate in Electrical Engineering
This N2-level certificate builds on the knowledge and skills gained at N1 level, and further prepares you for working as an artisan in the field of electrical engineering. This course is a good option if you’ve already completed the N1 course, and you want to learn more of the skills you need to work with electrical circuits. This certificate is part of a 3-level engineering programme.
This certificate is required by the Department of Labour when registering as one of the following legal persons (electricians):
Study topics
Entry requirements
N3
SAQA ID: 67491 - National Certificate in Electrical Engineering
This N3 Engineering Studies course builds on the knowledge and skills gained in the previous levels, and prepares you for a career as an artisan in the field of electrical engineering. When you study this course, you will learn more about the industry practices and administrative procedures in the electrical engineering environment. This certificate can count towards a full national qualification as listed on the NQF. This certificate is part of a 3-level engineering programme.
This certificate is required by the Department of Labour when registering as one of the following legal persons (electricians):
Study topics
Entry requirements
N4
SAQA ID: 66881 - National Certificate in Electrical Engineering
The N4 - N6 Electrical Engineering programme is a post-matric National Certificate programme. Students who complete this stand-alone certificate programme can go on to complete N5 and N6 and thereafter 18 months in a relevant workplace to qualify for the National Diploma in Electrical Engineering. Each certificate is a qualification on its own and is offered over a period of 3 months. Students can then enter into either a University of Technology to complete a degree qualification or into a workplace that requires the qualification. The Department of Higher Education will issue you with a National Certificate once you have passed each level e.g. N4, N5, N6. After completing your work experience you can apply for your National Diploma from the DHET at the campus where you have completed your N6 qualification.
This certificate is required by the Department of Labour when registering as one of the following legal persons (electricians):
Study topics
Entry requirements
N5
SAQA ID: 66960 - National Certificate in Electrical Engineering
The N4 - N6 Electrical Engineering programme is a post-matric National Certificate programme. Students who complete this stand-alone certificate programme can go on to complete N5 and N6 and thereafter 18 months in a relevant workplace to qualify for the National Diploma in Electrical Engineering. Each certificate is a qualification on its own and is offered over a period of 3 months. Students can then enter into either a University of Technology to complete a degree qualification or into a workplace that requires the qualification. The Department of Higher Education will issue you with a National Certificate once you have passed each level e.g. N4, N5, N6. After completing your work experience you can apply for your National Diploma from the DHET at the campus where you have completed your N6 qualification.
This certificate is required by the Department of Labour when registering as one of the following legal persons (electricians):
Study topics
Entry requirements
N6
SAQA ID: 67005 - National Certificate in Electrical Engineering
The N4 - N6 Electrical Engineering programme is a post-matric National Certificate programme. Students who complete this stand-alone certificate programme can go on to complete N5 and N6 and thereafter 18 months in a relevant workplace to qualify for the National Diploma in Electrical Engineering. Each certificate is a qualification on its own and is offered over a period of 3 months. Students can then enter into either a University of Technology to complete a degree qualification or into a workplace that requires the qualification. The Department of Higher Education will issue you with a National Certificate once you have passed each level e.g. N4, N5, N6. After completing your work experience you can apply for your National Diploma from the DHET at the campus where you have completed your N6 qualification.
This certificate is required by the Department of Labour when registering as one of the following legal persons (electricians):