5x FASSET Learnership Programmes

Skills Daily SA

Feb 6, 2026 - 08:28

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1.FASSET Learnership: Advanced Certificate in Local Government Accounting

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This learnership leads to the Advanced Certificate: Local Government Accounting, a qualification awarded by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT). In South Africa, the programme is delivered through AAT (SA), a strategic partnership between the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)—the country’s leading accountancy body—and AAT, an internationally recognised organisation that promotes the skills and professional recognition of accounting technicians.

AAT (SA) is South Africa’s leading professional body focused on the education, development, regulation, and support of accounting technicians. It enhances member competence and professionalism through continuous professional development, enabling career progression and improved workplace performance.

Accounting technicians are employed across all sectors of the economy, including public practice, industry and commerce, and the public sector. However, the Local Government Advanced Accounting Certificate (LGAAC) Learnership is specifically designed for individuals employed within local government. The LGAAC qualification is positioned one level above the Local Government Accounting Certificate and below chartered accountancy level, making it an ideal progression route for graduates of the Local Government Accounting Certificate. It also serves as an entry point for local government officials with relevant work experience or academic background who wish to advance their careers in local government finance.

Learnership Requirements

To be eligible, learners must have either:

Successfully completed the NQF Level 3 Local Government Accounting Certificate learnership, or
Relevant work experience in the areas covered by the Level 3 qualification, with demonstrated competence in communication and mathematics at NQF Level 3.

Learners must have adequate literacy and numeracy skills and be able to complete assessments in English. Participants must either be employed in a relevant local government finance role or be employed under learnership conditions for the duration of the programme.

Learnership Structure

Registered at NQF Level 4
Progresses to the AAT (SA) Higher Certificate, registered at NQF Level 5
Successful completion leads to AAT (SA) membership

The learnership consists of a single level covering five key learning areas:

Financial accounting and reporting
Cost information recording
Cash management and credit control
Use of computerised accounting systems
Presentation of financial information for decision-making

Registration and Assessment

Learners must confirm whether their municipality participates in the programme. If available, the enrolment process involves three steps:

Discussing motivation and commitment with the line manager and appointed LGAAC coordinator to obtain approval
Attending an induction session
Completing the learner registration form and submitting a copy of a valid ID document

Assessment is conducted through AAT skills tests and evaluations by accredited training providers.

Duration

The learnership runs for 12 to 18 months. Upon successful completion of all assessments and workplace requirements, learners are awarded the Advanced Certificate: Local Government Accounting (LGAAC).

Contact Details

Professional Body: Association of Accounting Technicians AAT (SA)
Contact Person: Ayanda Dingaan
Telephone: (011) 621 6648
Email: ayandad@aatsa.org.za
Website/Info: info@aatsa.org.za

2. Accounting Technician Learnership

Professional Body: Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)
Learnership Title: Certificate: Accounting Technician Learnership
Learnership Code: 01Q010036001203
NQF Level: 3

This learnership is based on a qualification awarded by the AAT. In South Africa, the programme is delivered through AAT (SA), a collaborative partnership between the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)—the country’s leading accountancy authority—and AAT, a globally recognised professional body dedicated to advancing the skills and professional recognition of accounting technicians.

AAT (SA) is South Africa’s leading professional body for accounting technicians, committed to their education, development, regulation, and ongoing professional support. Through continuous professional development, AAT (SA) promotes high standards of competence, professionalism, and workplace performance while supporting career growth.

Purpose of the Learnership

The Accounting Technician Learnership is designed for individuals who are already employed or who wish to prepare themselves for employment in the accounting field at technician level. This level sits below chartered accountancy and serves as an ideal entry point for those starting a career in accounting. Accounting technicians are employed across a wide range of sectors, including accounting practices, industry and commerce, and the public sector.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal qualification requirements for entry. However, learners must:

Have a good standard of literacy and numeracy
Be able to complete assessments in English
Be employed to participate in the learnership

Learnership Structure and Progression

The Certificate: Accounting Technician Learnership provides a pathway to the AAT (SA) FET Certificate: Accounting Technician, which is registered at NQF Level 4. Successful completion also leads to AAT (SA) Silver Membership.

The programme introduces learners to double-entry bookkeeping and builds an understanding of key management and administrative processes. Learners gain practical experience in both manual and computerised accounting systems, including working with purchase, sales, and general ledgers.

Syllabus Overview

The learnership covers the following learning areas:

Recording and processing financial transactions
Preparing and capturing financial documentation
Processing ledger transactions and producing a trial balance
Maintaining and reconciling the cash book
Banking procedures
Managing petty cash records
Journal maintenance
Control accounts
Working effectively in accounting and finance environments
Basic costing principles
Providing basic cost and revenue information
Computerised accounting systems

Registration and Assessment

Learners must register for training and assessment through an AAT (SA) Approved Assessment Centre. Assessments are conducted through:

Examinations set and marked centrally by AAT
Skills tests and a centrally set case study project, assessed by the training provider

Where applicable, learners may submit workplace evidence as part of the assessment.

Duration

The duration of the learnership varies depending on the learner’s prior experience and rate of progress but typically ranges between 6 and 12 months. Once learners are found competent in all required units, they are awarded the AAT Certificate: Accounting Technician and officially complete the learnership.

Contact Details

3. Professional Accountant in Practice Learnership

Professional Body: Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)
Learnership Title: Certificate: Accounting Technician Learnership
Learnership Code: 01Q010036001203
NQF Level: 3

This learnership is aligned to a qualification awarded by the AAT. In South Africa, the programme is administered through AAT (SA), a collaborative partnership between the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)—the country’s leading accountancy authority—and AAT, an internationally recognised professional body that promotes the skills, competence, and professional standing of accounting technicians.

AAT (SA) is the foremost professional body in South Africa dedicated to the education, development, regulation, and support of accounting technicians. Through continuous professional development initiatives, AAT (SA) enhances member competence and professionalism, supports career advancement, and improves workplace performance standards.

Purpose of the Learnership

The Accounting Technician Learnership is designed for individuals who are currently employed or who wish to prepare themselves for employment in an accounting environment at technician level. This level is positioned below chartered accountancy and serves as an ideal entry point for those beginning a career in accounting. Accounting technicians are employed across all sectors of the economy, including accounting practices, industry and commerce, and the public sector.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal academic entry requirements for this learnership. However, learners must:

Have an adequate level of literacy and numeracy
Be able to complete assessments in English
Be employed in order to participate in the programme

Learnership Structure and Progression

The programme introduces learners to double-entry bookkeeping principles and provides a solid understanding of management and administrative processes. Learners gain practical experience in both manual and computerised accounting systems, including the use of purchase, sales, and general ledgers.

Syllabus Overview

The learnership covers the following core learning areas:

Recording and processing financial transactions
Preparing and capturing financial documentation
Processing ledger transactions and producing a trial balance
Maintaining and reconciling the cash book
Banking procedures
Managing petty cash records
Journal maintenance
Control accounts
Working effectively in accounting and finance environments
Fundamental costing principles
Providing basic cost and revenue information
Computerised accounting systems

Registration and Assessment

Learners must register for both training and assessment through an AAT (SA) Approved Assessment Centre. Assessment is conducted through:

Centrally set and marked examinations by AAT
Centrally developed skills tests and a case study project, assessed by the training provider

Where applicable, learners may submit workplace evidence as part of the assessment.

Duration

The duration of the learnership varies based on the learner’s progress and prior experience but typically ranges between 6 and 12 months. Upon successful completion of all required assessments, learners are awarded the AAT Certificate: Accounting Technician and officially complete the learnership.

Contact Details

4. FASSET Learnership: Diploma in Accounting Technician

Professional Body: Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)
Learnership Title: Accounting Technician
Learnership Code: 01/Q010018/00/241/5
NQF Level: 5

This learnership is aligned to a qualification awarded by the AAT. In South Africa, the programme is delivered through AAT (SA), a strategic partnership between the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)—South Africa’s leading accountancy authority—and AAT, a globally recognised professional body that advances the skills, competence, and professional recognition of accounting technicians.

AAT (SA) is the leading professional body in South Africa dedicated to the education, development, regulation, and support of accounting technicians. Through continuous professional development initiatives, the body promotes high standards of professionalism, supports career progression, and enhances performance in the workplace.

Purpose of the Learnership

The Accounting Technician Learnership is intended for individuals who are employed or who wish to prepare themselves for employment in an accounting environment at technician level. This level sits below chartered accountancy and provides an ideal foundation for those beginning a career in accounting. Accounting technicians are employed across all sectors of the economy, including accounting practices, industry and commerce, and the public sector.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal qualification requirements for entry into this learnership. However, learners must:

Demonstrate a good level of literacy and numeracy
Be able to complete assessments in English
Be employed for the duration of the learnership

Learnership Structure and Qualification Pathway

The AAT Learnership leads to the AAT (SA) Accounting Qualification, which is registered at NQF Level 5 and provides eligibility for AAT (SA) membership.

The learnership is structured across three progressive levels, which together form the full qualification:

Certificate in Accounting

This level introduces foundational accounting concepts, including double-entry bookkeeping and key management and administrative processes. Learners develop skills in both manual and computerised accounting systems and gain experience working with purchase, sales, and general ledgers.

Advanced Certificate in Accounting

At this level, learners are introduced to more complex accounting activities, such as preparing final accounts for sole traders and partnerships. The curriculum also covers cost accounting records, report preparation, and statutory returns. A Professional Ethics unit may be completed at this stage or during the Diploma level.

Diploma in Accounting

The Diploma level allows learners to specialise in areas most relevant to their interests and career goals. Optional units include personal taxation and business taxation, aligned with South African tax legislation.

Syllabus Overview

AAT (SA) Certificate in Accounting

Introductory accounting
Accounting work skills*

AAT (SA) Advanced Certificate in Accounting

Financial accounting
Recording and analysing costs and revenues
Cash management and credit control systems
Accounting work skills*
Professional ethics for Accounting Technicians*

AAT (SA) Diploma in Accounting

Managing systems and people in the accounting environment
Drafting financial statements (Accounting Practice, Commerce & Industry)
Professional ethics for Accounting Technicians*
Management accounting

Electives (choose two):

Implementing auditing procedures
Preparing business taxation computations
Preparing personal taxation computations

*Units marked may be completed at different levels but only once.

Registration and Assessment

Learners must register for training and assessment through an AAT (SA) Approved Assessment Centre. Assessment is conducted through:

Centrally set and marked examinations by AAT
Simulations and a centrally developed case study project, assessed by the Approved Assessment Centre

Duration

The duration of the learnership depends on the learner’s prior experience and rate of progress but typically ranges between two and three years. Upon successful completion of all required assessments, learners are awarded the AAT Accounting Qualification and formally complete the learnership.

Contact Details

5. FASSET Learnership: Certificate in Accounting

Professional Body: Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)
Learnership Title: Certificate: Accounting Learnership
Learnership Code: 01Q010039001205
NQF Level: 5

This learnership is aligned to a qualification awarded by the AAT. In South Africa, the programme is administered through AAT (SA), a strategic partnership between the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)—the country’s leading accountancy authority—and AAT, an internationally recognised professional body that promotes the skills, competence, and professional recognition of accounting technicians.

AAT (SA) is the leading professional body in South Africa dedicated to the education, development, regulation, and ongoing support of accounting technicians. Through continuous professional development, AAT (SA) enhances member competence, supports career advancement, and raises professional performance standards across the workplace.

Purpose of the Learnership

The Accounting Technician Learnership is designed for individuals who are employed or who wish to prepare themselves for employment within an accounting environment at technician level. Positioned below chartered accountancy, this learnership provides a strong foundation for individuals seeking to build a career in accounting. Accounting technicians are employed across all sectors of the economy, including accounting practices, industry and commerce, and the public sector.

Entry Requirements

Learners are generally expected to have completed the FET Certificate: Accounting Technician at NQF Level 4. While direct entry into the Certificate: Accounting Learnership is possible without this qualification, it is not recommended due to the programme’s specialised, competence-based learning approach.

Applicants entering directly at this level must demonstrate competence at NQF Level 4, which may be assessed through:

Skills assessments
Evidence of recognised tertiary education
Relevant work experience
Any other assessment method approved under AAT (SA) policy

Learners must also:

Have a good standard of literacy and numeracy
Be able to complete assessments in English
Be employed (either previously or for the duration of the learnership)

Learnership Information and Outcomes

Successful completion of the Certificate: Accountant leads to AAT (SA) Platinum Membership. More information regarding membership can be found on the AAT (SA) website.

This learnership introduces learners to advanced and technical accounting tasks. The qualification consists of compulsory core units and a selection of two elective areas, allowing learners to tailor their studies to their career interests.

Syllabus Overview

Certificate: Accountant (NQF Level 5)

Core (Mandatory) Units

Drafting financial statements
Budgeting and budget preparation
Managing and measuring financial performance
Internal control principles and evaluation of accounting systems

Elective Units (Choose 2 of the following)

Credit management and control
Personal taxation
Business taxation
External auditing

Each elective includes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills components.

Registration and Assessment

Learners must register for both training and assessment through an AAT (SA) Approved Assessment Centre. Assessment methods include:

Centrally set and marked examinations by AAT
Centrally designed simulations and a case study project assessed by the Approved Assessment Centre
Submission of relevant workplace evidence

Duration

The duration of the learnership varies depending on the learner’s prior experience and pace of progression but typically ranges between 12 and 18 months. Once learners are found competent in all required units, they are awarded the Certificate: Accountant Qualification and formally complete the learnership.

Contact Details

Professional Body: Association of Accounting Technicians AAT (SA)
Contact Person: Natalie Zimmelman
Telephone: (011) 621 6648
Email: nataliez@saica.co.za
Information: info@aatsa.org.za

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