About this Programme

The Occupational Certificate: Tax Technician (NQF Level 6) is a practical and flexible qualification designed to equip learners with formal credentials and structured knowledge to operate effectively within the South African tax environment. This industry-recognised certification prepares learners for diverse employment opportunities in public accounting and auditing firms, tax advisory practices, corporate finance and tax departments, and with SARS itself.

This qualification is structured around three integrated components that work together to develop competent tax professionals:

• Knowledge Component: Provides theoretical understanding of law, legal procedures, dispute resolution and the tax technician context.
• Practical Component: Develops hands-on skills through application of legal knowledge in simulated tax technician work environments.
• Workplace Component: Experience through structured workplace learning in a legal or tax technician environment, ensuring graduates are law practice ready.

This integration of theory, practice and workplace experience equips learners with the skills to manage tax compliance, engage with SARS on behalf of taxpayers and provide ancillary explanations related to personal, corporate, VAT and employment taxation.

The qualification empowers learners to manage tax return queries, corrections and assessments across all major tax types. Beyond technical tax skills, the programme develops professional competencies including tax ethics, professional writing and communication with SARS and taxpayers.

Recognised by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) at NQF Level 6, this qualification satisfies the SARS requirement to register as a tax practitioner and provides a solid foundation for a career in tax practice or with SARS itself.

Learning Objectives

The Occupational Certificate: Tax Technician provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of the South African tax system and the practical skills to operate as a competent tax professional. Upon completion, learners will be able to:

· Manage taxation compliance across personal income tax, employment tax, VAT and corporate income tax.

· Complete SARS tax returns, objections and eFiling processes for individuals, employees, corporates and VAT vendors.

· Engage with taxpayers or SARS in terms of tax return queries, corrections and assessments.

· Apply tax ethics and professional conduct standards in tax practice and client engagements.

· Explain and apply fundamental accounting principles as they relate to tax practice.

· Communicate professionally with revenue authorities and draft responses to SARS queries and assessments.

Career Opportunities

By completing this qualification, you will be equipped with the skills and credentials that open doors to a wide range of roles in tax and financial services, including:

Tax Practice Roles:

• Tax Practitioner: Provide tax compliance services to individuals and corporate clients across all major tax types.
• Tax Consultant: Advise clients on tax obligations and liaise with SARS on their behalf.
• Tax Compliance Officer: Ensure accurate and timely submission of all tax returns for a business or accounting firm.
• Payroll Tax Specialist: Process payroll, calculate PAYE and submit EMP201 and EMP501 returns to SARS.
• VAT Specialist: Manage VAT compliance for registered vendors, including VAT reviews and VAT201 submissions.
• SARS Official: Apply for roles within SARS using this qualification to meet their internal requirements.
• Independent Tax Practitioner: Establish your own tax practice and register as a tax practitioner with SARS.

Other Potential Roles:

• Corporate Tax Manager: Oversee corporate income tax compliance and engage with SARS on corporate assessments.
• Tax Technician (Accounting Firm): Support chartered accountants and auditors with tax compliance work in public practice.
• Donations and Trust Tax Specialist: Advise on the tax treatment of trusts, donations and estate planning.

Management and Supervisory Functions:

• Managing Tax Compliance Teams: Lead a team of tax practitioners in delivering accurate, timely compliance services.
• Reviewing Tax Returns: Review and sign off on returns prepared by junior practitioners for technical accuracy.
• Managing Tax Dispute Resolution: Coordinate SARS objections, appeals and dispute resolution on behalf of clients.
• Tax Research and Technical Advisory: Research tax legislation and SARS interpretation notes to support technical advice.
• Training and Mentoring: Train and mentor junior tax practitioners in compliance procedures and SARS systems.

Educational Functions:

• Lecturer / Trainer: Educate others in tax principles, SARS systems and tax compliance procedures.
• Assessor: Evaluate and assess learners' understanding and application of tax knowledge and skills.
• Moderator: Oversee the quality and consistency of tax educational programmes and assessments.

This qualification prepares you for a wide range of roles within the tax, accounting and financial services sectors, ensuring you are well-equipped to meet the demands of the South African tax compliance environment.

Delivery

The Occupational Certificate: Tax Technician (NQF Level 6) follows a comprehensive three-part learning structure:

Part 1: Knowledge Modules

• The Knowledge component is delivered through SA Accounting Academy’s online learning platform, where learners complete modules on tax fundamentals, personal income tax, employment tax, VAT, corporate tax and tax administration, featuring diagnostic pre-quizzes, interactive study notes, weekly discussion forums and live sessions with an expert tax professional.

Part 2: Practical Training

• Running concurrently with Part 1, the Practical component involves simulation assignments, practical guides for completing SARS returns and eFiling processes, objections and assessment queries, applying tax knowledge to real-world compliance scenarios across all major tax types.

Part 3: Workplace Modules

• Learners accumulate 30 months of work experience in the field of South African tax law (or obtain recognition via the RPL process through SAIT), documented through structured logbooks submitted throughout the programme.

External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA)

• The learning journey concludes with the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), a comprehensive evaluation that integrates all tax types in one exam sitting, written at a QCTO Assessment Quality Partner. A three-month preparation period with mock exams precedes the EISA.

All components besides the EISA are delivered through the SA Accounting Academy's online learning platform, providing flexibility while ensuring rigorous professional standards are maintained throughout the programme.

Is this for you?

This qualification is designed for you if any of the following apply. Students who successfully complete this qualification will be able to:

• You are an experienced tax practitioner requiring an NQF 6 qualification including tax and accounting to comply with the current SARS requirements to register as a tax practitioner.
• You are working for SARS and want to formalise your tax knowledge with a recognised occupational qualification.
• You want to gain the required practical and technical skills to complete the latest SARS income tax, payroll and VAT returns for both corporates and individuals.
• You are experienced in tax and want to establish your own tax practice with a formal qualification to support your professional registration.

Lecturer

Nestene Botha CA(SA) 

Nestene Botha completed her B.Com (Hons) at North West University in 2012. In 2014 she completed her professional articles and her Master's Degree in Chartered Accountancy. She then registered with SAICA as a Chartered Accountant in 2015. 

Nestene has lectured on the audit programme at the University of Cape Town. She started her own audit, tax & accounting practice which she has since grown into a reputable firm in the Table View area with 60 clients and two staff members. 

EISA Preparation & Work Experience

During the three-month preparation period for the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), learners focus on the integration of all tax types in a single exam sitting. A mock exam is conducted with feedback provided to candidates. Learners will obtain a partial or full Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for the workplace experience component via SAIT. It is important to continue with the submission of work experience in the field of South African tax law, assessed via logbooks, throughout the programme. If you aim to become a Tax Advisor with SAIT, you will be required to complete this process through SAIT’s logbook and monitoring system at an additional cost.

Prerequisites / Admission Requirements

Applicants on this accelerated programme must meet both a tax work experience component and an academic component as follows:

• Tax work experience: at least 18 months of exclusive tax experience or 36 months of general tax or accounting work experience, or
• Academic component: a minimum NQF Level 4 qualification including Accounting and Mathematics or Maths Literacy, with recently completed annual tax CPD programmes or short learning programmes in tax. A minimum of 45% across all components of a knowledge assessment and diagnostic is required.

Accreditation

SA Accounting Academy is accredited by the QCTO (ID: SDP220526113603) as a Skills Development Provider (SDP) for the Occupational Certificate: Tax Technician (Curriculum Code: 331303-000-00-00), developed in partnership with SAIT as the Development Quality Partner.

Assessments

This programme includes formative and summative assessments throughout the Knowledge and Practical component modules. Learners must achieve competency in each learning outcome — an overall pass is not sufficient. Learners must also complete a Workplace Logbook documenting 30 months of work experience in South African tax law. The programme culminates in the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), administered by the Assessment Quality Partner (AQP) on behalf of QCTO at an additional fee.

Assessment and Certification

Assessment Framework

The assessment system for this qualification consists of multiple components designed to evaluate comprehensive tax competency:

• Formative Assessments: Ongoing evaluations throughout each module to gauge progress and understanding.
• Workplace Logbook: Documentation of workplace experiences and competencies acquired during the practical component.
• External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA): A final comprehensive assessment conducted by the QCTO Assessment Quality Partner.

Certification Requirements

To qualify for the Occupational Certificate: Tax Technician (NQF Level 6), learners must:

1. Successfully complete all knowledge modules and achieve competency in each learning outcome.
2. Demonstrate competence in all required practical skills modules, including simulation assignments.
3. Submit completed and verified workplace experience logbooks demonstrating 30 months of tax work experience (or obtain RPL via SAIT).
4. Receive a Statement of Results from SA Accounting Academy as the skills development partner of QCTO.
5. Pass the EISA administered by the AQP on behalf of QCTO, within two years of receiving the Statement of Results.

The EISA is a crucial final evaluation that integrates all tax types in one sitting, focusing on Exit Level Outcomes and associated assessment criteria. This external assessment ensures that certification standards are consistently maintained across all graduates.

Upon successful completion of all requirements, learners will be awarded the officially recognised Occupational Certificate: Tax Technician (NQF Level 6, SAQA ID: 118770), issued by QCTO, opening doors to professional registration as a tax practitioner with SARS.

Curriculum

Modules:

• Module 1: Introduction to Tax and Ethics
• Module 2: eFiling and Professional Writing 
• Module 3: Income
• Module 4: Deductions
• Module 5: Salaried Employees
• Module 6: Natural Persons - Tax Implications
• Module 7: Practical Payroll
• Module 8: Capital Gains Tax
• Module 9: Prepaid Taxes
• Module 10: Trusts and Donations Tax

For more information on what will be covered in the curriculum please download the prospectus.

About SA Accounting Academy

Welcome to SA Accounting Academy (SAAA), a provider of accredited occupational qualifications and professional development courses in accounting, banking and legal fields. We are committed to providing our students with the highest quality training and support, ensuring that your skills and knowledge are current and ready to meet the challenges of the modern workplace. Our courses are designed to help you reach your professional goals and enhance your career prospects. With our experienced facilitators and comprehensive resources, you can be confident that you will receive the highest quality of training from SA Accounting Academy.

SAAA is a Level 2 B-BBEE contributor, with 125% procurement recognition. Training spend on certain solutions can be allocated against the Skills Development element of the B-BBEE Scorecard through accredited and non-accredited training or claimed through SETA grants. In addition, 25% of your Skills Expenditure can be claimed on non-accredited training or courses.

Course Fees

Invest in your future with this comprehensive qualification. Our fee is an all-inclusive investment in your professional development.

The course fee is R 41 800.00 (once-off discounted payment) and includes the following:

Educational Resources

• Textbooks: Receive top-tier, up-to-date textbooks to support your learning.
• Online Materials: Access a wealth of online resources, from e-books to webinars, enhancing your learning experience.
• Live Sessions: Interact in real-time with experts, gaining insights and clarifications on complex topics. Missed a live session? No worries. Access recorded webinars anytime, anywhere.

Learning Support

• Facilitation: Benefit from expert-led facilitation sessions that offer personalized guidance, addressing individual queries and ensuring a thorough understanding of the subject matter.
• Formative Assessments: Reinforce your understanding with assessments on different topics.
• Learner Forum: Engage in meaningful peer-to-peer interactions through our dedicated learner forum. Share insights, ask questions, and collaborate on projects to enhance your learning experience.

• Continuous Support: Our dedicated team is always on standby to assist with any academic or administrative queries, ensuring a smooth learning process.

Onboarding and Enrolment

• Onboarding Video: Kickstart your learning journey with an informative video that outlines the qualification structure and what to expect.

Flexibility and Convenience

• Study Online: Complete your course and take your exams online, giving you the freedom to learn from anywhere.

Investing in this qualification means you receive a holistic educational package. Please note that the prescribed textbook, workplace logbook (R2 400 per annum), EISA fee, repeat fees and supplementary exam fees are excluded from the course fee.

Payment Methods

Debit / Credit Card or Instant EFT

You can pay directly on our website for an easy, secure, and instant transaction. During promotional periods, customers can take advantage of additional savings. This is the fastest and most efficient option, saving both time and money.

Debit Order

You can choose to pay a deposit and the rest over a certain number of months via debit order. Your study materials are included within the deposit.

EFT / Bank Deposit

You can make a payment directly into our bank account using your Online Banking App, Online Banking services, or by visiting your local bank branch.

Your Company / Employer

It may be beneficial for your company to invest in training for its staff members. As there are financial and tax advantages for doing so, please speak with your employer or Training / HR manager about the possibility of paying for this training.

Third Party

If you have someone who is willing to pay for your studies, such as a parent or relative, they can either log in and pay on our website or they can pay via any of the payment options above on your behalf.

Payment Options

       Option 1: Student Loan*

• Monthly instalment from R 449 per month

Option 2: Discounted Full Payment

• R 41 800.00

Option 3: Monthly Debit Order**

• Once-off application fee (non-refundable): R 7 500.00
• 11 Month debit order: R 3 300 * 11

* The R449 monthly student loan repayment is subject to change depending on credit approval and the specific terms and conditions determined by the authorised financial service provider.

      *Total for debit order option: R 43 800.00. First debit order collected from second month of semester start date. Subsequent debit orders collected on the first working day of each month.

Payment Terms

Payments

• Minimum payments must be made via direct EFT or credit card before a qualification starts.
• Full payment is required before the start date.
• For debit order plans, the first payment is due on the start date.
• Access to content will be denied if payment terms are not followed.

Cancellations

• Written notice is required for cancellations.
• Cancellation fees vary based on the timing of the cancellation relative to the start date:
  • No fee if cancelled more than two weeks prior.
  • 25% fee if cancelled less than two weeks prior.
  • 50% fee if cancelled within six weeks after the start.
  • Full fee if cancelled after six weeks of the start.
• Non-refundable items include course application fees, textbooks, accessed modules, and certain annual fees.

General Terms

• The application fee, if any, is non-refundable.
• Continuous access to the content is dependent upon adherence to the payment terms and conditions.
• Absence from exams without valid reasons results in full liability for exam fees.
• Postponement of exams after registration incurs a fee.

Corporate Training Solutions

At SA Accounting Academy, we recognize the evolving needs of businesses in today's dynamic environment. Beyond our standard webinar offerings, we provide tailored corporate training solutions designed to empower your team with the latest in legal and professional skills. Whether you're looking for online sessions or face-to-face training, our programs are crafted to ensure a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.

Drawing inspiration from modern training methodologies, our corporate solutions are interactive, adaptable, and focused on real-world applications. We prioritize hands-on learning, ensuring your team can immediately apply their newfound knowledge in practical scenarios.

Interested in a bespoke corporate training experience? Reach out to us at info@accountingacademy.co.za or call 010 593 0466. Together, let's design a training program that elevates your team's capabilities and aligns with your organizational goals.

Contact Us For More Information

Have any questions or need any assistance? Contact us today!

• Online chat through our website www.accountingacademy.co.za
• Call: +27 (0)12 941 0448
• Email: support@accountingacademy.co.za

To register for this course, click here.