Higher Certificate in Office Management

The Higher Certificate in Office Management is a qualification that enables students who have successfully completed a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification to pursue formal studies in office and administrative management. The Higher Certificate in Office Management is an NQF Level 5 qualification, consisting of 120 credits.

The purpose and outcomes of the qualification are to provide students with foundational and applied knowledge in office management, administration, and workplace organisation. Therefore, students who complete this qualification will be equipped with the competencies required to function effectively and efficiently in administrative, supervisory, or entry-level management roles within business environments. The programme is specifically designed to enable learners to develop the theoretical insight and practical skills required to understand and manage administrative systems, office procedures, and human relations in the workplace.

In addition, the Higher Certificate in Office Management supports the development of core administrative and communication competencies necessary for effective service delivery and the implementation of organisational policies and procedures. This qualification enables learners to gain a broader understanding of the dynamics within an office environment and their impact on business efficiency and productivity. It also supports the creation of workplace environments that promote governance, employee performance, and a culture of professionalism.

The Higher Certificate in Office Management is a professional qualification that equips, enables, and empowers graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage daily office operations and contribute to the achievement of organisational goals. Therefore, this qualification prepares students to enter or advance in administrative and office management roles and also promotes access to higher-level qualifications on the NQF, including diplomas and advanced diplomas in related fields.

The qualification focuses on essential knowledge and practical skills in office administration, communication, records management, and organisational effectiveness. Students may be required to demonstrate computer literacy or complete relevant foundational modules if they are not proficient in digital tools and communication technologies commonly used in modern office environments.

Minimum – 1 year of study (Full-time)

Maximum – 3 years of study (part-time)

Students could potentially pursue a career in:

• Office Manager / Administrator
• Event Co-ordinator
• Customer Service Manager
• Marketing Assistant

Upon successful completion of your programme, you will receive a certificate depicting: – Higher Certificate in Office Management and an academic transcript. These documents will be issued at the graduation ceremony, provided that your account is in order.

NB: Certificates cannot be issued to the students before a graduation ceremony.

The minimum entry requirements for the Higher Certificate in Office Management are:

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Higher Certificate endorsement, or

• A National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 4 with Higher Certificate endorsement, or

• Amended Senior Certificate (ASC), with Higher Certificate endorsement, or

• A Senior Certificate (SC), with University Exemption or Higher Certificate endorsement, or

• Foreign School leaving Certificate that complies with minimum admission requirements for Higher Certificate study as gazetted by the Matriculation Board (The Matriculation Board will do equivalency evaluation).

Alternative admission requirements:

• Senate discretionary admission

• Mature Age (23 – 45 years of age): conditions apply*

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Additional Requirements

• Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy and English at NQF level 4 or equivalent

• Foreign applicants whose first language is not English, may be required to provide proof of proficiency in English prior to admission to the programme.

Lyceum may require appropriate combinations of subjects and levels of achievement for certain qualifications.

*Age exemption certificate must be attained from the Matriculation Board before admission can be granted.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) processes and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) are articulation mechanisms. The institution reserves the right to conduct a formal assessment for purposes of CAT. An evaluation will be conducted to recognise prior learning. This evaluation may or may not be based on a form of formal assessment and can include a portfolio of evidence submission. These mechanisms are in line with the HEQSF as envisaged in the NQF Act 67 of 2008 and the CHE “Policies on the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment in Higher Education” published by the CHE in August 2016.

The final approval for applications in respect of CAT and RPL is subject to academic vetting in terms of applicable legislation and institutional policies.

Enquire at your nearest Lyceum Branch Office for more information regarding the awarding of subject credits (Credit Accumulation and Transfer – CAT) towards Lyceum Qualifications.