Hairdresser
OFO 512101–103SAQA 102497NQF 4540 CreditsQCTO Red Seal
OFO Code
512101 / 512102 / 512103
SAQA ID (new)
102497
NQF Level
4
Credits
540
Issuing Body
QCTO via NAMB
Regulatory Body
HCSBC (Hair & Beauty)
2024 Policy Change
From January 2024, the QCTO Occupational Certificate: Hairdresser (SAQA 102497) is the only nationally recognised hairdressing qualification. It replaces the legacy three-level Services SETA pathway (NQF 2 → 3 → 4) which is being phased out by June 2027. The new route covers ALL hair types — a deliberate policy correction — and is funded by DHET at 49 TVET College sites.
Red Seal equivalenceALL hair types coveredDHET-funded at TVET CollegesARPL available for experienced hairdressersLegacy route phase-out: June 2027