There are three categories of qualifications available to field guides:
  • National / CATHSSETA qualifications
  • FGASA qualifications
  • Independent qualifications

CATHSSETA qualifications are registered with SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) as drawn up by CATHSSETA and allocated an NQF (National Qualifications Framework) Level. They include:
  • National Certificate in Tourism: Guiding (NQF 2)
  • National Certificate in Tourism: Guiding (NQF 4)

You however don't need to attain the full qualification to register with the NDT.


Also registered on the NQF are Skills Programmes, which are sufficient to satisfy the DEAT registration requirement. Skills Programmes registered include:

At NQF Level 2
  • Cultural Site Guide
  • Nature Site Guide → relevant to Field Guides
  • Nature Site Guide (Dangerous Game Area) → relevant to Field Guides
  • Adventure Site Guide (Mountaineering)
  • Adventure Site Guide (Fly Fishing)
  • Adventure Site Guide (Pro-Paddling)
  • Adventure Site Assistant (Pro-Paddling)
  • Adventure Site Guide (Marine Guiding)

    At NQF Level 4
  • Cultural Site Guide
  • Nature Site Guide → relevant to Field Guides
  • Nature Site Guide (Dangerous Game Area) → relevant to Field Guides
  • Adventure Site Guide (Mountaineering)
  • Adventure Site Guide (Fly Fishing)
  • Adventure Site Guide (Pro-Paddling)
  • Adventure Site Guide (Marine Guiding)