Digital certificate to benefit learners with foreign qualifications
The digital certificates are aimed at benefiting students with foreign qualifications as well as reduce fraud.
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) says a quick and efficient evaluation of foreign qualifications is vital, especially for unemployed graduates seeking employment.
SAQA has launched a digital certificate to help learners with foreign qualifications by reducing the time it takes to get the outcome of an evaluation.
The Digital Certificate of Evaluation reduces the time it takes to reach the foreign qualification holder. It can be shared in real-time and can be verified in real-time as evidence to support applications for further studies, visas, employment, registration and/or professional licensing in South Africa.
Also read: 14 Tips to overcome digital banking fraud
Speaking at the launch of the certificate, SAQA CEO Joe Samuels said the organisation was the first qualifications authority in the world to launch such as digital certificate in a one-year pilot project.
“As part of its mandate, SAQA evaluates foreign qualifications, which means that it first verifies the status and authenticity of foreign qualifications and then compares them to national qualifications by locating them within the South African National Qualification Framework (NQF),” Samuels said.
He added the digital certificate will reduce the issue of misrepresentation of qualifications and fraud.
Also read: SAQA to name and shame fake certificate holders
“This development builds on the efforts SAQA has made to ensure quicker and more efficient evaluation of foreign qualifications through the establishment of the African Qualifications Verification Network in 2016, as well as the Southern African Development Community Qualifications Verification Network in 2017, and SAQA’s ongoing work with members of the Groningen Declaration Network,” Samuels said.
SAQA has urged stakeholders and recipients of the digital seals and certificates to share their experiences and ideas in order to help the authority move into the digital era.
For more from Northglen News follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follows us Instagram
