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All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source. |
| SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY |
| REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: |
| Higher Occupational Certificate: Image Consultant |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 124488 | Higher Occupational Certificate: Image Consultant | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Development Quality Partner-Services SETA | ||||
| PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
| QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations | OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
| QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
| Higher Occupational Cert | Field 11 - Services | Personal Care | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 120 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 05 | Regular-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Registered | EXCO 0632/25 | 2025-06-03 | 2030-06-03 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2031-06-03 | 2034-06-03 | |||
| In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise. |
This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. |
| PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
| Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as an Image Consultant. An Image Consultant specialises in improving the personal and / or professional image of a client (Individual or Organisation). An Image Consultant evaluates, guides, advises, enhances, and transforms the client's overall image including deportment, and communication skills to ensure that they are reflecting their personal and professional goals consistent with their personal or professional brand. A qualified learner will be able to: A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes: Rationale: The demand for image consulting in South Africa is steadily increasing. However, the training in this field has been largely unregulated and heavily influenced by international standards, often overlooking the unique considerations of the African continent. Currently, there is no registered qualification specifically designed for the Image Consultant occupation in South Africa. This occupation, situated within the beauty and personal healthcare industry, holds the potential to greatly enhance individuals' self-awareness and confidence in their personal presentation, benefiting both themselves and the organizations they are associated with. A formal qualification for image consultants will offer numerous benefits that enhance their professional credibility, ensure consistent service quality, build client trust, and provide opportunities for career advancement and personal development. Image Consultants play a vital role in helping individuals refine their personal style, grooming, and overall appearance, aligning these with their desired image. This work supports the beauty sector by increasing demand for beauty products, services, and fashion. Additionally, Image Consultants educate clients on best practices in beauty, skincare routines, and fashion, thereby promoting informed consumer choices and the use of high-quality products. In society, Image Consultants contribute to helping individuals present themselves in the best possible way, which can lead to better job prospects, career advancements, and stronger professional relationships. They advocate for diversity in beauty standards, encouraging a more inclusive approach to fashion and style that embraces various body types, skin tones, and cultural backgrounds. The image consulting industry itself contributes to job creation, from independent consultants to those employed by larger firms. The increased demand for beauty and fashion products and services further stimulates economic growth. As individuals become more conscious of their image, they tend to invest more in beauty and fashion products, boosting retail sales and supporting related industries. In a corporate setting, a well-presented workforce can enhance a company's image, attract clients, and improve overall business outcomes, indirectly contributing to economic growth. Typical learners for this qualification include school leavers and individuals interested in working from home rather than pursuing traditional corporate employment. Career prospects for experienced Image Consultants include opportunities to transition into roles as image advisers in retail outlets or fashion advisers within the clothing industry. Learners completing this qualification will benefit as they will be able to find employment in the image consulting field. This qualification was developed in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders in the Image Consulting industry. Typical occupations in which the qualifying learner will operate There are no similar qualifications NQF registered. |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:
Knowledge Modules Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 6 Practical Skill Modules Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 39 Work Experience Modules Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 75 |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Evaluate the Image Consulting environment by producing a coherent presentation and report, providing explanations for positions taken.
2. Analyse the elements that impact on a consulting business by considering the operating environment as a system within a wider context. 3. Enhance the image of an individual through consultation and evaluation, by selecting and applying methods and image enhancement procedures, or techniques. 4. Evaluate the image consulting environment and the elements that impact on a consulting business to improve an organisation's employees' image by applying solutions based on relevant evidence and procedures from an Assistant Image Consultants perspective. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
ELO 1: Evaluate the Image Consulting environment by producing a coherent presentation and report, providing explanations for positions taken. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: ELO 2: Analyse the elements that impact on a consulting business by considering the operating environment as a system within a wider context. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: ELO 3: Enhance the image of an individual through consultation and evaluation, by selecting and applying methods and image enhancement procedures, or techniques. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: ELO 4: Evaluate the image consulting environment and the elements that impact on a consulting business to improve an organisation's employees' image by applying solutions based on relevant evidence and procedures from an Assistant Image Consultants perspective. Integrated Assessment: Formative Assessments conducted internally Formative assessments are conducted throughout the training of learners. A range of formal, non-formal, and informal ongoing assessment activities are used to focus on teaching and learning outcomes to improve learner attainment. Formative assessments are conducted continuously by the facilitator to feed into further learning, to identify strengths and weakness, and to ensure the learner's ability to apply knowledge, skills and workplace experience gained. Formative Assessments are conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP), and a variety of ongoing assessment methods may be used, for example, quizzes, assignments, tests, scenarios, role play, interviews. Continuous feedback must be provided. Integrated Summative Assessments conducted Internally Integrated Assessment involves all the different types of assessment tasks required for a particular qualification, part-qualification or occupational skills programme, such as written assessment of theory and practical demonstration of competence. To achieve this, the Internal Assessment Criteria (IAC) for all modules as found in the QCTO curriculum document must be followed. An accredited SDP should implement a well-designed, formal, relevant, final internal Summative Assessment strategy for all modules to prepare learners for the EISA. These assessments evaluate learning achievements relating to the achievement of each module of the relevant components of the qualification, part-qualification or skills programme. Internal Summative Assessments are developed, moderated and conducted by the SDP at the end of each module or after integration of relevant modules, e.g. applied knowledge tests, workplace tasks, practical demonstrations, simulated tasks/demonstrations, projects, case studies, etc. The results of these final formal summative assessments must be recorded. These results, which include the Statement of Work Experience results, where applicable, contribute to the Statement of Results (SoR) that is a requirement for admission to the EISA. An SoR, using the template provided by the Quality Partner, is issued by the accredited SDP for qualifications and part-qualifications. The SDP must produce a valid Statement of Results for each learner, indicating the final result and the date on which the competence in each module, of each component, was achieved. Learners are required to produce this SoR, together with their ID document or alternative ID document, at the point of the EISA. External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) - a national assessment The Quality Partner is responsible for the management, conduct and implementation of the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), in accordance with QCTO set standards. Competence in the EISA is a requirement for certificating a learner. For entrance into the EISA, the learner requires a valid Statement of Results issued by the accredited institution indicating the attainment of all modules for the Knowledge, Practical and Work Experience modules. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| No evidence could be found of qualifications that are registered on international qualification frameworks. The industry opted to compare with training programmes recognised by internationally industry associations as best practises.
The Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) is recognised as the largest professional organisation for personal and corporate image consultants worldwide, dedicated to promoting high standards of professionalism and ethics. AICI endorses diverse training providers and individuals to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and offers three certification levels: Certified Image Consultant (CIC), Certified Image Professional (CIP), and Certified Image Master (CIM), each indicating a different level of expertise and experience. In terms of best practices two AICI-accredited providers and approved courses presented in two different countries, which offer the foundational training for their image consultancy certification, were chosen to compare the South African Higher Occupational Certificate: Image Consultant with, namely the United States of America (USA) and Australia. Comparing South African qualifications with AICI-accredited courses helps to align local qualifications with international standards, fostering professional development, market competitiveness, and ethical standards. This comparison promotes continuous learning and global networking, enhancing the international standing of South African image consultants. Australia The Academy of Professional Image offers the Image Consultant programme. Entry requirements are not specified. The programme is designed to be accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds and of any age. Learners can complete their course over a period of a year. Knowledge in-depth understanding of colour and style theory, application of colour analysis, and how personal values influence style choices. Skills Conducting personal colour analysis, creating effective wardrobe plans, personal shopping, and developing a professional image for clients. Competencies Empowerment through knowledge to work as successful personal colour consultants and personal stylists, ability to work with various client demographics, and applying a holistic approach to personal styling. Similarities Both qualifications emphasise the importance of practical skills in image consulting and wardrobe management and a thorough understanding of colour and style in personal image management. Differences The South African qualification requires practical experience and focuses more on direct client interaction. In contrast, the Australian course offers flexibility through online learning and a deeper scientific approach to colour and styling. The Australian qualification also aligns with international standards recognised by AICI. The qualification does not indicate educational levels, credits and duration. USA Conselle Institute of Image Management offers the Image Consultant course. While the USA Conselle Institute of Image Management does not explicitly mention detailed entry requirements, it recommends that international students speak and understand English before enrolling. Translators are available for hire if international students need them. Learners can complete their courses within a year. Knowledge Comprehensive understanding of the psychological, social, physical, and artistic aspects of dress and image. Skills Wardrobe management, personal style development, client service programming, product development, and business management. Competencies Proficiency in dealing with various aspects of business, including organisational structure, legal issues, marketing, and lifestyle balance. Preparedness for a diverse range of client interactions and business setup. Similarities: The South African qualification and the American programme both qualifications cover the foundational aspects of image consulting, including practical application principles, wardrobe management, and the psychological impact of dress on the individual. Differences: The USA best practice offers a broader, more integrated approach, covering extensive business management and lifestyle coaching, compared to the more focused, practical approach of the South African qualification. The USA qualification also caters to a diverse audience, including accommodations for international learners. The course does not indicate educational levels, credits and duration. Conclusion In conclusion, while the South African qualification compares favourably with the Australian, and USA best practices in terms of knowledge, skills and competencies, these providers seem to have an opened ended entry approach whilst the South African qualification requires a specific minimum educational level. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification provides opportunities for the following articulation options.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: Advanced Occupational Certificate: Media/Programme Content Production Manager, NQF Level 6. Diagonal Articulation: National Certificate: Vocational: NQF Level 4. |
| NOTES |
| Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
None Criteria for the accreditation of providers Accreditation requirements, against which Skills Development Providers (SDP) and Assessment Centres, will be accredited, is found in the Curriculum Document, as listed below. Curriculum Code: 514210-000-00-00. Encompassed Trade: None. Assessment Quality Partner (AQP) Services SETA. |
| LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: |
| NONE |
| PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: |
| This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here. |
| NONE |
| All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source. |