National Certificate: Poultry Production (NQF Level 3)
SAQA Qualification ID: 49578
NQF Level: 3 | Credits: 120
Qualification Type: National Certificate
Duration: 12 Months (including practical workplace exposure)
Accreditation: AgriSETA Aligned | Delivered by Inqola Yenguquku Training
Delivery Mode: Blended (Classroom + Practical + Workplace-Based + Online)
Qualification Overview
This qualification is designed to develop competent poultry producers capable of operating efficiently and sustainably in both commercial and small-scale environments. It builds on foundational knowledge (from NQF Level 2). It empowers learners with the technical, supervisory, and management skills required to contribute meaningfully to the poultry value chain — including broilers, layers, breeders, hatcheries, and processing units.
Purpose of the Qualification
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Develop and manage commercial poultry production operations
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Promote food security, livelihood creation, and youth employment
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Improve productivity, compliance, and sustainability in broiler, layer, or breeder operations
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Equip learners with relevant technical, entrepreneurial, and supervisory skills
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Align with industry requirements and biosecurity standards
Learning Outcomes
After completing this qualification, learners will be able to:
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Implement biosecurity measures and manage poultry health risks
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Manage poultry feeding, lighting, watering, and housing systems
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Conduct stockmanship activities: catching, counting, weighing, culling
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Record and interpret data on growth, feed conversion, mortalities, and production
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Identify symptoms of diseases and stress, and apply basic treatments or refer to veterinarians
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Coordinate routine tasks for broiler or layer production
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Operate within standard workplace health and safety protocols
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Apply basic leadership and communication skills in team environments
Qualification Modules
According to the AgriSETA curriculum, the qualification is structured into:
1. Fundamentals (36 Credits)
These build foundational competence in communication and mathematics:
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Communication in the workplace (English literacy)
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Apply mathematics in an agricultural context
2. Core (64 Credits)
These are compulsory poultry-specific unit standards, including:
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Apply biosecurity practices in poultry production (US 120129)
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Monitor and maintain poultry health (US 116125)
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Maintain poultry housing and environmental conditions (US 116124)
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Manage feeding and watering systems (US 116123)
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Monitor production and performance of poultry (US 116127)
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Handle poultry products (e.g., eggs, carcasses)
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Ensure hygiene and sanitation in poultry units
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Apply safety procedures and handle tools/equipment
3. Electives (20 Credits minimum)
Learners may choose electives that support their career direction:
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Hatchery operations
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Poultry slaughter/processing
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Team leadership
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Basic business practices
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Entrepreneurial and cooperative participation
Electives may vary based on delivery context (e.g. broiler, layer, hatchery).
Assessment & Certification
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Formative Assessment: Class activities, group work, on-site observation
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Summative Assessment: Practical demonstration, written test, Portfolio of Evidence (PoE)
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External Assessment/Moderation: As per AgriSETA/QCTO policy
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Award: National Certificate: Poultry Production (NQF 3) issued upon competency in all modules
Target Audience
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Emerging or existing poultry farmers (broiler/layer/hatchery)
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Youth and women in agri-enterprise development
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Farmworkers, poultry assistants, or supervisors
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Co-op members in poultry projects (government or private)
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School leavers interested in entering the poultry industry
Career Pathways & Job Roles
Graduates can pursue roles such as:
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Broiler or Layer Supervisor
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Farm Production Assistant
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Poultry Health & Biosecurity Assistant
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Hatchery Technician or Handler
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Poultry House Manager
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Agri-Cooperative Member or Small-Scale Producer
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Progression to NQF Level 4 or Level 5 (e.g. Animal Production, Poultry Farm Management)
Tuition & Support
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Annual Fee: R23,500 per learner
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Includes all training sessions, materials, PoE development, assessments, and certification
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Payment plans
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Workplace exposure arranged in partnership with host farms or hatcheries
Strategic Alignment
This qualification supports:
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National Poultry Master Plan (Department of Agriculture and DTI)
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Poultry Value Chain Interventions under the Agriculture & Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP)
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Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES) and Youth in Agriculture & Rural Development (YARD)
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District Development Model (DDM): Job creation in local municipalities
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Zero Hunger, Decent Work, and Economic Growth
