OCCUPATIONAL CERTIFICATE
AI & ML Engineer
Occupational Certificate: Artificial Intelligence Software Developer
NQF Level 5: 209 Credits (SAQA ID: 118792)
.webp)
per year
Part 1 Theory Modules
Runs with Part 2
Theory Exam
Part 2 Practical Training
Runs with Part 1
Workbook, Observation & Assessment
Part 3 Workplace Modules
External or Onsite
Observation & Logbook
External Integrated Summative Assessment
EISA
Admission Requirements
Qualification Structure
This qualification is built from three core pillars aligned with the QCTO framework: Knowledge (86 Credits) · Practical Skills (63 Credits) · Work Experience (60 Credits)
1. Knowledge Modules (86 Credits)
Grounding you in the mathematics, theory and language of AI while extending well beyond the standard scope with Zaio Theory (ZTAI) modules.
Standard QCTO Modules
- Overview of Artificial Intelligence (2 Credits)
- Introduction to Mathematics and Statistics (10 Credits)
- Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving (3 Credits)
- Data, Databases and Data Visualisation (8 Credits)
- Computing Theory (8 Credits)
- Introduction to AI, Machine Learning and Deep Learning (5 Credits)
- Artificial Intelligence (12 Credits)
- Machine Learning (16 Credits)
- Deep Learning (16 Credits)
- Introduction to Governance, Legislation and Ethics (1 Credit)
- Fundamentals of Design Thinking and Innovation (1 Credit)
- 4IR and Future Skills (4 Credits)
Zaio Theory Modules (ZTAI) – Market-Ready AI Skills
- Python for AI Engineers (from zero to production)
- Modern LLM Landscape: GPT, Claude, Llama, Gemini
- Prompt & Context Engineering with Cursor
- RAG Pipelines with LangChain and Vector Databases
- Building & Fine-tuning Custom Models
- Agentic AI: Multi-agent workflows and tool use
- MCPs (Model Context Protocols) in Production
- Vector Stores
- Deploying AI on the Cloud (AWS Bedrock, Azure OpenAI, GCP Vertex)
- AI Product Design: from prompt to shipped feature
- GitHub for AI Engineers
What Makes Zaio Different?
Most QCTO AI programmes stop at "here's what a neural network is." At Zaio, we prepare you to build AI products people pay for:
Ship AI Products from Day 1
You'll leave this programme having built and deployed multiple working AI systems — chatbots, RAG apps, agents, computer vision demos — with real users testing them.
Beyond the Curriculum
From LangChain and MCPs to fine-tuning and multi-agent frameworks, you'll master tools that most AI engineers only touch years into their careers.
AI + Modern Stack
Learn Python, cloud deployment, vector databases and modern MLOps alongside classical ML. You leave fluent in both the theory and the toolchain.
Portfolio That Sells
Graduate with a public GitHub, deployed demos and a technical writeup for each project. Employers can see and test your work before the interview.
Start your journey as an AI engineer or upskill for the AI economy
Our graduates become versatile AI professionals, ready to build production AI systems and lead AI adoption inside modern tech teams.
Tech career paths
- AI/ML Engineer
- Prompt Engineer
- AI Product Engineer
- Applied AI Developer
- ML Ops Engineer
- Data Scientist (Junior)
- AI Automation Specialist
Maximise performance in your career
- AI Product Manager
- Startup Founder (AI vertical)
- AI Consultant
- Technical Co-Founder
- Solutions Architect
Universal skills that enhance any role
- Problem decomposition
- Data literacy
- Automation mindset
- Technical writing
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Continuous learning
Our Flexible Tuition Options
We provide a direct path to a high-paying career, with less risk. We designed our tuition options to ensure more people can access the education needed to launch a career in tech.
Finance up to 100% of your qualification
Finance up to 100% of your qualification with our funding partnerships
Starting from
- 24/7 Support
- Certificate upon completion
Upfront Payment
Pay upfront and get started immediately
- 24/7 Support
- Certificate upon completion
Note: EISA exam fee not included (R6000). Financing terms: Same as first year. Speak to a consultant for more information.
Our Alumni work at companies like Amazon, Takealot, and Vodacom
Our alumni of students means everything to us and we're grateful to have placed designers in Entelect, FNB, Yoyo and more amazing teams around the world
Prestige + Practicality
The Zaio QCTO AI Software Developer Programme (209 Credits) bridges academic recognition and industry reality. You graduate with a nationally recognised qualification and the ability to build AI systems that solve real business problems.
Regulatory Information
Zaio Institute of Technology has been accredited, and quality assured by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), Accreditation Number: 07-QCTO/SDP220925101328 valid for 5 years.
Assessment Quality Partner (AQP): MICT SETA
Integrated Formative Assessment:
The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment together with work experience leads to entrance in the integrated external summative assessment.
Integrated summative assessment:
An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria.
The external integrated summative assessment will be conducted through a theoretical assessment and the evaluation of practical tasks at decentralised approved assessment sites in a simulated environment and conducted by an assessor(s) registered with the relevant AQP.