OCCUPATIONAL CERTIFICATE
Software Development Course
NQF Level 5: 220 Credits (SAQA ID: 118707)
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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:
1. Knowledge Modules (66 Credits)
Grounding you in theory while extending far beyond the curriculum with Zaio Theory (ZT) modules.
Standard QCTO Modules
- Computers and Computing Systems (12 Credits)
- Desktop & Professional Software for Communication (8 Credits)
- Automated Web Scraping as a Data Source (8 Credits)
- Logical Thinking and Basic Calculations (2 Credits)
- Computing Theory (2 Credits)
- Software Development with HTML5, Open Source Frameworks & Libraries (16 Credits)
- UML as a Standard Modelling Language (4 Credits)
- Querying, Manipulating & Presenting Data with/without MVC (6 Credits)
- SDLC, Programming Languages, Algorithms & Security (3 Credits)
- Governance, Legislation & Ethics (2 Credits)
- 4IR & Future Skills (2 Credits)
- Design Thinking for Innovation (1 Credit)
Zaio Theory Modules (ZTSD) – Market-Ready Skills
- Introduction to Programming using Python
- Evolution of Software Development: From Assembly to AI-assisted Coding
- Introduction to LLMs (Large Language Models)
- Prompt & Context Engineering with Cursor
- Introduction to ReactJS
- REST APIs with ExpressJS (NodeJS)
- SQL, Supabase & MongoDB
- GitHub for Version Control & Collaboration
- Data Flow & System Design
- ChatGPT for Debugging
- RAG & Agentic AI with LangChain
- MCPs in the AI World
- Building AI Business Automation Solutions
🚀 What Makes Zaio Different?
Most QCTO programmes end at the basics. At Zaio, we prepare you for day-one impact:
Production-Ready from Day 1
You will be able to pull a company's codebase, understand it, and add production-ready features immediately.
Beyond the Curriculum
From ReactJS to LangChain, you'll master tools that most junior devs won't touch until years into their careers.
AI + Modern Stack
Learn how to code faster, debug smarter, and ship solutions using AI-assisted development.
Professional Edge
With personal branding, GitHub projects, and deployment experience, you won't just be a graduate — you'll be a complete professional.
Start your journey as a developer or upskill for the digital age.
Our graduates become versatile web developers, ready to build real-world applications and thrive in tech teams.
Tech career paths
- Full-Stack Developer
- Frontend Developer
- Backend Developer
- Web Application Developer
- Technical Co-Founder
- Software Engineer
- QA Engineer
Maximise performance in your career
- Product Manager
- Startup Founder
- Project Lead
- UI/UX Designer
- Digital Marketer
- Business Analyst
Universal skills that enhance any role
- Problem-solving mindset
- Technical communication
- Collaboration
- Digital literacy
- Project management
- 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 Software Developer Programme (220 Credits) is your bridge between academic prestige and industry reality. You graduate with the credibility of a nationally recognised qualification and the skills to deliver code in real workplaces from day one.
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.
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.