The National Qualifications Framework Act No 67 of 2008  makes provision for three Quality Councils (General and Further Education and Training, Higher Education and Trades and Occupations).

Operationally these three QCs will take responsibility for the development of qualifications and quality assurance. Each of the QCs will, in consultation with SAQA, develop criteria for the registration of their qualifications and qualification types by SAQA.

Currently, Umalusi, the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training is responsible for quality assurance. The Umalusi Council sets and monitors standards for general and further education and training in South Africa in accordance with the General and Further Education and Training Quality Assurance Act, 2001.

Umalusi is currently responsible for the certification of the following qualifications in general and further education and training:

• Senior Certificate (SC) - to be phased out by 2011
• National Senior Certificate (NSC) - Commencing by 2008
• National Technical Certificate (N3) - Phasing Out
• National Senior Certificate (Vocational) - Commencing by 2008
• National Certificate Vocational (NCV) - Commenced 2007
• General Education Training Certificate : Adults (GETC)

In order to issue learners with certificates that are credible, Umalusi:

• evaluates qualifications and curricula to ensure that they are of the expected standard;
• moderates assessment to ensure that it is fair, valid and reliable;
• conducts research to ensure educational quality;
• accredits educational and assessment providers;
• verifies the authenticity of certificates.