Public Service Administrator

This qualification is ideal for:

• Newly appointed administrative and clerical workers in the public service
• School leavers seeking a career in government administration
• Individuals aiming to formalise their public sector experience
• Anyone passionate about contributing to efficient public service delivery

With this qualification, you can kickstart your career as:

• A Public Service Administrator in national, provincial or local government departments
• An Administrative Officer supporting unit-level operations
• A Records and Information Clerk managing public service documentation
• A Human Resource or Finance Support Assistant in government units
• A Supply Chain Support Officer ensuring compliance and efficiency in procurement

Download our comprehensive fact sheet for full details.

• Public Sector Governance introduces you to the heartbeat of South Africa’s democratic government - how it’s structured, how it functions, and why ethical leadership matters. You’ll explore how laws, values, and integrity shape public service delivery, while gaining insight into anti-corruption strategies and inclusive governance practices that make a real difference in communities.
• Human Resource and Personal Development empowers you to thrive in the public service workplace by mastering HR fundamentals and unlocking your personal growth potential. You’ll learn how to navigate employment conditions, set performance goals, manage stress, and lead with confidence - building the skills to work effectively in teams and drive your own career forward.
• Programme and Project Management equips you with the skills to plan, manage, and evaluate public service projects with confidence. You’ll master the phases of project execution, learn to set timelines and milestones, and understand how government planning cycles shape real-world service delivery - all while building your ability to lead and deliver results in a structured, deadline-driven environment.
• Communication and Administration gives you the confidence to communicate professionally and manage daily operations in a public service environment. You’ll master the art of writing official documents, coordinating meetings, managing records, and supporting managers - building the kind of practical skills that make you indispensable in any government office.
• Financial and Supply Chain Support gives you the practical tools to manage budgets, procurement, and resources confidently within a public service unit. You’ll learn how to analyse expenditure, support supply chain processes, and apply ethical financial principles - making you a vital part of any government department’s operational success
• Digital Competency gives you the confidence to navigate the digital tools that power today’s public service. From mastering computer hardware and operating systems to becoming fluent in MS Office applications like Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint - you’ll gain the tech skills needed to work smarter, faster, and more professionally in any government department.
• Administrative Operations gives you hands-on experience in the daily workings of a public service unit - from coordinating meetings and managing records to operating office equipment and supporting managers. You’ll build real-world confidence by mastering the tools and techniques that keep government departments running smoothly and professionally.

This Occupational Certificate is accredited by the Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO).

Successful students will achieve a nationally recognised Occupational Certificate: Public Service Administrator (SAQA ID 118766 at NQF Level 5)

• NQF Level 4 qualification with Mathematical Literacy
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may apply
• All classes and assessments are conducted in English

Knowledge Modules - Theory

• Government System
• Human Resource Administration
• Programme and Project Management
• Public Service Communication and Administration
• Ethics, Good Administration and Integrity in the Public Service
• Developing Self in the Workplace
• Financial and Supply Chain Administration
• Using Technology Effectively and Efficiently to Meet Public Service Requirements

Practical Modules - Hands-on Learning

• Administer workplace outputs
• Draft official communication documents in the workplace
• Provide administrative support for the resources at unit level
• Develop oneself in a unit

Workplace Experience Modules - Real World Practices

• Provide day to day administrative support to managers in a unit
• Conduct self-management processes and procedures in the workplace
• Apply value driven and appropriate human resources, financial and supply chain management principles at unit level