As we approach the expiry date of the CATHSSETA legacy programmes in June 2026, we are conducting an audit to ensure every qualified member has their CATHSSETA certificate on file.

We would also like to encourage those who have successfully completed their NQF2 certification to register for their NQF4 certification and their Trails Guide (VPDA) certification before the cut-off date of 31 May 2026. This is to ensure that you are registered with CATHSSETA for the certification before the skills programmes expire.

The Nature Site Guide NQF4 certification is the minimum required to obtain a professional designation from FGASA. Any member who has not achieved the Nature Site Guide NQF4 certification, but holds a valid NQF2, will automatically be a member of FGASA (Apprentice Field Guide). All registered members will have until June 2029 to complete all CATHSSETA registered skills programmes. All members who currently hold the Nature Site Guide NQF4 will be awarded the Certified Field Guide professional designation.

Please be sure to submit the required documentation when registering with FGASA for a CATHSSETA skills programme. This documentation includes the CATHSSETA Registration Form  as well as a certified copy of your ID/Passport (for foreign learners) no older than three months.

If you have not yet arranged for your certificate to be sent to you, or collected from the FGASA office, please call the office on +2711 8868245 and dial extension 7, or contact Milly in the office, on cathsseta@fgasa.org.za so we can arrange either a collection or postage option that suits you.

If you are in the process of acquiring Nature Site Guide NQF2, NQF4 or Trails Guide (VPDA), please make sure that you have submitted the following to the office:

  1. Certified current copy of your ID
  2. CATHSSETA registration form. It is very important to do this as soon as possible as FGASA will no longer accept or process CATHSSETA registrations after 31 May 2026.

Please note that a CATHSSETA form needs to be completed and signed, for each new programme. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

We are here to support you every step of the way, and we appreciate your cooperation in keeping our records up to date. Please contact us if you have any queries with regards to the contents of this letter.