At the end of June 2026 the guiding skills programmes move over from CATHSSETA to the QCTO and the new guiding qualifications will start to rollout. With this, FGASA is making sure that all of our members are registered with CATHSSETA, have up to date information on their profiles and are legally compliant to work as field guides.

As of 31 May 2026, FGASA will NO LONGER register learners with CATHSSETA. You need to make sure you are correctly registered with CATHSSETA before 31 May.

This affects everyone with the following certifications:

  • Nature Site Guide (NQF2)
  • Nature Site Guide (NQF4)
  • Dangerous Game Site Guide (VPDA/Trails Guide) NQF2
  • Dangerous Game Site Guide (VPDA/Trails Guide) NQF4
  • Marine Nature Site Guide NQF2

If you currently hold any of these certifications done through FGASA, please login to your FGASA profile on our website and check your CATHSSETA status under the “Membership” tab. If you have been registered you will see a CATHSSETA number for your certification. If you have not been registered the page will be blank. If the Membership page is blank (no CATHSSETA numbers or certificate numbers) then you need to contact us as soon as possible so we can register your certifications with CATHSSETA.

If you are not sure or are struggling to access your profile, please contact us as soon as possible so we can check on your CATHSSETA status and register you if necessary. CATHSSETA is a legal requirement to guide in South Africa. FGASA and CATHSSETA will not be able to register you after May 31 2026. Please make sure your paperwork is in order!

If you have not reached out to us to register for or request registration for your CATHSSETA certificate we will not be able to assist you. This is especially important for members who are already qualified guides who have not yet received a CATHSSETA certificate. It is your responsibility to ensure your paperwork is in order and you are recognised as a legal guide. The CATHSSETA certificate is required to register with the provincial tourism agencies to receive your Tourist Guide card and legally conduct guided activities in South Africa.

If you are a FGASA member that has not updated their profile since registration, then please be sure to login to your FGASA profile and update your email address and contact number. These are vital channels of communication that we as a professional body use to communicate important information to our members.

If your currently hold a Nature Site Guide NQF2 certification and are wanting to take your guiding career further by enrolling for Trails Guide (VPDA), Field Guide NQF4 or both, please be sure to enrol for these courses with us and get them registered on CATHSSETA’s system BEFORE 31 May 2026. We encourage all guides to register for the next qualification up form their currently held certificates as we transition fully into our role as a professional body.

We are requesting that all our members please check to see if they have or are at least registered with CATHSSETA for their current level of certification as well as to please update your personal details on your FGASA profiles as soon as possible.

With thanks, the FGASA Team.