FGASA will only register new learners and members with CATHSSETA until 31 May 2026. As of 1 June 2026 we will no longer provide the entry level certification for guides as we move fully into our role as a professional body and focus on guiding career and professional development.

This affects 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 are new to FGASA and starting your professional career as a guide it is vital that we receive the correct documentation from you to complete your registration and ensure you meet the legal requirements to operate and work as a guide. A CATHSSETA certificate is the legal requirement for guides, FGASA registers it’s members with CATHSSETA on their behalf. In order to do this, we require the following documentation:

  1. A signed CATHSSETA learner form (sent to you by FGASA)
  2. A certified copy of your South African ID (for SA citizens)
  3. A certified/notarised copy of your foreign passport (for non-South Africans)

If we do not receive the completed and signed CATHSSETA learner form AND a certified copy of your ID or passport FGASA will not issue learning materials. If there are any issues with your documentation we will email you regarding the issue and what steps must be taken to correct it. This documentation must be submitted so we can ensure you meet the legal requirements.

If you are a foreign national and you do not intend to work as a guide in South Africa, then please send us a letter, signed by you, clearly stating that you do not ever intend on working as a guide in South Africa and that you do not want or require CATHSSETA registration.

If you do intend on working as a guide in South Africa then you must send through the required documentation, we will not make any exceptions to this.

Please note that the ID copy (for SA citizens) and/or foreign passport copy MUST be certified or notarised as a true and valid replication of the original document. For South African citizens this can be done at any police station or major bank branches.

For non-South African this can be done at your local Mayor’s office or through a lawyer.

CATHSSETA will not accept a photograph or scan of an ID or passport, it must be a certified or notarised copy.

If your CATHSSETA documentation is not valid, FGASA will email you informing you of this. Please make sure that the email address you have listed on your profile is up to date and accurate.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with this matter.