The TVET system which includes formal and informal TVET delivery has been structured in a way which is different from the regular high school.
In todays’ guide, GESHub.org has explained the classes of Technical and Vocational Education and Training Certificates in Ghana and how they are awarded.
There are 8 stages or levels in the TVET delivery in Ghana, and they are:
- Proficiency 1
- Proficiency 2
- Certificate 1
- Certificate 2
- Diploma
- B’Tech
- M’Tech
- D’Tech
Proficiency 1
The proficiency 1 is awarded to those who got their training through the regular apprenticeship.
Example is when someone completes his/her tailoring or dressmaking training in a neighbourhood shop, the tailors and dressmakers association in collaboration with C’VET, formerly, NVTI set standard practical exams for them and those who pass the exam are awarded the Proficiency 1 certificate.
Another group that are awarded the Proficiency 1 are those who attend TVET/VOTEC institutes for one year or a year and six months and are taught only practically. These students do not write written exams.
Proficiency 2
Proficiency 2 is awarded to those who have been in a Vocational and Technical Education (VOTEC) institute for two years and only write a final practical exam just like Proficiency 1 with no written exam. To get Proficiency 2, you must first possess Proficiency 1.
Aside the VOTEC students, apprentices who have completed their apprenticeship and are working on their own and have the Proficiency 1 can also register and sit the Proficiency 2 exams.
Certificate 1
Certificate 1 is awarded to those that have been in TVET/VOTEC institutes for two years. These students write both written and Practical exams.
The Certificate 1 qualifies the candidate for a two-year diploma at any of the Technical Universities. The core subjects for Certificate 1 are:
- Communication (English)
- Mathematics
- Entrepreneurship and the Trade specific Elective subjects.
To qualify to write the Certificate 1, you must first have a BECE or Proficiency 2.
Certificate 2
Certificate 2 is the equivalent of WASSCE. It is awarded to those that completes a full three years study at a TVET/VOTEC institute. In the old system, which ended last year, the candidates were writing 4 components (Subjects).
These are:
- Trade Theory
- Trade Science
- Trade Drawing and
- Trade Practicals
The new system which starts this January has all TVET/VOTEC institutes under C’VET formally COTVET, and they will be responsible for the examination and Certification of students of TVET/VOTEC both in the formal and informal sector.
They have added ICT, Integrated Science, and an option for either Entrepreneurship or Social Studies.
The Certificate 2 qualifies the candidate for admission into any of the Technical Universities or AAMUSTED (formally UEW – Kumasi) for a four-year Bachelor of Technology. If they do not get the required passes, they may qualify for either three year HND or two year Diploma in their field of study.
Since most individuals are familiar with Diploma, BTech, MTech, and DTech which is Dr. of Technology, information on it will be left for another day. The next time you meet any of these certificates above, don’t get confused.
Published By: Justice Donkoh | GESHub.org
