Major Milestone as Swiss Hotel School Earns QCTO Status for Chef Trade Tests and RPL Pathways

The new QCTO status allows SHS to assess students, graduates and working chefs through formal trade testing and RPL pathways

The Swiss Hotel School South Africa has been officially accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) as an Assessment and Trade Test Centre for the Occupational Certificate: Chef, marking a major milestone in the institution’s commitment to career-focused culinary education.

This highly sought-after accreditation authorises SHS to conduct trade tests and formal assessments for current students, alumni, and working chefs seeking qualification through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). With three registered Trade Test Assessors permanently on faculty, SHS is now uniquely positioned to bridge academic training and real-world industry experience at the highest professional standard.

The QCTO accreditation empowers SHS to assess current SHS students, past SHS graduates, hospitality professionals seeking certification through RPL.

This development ensures that aspiring and established chefs alike can formalise their skills through a nationally recognised occupational qualification; enhancing employability and advancing career progression within South Africa’s hospitality sector.

As part of the accreditation process, SHS has appointed three permanent, QCTO-registered Trade Test Assessors to its faculty, guaranteeing that all assessments are delivered in accordance with strict regulatory requirements and industry benchmarks.

“This accreditation reinforces our promise to students and the hospitality sector; that training at SHS leads to credible, career-defining outcomes,” said Mr. Stephen Hickmore, Co-owner and Director of The Swiss Hotel School South Africa. “We are proud to create meaningful pathways for both young chefs entering the industry and seasoned professionals seeking formal recognition of their expertise.”

Bridging Education and Industry Experience

The new Trade Test Centre status strengthens SHS’s role as a leading culinary education provider, enabling it to serve not only full-time students but also professionals who have built their careers through hands-on industry experience.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessments allow chefs and cooks already employed in the hospitality sector to convert years of practical experience into an officially recognised qualification; opening doors to promotions, international opportunities and further professional development.

About Us

The Swiss Hotel School South Africa is an award-winning, premier hospitality and culinary training institution dedicated to producing industry-ready graduates through world-class education, hands-on learning and international best practices. With a strong focus on professionalism, innovation and career progression, SHS prepares students to thrive in the fast-paced global hospitality environment.

Conclusion

This QCTO accreditation represents a defining step forward for The Swiss Hotel School South Africa; strengthening its reputation for excellence while expanding opportunities for aspiring and established chefs across the country. Those interested in trade testing, Recognition of Prior Learning pathways or culinary programmes are encouraged to contact SHS directly or visit the school’s website for more information.