The qualification addresses the urgent need for the establishment of skills and accompanying standards that the Cannabis production industry requires, especially on the smaller Cannabis plantations and for the emerging farmers. The qualification provides learners with access to learning in specialised areas within the Cannabis industry. In addition, the qualification will equip the learners with the necessary background knowledge and skills to be portable within other agricultural industries.

This qualification and the resultant skills that are gained will have a positive contribution to the productivity and sustainability of existing plantations and those of emerging Cannabis/Hemp farmers. This in turn will address one of the South African National Priorities of reducing the level of unemployment and under employment.

The qualification is made up of the following Components:

• The Fundamental Component consists of modules totaling 23 credits; all of which are compulsory.
• The Core Component consists of modules totaling 11 credits; all of which are compulsory.
• The Elective Component consists of a number of specialisation categories. Learners are to choose one specialisation category and complete all the modules, totaling at least 63 credits, listed for that specialisation category.