Occupational Certificate: Commercial Cleaner
The foundation qualification for cleaning staff in offices, retail sites and other commercial premises, delivered as a learnership at your workplace.
Who it’s for
Cleaners working, or about to work, for contract cleaning companies and in-house cleaning teams. There are no formal entry requirements: SAQA lists the qualification as open access.
What your staff will be able to do
The qualification prepares a learner to function as a commercial cleaner. On completion, learners can:
- prepare equipment, tools, chemicals and consumables to clean commercial premises to specification
- complete the cleaning of commercial premises to standard, using the right cleaning principles and methods
That includes using cleaning chemicals, equipment and consumables safely and effectively, for the protection of your staff and your clients.
Building blocks
The full certificate is made up of four part qualifications, each at NQF Level 1. Staff can start with one and build towards the full certificate:
- Commercial Kitchenette Cleaner
- Commercial Ablution Cleaner
- Commercial Above-Surface Cleaner
- Commercial Floor Cleaner
How we deliver it
We train on-site at your premises anywhere in South Africa, so your team learns on the surfaces and equipment they use every day, with less time away from work. Our Gauteng venue is available if you prefer. Learners finish with an external integrated summative assessment, and the QCTO issues the certificate.
Why enrol before the end of 2026
The SAQA register lists 31 December 2026 as the last date for new enrolments on this qualification. Learners enrolled by then have until 31 December 2029 to complete it. The QCTO may extend this date, and we’ll update this page if it does. A learnership agreement signed before 1 April 2027 can also qualify for the Section 12H tax allowance.
Questions companies ask
What are the entry requirements for the Commercial Cleaner certificate?
None. SAQA lists the minimum entry requirement as open access, which makes it a good first qualification for cleaning staff.
When do enrolments for SAQA 118709 close?
The SAQA register lists 31 December 2026 as the last date for enrolment, and 31 December 2029 as the last date for achievement. Learners must be enrolled before the end of 2026.
Can my staff do part of the qualification first?
Yes. The qualification has four NQF Level 1 part qualifications: Commercial Kitchenette Cleaner, Commercial Ablution Cleaner, Commercial Above-Surface Cleaner and Commercial Floor Cleaner. Learners who complete part qualifications get recognition for those modules if they later enrol for the full certificate.
Is a Commercial Cleaner learnership eligible for the Section 12H tax allowance?
A registered learnership at NQF Level 1 falls within the NQF 1 to 6 band of Section 12H, so it can qualify for an allowance of up to R40,000 per year of registration plus up to R40,000 on completion, provided the agreement is entered into before 1 April 2027. Confirm your own position with your tax practitioner.