Qualifications consist of two distinct parts called "components".

Components may be completed simultaneously or consecutively.

You will be awarded a full City & Guilds Certificate, Diploma or Advanced Diploma when you have successfully completed both the components of the qualification.

The two components to the programmes are:
1) Theory: what a candidate must know
2) Practical: what a candidate must be able to do

THEORETICAL COMPONENT
The Theoretical component of the programme is covered in the manuals that are issued to students by the Institute and is assessed using the Institute's structured programme of tests, exams, class exercises and assignments. The results of these internal tests and assignments are communicated to students on an on-going basis. Comprehensive Progress Reports are issued several times during the year to students, parents, sponsors and other relevant parties.

Students are required to pass every subject and attain the required Institute course average in order to gain entry into the external international examinations, and are then issued with the Institute's Certificate of Completion.

PRACTICAL COMPONENT
The Practical component is made up of a combination of the following:
- Practical Internships
- Practical Assessment Forms to be completed
- Formal Practical Assessments with a qualified Assessor
- Portfolio of Evidence

Practical Internships:
The practical component of the course is conducted primarily through practical internships and employment in industry; it is required in order to achieve a holistic learning experience. Practical training may be arranged with hotels, guesthouses or restaurants where students will be exposed to many aspects of industry in authentic work conditions. They are required to work typical industry hours and are thus able to build their CVs with immediate effect.

The Institute enjoys a close relationship with the industry and will refer students for employment interviews, where opportunities exist. It must be noted, however, that IHE (SA) does not guarantee employment for students.

Referrals for employment will only be done once candidates are registered as bona fide students.

IHE (SA) will assist with referrals for employment wherever possible. However, the ultimate responsibility for gaining practical experience lies with the student.

A Guide to Finding Employment is issued with every Acceptance Letter and is available from the office on request. Further information as well as a guide to successful interviewing is available to students.

Practical Assessment Form:
A Practical Assessment Form is used by students who are working and is required to be completed by the Workplace Mentor on an on-going and regular basis. It contains the list of tasks and activities that the student must be able to do. The Workplace Mentor marks off the relevant blocks and makes any necessary comments as substantiating evidence, only once they are satisfied that the student can do these tasks. This form and the Portfolio of Evidence work in tandem and must be submitted at the end of the year.

Formal Practical Assessments:
Practical assessments will be conducted for all students at agreed times both during and after the completion of the course. There may be more than one assessment, depending on the course. The practical assessments do not have a pass mark but rather a judgment standard of "competent or not". The candidate is observed whilst working in either their workplace during the normal course of their daily duties, or in a simulated environment such as a classroom or demonstration kitchen. A qualified NQ Assessor will advise the candidate in advance of the tasks to be assessed, the candidate carries out the assigned tasks and the Assessor will then determine if they are competent or not.

Should a candidate not be competent, they are able to be re-assessed at a later stage.

There are costs involved in being assessed. These costs will be for the student's account. The fee structure is available at the office and is communicated in advance.

Portfolio of Evidence:
A "Portfolio of Evidence" is a body of work indicating the practical application in the workplace of the theory learned in the classroom. It comprises a workbook that must be completed and is a personal and unique collection of evidence to substantiate the candidate's practical skills and experience. This is a vital component of the programme, and is a compulsory course requirement for all students, both employed and unemployed.

The onus is on the student to compile and assemble this Portfolio and submit the Practical Assessment Form. Guidance is provided throughout by IHE (SA) and the lecturers.

Supplementary Examinations/Re-assessment

Theory Component:
Students who are unsuccessful in theory examinations are able to sit a supplementary examination in order to improve their averages.

Supplementary examinations incur a fee payable by the student.

Should a student not qualify for the supplementary examination, or fail a supplementary examination, the student may be required to re-attend classes for the subject concerned on the next course (subject to availability of classroom space). A subject re-entry fee is payable by the student.

Practical Component:
The practical component is assessed through an external verifying body (City & Guilds) through evaluation of the Portfolio of Evidence, Workplace assessment by Managers / Mentors, as well as Formal Assessments conducted by trained, qualified NQ Assessors. The City & Guilds External Verifier visits the Institute twice annually, and reviews the records of assessment and Portfolios of Evidence of a randomly selected group of students.

Students who are unsuccessful in practical assessments, i.e. those who are judged not competent, may be re-assessed at a later stage after the candidate has had time to practice, develop their skills and receive more hands-on training from Workplace Mentors. A re-assessment fee is payable by the student, as are any additional costs that may be required.

City & Guilds Results and Qualification Award

City & Guilds Theory Examinations are held in June and November each year.

Practical assessments are conducted throughout the year at a time agreed upon with students.

The results of City & Guilds Theory Examinations and Practical Assessments are processed during the year. Certificates, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas are sent out as soon as possible to approved examination centres, who pass them on to individual candidates, preferably in person.

Should City & Guilds diplomas be lost, a replacement fee is charged, and candidates may arrange for such replacement directly with the relevant City & Guilds office.

If you have any queries concerning your results, always discuss this with your centre.

Recognition of Qualifications

Certificates, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas awarded by City & Guilds International are accepted throughout the world as evidence of skills and knowledge certificated to UK standards. Furthermore, a growing number of educational institutions, professional bodies and leading employers have formally recognised achievement of certain City & Guilds qualifications as meeting entry level requirements and enabling exemption from some examinations.

Details of Colleges, Universities and employers who recognise City & Guilds International qualifications as credits towards further study and as potential employees, are available from the Institute upon request.