FGASA offer their own set of qualifications that are the equivalent of the THETA Skills Programmes. By completing the FGASA qualification you will have satisfied the Skills Programme requirement for registration with DEAT.

FGASA QualificationEquivalent THETA Qualification
FGASA Local guideNature Site Guide NQF2
FGASA Level 1 Nature Site Guide NQF3
FGASA Level 2 Nature Site Guide NQF4
FGASA Level 3Nature Site Guide NQF5
FGASA Trails GuideNature Site Dangerous game areas
Tracker Level 1Nature Site Guide NQF2


FGASA Field Guide Qualifications :

  1. Local guide → category (NQF2): A guide who can conduct a guided nature experience in a limited geographical area.
  2. Level I → (NQF3): A developing guide who can conduct a limited guided nature experience.
  3. Level II → (NQF4): A guide with at least one year experience who can conduct a guided nature experience.
  4. Level III →(NQF6): A professional guide with at least two years experience who can conduct an advanced guided nature experience.
  5. SKS →: A professional guide with specialised knowledge and skills in a particular area of guiding interest.

For Trails Guides:

Any qualified guide operating on foot in an area of dangerous game must also be qualified in the two "Dangerous game area" certificates (unit standards); Advanced rifle handling and View potentially dangerous animals.

For Trackers:

  1. Tracker Level I → (NQF2): A tracker with at least one year of experience, who can track animals and identify the spoor of medium to large animals.
  2. Tracker Level 2 → (NQF4): A tracker with at least two years experience who can track animals and identify moderately difficult and difficult spoor.
  3. Tracker Level 3 → (NQF6): A tracker with at least three years experience who can track animals and identify very difficult spoor.

After completing all required THETA qualification by means of the FGASA exams and practical assessments FGASA will issue the learner achievement form and the relevant THETA certificate.