Knowing how to list qualifications correctly on your CV helps employers quickly understand your educational background, training and professional development.
Your qualifications can include school education, certificates, diplomas, degrees, occupational qualifications, short courses and other relevant training. The way you present them should be clear, consistent and relevant to the position you are applying for.
Whether you are a school leaver, graduate, experienced professional or someone who has completed additional training, this guide explains how to list qualifications on your CV.
What Are Qualifications on a CV?
Qualifications are formal forms of education, training or certification that you have completed or are currently studying.
Depending on your background, your CV may include:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC)
- Diplomas
- Degrees
- Higher Certificates
- Advanced Certificates
- Advanced Diplomas
- Postgraduate qualifications
- Occupational qualifications
- Professional certifications
- Short courses
- Computer courses
- Industry-specific training
You do not necessarily need to list every course you have ever completed. Focus on qualifications that are relevant to your career and the position you are applying for.
Where Should Qualifications Appear on a CV?
Qualifications are normally included in an Education or Qualifications section.
For example:
Education and Qualifications
Advanced Diploma in Information and Communication Technology
ABC University
2024
National Senior Certificate
ABC High School
2019
The exact position of this section can depend on your experience.
For a recent graduate, education may appear near the top of the CV because it is an important part of their background.
For an experienced professional, work experience may appear first, followed by education and qualifications.
How to List Qualifications on a CV
A simple format is:
Qualification Name
Institution Name
Year Completed
For example:
Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
University of South Africa
2025
You can also include the location if useful:
National Diploma in Information Technology
ABC University of Technology – Pretoria, Gauteng
2023
Keeping the same format throughout your CV makes the document easier to read.
List Your Most Recent Qualification First
In most cases, list qualifications in reverse chronological order, meaning your newest or most recent qualification comes first.
For example:
Education
Advanced Diploma in Information Technology
ABC University
2026
Diploma in Information Technology
ABC University
2024
National Senior Certificate
ABC High School
2020
This allows the employer to see your highest or most recent qualification quickly.
How to List a Degree on a CV
When listing a degree, include the full name of the qualification and the institution.
For example:
Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing
University of Pretoria
2025
You can optionally include relevant subjects, specialisations or achievements if they are useful for the job.
For example:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University of Johannesburg
2025
Relevant areas: Programming, Databases and Software Development
Avoid filling your CV with every subject you completed unless the subjects are particularly relevant to the position.
How to List a Diploma on a CV
A diploma can be listed in the same way.
For example:
Diploma in Information Technology
Tshwane University of Technology
2024
If the position specifically requires knowledge covered by your diploma, you can add relevant modules or areas of study.
For example:
Diploma in Human Resource Management
ABC University
2024
Relevant areas: Recruitment, Labour Relations and Human Resource Development
How to List a Certificate on a CV
Certificates can be included under your qualifications or in a separate Certifications and Training section.
For example:
Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel
Microsoft
2025
Or:
Certificate in Digital Marketing
ABC Training Institute
2025
Include the issuing organisation and completion year where appropriate.
How to List Your National Senior Certificate
For South African school leavers, the National Senior Certificate can be listed as:
National Senior Certificate (NSC)
ABC High School
2025
You can also include relevant subjects if you are applying for an opportunity where specific subjects are important.
For example:
National Senior Certificate (NSC)
ABC High School
2025
Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences, English, Life Sciences and Accounting
You do not need to list every school subject on every CV.
How to List Qualifications When You Are Still Studying
You can include a qualification that you are currently studying.
However, make it clear that it has not yet been completed.
For example:
Bachelor of Information Technology
ABC University
Expected completion: 2027
Or:
Diploma in Business Management
ABC College
Currently studying
Avoid listing an incomplete qualification as though you have already graduated.
How to List an Incomplete Qualification
If you studied towards a qualification but did not complete it, you can still include it when it is relevant.
For example:
Bachelor of Commerce
University of ABC
Completed coursework towards degree, 2022–2024
You can decide whether to include it based on how relevant it is to the position.
The important thing is to present your education honestly.
How to List Professional Certifications
Professional certifications can be particularly useful for specialised careers.
Examples include certifications related to:
- Information technology
- Project management
- Accounting
- Health and safety
- Digital marketing
- Cybersecurity
- Microsoft products
- Networking
- Cloud computing
- First aid
- Occupational skills
A simple format is:
Certification Name
Issuing Organisation
Year
For example:
CompTIA A+
CompTIA
2025
Only include certifications that you have actually earned.
How to List Short Courses
Short courses can demonstrate additional knowledge and professional development.
For example:
Additional Training
Introduction to Project Management
ABC Training Academy
2025
Advanced Microsoft Excel
ABC Training Academy
2024
Digital Marketing Fundamentals
ABC Online Academy
2024
Prioritise courses that are relevant to the job.
If you have completed many short courses, you do not need to list every one.
How to List Qualifications for a First Job
If you are applying for your first job, your qualifications may be one of the strongest sections of your CV.
For example:
Education
National Senior Certificate
ABC High School
2025
Relevant subjects:
- Mathematics
- English
- Accounting
- Business Studies
- Computer Applications Technology
You can also include relevant courses, certificates, projects, achievements and skills.
For more information, see our guide on how to write a CV with no work experience.
How to List Qualifications for a Graduate CV
Graduates can give their highest qualification more attention.
For example:
Education
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University of ABC
2026
Relevant areas:
- Programming
- Database Systems
- Software Development
- Computer Networks
National Senior Certificate
ABC High School
2022
You generally do not need to provide extensive information about your school education once you have completed higher education, unless it is specifically relevant.
Should You Include Your Grades or Marks?
You can include academic results when they strengthen your application or when the employer specifically requests them.
For example:
Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
ABC University
2025
Average: 72%
For school leavers, strong subject results may also be useful when applying for certain programmes.
However, you do not have to list every mark on your CV unless it is relevant or requested.
Should You Include Your Qualification Code?
In most cases, qualification codes are not necessary on a standard CV.
The important information is usually:
- Qualification name
- Institution
- Completion year
- Relevant specialisation or major
If an application specifically requests a qualification code or registration information, provide it as requested.
Should You Include the Institution’s Location?
You can include the city or province, but it is not always necessary.
For example:
Diploma in Business Management
ABC University – Johannesburg, Gauteng
2025
Or simply:
Diploma in Business Management
ABC University
2025
Choose one format and use it consistently throughout your CV.
Should You Include High School After University?
If you have completed a university degree, diploma or other higher qualification, you may not need to provide detailed information about high school.
For example:
Bachelor of Information Technology
ABC University
2026
National Senior Certificate
ABC High School
2022
This is usually enough.
If your CV is already becoming long, the school qualification can often be shortened or removed depending on the position.
How to List Multiple Qualifications
If you have several qualifications, organise them clearly.
For example:
Education and Qualifications
Advanced Diploma in Information Technology
ABC University
2026
Diploma in Information Technology
ABC University
2024
National Senior Certificate
ABC High School
2020
Professional Certifications
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
Microsoft
2025
CompTIA A+
CompTIA
2024
Separating formal education from professional certifications can make your CV easier to understand.
Should Qualifications Be Tailored to the Job?
Yes.
Your CV does not need to contain every qualification you have ever completed.
If you are applying for an IT position, your IT qualification and technical certifications should be easy to find.
If you are applying for an administrative position, qualifications related to administration, business, information technology or communication may be more relevant.
The goal is to make the most relevant information easy for the employer to identify.
How to List Qualifications for Different Careers
IT
Diploma in Information Technology
ABC University
2025
Relevant areas: Networking, Programming, Databases and Technical Support
Accounting
Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
ABC University
2025
Relevant areas: Financial Accounting, Auditing and Taxation
Teaching
Bachelor of Education
ABC University
2025
Specialisation: Senior and Further Education and Training
Engineering
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
ABC University of Technology
2025
Relevant areas: Engineering Design, Manufacturing and Mechanical Systems
Administration
Higher Certificate in Business Administration
ABC College
2024
Relevant areas: Office
