The N4 to N6 Financial Management courses help you learn the skills needed for jobs in finance. Completing these courses takes about 3 years in total. This includes all three levels—N4, N5, and N6. Let’s look more in detail at the length of the courses and what you’ll learn in them.
How Long Does It Take To Complete N4 To N6?
To complete N4 to N6 Financial Management, you will spend around 36 months, or 3 years, if you study each level one after the other. Each level—N4, N5, and N6—takes about 12 months. This includes studying the main subjects, completing assignments, and preparing for exams.
Some students may take less time if they study faster, but it’s important to understand each topic well, as each level builds on the last.
Can You Learn N4 In 3 Months?
Learning N4 Financial Management in 3 months may be challenging because the course is usually set for a 12-month period. However, with hard work and extra focus, some students may finish faster. It’s important to understand the course content well since N4 provides the foundation for N5 and N6.
Is N4 Equal To Matric?
No, N4 Financial Management is not equal to matric. The N4 level is a post-matric course, which means it’s a higher level of study than matric. N4 is designed to build on the knowledge students have after finishing high school.
Can I Do N4 If I Failed Matric?
If you haven’t passed matric, you may not be able to start N4 in Financial Management. Most colleges require a matric certificate or equivalent to study N4. If you need to complete matric first, consider taking a matric course before applying for N4.
Can I Do N4 Without Matric?
In most cases, you need a matric certificate to study N4 Financial Management. Skills Academy accepts other qualifications that are equal to matric, you can check with us before applying.
National Certificate: Financial Management N4 – N6
The N4 to N6 Financial Management courses lead to National Certificates in Financial Management. These certificates show you have completed each level and have the skills needed for finance jobs. Let’s look closely at the course details:
Course Code And Accreditation Status
Each course level from N4 to N6 has its own course code and is accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). Here’s a table with the course codes and accreditation status for each level:
| Course Level | Course Code | Accreditation Status |
|---|---|---|
| N4 | 66871 | QCTO-accredited |
| N5 | 66872 | QCTO-accredited |
| N6 | 66873 | QCTO-accredited |
Admission Requirements
Each level of Financial Management has its own admission requirements. Here’s what you need to enrol in each course:
| Course Level | Admission Requirements |
|---|---|
| N4 | Matric certificate or equivalent |
| N5 | Completion of N4 Financial Management |
| N6 | Completion of N5 Financial Management |
Subjects Covered
Let’s go over the subjects in the NATED Finance courses. We’ll also take a look at subjects you can do in high school that’ll help with these courses.
Financial Management N4-N6 Subjects
These subjects prepare you for roles in finance and help build your knowledge as you move up each level.
| Course Level | Subjects | Description |
|---|---|---|
| N4 | Financial Accounting, Management Communication, Computerised Financial Systems, Entrepreneurship | Teaches basics of accounting, communication in business, computer skills, and small business management. |
| N5 | Financial Accounting, Cost & Management Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Computerised Financial Systems | Covers cost control, accounting skills, business planning, and computer applications for finance. |
| N6 | Financial Accounting, Cost & Management Accounting, Computerised Financial Systems, Entrepreneurship | Focuses on advanced accounting, managing finances with computers, and decision-making in business. |
Financial Management Subjects In High School
High school subjects that can help you in N4 to N6 Financial Management include:
- Mathematics: Teaches basic calculations and problem-solving skills that are essential in finance.
- Accounting: Provides a foundation in managing financial records, which is useful for budgeting and financial reporting.
- Business Studies: Introduces you to how businesses work, which helps in understanding finance topics.
- Computer Applications Technology: Builds computer skills needed for managing finance software and records.
These high school subjects help you get ready for the finance skills you’ll need in N4 to N6 Financial Management.
Assessment And Award
Each level of N4 to N6 Financial Management includes assignments and exams. Completing these assessments is necessary to pass each course and earn your certificate. Here’s a summary of the assessments and awards for each level:
| Course Level | Assessments | Award |
|---|---|---|
| N4 | Three open-book assignments and final exams per subject | National Certificate: Financial Management N4 |
| N5 | Three open-book assignments and final exams per subject | National Certificate: Financial Management N5 |
| N6 | Three open-book assignments and final exams per subject | National Certificate: Financial Management N6 |
Academic Pathways And Skills Improvement
Completing the N4 to N6 Financial Management programme can lead to different paths for study and career growth.
What Should I Do After Completing N6 Financial Management?
After you finish N6 Financial Management, you can:
- Gain Work Experience: Gaining practical experience helps you get high-paying jobs.
- Study Further: You may also choose to study further in areas like finance, accounting, or business. Some colleges and institutions may accept your N6 qualification as part of their entry requirements.
How Can I Further Improve My Skills And Career?
Improving your skills can help you succeed in your finance career. Here are some ways to keep growing:
- Gain Experience in Different Roles: Try different types of finance roles, like bookkeeping or financial administration, to build a wide range of skills.
- Learn New Finance Software: Many finance jobs use software like spreadsheets or accounting tools. Learning these can help you work faster and more accurately.
- Take Additional Courses: Courses in accounting, business management, or advanced finance can improve your skills and prepare you for higher positions.
What Is The Minimum Level In Financial Management?
The minimum level in the NATED Financial Management programme is N4. This level introduces the basics of finance, budgeting, and accounting, and prepares you for the next levels, N5 and N6.
What Nqf Level Is Financial Management?
The Financial Management N4 to N6 courses are at NQF Level 5 in South Africa. This is a post-secondary qualification, which means it’s a higher level than high school (matric).
Career Opportunities In Financial Management
Completing N4 to N6 Financial Management can prepare you for jobs in many different industries. This qualification gives you the skills needed to work with money, create budgets, and keep financial records, which are important in many businesses.
What Kind Of Job Is Financial Management?
A job in financial management involves handling a company’s finances, which means creating budgets, tracking spending, and helping the company make financial choices. Financial management jobs are important because they help companies stay organised and financially healthy.
In Which Industries Will I Be Able To Work?
With skills from the N4 to N6 Financial Management courses, you can work in many different industries. Here are some examples:
- Retail: Managing finances for stores, including tracking sales and expenses.
- Healthcare: Working with budgets and finances for hospitals and clinics.
- Manufacturing: Overseeing costs and budgets for producing goods.
- Education: Managing finances for schools or colleges.
- Finance: Working in banks, accounting firms, or investment companies.
These industries all need financial management to keep track of their money and help them grow.
N4-N6 Financial Management Salary
With an N4 to N6 Financial Management qualification, you can apply for different jobs in finance. Here’s a look at some of the jobs you can do, their main duties, and the average salaries in South Africa:
| Job Title | Duties | Average Salary (ZAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Administrator |
| R15,000 – R30,000 per month |
| Bookkeeper |
| R10,000 – R25,000 per month |
| Auditor |
| R20,000 – R45,000 per month |
| Accountant |
| R20,000 – R50,000 per month |
| Financial Manager |
| R30,000 – R70,000 per month |
Can I Get A Job With An N4 Certificate?
Yes, with an N4 certificate in Financial Management, you can apply for entry-level finance jobs, such as financial administrator or junior bookkeeper. The N4 certificate provides the basic skills needed for starting a career in finance.
What Will I Be Qualified As After Completing The Course?
After completing each level in Financial Management, you will earn a certificate. Here’s what you receive at each stage:
- N4 Financial Management: National Certificate in Financial Management N4
- N5 Financial Management: National Certificate in Financial Management N5
- N6 Financial Management: National Certificate in Financial Management N6
What Will I Be Able To Do?
With your Financial Management qualifications, you’ll have skills to manage finances in a company. Here’s what you’ll be able to do:
- Create Budgets: Plan how money is spent and saved to reach financial goals.
- Track Expenses: Keep records of spending to make sure the company stays within its budget.
- Prepare Financial Reports: Summarise the company’s financial status for managers and decision-makers.
- Use Finance Software: Work with spreadsheets and finance tools to keep information organised.
- Analyse Financial Data: Review data to help the company make smart financial decisions.
These skills help you become a valuable team member in any finance department.
Understanding The Financial Management Curriculum
The N4 to N6 Financial Management curriculum teaches important skills you need for finance jobs. These courses start with basics in N4, and each level builds on the last. By the end of N6, you’ll have a solid understanding of finance and be ready for entry-level jobs or further studies.
Is It Hard To Study Financial Management?
Financial Management can feel challenging, especially if you’re new to finance topics. You’ll learn about budgeting, accounting, and financial planning, which need focus and practice. Many students find that regular study and asking questions when they’re stuck make it easier to understand.
Is There A Lot Of Maths In Financial Management?
Yes, there is some maths in Financial Management, but it’s mostly basic maths. You’ll use addition, subtraction, percentages, and other simple calculations. Advanced maths isn’t usually needed, so as long as you’re comfortable with basic maths, you should be able to handle it.
Can I Do Financial Management Without Accounting?
Yes, you can study Financial Management without previous knowledge of accounting. Basic accounting is part of the course, so you’ll learn what you need as you study.
What Is N4 To N6 Equivalent To?
The N4 to N6 Financial Management courses are equivalent to NQF Level 5 qualifications in South Africa. They are post-secondary (after high school) qualifications, which means they are higher than matric but not yet university degrees. Together with work experience, they lead to a National Diploma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each level of Financial Management (N4, N5, and N6) usually takes 12 months to complete. In total, it takes about 3 years to finish all three levels.
The N6 Financial Management course is the third and final level in the NATED Financial Management programme. After N6, you can complete 18 months of work experience to qualify for a National Diploma.
The N4 Financial Management course is the first level in the NATED Financial Management programme. It introduces you to the basics of finance, budgeting, and accounting.
Some universities may accept an N6 qualification along with other requirements or work experience. It’s best to check with the university as each one has its own entry rules.
After completing N6 and 18 months of work experience, you qualify for a National Diploma in Financial Management. This diploma shows you have both the knowledge and experience needed for finance jobs.
Yes, with a diploma or degree in Financial Management, you can work in accounting roles. Many accountants study finance or financial management, as both fields require similar skills.
Yes, a Diploma in Financial Management is valuable. It is respected by employers and gives you skills for various finance jobs. With a diploma, you may also qualify for higher-paying roles.
In South Africa, an experienced financial manager can earn up to R70,000 or more per month. Salaries can vary based on experience, company size, and location.
With an N6 in Financial Management, you can apply for entry-level finance jobs like financial administrator or junior accountant. This qualification gives you skills in budgeting, accounting, and managing financial records.
No, an N4 certificate alone doesn’t meet the entry requirements for university. However, it’s a good starting point, and you can continue to N5 and N6, or gain work experience.
Yes, an N4 certificate can help you get entry-level finance jobs, such as financial clerk or junior bookkeeper. It gives you basic finance skills that are needed in many workplaces.
No, N4 to N6 are separate certificates. Once you complete all three levels and 18 months of work experience, you qualify for a National Diploma.
After finishing N4, you can enrol in the N5 Financial Management course. N5 builds on what you learned in N4 and prepares you for N6.
Yes, some colleges may allow you to study N4 Financial Management if you have a higher certificate that is equal to matric. Check with the college to see if your certificate is accepted.
No, N4 Financial Management is not a bridging course. It is the first level in the NATED Financial Management programme and leads to N5 and N6 qualifications in finance.
