SAGMA Accredited Course

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SELF-STUDY COURSES (E-LEARNING)

SAGMA does not offer in-person training. Instead, we provide comprehensive Learning Guides to support your self-study as part of the certificate programme.
Please note: The content and design of these guides are protected by copyright and remain the property of the Southern African Grain Milling Academy. Only registered candidates who have purchased a Learning Guide are permitted to use it, and no student will be allowed to sit for the exam without proof of registration for our courses.

SAGMA ACCREDITED COURSE (Occupational Certificate: Miller)

Overview

This is a QCTO/SAQA-accredited course designed for individuals aiming to become qualified Millers in the maize or wheat milling industry. The programme covers theoretical training and practical workplace experience, culminating in the Trade Test and EISA exams.

This course is ideal for candidates who want a full understanding of plant-based grain milling operations. It also serves as an excellent introduction to the milling industry for senior personnel, such as managers and technical leads, who need a sound knowledge base of maize and wheat milling. Mathematical skills are required but will be limited to practical applications relevant to milling.

Admission Requirements
  • Grade 12 (Matric Certificate)
  • Grade 12 preferred subjects Physical Science & Mathematics
  • Employment in a wheat or maize mill
  • Access to a mentor (Head Miller or Training Officer)
  • Good knowledge of English (spoken and written)
Course Duration & Structure
  • 2-Year theory course (8 modules)
  • Logbook and Portfolio of Evidence required
  • 6-month preparation for Trade Test assessment
  • EISA exam in May or November (additional 6 months)
  • First Semester Registration opens end of November and closes the last week of January. Second Semester Registration opens end of May and closes the last week of July.
Modules

Modules 1–8 include: Grain intake, Product handling, Milling technology, Quality control, Legislation, Instrumentation, and more.

Assessment
  • Progress Questions (60% pass required)
  • Semester Exams (60% pass required)
  • Trade Test & EISA (70% pass required for certification)
  • Exam time: 3 hours per module, written under invigilation between 9:00 and 12:00 or 13:00 and 16:00 depending on the module schedule
Progress Question Submission Rules
  • Submit scanned answers as a single PDF via email (no postal submissions).
  • Include the provided Cover Sheet.
  • Hand-drawn sketches only; no photocopies.
  • Write on the right-hand side with space for tutor comments.
  • Follow original question numbering and formatting.
  • Answer all questions; attempt every one even if unsure.
  • Match the length of answers to the mark allocation.
  • Late submissions will not be marked.
Examination Rules
  • Only students who passed the progress questions can write exams.
  • Two sessions per exam day: 09:00–12:00 and 13:00–16:00.
  • Students must bring valid ID and required stationery.
  • No cell phones or unauthorised materials allowed.
  • Use exam time effectively and align answers with allocated marks.
Examination Grades
  • Pass: 60%
  • Distinction: 80%
Certificate

Successful candidates will be awarded the Occupational Certificate: Miller.

Acknowledgement of Top Students

The student achieving the highest marks will receive recognition from SAGMA, which may include a framed certificate and an invitation to a formal industry event.

Fees

2026 Registration Fee & Study Material (2 modules per semester)*:

  • NCM Members – R9 257.50
  • Non-members – R24 179.90
  • Foreign Students – R26 263.23

Redoing a module*:

  • NCM Members – R2 310.35
  • Non-members – R6 053.60
  • Foreign Students – R6 588.07

* Prices include VAT

Exam Venues
  • Bloemfontein
  • Botswana
  • East London
  • KwaZulu-Natal
  • Kroonstad
  • Lichtenburg
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia (Windhoek)
  • Paarl
  • Polokwane
  • Port Elizabeth
  • Gauteng
  • Swaziland
  • Upington
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

Online Course Registration

Complete all the information below and click the submit button at the bottom of the form. You will be redirected to a receipt confirmation page once you have successfully submitted the information. For enquiries, please contact the SAGMA Course Administrator, Elmien Bussiahn, at +27 (0)60 643 0453 or info@sagma.co.za.