The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) is an NGO that seeks to improve, set and maintain guiding standards in South Africa and the sub-region.
The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) is the South African Governmental authority that governs and regulates the guiding industry in South Africa.
All guides seeking to work professionally in South Africa need to have at least a Level 1 (NQF 2) Nature / Field Guide Qualification and they need to be registered with DEAT in order to operate legally.
All guide courses and qualifications / certificates need to be accredited by DEAT in order for the qualification to be formally recognized and accepted. These courses need to meet the requirements of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and DEAT will accredit training curriculums, training institutions, trainers, assessors and moderators that work within the parameters of the NQF.
FGASA is the major regulatory body that has been accredited by DEAT to manage and maintain guide training standards and any training institution, training course, trainer, assessor or moderator accredited by FGASA is therefore also accredited by DEAT and the qualifications or instruction from these training institutions / trainers is therefore legal and valid.
Beat About The Bush Guide Training Academy
Beat About The Bush Guide Training Academy is affiliated to and accredited by FGASA and the courses offered are therefore recognized by DEAT.
However, after passing the Beat About The Bush Level 1 (NQF 2) Nature / Field Guide Course, learners still need to register with FGASA and then pass the FGASA exam and practical assessment before they can be awarded their Level 1 (NQF 2) qualification.