The intention of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) Act (58 of 1995) is that workplace education and training shall be accredited towards higher education provided it is based on the national quality standard registered with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). This means that organisations will be able to develop employees in the workplace for accreditation towards higher education. A strategic approach to training will result in a recruitment advantage and a more productive, stable and motivated workforce.

The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) currently offers the only internationally acceptable professional Chartered Accounting qualifications in South Africa. SAICA has taken a great deal of interest in the developments of SAQA and has gained approval from its members to educate and train accountants outside of public practice (TOPP). ON-TOPP is in line with SAQA thinking, linking workplace accounting training to higher education for professional recognition.

SAICA Approved Training Organisations (ATO's) will be able to compete with the professional practices for the recruitment of graduates on the basis that the training programmes result in professional recognition.