Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the CESA School of Consulting Engineering (SCE)?

A: Founded in 2000 by Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA), the School of Consulting Engineering (SCE)  is a trusted training provider offering over 120 CPD‑validated courses for professionals in the built environment. Backed by CESA’s 70‑year legacy of integrity and excellence, the School sets the benchmark for professional development in the industry.

Q: Who can attend SCE courses?

A: Open to everyone, however, our courses are specifically tailored for engineers, technologists, technicians, project managers, contractors, clients, and others in the built‑environment.

Q: How can I find out about the latest upcoming courses?

A: Click here to find more information on all SCE courses, including those that are scheduled in the near future.

Q: How can I be added to the CESA SCE course mailing list?

A: Click here to be added to the SCE mailing list.

Q: Is the SCE B‑BBEE compliant?

A: SCE is a division of CESA NPC which is a Level 2 Contributor, which enables companies to claim 125% of training spend under Category C², with training also eligible for inclusion in SETA WSP and ATR submissions.

Q: Are SCE courses accredited / validated for CPD?

A: Yes. All SCE courses are CPD validated by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), and selected courses by SACPCMP and SACNASP.

Q: How can I become a trainer for the School of Consulting Engineering (SCE)?

A: If you are an experienced trainer with your own course material, a proven track record, and contactable references, we would be interested in hearing from you. We are particularly seeking technical courses designed for professionals in the built environment. Please email your detailed CV, together with a full list and breakdown of courses, to Brenda@cesa.co.za.

Q: How can we get our company/organisation courses accredited with CESA?

A: To become CPD accredited with CESA, your company must first apply via the CESA’s CPD Services webpage (https://www.cesa.co.za/cpd-validation/) to become an ECSA‑verified CPD Service Provider. This requires submitting documentation, demonstrating quality assurance processes, and undergoing review by CESA in line with ECSA standards. Once approved, your courses can then be CPD validated through The CESA’s CPD Services department.

Q: How long is the accreditation (validation) process?

A: The timeframe depends largely on your company submitting complete and accurate documentation. Approval as an ECSA‑verified CPD Service Provider via CESA generally takes about 14 days or less. Course material validation depends on subject matter expert availability but should not exceed 30 days. Once approved and registered with ECSA, your company will be issued the relevant official CPD certificates.

Q: Is CESA accredited with SETAs?

A: CESA SCE and its courses are not SETA‑accredited. However, as CESA SCE is an ECSA‑verified CPD Service Provider and our courses are CPD validated with ECSA, companies can claim their training in their SETA WSP and ATR submissions.

Q: What are the requirements for the CPD validation process?

A: Please consult the CESA website.

Q: What formats are available?

A:  Courses are primarily delivered online; however, in‑person and hybrid options are available for in‑house training only.

Q: When is CESA SCE going back to in‑person training?

A: CESA prefers online training to in person because travel, accommodation, time away from the office, and venue costs raise course prices significantly. Online training keeps fees affordable, accessible, and sustainable for all delegates while maintaining quality learning.

Q: Who delivers the training?

A: With more than 25 seasoned industry Subject Matter Experts, CESA SCE brings specialised knowledge and real‑world experience into every course.

Q: What do delegates receive?

A: Delegates receive detailed course material, CPD certificates, and free follow‑up support.

Q: I recently attended a course and have a question for the presenter. What should I do?

A: Should you have a question for the presenter, we ask that you email it to Blessings@cesa.co.za.  We will then contact the presenter regarding your enquiry.

Q: I lost my CPD certificate. Can I get another one?”

A: Yes, you can. Please contact Melissa at Melissa@cesa.co.za to request a replacement certificate.

Q: After completing CESA courses, what type of certificate does one receive?

A: Delegates who pass the course quiz will receive a CPD Certificate. Those who do not pass or complete the quiz will receive a Certificate of Attendance. Please note that CESA SCE does not issue Competence Certificates or certificates of completion, as its courses are designed as refresher courses which do not lead to formal qualifications.

Q: When will a delegate receive their CPD certificate?

A: Each delegate will receive their CPD certificate once they have attended the course, passed the quiz, completed and submitted the evaluation, and settled payment.

Q: How many delegates are required for an inhouse course?

A: We can run an in‑house course for any number of delegates; however, the most cost‑effective option is for groups of 10 or more, allowing us to provide discounts depending on the number of delegates.

Q: Does SCE provide customised training?

A: Yes. Tailored in‑house courses are available on request. For more details or to request a proposal and quotation, please contact Blessings on Blessing@cesa.co.za..

Q: Do you offer courses only in South Africa, or are inhouse courses also available internationally?

A: From South Africa to beyond its borders, CESA SCE brings world‑class in‑house training to English‑speaking delegates worldwide.

Q: If the course we are looking for is not on your training calendar, would the SCE be able to present such a course?

A: Yes. If the course you require is not currently listed on our training calendar, the CESA School of Consulting Engineering (SCE) can source or develop the requested course, subject to industry relevance and client needs.

Q: As a CESA member, do we get discounts for attending courses?

A: No. By keeping pricing consistent for all delegates, we attract participants from government, municipalities, SOEs, and across the built environment. This diversity elevates the training experience, offering broader insights, knowledge sharing, and stronger industry connections.

Q: Does a delegate have to be a CESA member to attend CESA courses?

A: No, you don’t need to be a CESA member to attend CESA courses.

Q: Is CESA NPC registered on the CSD website.

A: Yes, we are registered on the CSD website. CSD Supplier Number: MAAA0838143. [Certificate on request from Patience@cesa.co.za]

Q: Does CESA accept payment arrangements?

A: No, payment arrangements are not offered. To keep administration simple and course fees fair for all delegates, full payment is required before attending. This ensures smooth registration and consistent access to high‑quality training.

Q: Does CESA have an online payment system?

A: No, CESA does not have an online payment system.

Q: Does the invoice get generated automatically after registering?

A: No. Our online registration system is not linked to automated invoicing. The accounts department will generate the invoice. For enquiries, email accounts@cesa.co.za.

Q: How soon can I get an invoice?

A: Invoices are generated by the accounts department once registration is confirmed.

Q: Where can one find CESA banking details?

A: Please email accounts@cesa.co.za  to request CESA bank details.

Q: Can organisations hire the SCE training venue?

A: Yes. A fully equipped 20‑seater venue and two training pods, with electricity and water backup, are available for hire. Please contact Melissa at Melissa@cesa.co.za  to request a quotation.