APPROVED TECHNICAL COURSES IN KENYA
TEP program (APPROVED TECHNICAL COURSES IN KENYA)
TEP courses are aimed at imparting knowledge and skills which prepare trainees for self or formal employment.
Self-employment leads to the creation of new job opportunities as the enterprise expands. TEP courses allow for progression from Artisan Certificate to degree and other higher academic levels.
KNEC examines TEP courses from artisan level to higher national diploma level.
TVET Program
TVET programs are modular. Each module imparts skills and knowledge that enable a graduate to engage in formal or informal employment while still pursuing their studies.
KNEC issues result slips for each module. A certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the requisite modules.
NATIONAL VOCATIONAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING (NVCET) PROGRAM
NVCET CERTIFICATE COURSES
a) The Minimum Entry Requirements are:
- KCPE Certificate,
- Any other equivalent qualification as approved by KNEC.
b) The duration for the course is 4 years including compulsory industrial attachment.
- Level one takes 2 years
- Level two takes 2 years
KNEC offers examinations under the National Vocational Certificate in Education and Training program in the following areas:
| COURSE NAME | CAREER/EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES | PROGRESSION PATHS |
| Appropriate Carpentry and Joinery | Carpenter(Furniture, roofing, interior fittings) | Artisan Certificate Building Technology |
| Fashion Design and Garment Making | Fashion designer/garment maker/garment cutter/sample maker | Artisan Certificate Fashion design and garment making |
| Food Processing Technology | Waiter/waitress, chef | Artisan Certificate in Food Processing Technology |
| Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy Level 1 | Hairdresser, Beautician, Masseurs | Artisan Certificate in Fashion Design and Garment Making Technology |
| Motor Vehicle Technology | Motor vehicle mechanic, panel beater, spray painter | Artisan Certificate in Motor Vehicle Technology |
| Seafarers | To serve as a rating forming part of a navigation watch or engineering watch onboard ships or employed ashore in the maritime sector as a coxswain. | Artisan Certificate in Seafarers |
| Metal Processing Technology | Welder, fabricators of metal and steel structures | Artisan Certificate in Mechanical engineering or Welding and Fabrication |
| Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology | Technicians refrigeration and A/C industry involving Service and repair and Maintenance | Artisan Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Plant option) |
| Electrical and Electronics Technology | Electrician, service and repair technicians | Artisan Certificate in Electrical and Electronics Technology |
| Information Communication Technology | Data entry clerks, clerks in publishing firms, | Artisan Certificate in Information Communication Technology |
| Building Technology | Mason, plumber | Artisan Certificate in Building Technology |
TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM (TEP) ARTISAN CERTIFICATE
a) The Minimum Entry Requirements are:
- KCPE Certificate, or;
- Equivalent qualification approved by KNEC.
b) The duration for the course is 2 years which includes compulsory industrial attachment.
KNEC offers examinations under the TEP Artisan Certificate Courses in the following areas:
| COURSE NAME | CAREER/EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES | PROGRESSION PATHS |
| Appropriate Carpentry and Joinery | Carpenter(Furniture, roofing, interior fittings) | Craft Certificate Building Technology |
| Fashion Design and Garment Making | Fashion designer/garment maker/garment cutter/sample maker | Craft Certificate Fashion design and garment making |
| Food Processing Technology | Waiter/waitress, chef | Craft Certificate in Food Processing Technology |
| Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy | hairdresser, beautician, masseurs | Craft Certificate in Fashion Design and Garment Making Technology |
| Motor Vehicle Technology | A motor vehicle mechanic, panel beater, spray painter | Craft Certificate in Motor Vehicle Technology |
| Seafarers | To serve as a rating forming part of a navigation watch or engineering watch onboard ships or employed ashore in the maritime sector as a coxswain. | Craft Certificate in Nautical Science or Craft Certificate in Marine Engineering |
| Metal Processing Technology | Welder, fabricators of metal and steel structures | Craft Certificate in Mechanical engineering or Welding and Fabrication |
| Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology | Technicians involved in Installation, Service, repair and maintenance of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment | Craft Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Plant option) |
| COURSE NAME | CAREER/EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES | PROGRESSION PATHS |
| Electrical and Electronics Technology | Technicians involved in Installation, Service, Repair and Maintenance of Electronic Equipment | Craft Certificate in Electrical and Electronics Technology |
| Information Communication Technology | Data entry clerks, clerks in publishing firms, | Craft Certificate in Information Communication Technology |
| Building Technology | Mason, plumber | Craft Certificate in Building Technology |
| Plumbing | Plumber Building Industry and self-employment | Craft Certificate in Plumbing |
CRAFT CERTIFICATE (TEP)
(a) The Minimum Entry Requirements are:
- KCSE Mean Grade D (Plain), or;
- Pass in a relevant Artisan course, or;
- An Equivalent qualification approved by KNEC.
(b) The duration for the course is two (2) years which includes compulsory industrial attachment.
(c) These Craft Programs are examined by KNEC at the end of the two years training period.
KNEC offers examinations under the TEP Craft Certificate Courses in the following areas:
| COURSE NAME | CAREER/EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES | PROGRESSION PATHS |
| Craft Certificate in Masonry | Mason in the Building Industry, Instructor in Vocational Training Centres | Diploma in Building Technology |
| Craft Certificate in Plumbing | Installation and repair plumber in the Building Industry and factories, Instructor in Vocational Training Centres | Diploma in Water Technology |
| Craft Certificate in Road Construction | Road Construction Technician, Instructor in Vocational Training Centres | Diploma in Civil Engineering |
| Craft Certificate in Land Surveying | Physical Planning Technician/clerk, Instructor in Vocational Training Centres | Diploma in Land Surveying |
| Craft Certificate in Water Technology | Water Technician in Construction Industry and water companies, Instructor in Vocational Training Centres | Diploma in Water Technology |
| Craft Certificate in National Certificate in Social Development | Community worker in Government, Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Community Based Organizations, Instructor in Vocational Training Centres | Diploma in Social Work and Community Development |
| Craft Certificate in Medical Laboratory Technology | Technician in medical and bio-medical laboratories and Research Institutions, Instructor in Vocational Training Centres | Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology |
| Craft Certificate in Agricultural Engineering (Farm Power and Machinery) | Technician/Mechanic/ Assistant Workshop Supervisor (Farm Machinery and Equipment) , Instructor in Vocational Training Centres | Diploma in Agricultural Engineering |
| Craft Certificate in Cartography | Technical assistants in physical Planning establishments, Instructor in Vocational Training Centres | Diploma in Cartography |
| Craft Certificate in Photogrammetry | Technical assistants in physical Planning establishments, Instructor in Vocational Training Centres | Diploma in Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing |
| Craft Certificate in Printing Technology | Repair and Maintenance Technicians/machine operators in the printing industry, Instructor in Vocational Training Centres | Diploma in Printing Technology |
CRAFT CERTIFICATE (TVET)
a) The Minimum Entry Requirements are
- Pass in relevant Artisan Course or;
- KCSE Mean Grade D (Plain) or;
- Equivalent qualification approved by KNEC.
b) The duration for the course is two (2) years covered in two modules which include compulsory industrial attachment.
KNEC offers examinations under the TVET Craft Certificate Courses in the following areas:
| COURSE NAME | CAREER/EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES | PROGRESSION PATH |
| Certificate in Catering and Accommodation Operations | Room Attendant, Waiter/Waitress, food production and service in the catering industry, Instructor in Vocational Training Centres | Diploma in Catering and Accommodation Management |
| Certificate in Fashion Design and Garment Making Technology | Fashion Designer; Garment Constructor; Supervisor; Garment Cutter; Pattern Cutter; Textile Designer; Sample Maker; Fashion Stylist; Embroiderer; Batik/Tie and Dye Producer, Instructor in Vocational Training Centres | Diploma in Fashion Design and Clothing Technology |
| Craft Certificate in Mechanical Engineering | Metal production and processing technicians, Instructor in Vocational Training Centres | Diploma in Mechanical engineering (Production Option) |
| Craft Certificate in Nautical Science | To serve as an Officer in charge of a navigation watch onboard ships or employed ashore in the maritime sector. | Diploma in Nautical Science |
| Craft in Marine Engineering | To work onboard merchant ship in the engine department at support level or in a marine engineering workshop or shipyard as a craftsman. a) Module I, the trainee will be certificated as a Rating forming part of an engineering watch in accordance with STCW regulation III/4. b) Module II, the trainee will be certificated as an Able Seafarer-Engine in accordance with STCW regulation III/5 | Diploma in Marine Engineering |
| Craft Certificate in Electrical and Electronic Technology (Telecommunication Options) | Telecommunication Technicians (Installation, maintenance, service and repair), Instructor in Vocational Training Centres | Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Telecommunication option |
| Craft Certificate in Electrical and Electronic Technology (Power) | Technicians in Electrical power generating and distribution companies, self-employed or formal employment in construction firms (Electrical Wiring), Instructor in Vocational Training Centres | Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Power Option) |
| Certificate in Baking Technology | Chef in Baking and confectionary industry, Instructor in Vocational Training Centres | Diploma in Baking Technology |
| Certificate in Automotive Engineering | Motor Vehicle Mechanic (Assistant Supervisor), Instructor in Vocational Training Centres | Diploma in Automotive Engineering |
| Certificate in Petroleum Geosciences | Technicians and clerks in Petroleum Industry | Diploma in Petroleum Geosciences |
| Certificate in Water Technology | Water Technician in Construction Industry and water companies, Instructor in Vocational Training Centres | Diploma in Water Technology |
| Craft Certificate in Welding and Fabrication | Technicians in Metal processing industry, Building industry or self-employment, Instructor in Vocational Training Centres | Diploma in Welding and fabrication |
| Certificate in Food and Beverage Production and Service | Waiter/Waitress, chef, Instructor in Vocational Training Centres | Diploma in Food and Beverage Management, Diploma in Catering and Accommodation Management |
| Craft Certificate in Food Processing and Preservation | Operator in food processing and preservation industry for both animal and crop products, Instructor in Vocational Training Centres | Diploma in Food Processing and Preservation |
| Craft Certificate in Fisheries, Science and Technology | Technical Assistant/Advisor in Fish farming, food- processing industry | Diploma in Fisheries, Science and Technology |
| Craft certificate in medical laboratory technology | Technician in laboratories in the medical, biomedical, research institutions and specialized industries | Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology |
| Craft certificate in nutrition and dietetics | The trainee will work in a salaried or self-employment to improve health care using nutrition and dietetics provision in line with the Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute (KNDI) vision. | Diploma in Nutrition And Dietetics |
| Post Qualification Certificate in counsellor supervision | The trainee will work in formal or self-employment to address challenges/ issues encountered by the counsellors in their practice. The counsellor supervisor | |
| will provide care and support to the practising counsellors leading towards greater competence, ethical working and assured therapeutic outcomes. | ||
| Craft Certificate in Construction plant Technology | Sales, Service and repair technician of road construction and excavation equipment | Diploma in Construction Plant |
| Craft in Child Care and Protection | Child Protection officer in various institutions e.g. children’s homes, juvenile courts, NGOs. | Diploma in Child Care and Protection |
TEP Diploma
(a) The Minimum Entry Requirements are:-
- Pass in relevant Craft Course or;
- KCSE Mean Grade C- (Minus) or;
- Equivalent qualification approved by KNEC.
(b) The duration for the course is three (3) years including compulsory industrial attachment.
(c) These diploma programs are examined at the end of the three years training period.
KNEC offers examinations under TEP Diploma Courses in the following areas:
| COURSE NAME | CAREER/EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES | PROGRESSION PATH | |||
| Diploma in Water Technology (Water Supply) | Water Technician/Supervisor in Construction Industry and water companies | HND or Relevant Degree | |||
| Diploma in Water Technology (Sanitation) | Water Technician/Supervisor in Construction Industry and water and wastewater companies | HND or Relevant Degree | |||
| Diploma in Water Technology (Surface Water Option) | Water Technician/Supervisor in Construction Industry and water and wastewater companies | HND or Relevant Degree | |||
| Diploma in Water Technology (Ground Water Option) | Water Technician/Supervisor in Construction Industry and water drilling companies | HND or Relevant Degree | |||
| Diploma in Quantity Surveying | Technical Assistant to the Architect, Clerk of Works, Assistant Quantity Surveyor | HND or Relevant Degree | |||
| Diploma in Highway Engineering | Technician/Supervisor in road construction industry | HND or Relevant Degree | |||
| Diploma in Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing | Technician/Supervisor in physical Planning establishments as: Geographer, cartographer, physical scientist, GIS analyst, database administrator, applications specialist, project manager, remote sensing scientist, surveyor, photogrammetrist, and image analyst | HND or Relevant Degree | |||
| Diploma in Cartography | Technician/Supervisor in physical Planning establishments as: Geographer, cartographer, physical scientist, GIS analyst, database administrator, applications specialist, project manager, remote sensing scientist, surveyor, photogrammetrist, and image analyst | HND or Relevant Degree | |||
| Diploma in Land Surveying | Technician/Supervisor in physical Planning and Surveying and Mapping establishments | HND or Relevant Degree | |||
| Diploma in Map Reproduction | Technician/Supervisor in physical Planning and Surveying and Mapping establishments | HND or Relevant Degree | |||
| Diploma in Medical Engineering | Technician/Supervisor in Medical industry in charge of installation, service repair and Maintenance of medical Equipment | HND or Relevant Degree | |||
| Diploma in Art and Design | Technicians and Supervisors in Advertising and Publishing and Graphic arts industries | HND or Relevant Degree | |||
| Diploma in Agricultural Engineering | Mechanic/ Supervisor (Farm Machinery and Equipment) | HND or Relevant Degree | |||
| Diploma in Chemical and Process Engineering | Technical operator, a supervisor in Manufacturing and Process Industry | HND or Relevant Degree | |||
| Diploma in Printing This course has three options namely: Pre-press option Press option Post-press option | Technician/Supervisor in Printing industry Repair, Service and Maintenance Operators of printing Machines | HND or Relevant Degree |
TVET DIPLOMA
a) The Minimum Entry Requirements are:-
Pass in relevant Craft Course, or;
KCSE Mean Grade C- (Minus), or;
Equivalent qualification approved by KNEC.
b) These are modular programs, which offer flexibility to candidates. Diploma programs comprise of three modules with KNEC examinations at the end of each module.
c) The Duration for the course is three (3) years covered in three modules including compulsory industrial attachment.
KNEC offers examinations under the TVET Diploma Courses in the following areas.
| COURSE NAME | CAREER/EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES | PROGRESSION |
| Diploma in Textile Technology | Employment Opportunities include: Spinning Technician, Weaving Technician, Knitting Technician, Processing Technician, Supervisor, Quality Controller, Fabric/Textile Designer | Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Water Technology | Water Technician/Supervisor in Construction Industry and water and wastewater companies and water drilling establishments | HND or Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Chemical Engineering | Technical operator, a supervisor in Manufacturing and Process Industry | Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Power, Telecommunication and Instrumentation Options) | Supervisors/Technicians in Telecommunication firms or self-employment in repair, service and installation of telecommunication equipment Technicians/Supervisors in the Electrical power generating and distribution industry or self-employed or formal employment in the construction industry (Electrical Wiring) | HND or Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Social Work and Community Development | Assistant Manager/Social /Community worker in Government and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) | Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering | Aircraft Technician in the Aviation industry | Relevant degree |
| This course has two options namely: Airframe and Engines Option Avionics Option | Aircraft Maintenance Engineer | |
| Diploma in Agricultural Engineering | Mechanic/ Supervisor (Farm Machinery and Equipment) | HND or Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Analytical Chemistry | Technical Assistants/Supervisors in Research Institutions | Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Applied Biology | Technical Assistants/Supervisors in Research Institutions | Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Architecture | Technician/Draftsman in the Building Industry and self- employment | Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Art and Design | Technicians /Supervisors in Advertising and Publishing and Graphic arts industries | Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Automotive Engineering | Motor Vehicle Mechanic/ Supervisor | HND or Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Baking Technology | Supervisors and Technicians in the baking and confectionary industry | Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Building | Supervisors and Technicians Building Industry or building contractors | HND or Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Catering and Accommodation Management | Technical assistants/Supervisors in the Catering and Accommodation industry | Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Civil Engineering | Technical assistants/Supervisors in: Construction companies (both consultants and contractors) Local authorities and government departments Rail companies Utility companies | HND or Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Construction Plant Engineering) | Mechanic/Supervisor (Construction Plant) – Heavy Machinery and Equipment Sales, Service, repair and Maintenance technician of road construction and excavation equipment | HND or Relevant degree |
| COURSE NAME | CAREER/EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES | PROGRESSION |
| Diploma in Counselling | Salaried or self-employment using Guiding and skills Counselling to help clients face their day to day challenges/issues | Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Dietetics Management | Technical assistant or supervisor to improve health care using nutrition and dietetics provision in line with the Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute (KNDI) vision | Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Environmental Science & Technology | A supervisor or technical advisor to the government on policies in : Manufacturing companies Environmental consultancies Local governments Environmental agencies Wildlife conservation groups Universities | Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Fashion Design and Clothing Technology | Supervisor and/Fashion Promoter, Fashion Illustrator, Fashion Designer, Fashion Merchandiser, Fashion Journalist, Garment Cutter, Cutting Supervisor/Master, Pattern, Cutter/Master, Quality Controller, Textile Designer, Fashion Consultant | Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Food and Beverage Management | Chef, Waiter/Waitress, Restaurant Supervisor, Kitchen Supervisor, Teaching, self-employment in Food Production industry. | Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Food Science and Processing Technology | Supervisor/Operator in food processing industries/food preservations of both crop and animal products | Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Housekeeping Management | Supervisor /Assistant managers in Hotel Industry | Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Marine Engineering | Officer in charge of an engineering watch on board ship or employed ashore in the maritime sector. | Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Fabrication and Metallurgy Option | Supervisor/Technician in Metal production and processing industry | HND or Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Plant Option) | Supervisor/Technical industrial plant operators in the process industry | HND or Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Production Option) | Technician/Supervisor in Metal and steel production and processing industry | Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Construction Plant) | Mechanic/Supervisor (Construction Plant) – Heavy Machinery and Equipment Sales, Service, repair and Maintenance technician of road construction and excavation equipment | HND or Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Medical Engineering | Technician/Supervisor in Medical industry in charge of installation, service repair and Maintenance of Medical Equipment | Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology | Technician/Supervisor in laboratories in the medical, biomedical, research institutions and specialized industries | Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Nautical Science | Officer in charge of a navigation watch on board ship or employed ashore in the maritime sector. | Relevant degree |
| Diploma in nutrition and dietetics | Dietary Technician in an organization | Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Petroleum Geosciences | Technician/Supervisor Petroleum Industry involving: – Formation Evaluation – Petroleum Production – Petroleum Geology – Petroleum Geophysics | Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Pharmaceutical Technology | Work in the areas of drug manufacturing, drug marketing and distribution and drug dispensing in hospital and community pharmacies | Relevant degree |
| Diploma in Child Care and Protection | Child Protection officer in various institutions e.g. children’s homes, juvenile courts, NGOs. | Relevant Degree |
Higher National Diploma (TEP)
a) The minimum requirement is:-
- Diploma in the relevant area of specialization or equivalent qualification.
b) The duration for the course is two (2) years full time or sandwich (part-time).
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KNEC offers examinations under the TEP Higher National Diploma Courses in the following areas.
| COURSE NAME | CAREER/ EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES | PROGRESSION PATHS | |
| Higher Diploma in Educational Management | Instructors in technical institutions | Relevant program | |
| Higher Diploma in Construction (Building Economics) | Middle-level managers, senior supervisors and technologists in building industry | ||
| Higher Diploma in Construction (Structures) | Middle-level managers, senior supervisors and technologists in construction industry | ||
| Higher Diploma in Construction (Building and Civil Engineering) | Middle-level managers, senior supervisors and technologists in building/construction industry | ||
| Higher Diploma in Construction | Middle-level managers, senior supervisors and technologists | ||
| (Highway Engineering) | in construction industry | ||
| Higher Diploma in Construction (Water Engineering) | Middle-level managers, senior supervisors and technologists in water, sewerage and drainage industry | ||
| Higher Diploma in Surveying and Mapping | Middle-level managers, senior supervisors and technologists in surveying | ||
| Higher Diploma in Land Surveying | Middle-level managers, senior supervisors and technologists | degree | |
| Higher Diploma in surveying | Middle-level managers, senior supervisors and technologists | degree | |
| Photogrammetric and Sensing | Remote in photogrammetry and meteorology, | degree | |
| Higher Diploma in Cartography | Middle-level managers, senior supervisors and technologists in cartography | ||
| Higher Diploma in Mechanical Engineering | Middle-level managers, senior supervisors and technologists in building, construction and mechanical industry | ||
| Higher Diploma in Food Technology (Quality Control) | Middle-level managers, senior supervisors and technologists in food industry | ||
| Higher Diploma in Analytical Chemistry | Middle-level managers, senior supervisors and technologists in research organizations and manufacturing industries | ||
| Higher Diploma in Applied Biology | Middle-level managers, senior supervisors and technologists in research industry | degree | |
| degree |
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