The NQF is a plan for education and training. The aim is for people to continue accumulating qualification credits as they learn and work. The Skills Development Act defines the following structures to implement the NQF:

South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) – This is the body responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of the NQF and it is accountable to the Departments of Labour and of Education. SAQA establishes National Standards Bodies, Standards Generating Bodies and Education and Training Quality Assurers.

National Standards Bodies (NSB) – These bodies set standards about what needs to be learnt in one particular field of learning. SAQA has established 12 fields of learning, such as Agriculture, Communication, Manufacturing each with own sub-fields

Standards Generating Bodies (SGBs) – An SGB develops standards called unit standards and qualifications in a particular sub-field of learning.

Education and Training Quality Assurers – Anyone who wants to provide education and training will have to be approved by an Education and Training Quality Assurer. Education and Training Quality Assurers will issue qualification certificates to learners.

Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) – Each separate economic sector has one SETA. There are 22 SETAs which cover all work sectors in South Africa, including government sectors. All employers must choose which SETA their business falls under. Within its own sector, SETA must develop and implement a sector skills plan including approving workplace skills development plans, promote learnerships, act as the Education and Training Quality Assurer, and pay out Skills Development Grants.