Occupational Certificate: Dispatching and Receiving Clerk
QCTO Accreditation No. 07-QCTO/SDP041024043741
> SAQA ID: 99446
> NQF Level: 3
> Credits: 34
> Duration: 3 months
About the Dispatching and Receiving Clerk course
The Occupational Certificate: Dispatching and Receiving Clerk develops the practical skills needed to receive goods into a business, prepare and dispatch outgoing stock, maintain accurate stock records and help prevent losses. The qualification is particularly relevant to wholesale, retail and stock-handling environments where accurate receiving and dispatch processes are essential to controlling inventory.
Who is this qualification for?
This qualification is suited to people entering or already working in receiving, dispatch, stock-handling or related wholesale and retail operations.
It is particularly useful where a learner needs structured practical competence in handling incoming and outgoing stock rather than broader warehouse or logistics management training.
What will you be able to do?
On completion, learners develop the ability to:
Receive stock correctly: check incoming deliveries and record goods received.
Prepare and dispatch stock: prepare outgoing goods and maintain the required dispatch records.
Maintain accurate stock information: ensure receiving and dispatch transactions are properly documented.
Reduce shrinkage and losses: identify stock-control risks and apply appropriate loss-prevention practices.
Identify receiving or dispatch problems: recognise damaged, missing or incorrect stock and respond according to workplace procedures.
How is the qualification structured?
The qualification combines three forms of occupational learning:
Knowledge (12 credits)
Covers the receiving and dispatch environment, shrinkage and losses, receiving and checking deliveries, and principles of dispatching stock.
Practical skills (7 credits)
Develops hands-on ability to receive stock, prepare items for dispatch and prevent shrinkage and losses.
Workplace experience (15 credits)
Requires learners to apply receiving and dispatch procedures in a real workplace environment.
Dispatching and Receiving Clerk Course Modules
| KNOWLEDGE MODULES | Explanation | Credits | NQF |
| The receiving and dispatch environment | This module introduces the workplace environment for receiving and dispatching stock, including roles, responsibilities, and basic procedures. | 4 Credits | Level 2 |
| Concepts of shrinkage and losses | This module develops understanding of stock shrinkage, losses, and ways to prevent them. | 2 Credits | Level 3 |
| Principles of receiving and checking deliveries | This module teaches how to inspect, verify, and record incoming stock accurately. | 4 Credits | Level 3 |
| Principles of dispatching stock | This module covers the correct methods for preparing and dispatching stock safely and efficiently. | 2 Credits | Level 3 |
| PRACTICAL MODULES | |||
| Receive stock | This module develops hands-on skills to accurately receive, check, and record incoming stock. | 2 Credits | Level 3 |
| Prepare items for dispatch | This module teaches learners how to package and prepare stock for dispatch correctly | 2 Credits | Level 3 |
| Prevent shrinkage and losses | This module focuses on practical techniques to minimize stock losses and maintain inventory accuracy. | 3 Credits | Level 3 |
| WORK EXPERIENCE MODULES | |||
| Processes and procedures for receiving stock | This module provides real-world experience in receiving, handling, and recording stock efficiently. | 8 Credits | Level 3 |
| Processes and procedures for dispatching stock | This module equips learners with practical experience in preparing and dispatching stock while ensuring accuracy and safety. | 7 Credits | Level 3 |
What are the entry requirements?
Learners need an NQF Level 2 qualification to enter the Occupational Certificate: Dispatching and Receiving Clerk.
Recognition of Prior Learning may also be used where relevant prior learning or workplace experience meets the applicable access requirements.
Is workplace experience required?
Yes. Workplace experience is a compulsory part of the qualification and accounts for 15 of the 34 credits.
Learners must gain practical workplace exposure to both receiving stock and dispatching stock, applying the processes and procedures covered during the programme in a real working environment.
How is the qualification assessed?
Learners complete internal formative assessment across the knowledge, practical and workplace components before qualifying for the external assessment.
The External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) tests the learner’s ability to apply their knowledge to typical receiving and dispatch situations, including communication, problem-solving and decision-making. SAQA specifies that the external assessment takes place over one day at an accredited assessment centre.
Learn more
What are a dispatch clerk's duties?
A dispatch clerk is responsible for making sure goods leave a business accurately, safely and with the correct documentation. Typical duties include checking orders against picking or dispatch documents, confirming quantities and product details, preparing and labelling goods for shipment, coordinating collections or loading, updating stock and dispatch records, and handing the correct paperwork to drivers or couriers. A dispatch clerk may also investigate shortages, damaged goods or incorrect orders, communicate with warehouse and receiving teams, and help ensure goods are handled in line with workplace safety and security procedures.
