Legal & Regulatory

Understanding TVET CDACC Approved Occupational Standards and Curricula

TVET CDACC

The landscape of education in Kenya has undergone notable transformations in recent years, with a particular focus on developing a workforce that is both skilled and adaptable. As the government of Kenya pushes forward with its agenda of promoting skill-based learning, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector has taken center stage in shaping the future of education and the labor market. A key player in this shift is the TVET Curriculum Development, Assessment, and Certification Council (CDACC), whose efforts are directly impacting the way vocational training programs are designed and implemented across the country.

TVET education has always been at the heart of Kenya’s economic growth, providing young people with the opportunity to acquire practical, hands-on skills that directly correspond to the needs of various industries. However, as the job market continues to evolve and demand more specialized expertise, there has been a call for enhanced quality and relevance in vocational training. The establishment of TVET CDACC and its role in creating industry-specific occupational standards and curricula is a vital part of this ongoing transformation.

In this article, we will explore the role of TVET CDACC in setting occupational standards and curricula, the process involved in developing these materials, and how they contribute to creating a highly skilled workforce that can drive Kenya’s economic development.


What is an Occupational Standard (OS)?

Before diving into the specifics of the TVET CDACC’s work, it’s essential to understand what an occupational standard (OS) is and how it functions within the context of vocational training.

An Occupational Standard is a document that outlines the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for someone to perform competently in a specific occupation. These standards define the essential tasks, responsibilities, and competencies associated with a particular role in the workplace. The standards serve as a benchmark for both employers and training institutions, ensuring that workers possess the qualifications and expertise required by industry standards.

For instance, an Occupational Standard for a chef will detail the necessary culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments. The development of these standards is conducted through collaboration with professionals and experts currently working in the field, ensuring the standards are both accurate and reflective of real-world requirements.

These occupational standards serve as the foundation for creating structured training programs that help students acquire the practical competencies needed for employment. In essence, they provide the blueprint for developing effective curricula and assessing the competencies of trainees.


The Role of TVET CDACC in Curriculum Development

The TVET Curriculum Development, Assessment, and Certification Council (CDACC) plays a central role in the development and approval of curricula for technical and vocational programs in Kenya. Established under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act No. 29 of 2013, the council is mandated to ensure that the curricula offered by TVET institutions are aligned with the needs of the labor market and industry standards.

CDACC’s core responsibilities include designing and developing curricula, conducting assessments, and certifying the competence of graduates. Through these processes, the council ensures that Kenya’s TVET system remains responsive to both current and emerging trends, equipping students with relevant, up-to-date skills that are in demand by employers.

The occupational standards that CDACC develops are pivotal in this process. These standards lay the groundwork for the creation of training content that meets industry needs, ensuring that students acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. With curricula built on well-researched occupational standards, the council is helping to shape a workforce that is not only competent but also adaptable to the changing dynamics of the job market.


A Deep Dive into TVET CDACC’s Approved Occupational Standards and Curricula

Since its establishment, TVET CDACC has developed a wide range of occupational standards and curricula across various sectors. These standards span across different levels of training, from Grade Tests (Level 3) to National Diplomas (Level 6), and they encompass numerous fields within the vocational training sector.

The curricula created by TVET CDACC cover critical areas that are vital for Kenya’s economic development. These include agriculture, construction, information technology, hospitality, health and safety, and many others. Below is a look at some of the key sectors covered by TVET CDACC’s occupational standards and curricula:

  1. Agriculture and Agricultural Engineering Agriculture remains one of Kenya’s largest economic sectors, and there is a constant demand for skilled professionals in various agricultural subfields. TVET CDACC’s occupational standards and curricula for agriculture cover areas such as crop production, livestock management, agricultural machinery, and irrigation systems. These programs provide students with practical skills that enable them to work efficiently in both smallholder and commercial farming environments, contributing to increased agricultural productivity.
  2. Construction and Civil Engineering The construction industry in Kenya has seen impressive growth in recent years, driven by an increase in infrastructure projects and real estate development. The TVET CDACC has developed a comprehensive set of curricula and occupational standards for fields such as carpentry, masonry, plumbing, electrical work, and project management. These programs are designed to provide students with the hands-on skills needed to build and maintain structures that are safe, sustainable, and compliant with industry standards.
  3. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) The global shift toward digital transformation has highlighted the importance of ICT professionals in almost every industry. TVET CDACC has developed specialized standards and curricula in areas such as software engineering, network administration, cybersecurity, and web development. These training programs ensure that students are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in the rapidly changing world of technology, from coding to system security.
  4. Hospitality and Tourism Kenya’s tourism sector continues to be a major contributor to the country’s GDP, with demand for skilled hospitality and tourism professionals increasing year by year. The TVET CDACC offers curricula designed to train individuals in areas like hotel management, event planning, tourism marketing, and food service. Students are trained to meet the high expectations of both local and international tourists, ensuring that Kenya’s hospitality sector remains competitive in the global marketplace.
  5. Automotive Engineering As Kenya’s automotive industry grows, so does the need for skilled automotive technicians and engineers. TVET CDACC has developed standards and curricula for the automotive sector that focus on vehicle diagnostics, engine repair, and modern automotive technologies. These programs ensure that students are prepared to handle a range of vehicles and technologies, from electric cars to traditional combustion engine models.
  6. Health and Safety The importance of health and safety in the workplace cannot be overstated. The TVET CDACC offers training programs in occupational health and safety, covering a wide range of sectors such as manufacturing, construction, and hospitality. These programs teach students how to identify risks, implement safety protocols, and create a safe working environment that adheres to national and international safety standards.

Some of the courses approved for training are:

No.CourseLevel
1.     Accountancy6
2.  Aeronautical Engineering- Air frame and power plant option6
3.  Aeronautical Engineering- Avionics option6
4.  Agricultural Engineering6
5.  Agricultural Extension4
6.  Agricultural Extension6
7.  Agriculture machinery and equipment4
8.  Agriprenuership3
9.  Agriprenuership4
10.  Agriprenuership5
11.  Agriprenuership6
12.  Air Cargo Management6
13.  Air Cargo Operations5
14.  Airport operations6
15.  Analytical Chemistry6
16.  Animation and Digital Media5
17.  Animation and Digital Media Technology6
18.  Apiary attendant4
19.  Apiculture management5
20.  Apiculture management6
21.  Applied Biology6
22.  Applied statistics6
23.  Aquaculture3
24.  Aquaculture4
25.  Aquaculture5
26.  Aquaculture6
27.  Architectural Draftsmanship5
28.  Architectural Technology6
29.  Artificial Intelligence6
30.  Auto body Technology6
31.  Automotive Engineering5
32.  Automotive Engineering6
33.  Automotive Mechanic3
34.  Automotive Mechatronics Technology6
35.  Automotive Technician4
36.  Baking Technology5
37.  Baking Technology6
38.  Baking Technology (Cake Decoration and Pastry Production)4
39.  Baking Technology (Cake decoration)3
40.  Baking Technology (Cake producer)3
41.  Baking Technology (Cake Production and Decoration)4
42.  Baking Technology (Pastry producer)3
43.  Baking Technology (Production of Cakes and Pastry Products)4
44.  Baking Technology (Production of Yeast Products and Cake Decoration)4
45.  Baking Technology (Production of Yeast Products and Cakes)4
46.  Baking Technology (Yeast and Pastry Production)4
47.  Baking Technology (Yeast products)3
48.  Banking and finance6
49.  Bartender4
50.  Beauty Therapy3
51.  Beauty Therapy4
52.  Beauty Therapy5
53.  Beauty Therapy6
54.  Bee products Processing4
55.  Beehives and Equipment Construction4
56.  Biotechnology5
57.  Biotechnology6
58.  Broadcast Journalism6
59.  Building Artisan4
60.  Building Technician6
61.  Business Management5
62.  Business Management6
63.  Carpentry and Joinery4
64.  Carpentry and Joinery5
65.  Cartography6
66.  Ceramic Technology3
67.  Ceramic Technology4
68.  Ceramic technology6
69.  Ceramics Technology5
70.  Chemical Engineering6
71.  Child Protection5
72.  Child Protection6
73.  Christian Ministry6
74.  Civil Engineering6
75.  Clearing and Forwarding6
76.  Community health4
77.  Community Health5
78.  Community health6
79.  Community Policing5
80.  Computer and Mobile Repair4
81.  Computer applications3
82.  Computer Programming6
83.  Computer Science6
84.  Concrete Field Testing4
85.  Concrete foreperson5
86.  Construction Management6
87.  Construction plant Engineering6
88.  Construction survey4
89.  Cooperative management5
90.  Cooperative Management6
91.  Corporate Governance6
92.  Counseling Psychology5
93.  Counseling Psychology6
94.  Credit management6
95.  Credit Officer5
96.  Criminal Justice Management5
97.  Criminal Justice management6
98.  Customs Administration5
99.  Customs Administration6
100.               Cyber Security5
101.               Cyber Security6
102.               Dairy Farm Management3
103.               Dairy Farm Management4
104.               Dairy Farm Management5
105.               Dairy Farm Management6
106.               Dairy Plant Management4
107.               Dairy Plant Management5
108.               Dairy Plant Management6
109.               Dairy Processing4
110.               Data management and Analytics6
111.               Digital Journalism6
112.               Distributed Sales3
113.               Distributed sales5
114.               Drawing and Painting6
115.               Electrical Engineering6
116.               Electrical Installation3
117.               Electrical Installation4
118.               Electrical Installation5
119.               Electrical Installation6
120.               Electrical Operations5
121.               Electronics3
122.               Electronics4
123.               Electronics Engineering5
124.               Electronics Engineering6
125.               Environmental Management6
126.               Environmental Science6
127.               Fabric Formation5
128.               Fashion design4
129.               Fashion design5
130.               Fashion design (dress making)3
131.               Fashion design (tailoring)3
132.               Fashion Design Management6
133.               Film production6
134.               Financial Sales Services5
135.               Fine arts5
136.               Fine arts6
137.               Fingerprint & Biometrics Technology5
138.               Fingerprint and Biometric Technology6
139.               Fire Management6
140.               Fire Management (Pump Operations)3
141.               Fire Management (Technical Rescuer)4
142.               Fire Management (Water Rescuer)4
143.               Fisheries Technology5
144.               Fisheries Technology6
145.               Fisheries Technology (Dry Dock Operations)3
146.               Fisheries Technology (Dry Dock Operations)4
147.               Fisheries Technology (fishing operations)3
148.               Fisheries Technology (fishing operations)4
149.               Fitness Instructor4
150.               Flight dispatch6
151.               Food and Beverage Production (Culinary Art)3
152.               Food and Beverage Production (Culinary Art)6
153.               Food and Beverage Production (Culinary Arts)4
154.               Food and Beverage Production (Culinary arts)5
155.               Food and Beverage Sales and Service Management6
156.               Food and Beverage Sales and Services Operations3
157.               Food and Beverage Sales Service4
158.               Food Beverage Sales and Service Management5
159.               Food Processing Technology4
160.               Food Technology5
161.               Food Technology6
162.               Footwear production3
163.               Footwear production4
164.               Footwear production5
165.               Forensic investigation5
166.               Forensic investigation6
167.               Forestry6
168.               Forestry Management5
169.               Forex and securities3
170.               Forex and securities4
171.               Forex and securities5
172.               Forex and Securities6
173.               Freight Management6
174.               Freight operations5
175.               Front Office Operations3
176.               Gemology3
177.               Gemology4
178.               Gemology5
179.               Gemology6
180.               Geographical Information System (GIS) Technology4
181.               Geophysical Exploration Technology5
182.               Geophysical Exploration Technology6
183.               Graphic Design5
184.               Graphic Design6
185.               Hairdressing3
186.               Hairdressing4
187.               Hairdressing5
188.               Hairdressing6
189.               Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy3
190.               Health Records and Information5
191.               Health records and IT6
192.               Health Services Support4
193.               Health Services Support5
194.               Herbal Medicine6
195.               Highway Engineering6
196.               Home Care Management3
197.               Home Care Management4
198.               Home Care Management5
199.               Homecare Management6
200.               Horticultural Produce Processing Management3
201.               Horticultural Produce Processing Management4
202.               Horticultural Produce Processing Management5
203.               Horticultural Produce Processing Management6
204.               Horticulture Nursery Management3
205.               Horticulture Nursery Management4
206.               Horticulture Nursery Management5
207.               Horticulture Nursery Management6
208.               Horticulture Production3
209.               Horticulture Production4
210.               Horticulture Production5
211.               Horticulture Production6
212.               Housekeeping and Accommodation3
213.               Housekeeping and Accommodation4
214.               Housekeeping and Accommodation5
215.               Housekeeping and Accommodation6
216.               Human Resource Management5
217.               Human Resource Management6
218.               ICT Technician4
219.               ICT Technician5
220.               ICT Technician6
221.               Industrial Automation and Robotics6
222.               Industrial Controls Installations6
223.               Industrial Mechatronics Technology6
224.               Industrial plant operation5
225.               Industrial Plant Operations4
226.               Industrial plant operations6
227.               Instrumentation and Control3
228.               Instrumentation and Control4
229.               Instrumentation and Control5
230.               Instrumentation and Control6
231.               Instrumentation and Control (Calibrations and Measurements)3
232.               Instrumentation and Control (Industrial Pneumatics)3
233.               Instrumentation and control (Simple Automation)4
234.               Insurance3
235.               Insurance4
236.               Insurance5
237.               Insurance6
238.               Integrated Pest Management5
239.               Interior Design4
240.               Interior Design5
241.               Interior Design6
242.               Interior Design Finishing5
243.               Investment Management6
244.               Irrigation and Drainage Engineering Technology6
245.               Islamic Banking6
246.               Land Surveying5
247.               Land surveying6
248.               Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Operations4
249.               Leather Goods Production5
250.               Leather Processing (tanning)5
251.               Leather Technology6
252.               Library and Information Science5
253.               Library and information science6
254.               Marine Engineering5
255.               Marine Engineering (Ship Construction)6
256.               Maritime Transport and Logistics6
257.               Marketing5
258.               Marketing Management6
259.               Marriage and Family Therapy5
260.               Marriage and family therapy6
261.               Masonry3
262.               Masonry4
263.               Meat Abattoir Operations4
264.               Meat Based Product Processing4
265.               Meat Butchery Operations3
266.               Meat Butchery Operations4
267.               Meat Processing5
268.               Meat Slaughterhouse Operations3
269.               Mechanical Heavy and Light Machinery Operations (Earth Moving)3
270.               Mechanical Heavy and Light Machinery Operations (Mobile Crane Operations)6
271.               Mechanical Heavy and Light Machinery Operations (Slinging and Rigging Operations)3
272.               Mechanical plant engineering Technology6
273.               Mechanical Plant Technology5
274.               Mechanical Production (Grinding and Fabrication)4
275.               Mechanical Production (Lathe and Fabrication)4
276.               Mechanical Production (Milling and Fabrication)4
277.               Mechanical Production Technology5
278.               Mechanical Technology (Production)6
279.               Mechanical Technology and Maintenance.6
280.               Mechatronic Technician5
281.               Mechatronic Technician6
282.               Medical Engineering5
283.               Medical Engineering6
284.               Medical laboratory technology6
285.               Mining Technology6
286.               Motorcycle Mechanics3
287.               Motorcycle Mechanics4
288.               Music Art5
289.               Music performance6
290.               Music technology6
291.               Network and System Administration6
292.               Nutrition and Dietetics5
293.               Nutrition and dietetics6
294.               Office Administration5
295.               Office Administration6
296.               Office Assistance4
297.               Oil Pipeline Fire Operations5
298.               Oil Pipeline Instrumentation and Control5
299.               Oil Pipeline Laboratory Technology5
300.               Oil Pipeline Mechanical Maintenance5
301.               Oil Pipeline Operations5
302.               Optical technology6
303.               Pastry cook4
304.               Pension Management6
305.               Perioperative Theatre Technology5
306.               Perioperative Theatre Technology6
307.               Petroleum Management6
308.               Pharmaceutical technology6
309.               Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing6
310.               Pig production3
311.               Pig production4
312.               Plant and Service3
313.               Plant and Service4
314.               Plant and Service Engineering5
315.               Plant and Service Engineering6
316.               Plumbing3
317.               Plumbing4
318.               Plumbing5
319.               Post-Press Printing Technology5
320.               Poultry Breeding and Hatchery Operations5
321.               Poultry Broiler Production Operations3
322.               Poultry Broiler Production Operations4
323.               Poultry Hatchery Operations4
324.               Poultry Kienyeji Production3
325.               Poultry Layer Production3
326.               Poultry Layer Production4
327.               Poultry Management Technology6
328.               Poultry Processing Operations5
329.               Poultry Products Processing Operations4
330.               Pre- Press Printing Technology5
331.               Press Printing technology5
332.               Print Journalism6
333.               Printing Technology6
334.               Product Design5
335.               Project Management5
336.               Project Management6
337.               Public administration6
338.               Quantity Surveying6
339.               Records and Archive Management4
340.               Records and Archives Management5
341.               Records and Archives Management6
342.               Refrigeration and Air Conditioning4
343.               Refrigeration and Air Conditioning5
344.               Refrigeration and Air Conditioning6
345.               Road Transport Management5
346.               Road Transport Management6
347.               Road Transport Operations4
348.               Salt Processing4
349.               Scaffolding Technology3
350.               Scaffolding Technology4
351.               Scaffolding technology5
352.               Scaffolding technology6
353.               Science Laboratory Technician5
354.               Science laboratory technology6
355.               Security Guarding3
356.               Security Guarding4
357.               Security management5
358.               Security management6
359.               Sign Language4
360.               Social Work and Community Development3
361.               Social Work and Community Development4
362.               Social Work and Community Development5
363.               Social Work and Community Development6
364.               Soft furnishing5
365.               Soil management3
366.               Soil management4
367.               Soil management5
368.               Soil management6
369.               Solar PV installation3
370.               Spinning5
371.               Sports Instructor Technology4
372.               Sports Science Technology4
373.               Sports Science Technology6
374.               Storekeeping Management5
375.               Supply Chain Management5
376.               Supply Chain Management6
377.               Sustainable Agriculture for Rural Development5
378.               Tax Administrator6
379.               Tax Clerk5
380.               Technical trainer6
381.               Telecommunication Engineering6
382.               Textile Engineering6
383.               Textile Processing5
384.               Theatre arts6
385.               Tour Guide5
386.               Tourism and Travel Management5
387.               Tourism and Travel Management6
388.               Wastewater and Sanitation Engineering Technology6
389.               Water Engineering6
390.               Water Laboratory Technology6
391.               Water resource management technology6
392.               Welding4
393.               Welding (Gas Welding and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding)4
394.               Welding (Gas Welding)3
395.               Welding (Manual Metal Arc and Gas Metal Arc Welding)4
396.               Welding (Manual Metal Arc Welding)3
397.               Welding and fabrication5
398.               Welding and Fabrication6
399.               Wildlife Management5
400.               Wildlife Management6
401.               Wine Technology5
402.               Sweet potato processing3
403.               Sweet potato processing4
404.               Sweet potato production3
405.               Sweet potato production4
406.               Sweet potato processing and production5

How TVET CDACC Supports Kenya’s Workforce Development

The work done by TVET CDACC has a profound impact on the development of Kenya’s workforce. By establishing a robust system of occupational standards and curricula, the council ensures that training institutions can provide relevant, up-to-date education that directly aligns with the needs of employers. This contributes to the reduction of skills gaps and the creation of a more competent and employable workforce.

One of the most significant benefits of the council’s efforts is the direct link between education and employment. Students graduating from TVET institutions are more likely to find meaningful employment because they possess the skills and competencies demanded by employers. This has a direct impact on reducing unemployment rates, particularly among young people, and fostering an environment of economic growth.

Moreover, the integration of hands-on learning and practical experience into the curricula ensures that students are not just learning theory but also acquiring the real-world skills needed to succeed in their chosen occupations. This makes the TVET sector an important tool in addressing the challenges of poverty and inequality in Kenya, as it provides avenues for people from all backgrounds to gain skills and access well-paying jobs.


The TVET CDACC has proven to be a game-changer for Kenya’s technical and vocational education system. By developing detailed and industry-aligned occupational standards and curricula, the council has played a vital role in ensuring that the nation’s workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to compete in the global economy. This approach not only improves the quality of vocational training but also enhances the employability of graduates, fostering a more dynamic and skilled workforce. As Kenya continues to push for economic growth, the contributions of TVET CDACC will undoubtedly be central to the success of the country’s skill-based education strategy.