This article looks at the KNEC artisan courses(now called CDACC Level 4 because CDACC is replacing KNEC as the primary examiner in TVET institutions under CBET), their basic qualifications, and their structure.

I shall also expound on what to consider when comparing the various KNEC artisan courses (CDACC Level 4 courses).

But before everything, let’s explain who an artisan is.

Who is an Artisan?

Simply put, an artisan a person who is anyone with hands-on skills in a certain technical area.

In other words, you will be providing skilled manual labour in fields such as water technology (plumbing), engineering (electrical/mechanical/automotive etc), fashion, building technology, and more.

You get the required skills/expertise by enrolling for the matching KNEC artisan course (CDACC Level 4 course) at your selected TVET college and passing the relevant KNEC (CDACC) exams (held every March and July across the country).

How is a typical working day for artisans?

On a day-to-day basis, artisans in technical sectors are involved in tasks like manufacturing/assembling of tools or equipment such as machines.

They are also make end products such as garments, toys, shoes etc. for various markets.

At other times, artisans help find faults in industrial machines, motor vehicles, and electronics.

They as well repair and service such items.

On the other hand, graduates of business-based KNEC artisan courses such as storekeeping undertake clerical tasks and selected administrative tasks delegated to them by their seniors.

Training structure for KNEC artisan courses (CDACC Level 4 Courses)

You are taught both theoretical concepts (essential to grasping the practical sessions) and practical skills.

Needless to say, most of the training is hands-on now that you’re preparing for a career which is largely practical oriented.

To facilitate this, KNEC artisan courses (CDACC Level 4 courses) are offered in the form of units and you’re expected to pass all units (most courses have four units) to become a nationally recognized artisan.

Besides, students must attend a 3-month industrial attachment in an organization engaged in tasks related to what they’re learning.

You can confirm the specific units/subjects in the CDACC course outline (provided by your lecturer or from CDACC’s website) for the program you have in mind.

How long to KNEC artisan courses (CDACC Level 4 courses) take?

On average, you can complete the course in 1 – 2 years depending on the programme and your level of education.

The good thing is that you can start earning even before you complete the course.

And that’s by creating products like clothes, tools, toys, and furnishings using the knowledge you gain step-by-step as you progress with your course.

Progression opportunities for KNEC artisan courses (CDACC Level 4 courses)

Ambitious students can use their artisan certificates to apply for admission into KNEC craft certificate courses (Now CDACC Level 5 courses) and later a specialized diploma (CDACC Level 6 Diploma) in your particular study area.

These programmes take 2-3 years in any accredited TVET college in Kenya.

Minimum entry requirements for KNEC artisan certificate courses (CDACC Level 4 courses)

The minimum admission mean grade to join a TVET artisan programme is actually grade E.

Why join an Artisan programme

You could be wondering whether KNEC artisan courses (CDACC Level 4 courses) are really worth it.

Well, they are and they could turn out to be a great opportunity for you.

Take a look at some of the reasons that make KNEC artisan courses (CDACC Level 4 courses) a worthy investment:

• A University degree isn’t for everyone– Of course, we can’t all fit into the present university structure in Kenya, and that’s fine. Indeed, utilized wisely, the skills you get from artisan course could earn you more than a university degree holder in your lifetime.
• You can become an entrepreneur– let’s face it: jobs are hard to come by in Kenya and it’s crucial that you take a course that allows you to open a business. Now, most KNEC artisan courses (CDACC Level 4 courses) can lead to self-employment. You can, for instance, build a thriving design fashion line using the skills you obtained from your fashion design artisan course.
• Abundance of opportunities– The demand for qualified tradesmen/women in Kenya has been rising in the last few years and is expected to remain stable in the foreseeable future. That means plenty of openings for you in both the public and private sectors.

KNEC Artisan course list and codes (TVET-CDACC Level 4 courses)

To view a list of TVET-CDACC Level 4 (artisan) courses and the basic entry grades, go to the KUCCPS portal:

Where to enroll for your desired CDACC Level 4 Artisan course

99% of TVETA accredited colleges and technical institutes (private and public) offer CDACC Level 4 Artisan course.

In fact, KUCCPS has listed some of the colleges (public) teaching each course in the portal to help you decide where to attend training.

Final word

It’s important to note that for some courses, you write relevant NITA (National Industrial Training Authority) grade test and not KNEC exams.

These include programs such as plumbing, food processing, electrical installation, Solar Photo Voltaic, Hair dressing & beauty therapy, and more.

Your college will advise you about the applicable examination body at the time of booking for your exam.

Good luck with whatever CDACC Level 4 artisan course you choose.

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