According to News24 on November 10, 2010, the department of higher education and training (DHET) said Birnam is registered to offer only the National Certificate: Information Technology: End User Computing on NQF level three. On the other hand, a senior manager for evaluation and accreditation at Umalusi Dr Ronel Blom confirmed the college was accredited with Umalusi, which is the quality assurer for general and further education and training.
According to Eyewitness News on December 01, 2010, Birnam Business College on Wednesday assured its students that it was properly registered and accredited, weeks after the courts ruled in its favour. It comes after a number of students approached Eyewitness News complaining that they have been told their courses are not properly accredited. “Only certain courses are accredited,” said one student. “I have spoken the Department of Education and they said…they’re only accredited on certain courses.”
According to the news, Principal of the institution, Brenda Riesnik said students need not worry and that the institution is registered. She added that the institution had been around for 45 years and would never be here if it were not registered, because it’s against the law.”
It is recommended that you verify the accreditation status of any educational institution you are considering attending, as it ensures that the institution meets certain quality standards and that your qualifications will be recognized by employers and other educational institutions.