CDACC vs NITA: What Is the Difference and Which Certificate Should You Pursue?

By Delight Technical College | Student Resource Guide | 2026

 

If you are enrolling at Delight Technical College or any TVET institution in Kenya, you will quickly come across two names: CDACC and NITA. Both are government-recognized examination bodies that certify TVET qualifications. But they are not the same, and the differences between them matter when planning your career.

Let us break it down clearly, using real information from Delight Technical College’s own programs.

 

🏛️ Who Are CDACC and NITA?

TVET-CDACC — Curriculum Development, Assessment & Certification Council

• Established under the TVET Act 2013
• Operates under Kenya’s Ministry of Education
• Responsible for curriculum development, assessment standards, and certification for TVET diploma programs
• Aligned with the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF)
• Certificates recognized nationally and regionally across East Africa

NITA — National Industrial Training Authority

• Established under the Industrial Training Act (Cap 237)
• Operates under Kenya’s Ministry of Labor & Social Protection
• Focuses on trade-based, artisan, and industry-level qualifications
• Strongly connected to Kenya’s industrial, manufacturing, and trades sectors
• Widely recognized by employers in trades, hospitality, garment, and technical industries

 

📊 The Key Differences — Side by Side

Category	Details
Ministry oversight	CDACC → Ministry of Education | NITA → Ministry of Labor
Levels covered	CDACC → Levels 3 to 6 | NITA → Trade Test
Type of qualification	CDACC → Diploma/Certificate/Craft/Artisan | NITA → Artisan (Trade)
Assessment focus	CDACC → Theory + Practical | NITA → Primarily Practical
Industry recognition	CDACC → Professional & corporate sector | NITA → Trades & manufacturing
University progression	CDACC → Yes (via KNQF pathway) | NITA → Limited
Best for	CDACC → Career professionals, designers | NITA → Artisans, self-employed

 

🎨 How This Plays Out at Delight Technical College

Here is how the two bodies divide Delight’s fashion and media courses:

Courses certified by NITA (Trade Test level):

• Tailoring- Trade Test
• Dressmaking- Trade Test
• Knitting- Trade Test
• Photography- Trade Test
• Videography- Trade Test
• Graphic Design- Trade Test
• ICT (Computer Operator)- Trade Test

Courses certified by TVET-CDACC (Level 3 and above):

• Fashion Design (Dressmaking)- Level 3
• Fashion Design (Tailoring)- Level 3
• Fashion Design Technology – Level 4 & 5
• Fashion Design- Level 6 Diploma
• Film Production- Level 6 Diploma
• Digital Journalism- Level 6 Diploma
• Artificial Intelligence- Level 6 Diploma

 

💼 Which Is More Respected by Employers?

Both are respected but by different types of employers:

• NITA is highly regarded in Kenya’s manufacturing, garment, hospitality, and trades sectors. If you are opening a tailoring shop, working in a garment factory, or joining a production house, NITA carries real weight.
• CDACC is the preferred qualification for professional employment in design studios, media companies, NGOs, corporates, and government. It is also the qualification most universities and higher institutions recognize for degree entry.

“NITA gets you working. CDACC gets you climbing. At Delight, you can have both.”

 

🎓 Can You Earn Both Certificates?

Absolutely — and we encourage it. At Delight Technical College, many students begin with a NITA Trade Test (6–12 months) to get working quickly, then re-enrol to complete a CDACC program at Level 3 and above. By the time they reach Level 6, they hold both a trade qualification AND a professional diploma — a combination that makes them extremely competitive in the job market.

Our modular learning system and flexible study modes (full-time, part-time, evening, weekend, and online) make it possible to work and study at the same time.

 

✅ Which Should YOU Choose?

💡 Starting out and want a skill quickly? → NITA Trade Test (Tailoring, Dressmaking, or Knitting)

💡 Want a nationally recognized certificate with career growth? → CDACC Level 3 or above

💡 Aiming for university or a professional career? → CDACC Level 6 Diploma

💡 Want the strongest possible profile? → Start with NITA, then progress to CDACC

 

📞 Get Personalized Advice

Not sure which path is right for your goals? Our admissions team at Delight Technical College offers free, personalized guidance. Come visit us on campus or reach out via WhatsApp. We will help you map the perfect qualification pathway.

 

📍 Delight Technical College | Muindi Mbingu Street, Opposite Jevanjee Gardens, Nairobi City County

📞 +254 722 533 771 / +254 724 566 088 | 📧 [email protected] | 🌐 www.delight.ac.ke