From Trade Test to Level 6: A Complete Guide to Fashion Design Levels at Delight Technical College

By Delight Technical College | School of Tailoring, Fashion & Design | 2026

 

Thinking about studying fashion design but confused by all the levels? You are not alone! Kenya’s TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) system uses a structured level framework and at Delight Technical College, we offer fashion training across every stage of that ladder. Whether you are a complete beginner or a working professional looking to upgrade, there is a level designed just for you.

Here is your clear, no-confusion guide to every fashion level we offer and exactly what happens at each one.

🪡 Trade Test- The Artisan Entry Point

The Trade Test is where many of Kenya’s best tailors and dressmakers begin. It is a practical, hands-on qualification that focuses entirely on giving you a marketable skill as fast as possible.

• Qualification awarded: Artisan Certificate
• Examination body: NITA (National Industrial Training Authority)
• Duration: 6 months to 1 year
• Courses available at this level: Tailoring | Dressmaking | Knitting

The Trade Test is ideal if you want to start your own small business, work in a production setting, or simply develop a skill quickly. No strong academic background is required just the desire to learn.

“The Trade Test is not the end of the road, it is often the beginning of a great fashion career.”

✂️ Level 3- Artisan (Foundation)

Level 3 is the formal entry into TVET fashion education. It introduces learners to structured training in garment construction and sewing techniques through a modular approach.

• Qualification awarded: Artisan Certificate
• Examination body: TVET-CDACC
• Duration: 6 months to 1 year
• Courses: Fashion Design (Dressmaking) | Fashion Design (Tailoring)

At Delight, Level 3 covers two core modules in Term One:

• Sewing Machine Operations (50 hours)
• Construction of Simple Ladies’ Garments (150 hours)
• Construction of Simple Gents’ Garments (150 hours)

Completing Level 3 earns you a foundation qualification and direct progression to Level 4.

🧵 Level 4- Certificate

Level 4 moves beyond the basics. Students deepen their skills in styled garment production and creative fabric decoration building the confidence and technical ability to produce more complex pieces.

• Qualification awarded: Certificate
• Examination body: TVET-CDACC
• Duration: 1 year
• Course: Fashion Design Technology

The Level 4 modules at Delight include:

• Styled Garments Production (300 hours)
• Decorated Fabrics Production (120 hours)

By the end of Level 4, you will be producing styled, decorated garments and building a real portfolio of work.

📐 Level 5- Craft (Diploma)

Level 5 is where fashion training gets serious. This level introduces theory alongside practice covering textile science, fashion illustration, pattern construction, and both ladies’ and gents’ wear production.

• Qualification awarded: Craft
• Examination body: TVET-CDACC
• Duration: 1 year (spread across Terms 3 and 4)
• Course: Fashion Design Technology

Level 5 modules at Delight include:

• Digital Literacy & Communication Skills
• Textile Material Principles
• Fashion Design & Sketching
• Fabric Decoration
• Ladies’ Wear (200 hours)
• Pattern Construction & Grading (160 hours)
• Work Ethics, Entrepreneurial Skills
• Gents’ Wear (240 hours)

There is also a 3-month Industrial Attachment at this level giving you real workplace experience before you graduate.

🏆 Level 6- Diploma (The Highest Level)

Level 6 is the pinnacle of fashion training at Delight Technical College. It is a full Diploma equivalent to the first year of a university degree. At this level, you will master advanced design, business skills, and cutting-edge tools like Computer-Aided Design (CAD).

• Qualification awarded: Diploma
• Examination body: TVET-CDACC
• Duration: 2 years (Terms 5, 6, and 7 + Industrial Attachment)
• Course: Fashion Design

Level 6 modules at Delight include:

• Industrial Organization Management
• Garment Cutting
• Children’s Wear
• Quality Control Principles
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
• Fashion Accessories
• Research Methods
• Elective A: Sports & Uniform Wear
• Elective B: Lingerie & Occasion Wear
• 3-month Industrial Attachment

“Level 6 graduates from Delight are equipped to run their own fashion label, work in top design houses, or progress to university.”

📊 Quick Level Summary

Level	Qualification	Exam Body	Duration
Trade Test	Artisan	NITA	6–12 months
Level 3	Artisan	TVET-CDACC	6–12 months
Level 4	Certificate	TVET-CDACC	1 year
Level 5	Craft	TVET-CDACC	1 year
Level 6	Diploma	TVET-CDACC	2 years

 

🌟 The Delight Advantage

At Delight Technical College, our modular learning system means you can join at the level that suits your qualifications and progress upward at your own pace. Every level builds on the last — giving you a clear, structured pathway from beginner to diploma-level professional.

💡 TIP: Can’t decide where to start? Call or WhatsApp us on +254 722 533 771 and our team will guide you to the right entry point.

 

📍 Delight Technical College | Muindi Mbingu Street, Opposite Jevanjee Gardens, Nairobi | www.delight.ac.ke