How to Progress From a Trade Test to a Full Diploma at Delight: Your Step-by-Step Pathway
By Delight Technical College | Academic Progression | 2026
One of the most powerful features of Kenya’s TVET system and of Delight Technical College’s programmes specifically is the ability to start at the very beginning and progress all the way to a professional Diploma qualification. If you begin with a Trade Test today, you can end with a Level 6 Diploma. Here is your complete step-by-step guide to making that journey.
🗺️ The Full Progression Pathway
| Stage | Qualification | Exam Body | Duration |
| Trade Test | Artisan (NITA) | NITA | 6–12 months |
| Level 3 | Artisan (CDACC) | 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 |
🪡 Step 1: The Trade Test- Your Starting Point
The Trade Test (Tailoring, Dressmaking, Knitting, Photography, Videography, Graphic Design, or ICT) is your entry point if you have a KCPE or any grade of KCSE. It takes 6–12 months and earns you an Artisan Certificate from NITA.
You do not have to start here. If you have KCSE D- or above, you can enter directly at Level 4. But if your qualifications or circumstances make the Trade Test the right starting point, it is a fully valid and valuable beginning.
✂️ Step 2: Level 3- Building the Foundation
Level 3 is the CDACC-examined artisan qualification, the first rung of the KNQF progression ladder. It takes 6–12 months and can be entered directly from the Trade Test. It awards an Artisan Certificate from TVET-CDACC.
Note: A Trade Test holder may be able to enter at Level 4 directly, depending on their specific qualification and performance. Discuss this with the admissions team.
🧵 Step 3: Level 4- The Certificate
Level 4 is one year of intensive fashion or media training, culminating in a Certificate in Fashion Design Technology (or the equivalent media qualification). Entry requires KCSE D- or a Level 3 certificate. This is the level at which serious production skills are developed.
📐 Step 4: Level 5- The Craft
Level 5 is one year of advanced training, adding design thinking, textile science, and business skills to production mastery. Entry requires KCSE D or a Level 4 certificate. It awards a Craft in Fashion Design Technology.
🏆 Step 5: Level 6- The Diploma
Level 6 is the pinnacle (A two-year Diploma programme covering advanced design, CAD, industrial management, specialist electives, and a three-month industrial attachment). Entry requires KCSE C- or a Level 5 Craft. It awards a Diploma in Fashion Design.
⏱️ How Long Does the Full Journey Take?
If you start at the Trade Test and progress through every level without breaks:
- Trade Test: 6-12 months
- Level 3: 6-12 months
- Level 4: 1 year (+ 2.5-month attachment)
- Level 5: 1 year (+ 3-month attachment)
- Level 6: 2 years (+ 3-month attachment)
- Total: approximately 5-6 years from Trade Test to Diploma
Students who enter at Level 4 directly (with KCSE D-) can complete the full journey to Level 6 Diploma in approximately 3-4 years.
🚀 What Awaits You at the End
A Level 6 Diploma from Delight, examined by TVET-CDACC, is a nationally and regionally recognised professional qualification. It entitles you to:
- Professional employment in the fashion, media, or technology industry
- Self-employment and business ownership with a credible qualification
- Progression to Level 7- university degree programmes in related fields
“Every expert was once a beginner. Every Diploma was once a Trade Test. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step and at Delight, that step is always available to you.”
📍 Delight Technical College | Muindi Mbingu Street, Opposite Jevanjee Gardens, Nairobi | +254 722 533 771 | www.delight.ac.ke
