Getting Started as a Learner

Summary

This guide helps you, as a learner, get up and running on skillSYMS: activating your account, finding your programme, submitting your Portfolio of Evidence (PoE), and tracking your progress and results.

Who This Guide Is For

• Learners enrolled in a QCTO programme, learnership, or skills programme
• Apprentices and trade-test candidates using skillSYMS for evidence and results

Prerequisites

• An invitation email from your training provider, or login details they provided
• A device with a camera (phone) if you’ll capture evidence on site

Step 1: Activate Your Account

1. Open the invitation email from your provider and click the activation link.
2. Set a password and confirm your details.
3. Sign in at /login (or your provider’s branded login page).

Tip: No invite? Ask your training provider to provision a login for you — they can do this from their learner admin screen.

Step 2: Explore Your Dashboard

Your Learner dashboard (/learner) is your home base. It shows your programme, upcoming deadlines, attendance, and outstanding tasks at a glance.

Step 3: View Your Programme

Go to My Programme to see your enrolment: the qualification, modules, and what evidence is expected for each module.

Step 4: Submit Evidence (Portfolio of Evidence)

1. Go to Evidence.
2. Choose Upload and select the module/outcome the evidence belongs to.
3. Attach your files — documents, photos, videos, or audio.
4. Add a short description and submit.

On a phone you can capture photos directly. See the Learner PoE Submission Guide for detail and PoE Best Practices for tips that help you pass first time.

Step 5: Check Your Attendance

Go to Attendance to see your check-in history. If your provider uses geo-fenced or QR check-in, follow the on-screen prompts when you arrive on site.

Step 6: Track Results and Certificates

• Results — your assessment outcomes and assessor feedback.
• Certificates — once issued, download your certificate or Statement of Results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uploading to the wrong module — always confirm the module/outcome before submitting.
2. Blurry photos — make sure documents are readable; re-take if unclear.
3. Missing deadlines — check your dashboard regularly for due dates.

Verification Checklist

• You can sign in and see your dashboard
• Your programme and modules are visible
• You have successfully uploaded at least one piece of evidence
• You know where to find your results and certificates

Next Steps

• Learner PoE Submission Guide
• PoE Best Practices
• Mobile App: Getting Started