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ZAQA qualification verification: cost, timing and what to prepare
Understand the difference between checking a qualification and evaluating a foreign award.
The Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) describes two related services. Verification checks the authenticity of a qualification; evaluation compares a foreign qualification with the Zambia Qualifications Framework. Ask the employer or institution which service it requires before paying.
What ZAQA checks
The authority says verification can include checking the awarding body’s mandate, whether the qualification was approved and whether it was actually issued. Evaluation looks at how a foreign qualification compares with the Zambian framework. A qualification evaluation is separate from a licence to practise a regulated profession.
Budget time and costs
ZAQA’s page, checked on 5 November 2026, lists approximately 14 working days for local qualifications and 60 working days for foreign qualifications, noting that an awarding body’s response can affect timing. Its published fees range from K50 for a local general-education certificate to K1,200 for foreign qualification verification and evaluation. Confirm the current fee for your exact qualification before applying.
Submit through the official service
The authority links to its online verification platform. Follow current instructions, supply accurate awarding-institution details and keep your application reference and payment receipt. Allow extra time if an employer has a deadline.
Pay only through a method confirmed by ZAQA, and check any intermediary’s claims independently. Do not give your account password or one-time code to another person.