What is a certificate of service and what must it contain?
Short answer
A certificate of service is a document every worker — including a domestic worker — is entitled to receive when employment ends, whatever the reason (BCEA s42). It must state the worker's full name, the employer's name and the nature of the business, the dates employment started and ended, the job or position held, and the wage at the date of termination. It is a factual record, not a reference — it does not comment on the worker's performance unless the worker asks for that to be included.
Who's entitled and when
Section 42 of the BCEA entitles every worker to a certificate of service on termination of employment, regardless of how the job ended — resignation, dismissal, retrenchment or agreement. Providing it is the employer's duty, not a favour, and it should be given at the same time as the final pay.
What it must contain
A certificate of service must state: the worker's full name; the name and address of the employer and the nature of the work the household does (you can simply note it's a private household); the date employment began and the date it ended; the job title or a description of the work; and the wage at the date the job ended. Some certificates also note the reason for termination, but that is only required if the worker requests it.
Certificate of service vs reference letter
A certificate of service is a neutral, factual record — it does not praise or criticise the worker. A reference letter is a separate, voluntary document where you give your opinion of the worker's character and performance. You must provide the certificate of service; a reference is optional. Don't turn the certificate into a negative reference by adding unsolicited remarks about performance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to give a domestic worker a certificate of service?
Yes. BCEA s42 entitles every worker to one when employment ends, regardless of the reason for leaving.
What must a certificate of service contain?
The worker's name, the employer's name and nature of the work, the start and end dates, the job held, and the wage at termination. Performance comments are only included if the worker asks.
Is a certificate of service the same as a reference?
No. The certificate is a neutral factual record you must provide. A reference letter is an optional, opinion-based document about the worker's performance.
Dignita is a compliance tool, not legal advice. Figures are based on current South African legislation; confirm with a labour-law professional for your situation.