SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Radiation Protection Technician 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110350  Occupational Certificate: Radiation Protection Technician 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - EWSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  128  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  SAQA 10126/19  2019-10-24  2024-10-24 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-10-24   2028-10-24  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Radiation Protection Technician. A Radiation Protection Technician implements aspects of a radiation protection programme, interpret results of radiation and contamination surveys, transport radioactive materials, implement procedures related to the management of radioactive materials and waste, and intervene in situations of emergency and exposure.
A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Implement a radiation protection programme and intervene in situations of emergency and exposure.
  • Implement procedures related to the management of radioactive materials and the transport of radioactive materials.

    Rationale:
    This qualification equips learners with the necessary skills and competence to operate as Radiation Protection Technicians. This qualification relates to the Radiation Protection Monitor (NQF Level 4) and Radiation Protection Practitioner (NQF Level 6). Essentially, learners work under supervision of a Radiation Protection Practitioner.

    Typical learners will include those who have completed their schooling or who are currently working in a radiation environment or facility as Radiation Protection Technicians. This qualification constitutes a stepping stone towards the Radiation Protection Practitioner qualification. Learners could also be those who have extensive work experience in a radiation environment but who have no qualification and wish to have their competencies recognised.

    Those acquiring this qualification will protect the public against the dangerous effects of ionising radiation and contribute towards the establishment and maintenance of radiologically safe workplaces and environments.

    Employers will benefit from appointing competent Radiation Protection Technicians who will contribute positively to the productivity of their organisation, especially since radiation environments are inherently dangerous. Radiation Protection Technicians will contribute towards maintaining the safety of environments in which radiation is present by being able to implement radiation protection programmes. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of results or by certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for access to the qualification:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
    NQF Level 4 qualification with Mathematics and Science.
    Or
    Occupational Certificate: Radiation Protection Monitor, Level 4. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skills and Work Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 311104-000-00-00 -KM-02, Fundamentals of Radiation, Mathematics, Physics and Radiation, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00 -KM-05, Quantities and Measurements, Level 5, 6 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00 -KM-08, Biological effects of Ionising Radiation, Level 5, 5 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00 -KM-10, The International and South African Framework for Radiation Protection, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00 -KM-12, Advanced Personnel and Workplace Monitoring, Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00 -KM-15, Protection against Occupational Exposure, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00 -KM-18, Exposure of the Public due to Practices, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00 -KM-21, Intervention in Situations of Emergency and Existing Exposure, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00 -KM-23, Mentoring and Coaching, Level 5, 3 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 60 Credits.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 311104-000-00-00 -PM-02, Demonstrate Radiation-related Aspects, Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00 -PM-05, Use Radiation Detectors and Perform Radiation Calculations, Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00 -PM-10, Interpret Results of Radiation and Contamination Surveys, Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00 -PM-11, Implement Aspects of a Radiation Protection Programme (RPP), Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00 -PM-15, Transport Radioactive Sources, and Implement Procedures Related to Radioactive Materials and Waste, Level 5, 7 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00 -PM-18, Intervene in Situations of Emergency and Existing Exposure, Level 5, 5 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 32 Credits.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 311104-000-00-00-WM-06, Processes to Implement a Radiation Protection Programme, Level 5, 14 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00-WM-09, Processes to Transport Radioactive Materials, and Implement Procedures Related to the Management of Radioactive Materials and Waste, Level 5, 16 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00-WM-11, Processes to Intervene in Situations of Emergency and Existing Exposure, Level 5, 6 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 36 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Implement a radiation protection programme and intervene in situations of emergency and exposure.
    2. Implement procedures related to the management of radioactive materials and transport radioactive materials. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Calculations for skin dose, surface contamination, and airborne contamination and radiation surveys are performed and the results are interpreted using appropriate techniques.
  • A radiation protection programme is implemented to achieve safety of personnel in the work area and the environment.
  • Issuing of radiological permit is completed after considering the radiological risks and implementing appropriate procedures.
  • A compiled procedure within the radiological environment is produced through the application of processes, and meets specific requirements.
  • A written technical report demonstrates the use of both guidelines in technical writing and appropriate format.
  • Radiation workers and coached and mentored through appropriate coaching methods and communication skills.
  • Radiation protection tasks during a simulated off-site and on-site radiological emergency are conducted according to procedure.
  • Radiation protection tasks during a fire drill and medical emergency exercise are conducted according to procedure.
  • All safety precautions and requirements are implemented.
  • The tasks are completed within the specified time.
  • All activities are conducted in line with IAEA requirements.
  • An understanding of the radiation protection programme, procedure compilation, technical report writing personnel monitoring programme, radiological permit-issuing procedure and radiation protection tasks during radiological, fire and medical emergencies is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Procedures related to the management of radioactive materials are implemented.
  • Procedures related to the management of radioactive waste are implemented.
  • Radioactive sources are characterised according to procedures.
  • The tasks are completed within the specified time.
  • An understanding of the procedures related to the management of radioactive materials and radioactive waste, the transporting of radioactive materials and the characterisation of radioactive sources is demonstrated.
  • All safety precautions and requirements are implemented.
  • All activities are conducted in line with IAEA requirements.

    Integrated formative assessment:
    In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and a work experience record.

    Integrated summative assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required to issue this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared to qualifications in Australia, Canada and the United States.

    Australia:

    With the Graduate Certificate in Radiation, the learner may work in a department, organisation, division or business unit that provides advice and guidance to others on radiation safety matters and the development and implementation of ionising radiation management plans. They will have responsibility to develop and/or sustain a radiation safety culture and ensure that all legislative and organisational requirements are met.

    The following aspects in this qualification are relevant to the South African qualification:

    The following are the core units of this qualification:
  • Lead a quality audit.
  • Consign radioactive material.
  • Monitor radiation.
  • Coordinate radiation safety.
  • Select, commission and maintain radiation measuring instruments.
  • Apply radiation safety knowledge to develop and implement ionising radiation management plans.
  • Participate as a member of a workplace emergency initial response team.

    Industry/enterprise requirements for this qualification demonstrate that almost the entire scope of the Radiation Protection Technician qualification is covered by this qualification.

    Canada:

    The one-year Ontario College Certificate prepares participants to monitor and control radiation exposure and to implement safety measures. Radiation safety technicians work with physicists, occupational safety and health specialists and public health officials in various nuclear, health care and natural environments.

    The qualification is as follows:

    First Semester:
  • Communication and Interpersonal Skills.
  • Computer Applications for Radiation Safety.
  • General Sciences (introduces theory relative to radiation and nuclear reactions. It includes chemistry and physics).
  • Introduction to Radiation.
  • Radiation Instrumentation 1 (instruments to detect and measure radiation levels. basic operation of equipment, technical design and calibration of equipment including ionization chambers, proportional and Geiger counters, scintillation counters, solid-state detectors and dosimeters.
  • Radiation Maths.
  • Radiation Protection (risks of radiation exposure, the impact of radiation on living organisms, the impact on the human body, the measurement of radiation dosages, the biological effects of radiation and the fundamentals of radiation protection programs within industry.

    Second Semester:
  • Contamination Control (personal protection strategies).
  • Physics and Health in Radiation.
  • Radiation Instrumentation 2 (hands-on experience in the use of portable and fixed radiation measurement instruments). It includes standard documentation practices and considerations relative to accurate readings as well as practical application assessment.
  • Radiation Safety.
  • Science for Radiation.
  • Site Systems, Work Practices and Planning.
  • Statistics.

    United States:

    The National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists (NRRPT) conducts examinations based on the domains listed below. The domains resemble the Radiation Protection Technician qualification:
  • Applied Radiation Protection.
  • Survey and Inspections.
  • Emergency Preparedness.
  • Evaluating Internal and External Exposures and Controls.
  • Prescribed Dosimetry and Radiation Equipment.
  • Contamination Control.
  • Radioactive Material Control and Transportation.
  • Guides and Regulations.
  • Procedures and Programs (ALARA).
  • Detection and Measurement.
  • Analytical Methods.
  • Instrument Calibration and Maintenance.
  • Personnel Dosimetry.
  • Equipment Operation.
  • Fundamentals.
  • Source of Radiation.
  • Biological Effects.
  • Mathematics.
  • Chemistry.
  • Physics.
  • Units and Terminology.

    Conclusion:
    The South African qualification compares very favourably with both the qualifications and the competencies of the NRRPT cited above. However, it compares best with the Australian qualification both in terms of theory and practical skills. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both vertical and horizontal articulation possibilities with the following qualifications:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Radiation Protection, Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Radiation Protection Practitioner, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
    Physical capability to perform the tasks in this qualification.

    Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers:
  • Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.
  • The curriculum title and code are: Radiation Protection Technician: 311104-000-00-02.

    Trades encompassed:
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • None.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
    Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA). 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.