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 Monitor 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110356  Occupational Certificate: Radiation Protection Monitor 
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  115  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  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 part-qualification is to provide the required knowledge, skills and work experience to prepare a learner to operate as a Radiation Protection Monitor. A Radiation Protection Monitor is able to operate radiological instrumentation for monitoring, conducting surveys, access control and decontamination. He/she can also perform administrative functions related to radiation protection monitoring of radioactive materials and waste.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Monitor radiation levels through conducting surveys utilising radiological instrumentation and conduct decontamination activities.

    Rationale:
    This part-qualification is a part of the Occupational Certificate: Radiation Protection Practitioner and aims to equip learners with the necessary skills and competence to operate as Radiation Protection Monitors. This part-qualification relates to the Occupational Certificate: Radiation Protection Practitioner, Level 6. Most of the people employed to carry out radiation protection work in the industry are Radiation Protection Monitors. Essentially, these people work under the supervision of either a Radiation Protection Technician or 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 but have no qualification and wish to have their competencies recognised. This part qualification will empower Radiation Protection Monitors to obtain recognition and give them the level of skills that will increase their opportunities for employment and expertise.

    Employers will benefit from appointing competent Radiation Protection Monitors who will contribute positively to the productivity of the organisation, especially in view of the fact that radiation environments are inherently dangerous. Radiation Protection Monitors will contribute towards maintaining the safety of environments in which radiation is present. In addition, those acquiring the 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. 
    		•

    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 with Mathematics and Science. 

    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-01, Fundamentals of Radiation, Mathematics and Physics and radiation, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00 -KM-04, Quantities and Measurements, Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00 -KM-07, Biological Effects of Ionising Radiation, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00 -KM-09, The International and South African Framework for Radiation Protection, Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00 -KM-11, Fundamentals of Personnel and Workplace Monitoring, Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00 -KM-14, Protection against Occupational Exposure, Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00 -KM-17, Exposure of the Public due to Practices, Level 4, 2 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00 -KM-20, Situations of Emergency and Existing Exposure, Level 4, 6 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 45 Credits.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 311104-000-00-00 -PM-01, Demonstrate Fundamental Radiation-related Aspects, Level 4, 3 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00 -PM-04, Demonstrate the use of Monitors and Determine Background Level of Radiation, Level 4, 3 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00 -PM-07, Operate Radiological Instrumentation for Monitoring and Surveys, Level 4, 7 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00 -PM-09, Conduct Access Control, Surveys and Decontamination, Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00 -PM-13, Perform Radiation Protection-related Administrative Functions, Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00 -PM-14, Conduct Monitoring of Radioactive Materials and Waste, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00 -PM-17, Perform a Leak Test, Level 4, 2 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 30 Credits.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 311104-000-00-00-WM-01, Work Experience, Processes to Operate Radiological Instrumentation, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00-WM-02, Processes to Conduct Surveys, Level 4, 12 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00-WM-03, Radiological decontamination processes, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00-WM-05, Processes to perform specific radiation protection programme-related tasks, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 311104-000-00-00-WM-08, Processes to conduct monitoring of radioactive materials and waste, Level 4, 4 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 40 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Monitor radiation levels through conducting surveys by operating radiological instrumentation, and conduct decontamination activities. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Instrument selection is appropriate to the given task.
  • Preparatory activities are appropriate to the given task and carried out according to procedures.
  • Radiation levels are monitored by operating the survey instrument according to manufacturer's instructions.
  • Surface contamination levels are monitored by operating the survey instrument according to manufacturer's instructions.
  • Airborne contamination levels are monitored by operating the survey instrument according to manufacturer's instructions.
  • Data is retrieved from instruments and recorded.
  • Decontamination of equipment is achieved by using appropriate equipment and techniques.
  • Decontamination of personnel is monitored using appropriate techniques.
  • Decontamination of personnel is achieved using specific procedures and equipment.
  • Core critical functions for access control are performed.
  • Samples of radioactive materials are collected and grids are marked according to procedures.
  • Leak test is performed using appropriate procedures.
  • Records of radiological surveys are created and maintained.
  • The tasks are completed within the specified time.
  • No equipment is damaged or lost.
  • All safety precautions and requirements are implemented.
  • All activities are conducted in line with IAEA requirements.
  • An understanding of radiation, contamination and decontamination is demonstrated.

    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 work experience record including the Foundational Learning Competence.

    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 the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States.

    United Kingdom:

    The City and Guilds Radiation Safety Practice qualification is designed for supporting people who wish to gain employment or are currently employed in the area of radiological protection. The Radiation Safety Practice Stage 1 (RSP 1) qualification is recognised within the nuclear industry as providing suitable educational background for radiation protection advisers and monitors. The practical theme and case studies that run throughout the course enables the student to effectively use standard instruments and equipment.

    This course is a mixture of on-line and practical study which will prepare the learner for the radiation safety practice written examination. By the end of the course the participants will understand:
  • Structure of Matter.
  • Radioactivity and Radiation.
  • The Detection of Ionising Radiation.
  • The Biological Effects of Ionising Radiation.
  • Legislation and Regulation.
  • External and Internal Radiation Hazards.
  • Nuclear Fission and Reactor Systems.
  • The Treatment of Radioactive Waste Material.

    Australia:
    Murray State University offers a basic course in Open Source Radiation Training. This course resembles the Radiation Protection Monitor qualification.

    There are six computer-based training modules:
  • Radiation Properties.
  • Background Radiation and Other Sources of Exposure.
  • Biological Effects.
  • External and Internal Dose Limits.
  • Government Regulations and the Radiation Safety Program.
  • Radiation Monitoring.

    These modules provide information on the following topics:
  • The basic characteristics of radiation, including the properties of various radioactive emissions.
  • Half-life.
  • Radiation units.
  • Natural background and other sources of radiation exposure.
  • The biological effects of radiation exposure.
  • The risks of radiation exposure.
  • Rules and regulations.
  • The administration of the radiation safety program at Murray State University.
  • Annual radiation dose limits.
  • The ALARA philosophy.
  • When radiation dosimetry is required and when it is not.
  • The Declared Pregnant Worker Program.

    United States:
    Training in the USA is mostly focused at higher education levels, in the form of continuing education, and most USA programs are university-based. The US courses address a variety of radiation protection related concepts. Many of these areas are addressed, albeit at a less complex level, in the South African qualification.

    The National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists conducts an examination for the registration of Radiation Protection Technologists. However, the aspects listed below are a selection from the Technologist's examination. They are listed here because they resonate with the Radiation Protection Monitor competencies.
  • USA Examination: Survey and Inspections.
  • USA Examination: Guides and Regulations.
  • USA Examination: Detection and Measurement.
  • USA Examination: Equipment Operation.
  • USA Examination: Source of Radiation.
  • USA Examination: Biological Effects.
  • USA Examination: Mathematics.
  • USA Examination: Physics.
  • USA Examination: Units and Terminology.

    Conclusion:
    The South African qualification compares very favourably with both the qualifications and the USA qualification standards. However, it compares best with the UK qualification. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Radiation Protection, NQF Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Radiation Protection Technician; NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    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 records.

    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 Monitor: 311104-000-00-01.

    Encompassed Trades:
    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).

    Parent Qualification:
  • 311104-000-00-00, Radiation Protection Practitioner, Level 6.

    Related Part Qualification:
  • 311104-000-00-00-02, Radiation Protection Technician, Level 5. 
    		•

    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.