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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Project Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
122268  Higher Certificate in Project Management 
ORIGINATOR
Regent Business School (Pty) Ltd t/a Regent Business School 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Project Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0623/24  2024-04-18  2027-04-18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-04-18   2031-04-18  

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 the Higher Certificate in Project Management is to provide learners with sound fundamental competencies required to work on projects of varying sizes and complexity as part of a project team.
The qualification offers a combination of project management theory and practice. It is aimed at equipping individuals who work at the first-line management level within organisations planning to occupy junior or supervisory management level project management positions in organisations with the required knowledge and skills regarding project management, specifically, the intrinsic disciplines fundamental to project management (fundamentals, quality, resource management and risk), business management, communication, and financial management.

The qualification is directed at persons employed in organisations who have practical knowledge of aspects of project management and who may not have had the opportunity to pursue higher education qualifications. The qualification is of special interest to those who wish to pursue a career in Project Management and is designed to provide the learner with an introductory theoretical understanding and working application of the principles, competencies, and practical skills vital for the effective management of projects.

The qualification specifically contributes to regional and national goals by enabling capacity building and human resource development in the field of project management.
It also empowers learners with knowledge, skills, and competencies essential to function and engage in the processes and inter-relationships across projects and recognises and accommodates the career and economic needs of learners who are employed.
The qualification further aims to meet the needs of learners in different positions in both the private and government sectors.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Understand the changing project management environment.
  • Improve their effectiveness within the project supply chain.
  • Manage and develop sustainable internal and external project stakeholder relationships.
  • Measure and improve project and project management performance.

    Rationale:
    According to the Project Management Institute (PMI, 2021), The latest PMI-commissioned talent gap analysis by Anderson Economic Group (AEG) points to outstanding opportunities in jobs and career growth for project managers within the 11 countries studied. Through 2027, the project management-oriented labour force in seven project-oriented sectors is expected to grow by 33 % or nearly 22 million new jobs.

    By 2027, employers will need nearly 88 million individuals in project management-oriented roles. China and India will represent over 75 % of the total project management-oriented employment." The report continues by noting that project managers are important contributors to productivity. Talent shortages in the profession can potentially create risks of nearly US$208 billion in GDP over the 10 years in the 11 countries examined.''

    With the aforementioned in mind, the institution believes that Project Management qualifications must be offered to its learner base from NQF Level 5 upwards.

    The Higher Certificate in Project Management will therefore provide a sound basis in the principles and practice of project management. The qualification is directed at persons employed in organisations who have practical knowledge of aspects of project management and who may not have had the opportunity to pursue higher education qualifications.

    The qualification may also be accessed by school leavers who intend to pursue careers in project management. The target groups for this qualification are people working within supervisory to junior project management positions within the various processes of project management, or those who are aspiring for such positions.

    This qualification has therefore been designed to address these demands as well as support the competencies required in the key areas of project management that have been identified within the following areas:
  • Fundamentals of Project Management.
  • Project Financial Management.
  • Project Scheduling and Resource Management.
  • Project Quality and Risk Management. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. The following RPL processes may be applied.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 without endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 120 Credits.
  • Leading and Managing Projects, 20 Credits.
  • Project Monitoring and Change Control, 20 Credits.
  • Project Costing and Budgeting, 20 Credits.
  • Fundamentals of Project Management, 20 Credits.
  • Project Scheduling and Resource Management, 20 Credits.
  • Project Quality and Risk Management, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply project management principles to efficiently manage and control project changes.
    2. Apply a range of concepts, tools, and techniques to effectively lead and manage projects.
    3. Evaluate projects in terms of scope and costs.
    4. Apply fundamental project tools and techniques in the context of project management.
    5. Utilise a range of project scheduling and resource management tools and techniques in the context of project management.
    6. Apply various concepts, tools and techniques that can be used to effectively manage project quality and risks. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1.
  • Identify strategies to increase project support and reduce resistance.
  • Discuss the impact of a project change framework.
  • Utilise a professional approach to producing and communicating project change information.
  • Identify and explain the barriers to project change.
  • Develop a plan in the required format and include time frames for reporting to project stakeholders.
  • Illustrate an understanding of theories of change which impact project management.
  • Describe the components of an integrated project change plan.
  • Explain the assessments conducted to determine the likelihood of project change success.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2.
  • Apply the various theories of leadership and management to projects.
  • Identify and describe sources of conflict within project teams.
  • Discuss the criteria for project team effectiveness and how project meetings and reports are used to improve efficiency.
  • Explain the role of the project manager.
  • Illustrate an understanding of how performance results are reported in accordance with project procedures.
  • Apply corrective actions to ensure compliance with the project management plan.
  • Describe the opportunities in support of project objectives.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3.
  • Apply financial literacy on a theoretical and practical level to a range of projects.
  • Analyse financial data and interpret the implications in the project management context.
  • Illustrate an understanding of the significance of long and short-term financial planning as it applies to projects.
  • Conduct performance analyses of the income statement, balance sheet and cash-flow statements for a range of projects.
  • Evaluate project costing and budgeting is performed using project data on a range of projects.
  • Conduct a financial break-even analysis and reconcile financial statements using project data.
  • Illustrate an understanding of purchasing and procurement processes as a component of the overall project management process.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4.
  • Apply the core principles of project management including implementation, monitoring, and control.
  • Apply the common vocabulary and jargon of the project management profession in the correct context.
  • Explain the project selection procedure and how numerous projects fit into an organization's program and strategic path.
  • Describe the organisational and behavioural aspects of project management.
  • Apply project management competencies to projects of varying sizes and complexity.
  • Develop integrated project plans including the project charter, statement of work (SOW), work breakdown structure (WBS), project activity network diagram (critical path), project schedule and milestones, project budget, and cost-time performance tracking measures for a range of projects.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5.
  • Illustrate an understanding of modern tools and techniques critical to project scheduling.
  • Apply a variety of resource management techniques that are vital for a project to meet its resource goals and objectives.
  • Explore and discuss the preparation of a realistic project schedule.
  • Apply a variety of scheduling techniques (Gantt Chart, Critical Path Method, and Program Evaluation Review Technique) to guide and monitor project performance.
  • Illustrate an understanding of modern tools and techniques critical to project resource estimation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6.
  • Explain the components of a quality project management plan.
  • Explain the role and value of quality management in projects.
  • Discuss the quality management approaches to projects (TQM, ISO, and Six Sigma).
  • Apply the basic philosophies of quality management.
  • Develop a quality-conscious approach to managing project activities and decisions.
  • Develop plans, schedules and tools for the quality management processes in a project.
  • Identify and utilize the basic components of risk and a risk management plan.
  • Assess and apply the basic steps of risk management: risk identification, risk impact analysis, risk response planning, risk monitoring and control, and planning.
  • Describe the impact that risk management has in terms of improving project performance.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    The Higher Certificate in Project Management will follow the new assessment strategy for undergraduate qualifications. (Effective in 2022).
    The assessment for the modules consists of formative continuous assessments and a summative examination.

    Assignments for each module (formative) require learners to demonstrate specialist knowledge of the module content and the ability to evaluate, design and implement a strategy for the processing and management of information.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessments can take the form of:
  • Assignments
  • Class tests
  • Project work
  • Case studies
    Formative assessments may also simulate Work-Directed Learning (WDL) through
    the use of projects, and the compilation of PoEs.
    Examples from the business environment add to the overall worth of the assignment and
    contribute to the final mark. All assignments aim to develop a "critical and reflective practitioner".

    Summative Assessment:
    Learners must have fulfilled the following requirements to be eligible to write the examination for a module:
  • Completed the compulsory assignment(s) for that module.
  • Obtained a sub-minimum of 30% for the assignment.
    Examination (summative) questions are based on two strategies:
  • Firstly, learners are required to critically evaluate concepts against the background of
    business practice.
  • Secondly, assessments should be in varied forms (class tests, portfolios, individual and group work etc.), and should take place over the course of the learning programme enabling the demonstration of the integration of knowledge, skills, and values.

    The final mark is computed as a weighted average of 40% of the assignment mark/s and 60% of the formal written examination.
    The final mark is computed by taking a weighted average of 40% of the formative assessment (Three (3) formative assessments) and 60% of the summative assessment.
    A learner is required to achieve a sub-minimum of 30% in the formative and 40% in the summative components. The learner must obtain an overall mark of 50% to successfully complete a module. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Australia
    Institution name: University of Swinburne
    Qualification title: Diploma of Project Management
    Duration: Six to eight months

    Entry requirement:
  • Applicants should have at least 3 years of full-time work experience and should be working in a project team or managing projects in their workplace.

    Purpose:
    The Diploma of Project Management is designed to help working professionals improve their ability to define and manage projects while maximising productivity.

    The course covers project management theory, helps learners develop a structured project management methodology and identifies useful templates and tools to improve project management capability.
    Upon completion, learners will be able to manage multiple aspects of projects in their entirety across a variety of contexts to best understand how to maximise the productivity of their team.
    This qualification is suitable for emerging and current project managers, those aspiring to be a project manager and recently promoted project managers.

    This qualification develops the skills to:
  • Manage multiple aspects of projects, in their entirety, across a variety of contexts.
  • Manage projects and projects teams.
  • Manage project timelines, quality, and budget.
  • Engage stakeholders.
  • Apply risk management techniques.
  • Manage the human resources aspect of projects.

    Course structure
    Modules:
  • Manage project scope, compares with Leading and Managing Projects.
  • Manage project time Project Baselines.
  • Manage project cost compares with Project Costing and Budgeting.
  • Manage project human resources, compares with Project Scheduling and Resource Management.
  • Manage project stakeholder engagement Project Leadership compares with Leading and Managing Projects.
  • Manage project information and communication.
  • Manage project quality.
  • Manage project risk Project Compliance, compares with Project Quality and Risk Management.
  • Manage project procurement.
  • Manage project integration.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Swinburne (US) and the South African (SA) qualification share similarities such as:
  • The purpose of the US qualification is designed to help working professionals improve their ability to define and manage projects while maximising productivity.
  • The purpose of the SA qualification is to provide learners with sound fundamental competencies required to work on projects of varying sizes and complexity as part of a project team.
  • The SA qualification offers a combination of project management theory and practice and is aimed at equipping individuals who work at the first-line management level within organisations planning to occupy junior or supervisory management level.
  • The US qualification is suitable for emerging and current project managers, those aspiring to be a project manager and recently promoted project managers.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules such as, manage project scope, comparable to Leading and Managing Projects, Manage project risk Project Compliance, comparable to Project Quality and Risk Management and more.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification is offered over one year, and the US qualification is offered over a six to eight months.
  • The US qualification is offered to learners who have three years of full-time work experience and should be working in a project team or managing projects in their workplace, whereas the SA qualification is offered to learners who have completed a senior certificate.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Name of Institution: The Ascent School of Management
    Qualification title: Level 4 Certificate in Project Management
    Duration: Five months
    Credits: 75

    Entry requirements:
  • Any Level-3 Qualification
    Or
  • Higher Secondary Education
    Or
  • Mature students require a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience.

    Purpose:
    IBT Qualifications Level 4 Certificate in Project Management explores the basic steps of project management. The program in project management provides clear knowledge to achieve the predetermined criteria and goals within the specified time. After successful completion of the Level 4 Certificate in Project Management, learners would be able to understand different types of project management. This qualification helps the learner to apply different approaches to project management.

    This qualification enables the learner to use several techniques in project management to focus on the outcome of the projects acquired. This program makes the learners use the strategies in an efficient manner.

    After successful completion of this program, learners will be able to:
  • Prepare with practical skills and knowledge to successfully manage and execute the projects.
  • Gain internationally reputed qualifications and improve career prospects as a project management professional.
  • Develop the behaviours and leadership skills needed to become a successful project manager.

    Course structure
    Modules:
  • Project Scope Management.
  • Principles of Project Management, comparable with Fundamentals of Project Management.
  • Project Procurement Management.
  • Project Quality Management, comparable with Project Quality and Risk Management.
  • Project Risk Management.

    Similarities:
  • The Ascent School of Management (ASM) accepts learners who have completed a Higher Secondary Education, and the South African (SA) qualification accepts learners who have completed a senior certificate of education.
  • For the ASM qualification learners will be able to use several techniques in project management to focus on the outcome of the projects acquired, learners will also be able to use the strategies in an efficient manner.
  • The SA qualification aims to provide learners with sound fundamental competencies required to work on projects of varying sizes and complexity as part of a project team.
  • After successful completion, the ASM qualification aims to enable learners to prepare with practical skills and knowledge to successfully manage and execute the projects.
  • For the SA qualification, the learner will be enabled to measure and improve project and project management performance.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules such as Principles of Project Management, compared to Fundamentals of Project Management and Project Quality Management, compared to Project Quality and Risk Management.

    Differences:
  • The ASM qualification is offered over five months, whereas the SA qualification is offered over one year.
  • The ASM qualification has 75 credits against the SA qualification's 120 credit offering. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal, vertical and diagonal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Retail Management, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Entrepreneurship, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management in Risk Management, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Certificate in Project Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Advanced Certificate in Business Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Advanced Certificate in Business Management in Project Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Financial Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Business Management, NQF Level 6.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Supply Chain Practitioner, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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.
     
    1. Regent Business School (Pty) Ltd t/a Regent Business School 


    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.