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: 

Higher Certificate in Interior Decorating 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94798  Higher Certificate in Interior Decorating 
ORIGINATOR
Inscape Education Group (Pty) Ltd 
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 02 - Culture and Arts  Design Studies 
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
Reregistered  SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2028-06-30  

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 "provide an introduction to the interior decorating profession and its role within the broader context of the Built Environment and related Interior Decorating practices." Secondly, learners will be provided "with the skills, competencies and academic knowledge required to practice in the Built Environment as an Interior Decorator".

Thirdly, the qualifying learner can move to other (related) fields. Lastly, it is to make it possible for a person to earn an Interior Decorating qualification formalising the learning that they have achieved through other means.

Learners will be able to:
  • Know and apply the conventions and regulations specific to the industry, and to follow the necessary processes. They will become competent in the use of the technologies [including computer programs] used in the industry to produce drawings and documentation, and to make presentations to clients and the trade.
  • Understand how the industry operates and how the various sectors relate to one another. Thus s/he can collect information relevant to their work and analyse and evaluate the information to solve basic discipline-specific problems.
  • Embrace ethical practice, especially with regard to intellectual property.

    The qualification has been designed to challenge learners to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the theory relevant to their discipline by reflecting this in the practical execution of their assignments.

    Rationale:
    The provision of occupationally-directed education and training within the interior decorating field is crucial if the country is to achieve these goals:
  • Creating entrepreneurship, sustainable job creation and self-sufficiency making a significant contribution to the economy of South Africa and neighbouring SADC countries [DTI (2010) National Directory of Small Business Support Programmes, Pretoria].
  • Employment opportunities in "the creative industries" [Department of Labour South Africa: (2007) The Creative industries in South Africa].
  • Developing women entrepreneurs in South Africa who are able to meet national and regional challenges by 2015 [UNESCO (2007) Millennium Development Goals Mid-Term Country Report, South Africa].
  • Developing strong SMMEs to help both South Africa and other SADC countries to become more internationally competitive.
    This, in turn, will contribute to solving social problems such as poverty, crime etc. [BUSA (2010) Annual Review, Johannesburg].

    The Institution establishes solutions to these needs through research and on-going consultation with industry partners and employers of our learners undertaking internships nationally.

    Inscape recognises the ways in which education in the interior decorating sector can help stimulate South African communities:
  • Interior decorating industries contribute to the development of the economy of South Africa and neighbouring countries through the improvement of environments - both functionally and aesthetically - decorating both productive and sustainable environments.
  • South Africa needs problem solvers - people who are able to meet national and regional challenges by identifying, defining and solving problems through innovative responses.
  • Robust interior decorating industries will enable both South Africa and other African countries to become more internationally competitive.
    Thus this, in turn, will contribute to reducing social problems such as poverty, the need for job creation etc.

    The qualification will prepare a learner for a career in Interior Decorating. Typically, the learner would find employment in a built environment practice in one of a variety of fields, e.g.: residential and small-scale commercial buildings. They can work in an interior decorating firm, interior design firm, architectural practice for developers, town planners or an in-house facilities department to name but a few. Or the more entrepreneurial person could start their own interior decorating business, or contract their services as an interior decorating consultant. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL will be applied to enable entry to the qualification.

    When a person wishing to enroll for the qualification has already acquired the some of the necessary knowledge and skills, whether through formal learning or any other means, Inscape will provide an alternative, 'flexible entry route' to enrolment. The college can conduct a Recognition of Prior Learning assessment to determine - from a portfolio of evidence aligned to our syllabus - the extent to which a candidate has acquired the knowledge and skills and exempt him or her from having to repeat that learning.

    RPL Assessment instruments will entail:
  • Certificates from previous education and training courses, including short learning qualifications and skills qualifications.
  • Licenses to practice.
  • Professional registration.
  • Products of any nature relevant to the courses offered at the institution: art portfolios; publications, etc.
  • Samples of completed work.
  • Employment related documents such as resumes, performance appraisals, etc.
  • Statutory declaration outlining previous types of work and experience.
  • References from current and past employers, supervisors and colleagues.
  • Testimonials from persons holding relevant qualifications in the area being assessed.
  • Photographs of completed work certified by a referee or accompanied by a statutory declaration.
  • If self-employed in the past, evidence of running a business using the skills and knowledge being claimed.

    Entry Requirements:
    To be able to gain access to the Higher Certificate in Interior Decorating applicants should be in possession of:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC).
    Or
  • Senior Certificate.
    Or
  • National Vocational Certificate NC(V) at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises 16 compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, totaling 120 Credits:
  • Introduction to Decorating, 7 Credits.
  • Standard Drawing Conventions, 7 Credits.
  • Introduction to Architectural Drawing, 7 Credits.
  • Presentation Drawing, 7 Credits.
  • Materials, Finishes and Treatments, 7 Credits.
  • Period Styles and Furniture, 7 Credits.
  • Process of Interior Decorating, 7 Credits.
  • Application of Interior Decorating, 7 Credits.
  • Portfolio, 4 Credits.
  • Experiential Training, 24 Credits.
  • Autocad for the Built Environment, 4 Credits.
  • Starting Your Own Business, 6 Credits.
  • Introduction to Project Management, 6 Credits.
  • Professional Practice Management, 6 Credits.
  • Visual Merchandising and Colour, 7 Credits.
  • Event Management and Thematic Styling, 7 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. An understanding of the design elements and design principles (visual order) and be able to apply this practically.
    2. Undertake and manage all aspects of interior decorating projects.
    3. Knowledge and understanding of colour theory within the context of interior decorating.
    4. Basic conceptualisation skills (creative problem solving skills) and be able to apply these practically. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Good quality lines of specific line weights in both pencil and ink are produced.
  • The contents of a drawing sheet are conventionally laid out.
  • Drawings are produced following the conventional process of draughting on a drawing board.
  • The concept of scale is understood and the concept is accurately and neatly applied.
  • The definitions of a plan view, elevation, section and the conventional methods of representation on a drawing sheet are understood.
  • The understanding of how to project one view from another as a means of checking drawings is understood and applied.
  • Conventional and accurate dimensions and heights are understood and applied, and special lines where required is used to render plans and elevations in a medium of choice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • How a small business is started and run is understood.
  • Knowledge and understanding in compliance with the JBCC series 2000 Principal Building Agreement and the Customer Protection Act is understood.
  • Basic technical skill, knowledge and terminology required by the Built Environment are demonstrated.
  • The process and stages required in order for an interior decorating project to be thorough, consistent and ultimately successful is implemented.
  • The importance of good relations and communication methods to satisfy the client's needs is understood.
  • An interior decorating project from beginning to end is completed.
  • Practical implementation of an Interior decorating Project is understood, from the conceptualising phase to the installation and hand over of the project.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • A thorough understanding of colour theory and terminology is understood when working with colour.
  • Workable colour schemes to enhance an environment are used.
  • Appropriate colour is used on objects and spaces to enhance branding and merchandising.
  • Colour Psychology and its inherent role within a person's environment are understood.
  • Colour trends are understood and a colour palette is developed based on reference in the immediate environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Working independently is displayed and all aspects of interior decorating to solve basic design problems successfully are employed.
  • Knowledge of the history of period styles, furniture and architecture when solving interior decorating problems in design projects is demonstrated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    There will only be a formative assessment project that will entail experiential training - whereby learners will submit and present a detailed report documenting their experiences, both written and orally. The presentation will include visual and documentary evidence of work completed. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A comparability study was conducted with the KLC School of Design in London and Nanette Cameron School of Interior Design in Auckland in order to establish whether the qualification being offered at Inscapes compares with these international qualifications. The study focused on the purpose of the qualifications.

    KLC School of Design in London offers the Certificate Interior Design qualification which is a career orientated course that introduces learners to the essentials of good design and decoration to ensure that learners are introduced to every aspect of residential interior decoration and design and that there is plenty of opportunity for "hands on" practice.

    The KLC Certificate Interior Design is designed to provide learners with the knowledge and necessary skills required for entry into the interior design industry. Successful completion of the course combined with work experience in the industry should provide learners with the knowledge and experience needed to forge a professional career in residential interior design or other areas of the industry.

    Course Details:
    The course introduces learners to the methodology and process of design to include taking the client brief, design analysis and development through to design implementation and evaluation. A particularly inspirational part of the curriculum focuses on conceptual work and accessing creativity. Learners are given an appreciation of how colour, texture and pattern work together and how to apply this knowledge with confidence to create attractive decorative schemes.

    Learners also learn about the production of technical drawings, freehand sketches, rendered visuals and presentation boards to illustrate design decisions and decorative schemes and effective verbal presentation skills are also encouraged.
    In addition learners are also given an overview of the legal and regulatory environment along with an understanding of the day to day administrative procedures involved in running a professional design practice.

    Nanette Cameron School of Interior Design in Auckland offers a Design Certificate which focuses on the following areas:
    Colour: An intensive study of Colour:
  • Its influence on our moods, its effect on space and how we can manipulate space.
  • Colour theory: the do's and don'ts of colour combinations.
  • Qualities of paint and its applications; how texture and colour are interrelated.
  • The impact of light and how we see colour; hue, value and intensity.
  • Creating texture, pattern and form with colour.
  • The successful use of fabrics in the home; planning colour schemes for a room.

    The other Art Elements:
  • Line, form, light and space; looking at the elements and its impact on various historical and current styles.
  • The art principles: unity, balance, proportion, rhythm, contrast and their relationship to Interior Design.
  • Exercises relating to the principles being discussed.
  • Intensive study of flooring, its use, installation and care.

    Consideration of the psychological and practical:
  • The living room and its multiple uses, scale plans and layout.
  • Entrance hall.
  • Dining room.
  • Design and what constitutes good design " public design exercise; knowledge gained is put into a real life situation.

    Conclusion:
    The qualification offered by Inscape compares favourably with the international qualifications in terms of the purpose of each of the qualifications. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Upon completion the learner will be able to articulate horizontally to:
  • Certificate in Design Techniques at NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Applied Textile Design at NQF Level 5.

    And vertically to:
  • Diploma in Architectural Technology at NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Construction in Painting and Decorating at NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    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. Inscape Education Group (Pty) Ltd - Stellenbosch 
    2. Inscape Education Group - Cape Town 
    3. Inscape Education Group - Durban 
    4. Inscape Education Group - Midrand (formerly Johannesburg) 
    5. Inscape Education Group - Pretoria 


    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.