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: Lift Mechanic 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94874  Occupational Certificate: Lift Mechanic 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - NAMB 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations  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  540  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-07-01  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

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 prepare a learner to operate as a Lift Mechanic.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Install electrical and mechanical components of electric and hydraulic passenger and goods lifts, escalators, moving walkways and other lift equipment.
  • Maintain electrical and mechanical components of electric and hydraulic passenger and goods lifts, escalators, moving walkways and other lift equipment.
  • Repair electrical and mechanical components of electric and hydraulic passenger and goods lifts, escalators, moving walkways and other lift equipment.
  • Adjust electrical and mechanical components of electric and hydraulic passenger and goods lifts, escalators, moving walkways and other lift equipment.

    Rationale:
    South Africa currently has a significant shortage of qualified Lift Mechanics. The industry is highly regulated and recent amendments to the legislation have emphasised the need for qualified Lift Mechanics in sufficient numbers to enable the industry to comply with legislation governing installation and maintenance as per the most current Regulations.

    In terms of the amended legislation all lifts, escalators and passenger conveyors have to undergo specific maintenance, examinations and tests at prescribed intervals, which must be carried out by competent Lift Mechanics. This qualification provides the most direct route to attaining the status of a competent Lift Mechanic.

    The legislation also highlights the importance of Lift Inspectors, who conduct the regular statutory inspections without which lifts and escalators may not legally continue to operate. Lift Inspectors, who complete additional training and are professionally registered, are drawn from the ranks of qualified, experienced Lift Mechanics. This is a further key reason for ensuring that adequate numbers of people qualify as Lift Mechanics. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Entry Requirements:
    Learners are required to have the following in place in order to be considered for admission:
  • NQF Level 1 qualification with 50% in Mathematics.

    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 result or 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. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory knowledge and practical skills modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 671204000-KM-01, Fundamentals of the industry, NQF Level 2, 18 Credits.
  • 671204000-KM-02, Electrical Principles, components and infrastructure practices, NQF Level 3, 31 Credits.
  • 671204000-KM-03, Electrical operating principles of machines, motors and components, NQF Level 3, 17 Credits.
  • 671204000-KM-04, Electronic control and digital electronics, NQF Level 4, 20 Credits.
  • 671204000-KM-05, General lift installation practices, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 671204000-KM-06, Lift specific installation practices, NQF Level 2, 12 Credits.
  • 671204000-KM-07, Lift maintenance practices, NQF Level 3 10 Credits.
  • 671204000-KM-08, Escalators and moving walkaway, NQF Level 3, 10 Credits.
    Total number of credits for knowledge modules: 126.

    Practical skills modules:
  • 671204000-PM-01,Identify, select, use and care for tools, NQF Level 2, 7 Credits.
  • 671204000-PM-02, Weld, cut and heat components and materials, NQF Level 2, 5 Credits.
  • 671204000-PM-03, Read and interpret drawings, NQF Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 671204000-PM-04, Perform basic hoisting and rigging procedures, NQF Level 2, 7 Credits.
  • 67120400-PM-05, Set out components in preparation for lift installation, NQF Level 2, 12 Credits.
  • 671204000-PM-06, Install lift components mechanically, NQF Level 3, 56 Credits.
  • 671204000-PM-07, Connect electrical components, NQF Level 4, 25 Credits.
  • 671204000-PM-08, Perform preventative maintenance, NQF Level 3, 25 Credits.
  • 671204000-PM-09, Collect information and keep record, NQF Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • 671204000-PM-10, Perform fault finding, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 671204000-PM-11, Repair electrical circuits, NQF Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 671204000-PM-12, Repair or replace mechanical lift components, NQF Level 3, 17 Credits.
  • 671204000-PM-13, Position and align components, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 671204000-PM-14, Make components and circuits functional, NQF Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • 671204000-PM-15, Perform compliance tests, NQF Level 4, 14 Credits.
    Total number of credits for practical skills modules: 211.

    This qualification also requires the following work experience modules:
  • 671204000-WM-01, Site preparation processes, NQF Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 671204000-WM-02, Installation of mechanical components, NQF Level 2, 78 Credits.
  • 671204000-WM-03, Installation of electrical components, NQF Level 3, 16 Credits.
  • 671204000-WM-04, Routine, preservative lift maintenance processes, NQF Level 3, 25 Credits.
  • 671204000-WM-05, Emergency rescue operations, NQF Level 3, 2 Credits.
  • 671204000-WM-06, Lift breakdown maintenance processes, NQF Level 3, 18 Credits.
  • 671204000-WM-07, Electrical component repair processes, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 671204000-WM-08, Mechanical repair processes, NQF Level 3, 32 Credits.
  • 671204000-WM-09, Commissioning of lift installations, NQF Level 4, 16 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience modules: 203. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Interpret electrical drawings to fault find and wire circuits.
    2. Apply the appropriate hand skills using various hand tools and power tools.
    3. Install, maintain ropes and adjust lift components.
    4. Interpret electronic principles and build basic electronic circuits.
    5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of critical areas of lift installation, maintenance, repair and adjustment processes.
    6. Interpret layout diagrams and set out an installation job. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Appropriate tools and equipment in accordance with safe engineering practices are selected and used.
  • Measurements on the A-F charts as per layout diagram are accurately completed and recorded.
  • Work activities are planned and carried out in a logical manner.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Appropriate electrical measuring instruments in accordance with safe engineering practices are selected and used.
  • Fault finding according to the sequence of operation of a lift is carried out and faults are rectified.
  • A basic functional circuit is assembled and tested as per the work instruction.

    Associated Assessment Criterion for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Appropriate tools as per the work instruction and in accordance with safe engineering practices are selected and used.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Ropes as per manufacturer's specifications and the relevant SANS specification are inspected and defects are identified, recorded, evaluated and reported.
  • Lift components as outlined in the manufacturer's specification and the relevant SANS specification are adjusted to specific tolerances.
  • Relevant safety requirements and procedures as outlined within the OHS Act are applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Appropriate components as per the electronic circuit diagram are identified and selected.
  • A basic functional circuit is assembled and tested as per the work instruction.

    Associated Assessment Criterion for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • SANS 50081, Part 1, including the relevant formulae, are interpreted and applied to lift installation, maintenance, repair and adjustment processes.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria. The external summative assessment will be a trade test as prescribed under section 26 D of the SDA and defined in the Trade Test Regulation. It will be conducted through an evaluation of written and practical tasks covering critical aspects in a simulated environment at an assessment centre accredited by QCTO and conducted by an assessor registered by NAMB. The assessment will take place over a minimum of 2 days. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC), in Georgia, United States of America offers the Certified Elevator Technician which is a four year qualification. The goal of this qualification is to provide the elevator industry and the elevator industry technical, mechanical, construction, and maintenance workforces with a means of obtaining and certifying critical education and training requirements related to compliance with industry codes, elevator and escalator specific technical theory, components, and competencies.

    The purpose of the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) Certified Elevator Technician (CET) certification is to provide the elevator industry with a means of obtaining and verifying knowledge and experience requirements related to compliance with industry codes, elevator and escalator specific technical theory, components, and competencies.

    Qualification Content:
  • Introduction to Elevators.
  • Basics of Installing Elevator Components.
  • Maintenance Practices and Testing.
  • Electrical Safety and Theory.
  • Elevator Doors and Equipment.
  • Traction Elevators: Motors, Motor Control and Fault Finding.
  • Electrical Wiring and Equipment.
  • Hydraulic Theory and Installation.
  • Basic Electronics and Fundamentals.
  • Machinery Troubleshooting, Rope Replacement.

    Conclusion:
    It is evident from the information collected that the South African qualification compares favourably with the international qualification in terms of the purpose and modules. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification was designed to articulate horizontally with NQF Level 4 registered qualifications with a strong Electronics Engineering component in them. It also articulates vertically with NQF Level 5 registered qualifications with Electronics Engineering as a major subject. 

    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.
     
    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.