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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Occupational Certificate: Nuclear Power Plant Process Controller

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
97225	Occupational Certificate: Nuclear Power Plant Process Controller
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		Manufacturing and Assembly
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	232	Not Applicable	NQF Level 06	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 06120/18	2018-07-01	2023-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30		2027-06-30

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 prepare a learner to operate as a Nuclear Power Plant Process Controller.

A Nuclear Power Plant Process Controller manages and supervises the operation of a nuclear power generating system by operating, monitoring and controlling the relevant auxiliary and safety systems safely and efficiently to generate and distribute electrical power to the end-user.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Conduct and supervise operations by operating, monitoring and controlling nuclear reactivity processes to generate energy from nuclear fuel in a safe and reliable manner.

Conduct and supervise operations by operating, monitoring and controlling steam and water systems to evacuate heat from the Rx core to produce steam.

Conduct and supervise operations by operating, monitoring and controlling turbine control and support systems to ensure safe operation of steam turbines.

Conduct and supervise operations by operating, monitoring and controlling processes to the national grid and supplying adequate electrical supplies for safe nuclear unit operation and shutdown.

Rationale:
The sector is concerned that currently only six to twelve learners are trained every two years and are able to obtain their nuclear reactor controller licence. This is not enough if the country is to meet its energy needs and the faster economic growth it envisages. The qualification is open to learners from all races and genders meeting the entry requirements. The qualification will enable the learner to fill a scarce skill in the nuclear industry and to play an essential role in the electrical power generation of the country.

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 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:
Learners are required to have the following in order to be considered for admission:

Further Education and Training Certificate: Power Plant Operations at NQF Level 4 SAQA ID: 61569.

Senior Certificate (SC) or National Senior Certificate with a pass in Mathematics, Science and English Language.

National Vocational Certificate.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules.

Modules:
Knowledge Modules:

313104000-KM-01, Generic Fundamentals for Nuclear Power Generation, at NQF Level 5, 32 Credits.

313104000-KM-02, Nuclear System Instrumentation and Control, at NQF Level 5, 33 Credits.

313104000-KM-03, Nuclear Normal Operations, at NQF Level 6, 20 Credits.

313104000-KM-04, Nuclear Incident Operations, at NQF Level 6, 12 Credits.

313104000-KM-05, Nuclear General Topics, at NQF Level 6, 12 Credits.

313104000-KM-06, Nuclear Accident Operation, at NQF Level 6, 16 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 125.

Practical Skill Modules:

313104000-PM-01, Operate, monitor and control processes to generate energy from nuclear fuel, at NQF Level 6, 17 Credits.

313104000-PM-02, Operate, monitor and control processes to evacuate heat from Rx core to produce steam, at NQF Level 6, 17 Credits.

313104000-PM-03, Operate, monitor and control processes to ensure safe operation of steam turbines, at NQF Level 6, 11 Credits.

313104000-PM-04, Operate, monitor and control processes and systems to generator electricity to the national grid and supply adequate electrical supplies for safe unit operation, at NQF Level 6, 14 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 59.

This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:

313104000-WM-01, Rx reactivity control including fission elements, by-products, chemical control, volume control and waste control, at NQF Level 6, 12 Credits.

313104000-WM-02, Heat sink systems control, at NQF Level 6, 12 Credits.

313104000-WM-03, Turbine and auxiliaries control, at NQF Level 6, 12 Credits.

313104000-WM-04, Electrical generation and distribution, at NQF Level 6, 12 Credits.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 48.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Source and use control room documentation and describe the purpose and function of all plant systems.
2. Interpret or diagnose events and conditions based on alarms, signals and readings during normal, incidents and accident operations.
3. Comply with and apply procedures, references and technical specifications during normal, incidents and accident operations.
4. Operate the control boards and the equipment in the main control room and the plant during normal, incidents and accident operations.
5. Communicate and interact with other crew members during normal, incidents and accident operations.
6. Perform status tree monitoring and evaluate the strategies in incidents and accident conditions.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

The purpose and the integrated function of all the equipment that make up the plant system are explained.

The instrumentation and control function of all plant systems are distinguished.

Given specific plant condition, control room documentation to control plant during steady state as well as off normal conditions is utilised.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Normal and abnormal plant trends used for diagnosis of plant conditions are identified

Actions based on diagnosis of plant conditions are prioritised.

The strategy to mitigate all accident and incident conditions based on specific plant conditions is justified.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

The correct procedures and technical specification to control a nuclear plant in all conditions are adhered to.

Compliance with procedures in an accurate and timely manner is achieved.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Controls are located and manipulated in an accurate and timely manner.

The system operation, including set-points, interlocks and automatic actions, is accurately described and applied.

Fire and medical emergencies from the control room are responded to.

The ability to take manual control of automatic actions is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

System status is analysed and evaluated, and clear and accurate information is provided.

Information received from others is promptly and accurately responded to.

Instructions from the supervisor are received and carried out.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

The correct functional restoration procedures based on monitoring and appraising critical parameters are identified.

Integrated Assessment:

Integrated formative assessment:
The skills development provider will use the Curriculum to guide the learners 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:
The external assessment will be conducted through a practical demonstration in the simulator, a practical demonstration in the workplace and supported by a theoretical written assessment by an Examination Team, consisting of an Examination Team Leader, and Team members approved by the National Nuclear Regulator as Assessors, at a facility meeting the requirements of the relevant Nuclear Installation Licence.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) is a public entity which is established and governed in terms of Section 3 of the National Nuclear Regulator Act, 1999 (Act No. 47 of 1999) to provide for the protection of persons, property and the environment against nuclear damage through the establishment of safety standards and regulatory practices.

The role of the NNR is to provide and maintain an effective and efficient national regulatory framework for the protection of persons, property and the environment against nuclear damage.

In terms of training and the quality of training, the NNR is responsible for exercising regulatory control related to safety over the operation of nuclear installations. In discharging its responsibility, the regulator issues requirements in areas of training and qualification of personnel involved in activities important to nuclear safety.

In terms of assessments and certification, the NNR, through its established requirements, screens, examines and authorises control room operators through a process that is aligned with international best practice.

The Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) is an international body. The NNR does not have a direct relationship with the INPO. However, the NNR has a relationship with the USNRC that is an international peer through bilateral agreement between the USA and South Africa. The USNRC has a relationship with INPO in so far as accepting and giving credit to licence holders accredited by INPO.
The INPO's mission is to promote the highest levels of safety, reliability and excellence in the operation of commercial nuclear power plants.

In terms of assessment and certification, the INPO assesses the qualifications every six years to ensure that standards and criteria are met and are evident in the workplace. The evaluation of the qualifications is based on the systematic approach to training (SAT) and specific performance objectives and criteria that have been designed to ensure continuous improvement of the training programmes.

There is no official international recognition of the NNR certification. It is, however, recognised within the international nuclear community and the status respected when an individual can produce a Reactor Operator Licence which he/she had received through a Nuclear Regulatory Body, specifically when the well-known and tested American process for training and assessment had been followed.

Conclusion:
Although specific qualifications have not been identified, but the international standards and practices are being adhered to in the South African qualification.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Possible vertical articulation would be towards the Power Plant Operations Manager to be developed following the registration of this qualification.

Possible horizontal articulation with occupational qualifications currently in the process of being developed, namely:

Hydro Power Plant Process Controller at NQF Level 6.

Fossil Power Plant Process Controller at NQF Level 6.

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.

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