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: 

Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100812  Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management 
ORIGINATOR
Lyceum College (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 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Human Resources 
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
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 091/21  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2023-06-30   2025-06-30  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
24338  Certificate: Personnel Management  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to provide the required knowledge and skills to experienced individuals in the field of Human Resources or Management as well as a range of competence around the areas of human resource management, financial accounting and the labour relations aspects of business as well as essential business management skills.

Rationale:
This qualification reflects the needs of the Human Resource Management sector, to develop the general skills pool. The qualification is aimed at a general level to introduce the learners to business with a preference for work within the Human Resource management sector. The qualification is structured in such a way that it exposes learners to a broad set of core competencies and it will be of benefit to those learners who own their own business and wish to develop their business and personnel skills. The qualification will also benefit learners who are entering the job market, or have been working, but have limited Human Resource Management experience in the work environment.

The qualification aims to give knowledge of management practice, together with the ability to handle the practical demands placed on the manager and employee in any work environment. The qualification will produce knowledgeable, skilled Human Resource practitioners who will able to contribute to improved productivity and efficiency within the South African context.
The learners need not have any previous experience in Human Resource management in order to apply for the certificate. The learners may be from any sector, working in a small business, government or in the community. The qualification is flexible and accessible to learners or full-time employees. It will also promote the notion of life-long learning. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
An application for prior learning will be considered in accordance with the prescribed policies and procedures of the Institution. This means that learning has been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal means, and is recognised for the fulfilment of the requirements of this qualification or part thereof. It is required that through assessment practices, the learners shall demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills and values implicit in this qualification. Recognition of prior learning is performed by means of integrated assessment. Recognition of Prior Learning may allow for accelerated access to further learning. All recognition of prior learning is subject to quality assurance by the relevant accredited Education and Training Quality Assurance Body and is conducted by an experienced academic team.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
1. Senior Certificate.
Or
2. National Senior Certificate granted access to Higher Certificate studies.
Or
3. National Certificate Vocational granted access to Higher Certificate studies. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

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

Compulsory Modules, 100 Credits:
  • Management Principles and Techniques, 20 Credits.
  • Business Communication, 20 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management 1, 20 Credits.
  • Labour Relations, 20 Credits.
  • Training Management, 20 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 20 Credits Choose/Select one):
  • Public Relations 1, 20 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting 1, 20 Credits.
  • Quality Management, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Build relationships within the work environment to promote sound labour relations and human resource practices.
    2. Assess and develop organisational training needs.
    3. Apply Human Resource Practices in an Organisation.
    4. Improve the image of the organisation through effective public interaction.
    5. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of management and supervision.
    6. Manage financial aspects in terms of accessing, interpreting, calculating and processing information.
    7. Demonstrate professionalism in business communication.
    8. Identify and implement a quality control programme for an Organisation. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Develop the requisite mechanisms to ensure full compliance with the legislative framework governing labour relations, etc.
  • Identify employers' organisations in different industries.
  • Explain the purpose of collective agreements and bargaining councils.
  • Explain notice periods, payment during notice periods and certificates of service.
  • Discuss the consequences of protected and unprotected strikes and lockouts.
  • Outline the purpose and the functions of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
  • Explain the procedure to refer a dispute to the CCMA.
  • Outline the purpose of the Labour Court and Labour Appeal Court.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
  • Describe the difference between an outcomes-based system and a traditional or normative system of education and training.
  • Describe assessment relating to an outcomes-based system.
  • Describe the legislation and regulations relating to the implementation and modification of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
  • Describe the changes that have been made to the NQF since its inception and the reasons for these changes.
  • Explain the role of qualifications and the function of qualification outcomes.
  • Explain how qualifications may be achieved.
  • Explain the nature and purpose of non-credit bearing short courses and their status within the NQF.
  • Analyse the skills requirements of an organisation.
  • Define Key Performance Areas (KPAs) for a range of positions and link these to core competencies.
  • Analyse the current skills profile of an organisation in terms of the core competencies identified.
  • Establish individual and group training needs based upon the above analysis.
  • Prioritise the training and development needs based upon agreed criteria.
  • Explain how the proposed plan will address the individual and organisational needs in terms of the previously agreed priorities.
  • Recommend measurable and time bound objectives that can be used to track the progress of an organisation's development as a Learning Organisation.
  • Make information available to the learner with respect to the National Training and Development Strategy.
  • Describe and explain the benefits, challenges, roles and responsibilities that accrue to an employer and an employee when training and development is undertaken.
  • Explain how individual development needs and organisational development needs have to be aligned.
  • Explain the rights and responsibilities of the employee/learner with regard to the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Describe various organisational structures and discuss their respective merits and demerits.
  • Explain the importance of the human resource planning processes any organisation.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the strategic planning processes and forecasting.
  • Describe job analysis and job design processes and techniques.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of and apply recruitment, selection, placement and induction processes.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of performance management issues and techniques.
  • Assess and improve upon personal career management and development as well as for subordinates.
  • Show evidence of compensation systems and how they are derived.
  • Describe the process of job evaluation and explain how it links into a compensation plan for an organisation.
  • Describe the factors influencing the growth of employee benefits.
  • Describe the relationship between quality assurance, total quality management and compensation systems in an organisation.
  • Demonstrate a clear understanding of health and safety issues in the work environment.
  • Compile reports to management for consideration in their strategic plans.
  • Analyse and interpret data to identify deviations from policies.
  • Compile job descriptions and oversee recruitment processes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Communicate with the media by first establishing effective media relations and arranging media events.
  • Write a news or press release and compile appropriate attachments.
  • Design, edit and publish house journals, annual reports and similar publications.
  • Design, plan and use visual and audio-visual aids when communicating to groups.
  • Design and co-ordinate special events to promote the image of the organisation to the general public, as well as to promote the products and services of an organisation.
  • Design and implement an employee relations programme.
  • Acquire professional skills in Public Relations functions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Apply management functions and principles as well as the eight business functions of an enterprise.
  • Plan, manage and implement the objectives of each business function.
  • Suggest principles or guidelines that could be usefully applied to make the enterprise more effective.
  • Indicate the dynamic nature of management work by showing the interaction between management tasks as well as the performance of tasks at specific levels of management.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the importance of each business function for achieving the objectives of the organisation.
  • Formulate a self-development programme based on priority areas in personal skills and organisational skills.
  • Plan and utilise time effectively.
  • Manage stress and carry out relaxation exercises.
  • Develop and implement a strategic plan for an organisation.
  • Use techniques to define and solve problems.
  • Illustrate the techniques of method study.
  • Briefly describe management science (mathematical) techniques.
  • Illustrate network analysis.
  • Apply techniques to improve the availability and utilisation of physical resources in the organisation.
  • Make decisions based on financial information.
  • Develop guidelines for working with people in groups and creating conditions, which may enhance motivation, co-operation, and teamwork.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Compile a list of financial management activities.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the double entry system of accounting.
  • Write up and construct journals suitable for various business enterprises.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of partnership accounting.
  • Calculate liquidity ratios, activity ratios, solvency ratios, profitability ratios and leverage ratios, making use of a set of financial statements.
  • Interpret the results and significance of a specific financial ratio.
  • Apply financial management techniques to make budgeting more efficient, including flexible budgets and zero-based budgets, and.
  • Costing and pricing decision making skills will be assessed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Evaluate organisational communication needs, planning and structuring processes.
  • Apply appropriate business writing styles, non-verbal and verbal communication etiquette, as well as body language.
  • Work effectively in groups as well as in various situations in business life.
  • Produce and communicate information in a professional manner.
  • Determine the circumstances or conditions to be considered when delivering a message.
  • Evaluate whether the communication has been successful and identify communication barriers.
  • Know the steps to take to improve written style and writing by reading and by evaluating the level of difficulty.
  • Identify a suitable format and the appearance of business letters.
  • Edit and assure the quality of business letters and correspondence.
  • Apply the techniques of public speaking.
  • Plan and use in-company presentations.
  • Direct and control the proceedings of meetings.
  • Practise different business letters and correspondence for the marketing of products or services.
  • Prepare written communications with employees regarding suggestions, grievances and complaints.
  • Develop efficiency and appropriate manners when answering and making calls.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Design and implement a quality improvement programme in an organisation.
  • Identify the characteristics of organisations with poor quality records.
  • Discuss the benefits of Total Quality Management (TQM).
  • Satisfy the requirements of Quality of Design to meet customer needs.
  • Establish a quality policy in an organisation.
  • Design a plan to make the sampling of materials cost-effective.
  • Apply rules of probability to obtain representative and accurate samples.
  • Show how control charts can be used to monitor quality standards.

    Integrated Assessment:
    In the assessment strategy, competence must be demonstrated and is assessed through a variety of options.
    Formative Assessment:
    Formative Assessment methods include:
  • Self-assessment activities in the learning material.
  • Case studies.
  • Knowledge tests.
  • Report writing and other generic management formats.
  • Basic research and project-based assignments.
  • Contact sessions - interaction.

    The learners are required to provide evidence, which will act as proof that learning has taken place. Although this method of formative assessment is required, it will not be measured or monitored by the assessors because instruction is delivered by means of distance learning. Compilation of the portfolio is designed to assist Learners with the compilation of tutor- marked assignments, which are formally assessed.
    Formative assessment is designed to ensure that:
  • It supports the teaching and learning process; provides constructive feedback to the learners on his/her progress; it helps to make decisions on the readiness of learners to complete their summative assessment.
  • Is developmental in nature; and.
  • Does not award credits/certification.
    Formative assessment is useful for assessment of critical cross-field outcomes, as these are often difficult to assess during summative assessments. Gaps in terms of knowledge and abilities can be identified in individuals at this stage and appropriate action planned. The assignments, which are submitted, have a weighting of 20% towards the final examination mark.
    At risk learners are identified and are offered additional assistance with a range of possible interventions. The Institution will where possible, actively assist Learners to form study groups. These micro-sessions will facilitate learning in a group context.

    Summative Assessment
    Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.
    Summative assessment includes:
  • Formal written examinations (and where applicable, oral assessment). Summative assessment makes a judgment about achievement. Learners-readiness determines whether the student will qualify for his/her respective examinations. Learners are required to complete and submit assignments in order to write examinations.

    Summative assessment occurs:
  • At the end of each study cycle of learning; and.
  • Is used to determine whether the student is competent in the required knowledge and skills.

    Summative assessments will be conducted on a continuous basis throughout the learning experience. Summative assessments are moderated per module of learning, in order for all Learners to be fairly assessed against the planned outcomes.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The term 'Integrated Assessment' implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies.
    A variety of methods must therefore be used in assessment. Tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working. Simulation, case studies and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment. Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A general comparison with similar programmes internationally revealed that the range of competencies is well articulated worldwide. The Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management compares favourably with these courses and should articulate well into programmes at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 6.
    A comparison was made, both nationally and internationally, with the following Institutions:
  • University of California, Berkeley Extension in the United States of America (USA) offers a Certificate in Human Resource Management. Subjects include: Essentials for Human Resources, Effective Performance Management, Employee Recruitment, Selection and Placement, Employee Relations, Talent Management and Workforce Development.
  • BPP Business School in the United Kingdom (UK) offers a Certificate in Human Resource Practice over a period of 6 months. Subjects include: Developing yourself as an Effective Human Resource Practitioner, Understanding Organisations and the Role of Human Resources, Resourcing Talent, Supporting Good Practice in Managing Employee Relations, etc.
  • New York University SCPS in New York offers a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management. Subjects include: Foundations of Human Resource Management, Organisational Behaviour, Communication Skills, Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management, Compensation and Benefits, etc.
  • The University of Newcastle in Australia offers a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management. Subjects include: Management and Organisational Behaviour, Managing Organisational Change, Managing Human Resources and Employment Relations, etc.

    The Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management, NQF level 5 with a minimum of 120 credits compared favourably and international standards. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Personnel Management, Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management, Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Management, Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Management, Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. Lyceum College (Pty) Ltd 


    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.