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: Chemical Laboratory Analyst 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101569  Occupational Certificate: Chemical Laboratory Analyst 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - CHIETA (Chemical) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Physical Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  200  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2019-09-11  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 Chemical Laboratory Analyst. The Occupational Certificate: Chemical Laboratory Analyst is designed to provide learners with fundamental knowledge of chemical laboratory. Chemical Laboratory Analysts perform chemical and physical analyses of samples to pre-defined standards, in support of operational processes.

A Chemical Laboratory Analyst performs chemical and physical analyses of samples to pre-defined standards, in support of operational processes.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Take samples for specific operational processes.
  • Prepare samples for analysis.
  • Analyse samples in a chemical laboratory by applying basic analytical methods and equipment.
  • Analyse samples in a chemical laboratory by applying advanced analytical processes and using complex equipment.

    Rationale:
    All major industries and various government departments have established laboratories responsible for the processing and analysis of samples for purposes of quality and productivity.

    Laboratory Assistants and analysts are at the forefront of the work conducted in these laboratories. This Occupational Certificate provides opportunities for entry into this career. It also creates a basis for articulation into higher education and a range of related occupations. This is a critical skill. It will support the National Development strategy in the sense that it supports the industrial growth and ensures the quality of our export processes. 
    		•

    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 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.

    Entry Requirements:
  • A Level 3 qualification with Mathematics. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules at Levels 2, 3 and 4 totalling 200 Credits.

    Knowledge Modules, 69 Credits:
  • 311101001-KM-01, Fundamentals of Sampling and Sampling Preparation, Level 2, 6 Credits.
  • 311101001-KM-02, Introduction to Analytical Chemistry, Level 3, 11 Credits.
  • 311101001-KM-03, Theory of Fire Assay, Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • 311101001-KM-04, Applied Mathematics, Science and Physics for Chemical Laboratory Analyst, Level 4, 16 Credits.
  • 311101001-KM-05, Analytical Chemistry, Level 4, 30 Credits.

    Practical Skill Modules, 59 Credits:
  • 311101001-PM-01, Collect a Range of Samples, Level 2, 7 Credits.
  • 311101001-PM-02, Execute Primary and Secondary Sample Preparation as Required for the Relevant Analytical Processes (Such as: Tipping, crushing, drying, splitting, pulverizing, milling, flux preparation, fluxing, fusion, cupellation), Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 311101001-PM-03, Analyse Samples in a Chemical Laboratory using Basic Analytical Methods and Equipment, Level 3, 20 Credits.
  • 311101001-PM-04, Analyse Samples in a Chemical Laboratory Applying Advanced Analytical Procedures and using Complex Equipment, Level 4, 24 Credits.

    Work Experience Modules, 72 Credits:
  • 311101001-WM-01, Exposed to the Processes of Sample Collection for a Specific Industry, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 311101001-WM-02, Exposure to the Processes of Sample Preparation as Applied within the Specific Work Environment (such as Fire Assay processes), Level 2, 16 Credits.
  • 311101001-WM-03, Exposure to the Basic Analysis of Laboratory Samples, Level 3, 16 Credits.
  • 311101001-WM-04, Exposure to Processes of Advanced Sample Analysis in a Chemical Laboratory, Level 4, 32 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Take samples for specific operational processes.
    2. Prepare samples for analysis.
    3. Analyse samples in a chemical laboratory by applying basic analytical methods and equipment.
    4. Analyse samples in a chemical laboratory by applying advanced analytical processes and using complex equipment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Explanations of the purpose of sampling are comprehensive and demonstrate. understanding of how sample information is used to ensure quality and sustainability in the organisation.
  • Practical examples are provided that illustrate the need for quality sampling indicating the criteria for quality sampling and the consequences of not maintaining quality standards.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The processes of sub sampling are accurately described.
  • The concepts of representivity and consistency of sub samples are accurately described.
  • Examples of the consequences of unrepresentative sub sampling demonstrate understanding of the need to take care when preparing sub-samples.
  • The principles of tractability of samples are explained and the processes for ensuring tractability of samples are accurately described with practical examples of what could go wrong in this process.
  • The importance of traceability of samples throughout the end-to-end analysis process is accurately described.
  • The risks associated with primary and secondary sample preparation are accurately identified and described and cover safety, health and environmental aspects.
  • Actions that must be taken to prevent and mitigate risks are clearly described and the actions that the analyst must take where incidents occur are listed accurately in accordance with generally accepted laboratory practices.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The difference between accuracy and precision is explained using practical examples.
  • The processes for ensuring the accuracy and precision of analytical data are accurate according to the relevant analytical practices.
  • Practical techniques for the interpretation of basic analytical data are accurately demonstrated.
  • Descriptions of the processes for the safe use of basic analytical equipment are accurate and according to the analytical procedures and standards.
  • The risks associated with basic analytical analysis are accurately identified and described and cover safety, health and environmental aspects.
  • Actions that must be taken to prevent and mitigate risks are clearly described and the actions that the analyst must take where incidents occur are listed accurately in accordance with generally accepted laboratory practices.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The use of verification and calibration techniques is accurately described.
  • Analytical data is accurately interpreted using graphical techniques.
  • Quality assurance processes are accurately described in accordance with the generally accepted laboratory standards.
  • Descriptions of the processes for the safe use and care of advanced analytical equipment are accurate and according to the analytical procedures and standards.
  • The risks associated with advanced analytical analysis are accurately identified and described and cover safety, health and environmental aspects.
  • Actions that must be taken to prevent and mitigate risks are clearly described and the actions that the analyst must take where incidents occur are listed accurately in accordance with generally accepted laboratory practices.

    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 Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (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. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    An international comparability study was done which included the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and Britain and relevant African Countries.

    Africa:
    African countries with laboratory facilities [including Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries] were scanned for applicable qualifications or training programmes and the chairperson of the CISGB contacted a range of laboratory-related people in the context of Africa as a whole. The only response received was from Dr Rhonest Ntayia, Head of the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) Analytical Laboratories in Nairobi, Kenya.

    The training offered to learners in Eastern and Central Africa by KEPHIS Analytical Laboratories in Nairobi, Kenya is regarded as world-class and the organisation has a good reputation for training delivery. The training programmes offered by KEPHIS include training on equipment repair, servicing and maintenance, analytical sampling techniques, health and safety and quality assurance.

    Australia:
    A comparison with the Australian qualification was included because the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is an educational structure comparable to the South African NQF and the Australian approach to laboratory practice seems to be similar to the South African approach. The Australian Certificate Ill and IV (Laboratory Skills and Laboratory Technology respectively) are registered on the AQF. There are no relevant registered qualifications in the lower levels. In each level there are 5 compulsory core units in communication, safety, quality and work procedures and the learner is allowed a choice of between 7 (level 3) and 11 (level 4) elective unit standards in domains comparable to the local qualification, e.g. laboratory practice, performing basic tests, calibrations, a range of sampling units, medical and pathological laboratory procedures, maintaining and controlling stocks, routine instrumentation units, etc.

    From this analysis it is clear that the proposed South African Occupational Certificate places a greater emphasis on the use of advanced instrumentation in the laboratory environment, although the theoretical modules are similar to those of the NQF Level IV Australian qualification.

    New Zealand:
    A comparison with the New Zealand qualification was included because the NZQA is an educational structure comparable to the NQF. The research in the NZQA showed that the New Zealand Qualifications Authority has registered the following related qualifications:
  • NC Dairy Manufacturing (Lab Technology) Level 4.
  • National Diploma in Lab Animal Care.

    Certain generic unit standards in both qualifications relating to laboratory techniques compare well with the choice of modules in the South African Occupational Certificate. Other standards were too specific with regard to the context and scope for comparisons to be done.

    The following unit standards registered by the New Zealand authority also relates directly to this qualification:
  • ID 8440: Comply with laboratory quality management systems at Level 5.
  • ID 8436: Perform laboratory solvent and distillation separation techniques at Level 4.

    The majority of the other standards on the New Zealand Qualifications Authority apply directly to dairy, electrical, film, animal and food laboratories.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares well with the best international qualifications and training programmes offered. It can be stated that this qualification includes much of the learning that is offered in all similar courses, programmes/qualifications offered internationally. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification only offers systemic horizontal and vertical articulation with the following qualifications offered by other institutions, provided the learner meets the minimum entry requirements. They are:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Chemical Operations, Level 4.
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Environmental Practice, Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma: Analytical Chemistry, 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.
     
    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.