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: Credit or Loans Officer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101676  Occupational Certificate: Credit or Loans Officer 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - BANKSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Finance, Economics and Accounting 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  124  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2019-12-05  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 Credit or Loans Officer. A Credit or Loans Officer, analyses, evaluates and processes credit and loan applications. They operate in different credit contexts like banks and micro-finance institutions.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Promote credit products.
  • Assess and evaluate credit applications.
  • Manage and maintain the quality of credit portfolios.

    Rationale:
    The microfinance industry in South Africa is a large and growing sector of the national economy. It is estimated to be worth R50 billion. Banks and Micro-Finance Institutions (MFIs) are attempting to service millions of South Africans who previously never had access to finance.

    The micro-finance sector is a large and growing one which requires skilled and professional employees. These employees will work with clients, both in assisting them with credit applications and in advising on the suitability of clients to be granted credit. Credit or Loan Officers perform several critical tasks from promoting credit products to processing credit applications and managing credit portfolios. Lack of vigilance or adherence to company procedure can lead to significant losses for the company.

    This qualification will serve the competence and skills needs of the Credit or Loan Officer. Typical learners will be those who have worked in the sector for any number of years but have no formal qualification in micro-finance. Including, learners who wish to enter the micro-finance sector and work towards a nationally-recognised qualification.

    The micro-finance industry is highly regulated. This qualification will enable the learner to comply with the regulations when performing their functions. Also, ensuring organisational compliance with the regulatory framework. 
    		•

    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:
  • Level 3 Qualification with Mathematical Literacy. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 331201000-KM-01, The Credit Industry, Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 331201000-KM-02, Prospecting in the Credit Cycle, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 331201000-KM-03, Credit Application Process for an Individual and for Groups, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 331201000-KM-04, Credit Application Process for Business Entities, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 331201000-KM-05, Management of Credit Portfolios, Level 4, 2 Credits.
  • 331201000-KM-06, Security at Lending Institutions, Level 3, 1 Credits.
  • 331201000-KM-07, Customer Service and Problem Solving, Level 4, 3 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Knowledge Modules: 26.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 331201000-PM-01, Apply Sales Techniques Among Various Consumer Groups, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 331201000-PM-02, Manage Credit Applications from Individual and Group Consumers, Level 4, 7 Credits.
  • 331201000-PM-03, Manage Credit Applications from Business Entities, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 331201000-PM-04, Manage and Maintain Credit Portfolios, Level 4, 5 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Practical Skill Modules: 26.

    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • 331201000-WM-01, Processes to Apply Sales Techniques for Individual Lending, Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • 331201000-WM-02, Processes to Apply Sales Techniques for Group Lending, Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • 331201000-WM-03, Processes to Apply Sales Techniques for Lending to Business Entities, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 331201000-WM-04, Processes to Manage Credit Applications from Individual Consumers, Level 4, 14 Credits.
  • 331201000-WM-05, Processes to Manage Credit Applications from Group Consumers, Level 4, 14 Credits.
  • 331201000-WM-06, Processes to Manage Credit Applications from Business Entities, Level 4, 18 Credits.
  • 331201000-WM-07, Processes to Manage and Maintain Credit Loan Portfolios, Level 4, 6 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Work Experience Modules: 72. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Promote and sell credit products.
    2. Assess and evaluate individual or group or business credit applications to determine viability.
    3. Manage and maintain a credit portfolio. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Profiling of consumer is accurate in terms of broad description of ideal consumer/group/business entity.
  • Appropriate selling techniques are identified and used to sell credit products.
  • Presentation on credit products demonstrates observance of appropriate protocols, communication skills and knowledge of the benefits and features of the credit product/s.
  • Client needs identified and matched to the appropriate product.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Contractual capacity of applicant is confirmed.
  • Correct documents and information for processing of application are identified and validated through appropriate methods.
  • The financial statements generated from the information given by the business entity are accurate and reflect the correct application of accounting principles.
  • The SWOT and PESTEL analyses are appropriately used to assess the creditworthiness of the business entity.
  • Credit decision reflects accurate analyses of documents and information and correct application of credit evaluation methodologies and procedures.
  • Credit decision is in line with set credit criteria.
  • The calculated cost of credit is correct and repayment terms properly determined.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify portfolios at risk (PAR) using portfolio age analysis, calculations of quality ratios and key indicators.
  • Identify and implement actions to deal with PAR.
  • Repayments for overdue accounts are secured from consumer using appropriate strategies.
  • Queries and complaints are resolved using appropriate techniques.

    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:
    The relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner conducts an external integrated summative assessment for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification compares with qualifications from the following countries:
  • United States.
  • New Zealand.
  • Australia.

    United States (U.S):
    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, all loan officers who are processing mortgage loans need a licence to practice. Before becoming eligible for licensure, candidates must finish a designated amount of courses, pass a test and be cleared by a background check. The responsibilities of a loan officer are typically the same whether they involve consumer, mortgage or business loans. Most employers offer a training period, generally 2-4 weeks, before allowing them to work independently. After the training period, loan officers should be able to counsel clients, analyse a customer's creditworthiness, evaluate loans and guide the process to close.

    The main tasks are Making Decisions and Solving Problems, Processing, Analysing Data or Information, Performing for or Working Directly with the Public, Getting Information, Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships. The knowledge requirements entail Sales and Marketing, Customer and Personal Service, Economics and Accounting, English language and Mathematics. The skills required include active listening, time management, reading, persuasion, speaking, social perceptiveness, coordination, service orientation, complex problem solving, active learning, judgment and decision making, monitoring, learning strategies, critical thinking, negotiation. The South African qualification contains most of the skills and all the knowledge subjects except for Economics. Most employers offer a training period, generally 2-4 weeks, before allowing them to work independently. After the training period, loan officers should be able to counsel clients, analyse a customer's creditworthiness, evaluate loans and guide the process to close.

    New Zealand:
    New Zealand offers the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 4) with strands in Banking, Family/Personal Budgeting, and Insurance which is 50 Credits. The purpose of this qualification is to provide the financial services industry with individuals who have attained broad operational and theoretical knowledge of financial services. Banking strand graduates will also be able to:
  • Apply broad understanding of lending principles,
  • Different types of account structures and personal,
  • Home lending options to a range of standard banking needs and operate with a broad understanding of banking structures.

    In the banking strand of this qualification, the following knowledge and skills apply:
  • The characteristics of a range of services and products, including personal transactions, savings, personal lending and home lending products and delivery channels.
  • Lending process from initial application to final repayment.
  • Process must include but is not limited to: assessment, approval, management, collections and recoveries.
  • Specific issues that may affect the application and approval processes.
  • Specific issues that may affect the management, collections and recoveries process.

    While the New Zealand qualification does not engage with the aspect of managing loan portfolios, many other aspects of the qualification resonate with the South African qualification.

    Australia:
    The Certificate IV in Credit Management in Australia bears a resemblance to this qualification. The following Core and Elective units of competency are relevant to this qualification:
  • Promote compliance with legislation.
  • Assess credit applications.

    Elective units of competency:
  • Action customer contact.
  • Process customer complaints.
  • Implement customer service standards.
  • Prepare financial reports.
  • Promote understanding of the role and effective use of consumer credit.
  • Assess risks.
    The Australian qualification is much broader than the South African qualification as it includes many debt recovery competencies.

    Conclusion:
    All three examples compare favourably with the South African qualification, but the training in the United States compares most favourably. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Micro Finance, Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Banking, Level 5. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for external assessment:
  • In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required standards employing statements of results and work experience.

    Additional legal or physical entry requirements:
  • None.

    Criteria for the accreditation of providers:
  • Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.
  • The curriculum title and code is: Credit or Loans Officer 331201000.

    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • This qualification is not a trade. 
    		•

    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.