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: Paintless Dent Remover

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
101873	Occupational Certificate: Paintless Dent Remover
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MERSETA
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	305	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 Paintless Dent Remover.

A Paintless Dent Remover (PDR) assesses, removes, repairs minor dents of vehicles without spray painting according to industry specific requirements.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Assess, remove and repair minor dents of vehicles without spray painting.

Rationale:
The Paintless Dent Remover (PDR) industry is characterised by sophisticated PDR techniques and processes operating in a competitive and challenging environment. Dent Remover industry has to respond to competition from imports, export markets, on-going development of new products as the result of changing customer needs, and environmental issues.

This means that people working in the industry require a range of skills and knowledge to help them respond to the exacting quality requirements and on-going change.

This is the first qualification in a career path involving Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) processes. The qualification reflects the skills, knowledge and understanding required to participate effectively in the Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) industry, whether in micro, small, medium or large operations. This qualification will enable growth of the sector, which will impact positively on society and the economy at large.

This qualification is to provide learners, education and training providers and employers with the standards and the range of learning required to satisfy the challenges of participating effectively in the Paintless Dent Remover industry. Qualified learners will operate as Paintless Dent Remover.

For those who have been in the workplace for a long time, this qualification can be used in the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process to assess and recognise workplace skills acquired without the benefit of formal education or training.

For the new entrant or for someone changing from another field, this qualification describes the learning outcomes (the skills, knowledge and values) required to participate in a structured workplace.

For education and training providers, this qualification provides guidance for the development of appropriate learning programmes. For employers, this qualification allows skills gaps to be identified and programmes to close skills gaps to be developed.

This qualification will provide learners with a base for further learning to be able to supervise a Paintless Dent Remover (PDR) environment.

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 1.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

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

684904001-KM-01, General automotive manufacturer product knowledge, Level 2, 8 Credits.

684904001-KM-02, Tools and Equipment, Level 3, 16 Credits.

684904001-KM-03, Occupational Health and Safety, Level 2, 4 Credits.

684904001-KM-04, Basic strip and Assemble process, Level 3, 4 Credits.

684904001-KM-05, Assessment of damages for repair purposes, Level 4, 8 Credits.

684904001-KM-06, Dent repair process, Level 4, 28 Credits.
Total number of Credits for Knowledge Modules: 68.

Practical Skill Modules:

684904001-PM-01, Identify work environment, Level 2, 4 Credits.

684904001-PM-02, Assess the damages for repair purposes, Level 4, 24 Credits.

684904001-PM-03, Prepare the panel for repair, Level 4, 24 Credits.

684904001-PM-04, Perform dent removal (PDR), Level 4, 40 Credits.

684904001-PM-05, Assemble components after final inspection of repairs, Level 4, 8 Credits.
Total number of Credits for Practical Skill Modules: 100.

This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:

684904001-WM-01, Processes and procedures for identifying work environment for minor dent repairs, Level 2, 16 Credits.

684904001-WM-02, Processes and procedures for assessment of damages, Level 4, 45 Credits 45.

684904001-WM-03, Processes and procedures for preparing panels and surfaces for minor dent repairs, Level 4, 28 Credits.

684904001-WM-04, Processes and procedures for performing the removal of dents, Level 4, 40 Credits.

684904001-WM-05, Processes and procedures for assembling components after final inspection of repairs, Level 4, 8 Credits.
Total number of Credits for Work Experience Modules: 137.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Inspect and identify adequate space, electrical supply and lighting within the working environment. Perform safety checks and remove any hazardous obstructions within the working environment.
2. Identify the available access points, depth, shape and the size of the damage and characteristics of the particular make and model of the vehicle in order to determine the reparability of the damage.
3. Prepare panels and surfaces by removing and refitting all necessary components in order to gain access for the purpose of effecting the repairs.
4. Remove dents from any given panel by using the correct tools and equipment without damaging the paint with the objective of restoring the vehicle to its original manufacturer specifications.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Suitable access to power supply is identified.

Availability of sufficient space between the vehicle and surrounding objects is ensured to enable mobility during the repair process.

Adequate ambient lighting is identified to perform accurate assessment.

Hazardous obstructions within a working environment are identified and safety checks are performed as per Occupational Health and Safety requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Access points are identified for the purpose of locating the tool against the panel.

Depth, shape and the size of the damage are determined.

Various metals, double panels, panels with no access, and any other characteristics which may result in complication during the repair process are identified.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Work space is cleaned and cleared according to workshop procedures.

Panels and surfaces are prepared for repair purposes.

External and internal trim are stripped and reassembled using Original Equipment Manufacturer(OEM) specifications.

Auto-electrical components (must include vehicle lights, electric window mechanism, sunroof) are stripped and assembled using Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications.

Correct tools and equipment are used to strip, reassemble applicable components and panels.

Appropriate safety requirements are complied with in performing all stripping and reassembling operations.

Tools and equipment are checked, cleaned and stored.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Correct tool and equipment are selected for repairing the particular dents on various metals.

The light has been set up and positioned correctly parallel to the dent that will be repaired.

Correct tools and equipment for repair process are handled and safely used.

The Centre/alternative starting point of any dent is accurately located using the correct tool.

The repair of dents is completed correctly without damage to paint on various metals.

The panel has been inspected for any imperfections after repairs.

Steps have been followed to correct the imperfections after repairs.

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 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

The South African Paintless Dent Remover (PDR) Occupational Qualification has been compared with qualifications, learning programmes and learning units of countries such as Australia and the United States of America (USA) (Texas). The two countries were chosen based on similarities in terms of technology used with regards to Paintless dent removal techniques.

In this study, focus was on the description of the occupation, the main tasks performed by a Paintless Dent Remover and the content of the various learning units offered in the countries chosen.

Australia:
In Australia, no formal qualification was found to be registered on the Australian Qualifications Authority. However, two institutions were found to offer short courses whose main objectives were similar to the South African Paintless Dent Remover's occupational qualification. In the course, Paintless Dent Removal (or PDR) was described as the art of pushing dents or pulling dents using special techniques. This description is similar to the one used in the South African PDR' occupational qualification.

Furthermore, it was found that in a course that was offered by an institution called 'Dent R Us focus was on teaching technicians the importance of using the correct tools for the job.

Upon completion of the PDR Training Course, learners will be equipped with knowledge and skills that will enable them to find the tip, push dents on bonnets, roofs, doors and quarter panels, use the correct tools, access points around the car and the tools used with this access points in mind, count dents and offer quotations based on customer's specifications and carry out the PDR process efficiently and effectively.

United States of America (Texas):
Due to the lack of recognised registered qualifications in the United States of America, the South African Paintless Dent Remover occupational qualification was compared with courses offered by private training institutions in this country. Ding King in Texas was found to be one of the institutions that offered a course that compared with the South African one. The course was offered in three stages. Upon completion of the course, learners would have been taught about PDR tool-selection and location, different types of dents, dent size and dent removal techniques, colour sanding and polishing, advanced reflector board exercises in direct sunlight and advance glue pulling exercises using the slide hammer and dent lifter.

Similarities with the South African qualification have been found to be in relation to the contents covered in the courses offered in the countries compared with as well as the description of the occupation.

Similarities have also been found with regards to the practical component of the training as well as on-the job training under supervision by the mentor.

Differences have been found to be with the minimum entry requirements to be met. With regards to the Australian courses, no formal training was required as entry access whilst with the South African Paintless Dent Remover occupational qualification; learners were expected to have completed the Level 1 qualification.

Other differences have been found to be related to the duration of the courses offered in countries compared with. In these countries, a PDR course is offered over a period of 10 days to 80 days, whilst the SA Paintless Dent Remover qualification is offered over a period of three years.

Course contents and structure have also found to differ in these qualifications. The SA Paintless Dent Remover qualification comprises knowledge modules, practical skills modules and work experience modules whilst courses offered in the Australian institutions did not have the theory component.

Conclusion:
Overall South African qualifications compare well with international standards and seem to offer more than what the other institutions are offering in terms of theory, practical activities and on the job training.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Horizontal Articulation:

Occupational Certificate: Vehicle Painter (Automobile and Marine Painter), Level 4 (ID: 94182).

Vertical Articulation:

National Certificate: N4 Engineering Studies, Level 5, (ID: 66881).

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

Qualifying for external assessment:

In order to qualify for the external summative assessment learners must have a copy of a completed and signed Statement of Work Experience as well as proof of successful completion of the following subjects and modules or alternative programmes where applicable. Successful completion of the National Foundational Competence is a legibility requirement for access to the final external assessment.

Successful completion of the National Foundational Competence is a legibility requirement for access to the final external assessment.

Additional legal or physical entry requirements:

Additional entry requirements.

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: Paintless Dent Remover: 684904001.

This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:

This qualification is not a trade.

Part Qualifications:
None.

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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