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: Facilities Manager 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
102147  Occupational Certificate: Facilities Manager 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-Services SETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 11 - Services  Cleaning, Domestic, Hiring, Property and Rescue Services 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  262  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
79626  Further Education and Training Certificate: Commercial Property and Facilities Management  Level 4  NQF Level 04  150  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Facilities Manager. A Facilities Manager organises, controls and coordinates the strategic and operational management of facilities in a public or private organisation.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Manage client, staff and supplier contracts and agreements.
  • Plan and manage service and support functions required for a sustainable business.
  • Plan and manage the business support systems and processes (executive functions).
  • Analyse and attend to client/user needs to sustain and support core business.

    Rationale:
    The qualification is aimed at providing learners with the required competence related to Facilities Management. Content covers a wide range of topics, ranging from occupational health and safety, financial management, space management, as well as green innovations defined specifically to equip managers to function in the facilities management realm.

    The concept and implementation of Facilities Management is fairly new to South Africa but destined to become a major service and career focus. No formal qualification currently exists that marries all the skills sets Facilities Managers require, these include:
  • Cost management.
  • Space management and requirements.
  • Space requirements and relocation.
  • Maintenance management.
  • Contract management.
  • Statutory Requirements.
  • Alterations.
  • Technology basics concerning some of the large technical components, e.g. lifts, air-conditioning, lighting, etc.
  • Building Control Systems devoted to information technology.
  • Customer-orientated thinking and performance.
  • Professional housekeeping.
  • Catering Supervision and Food Management.

    Learners enrolled on this qualification could either be a new entrant to the labour market or could typically be working in the Facilities Management industry, requiring to expand or deepen their competence by acquiring the knowledge and skills base associated with Facilities Management. The qualification could thus either serve to benefit existing practitioners, or the qualification could provide access to employment as a Facilities Manager. 
    		•

    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 4 with Communication and Mathematical Literacy. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:
    Knowledge Modules:
  • 143901000-KM-01, Fundamentals of Facilities Management, Level 6, 12 Credits.
  • 143901000-KM-02, Principles of Facilities Management Strategy and Policy Development, Level 7, 15 Credits.
  • 143901000-KM-03, Facilities Manager Leadership, and Management, Level 6, 15 Credits.
  • 143901000-KM-04, Corporate Governance and Business Continuity, Level 6, 20 Credits.
  • 143901000-KM-05, Moveable and Immovable Asset Management, Level 6, 15 Credits.
  • 143901000-KM-06, Procurement, and Contract Management, Level 5, 5 Credits.
  • 143901000-KM-07, Concepts Underpinning Facilities Management, Level 5, 5 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 87.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 143901000-PM-01, Communication for Facilities Managers, Level 6, 3 Credits.
  • 143901000-PM-02, Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity, Level 7, 8 Credits.
  • 143901000-PM-03, Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability, Level 7, 10 Credits.
  • 143901000-PM-04, Financial Management for Facilities Managers, Level 6, 3 Credits.
  • 143901000-PM-05, Manage Employee Performance, Level 6, 5 Credits.
  • 143901000-PM-06, Facilities Management Strategy, and Policy Development, Level 6, 10 Credits.
  • 143901000-PM-07, Facilities Management Operations and Maintenance, Level 6, 20 Credits.
  • 143901000-PM-08, Plan and Manage Facilities Management Projects, Level 6, 3 Credits.
  • 143901000-PM-09, Facilities Management Quality Management, Level 7, 15 Credits.
  • 143901000-PM-10, Real Estate and Property Management, Level 5, 2 Credits.
  • 143901000-PM-11, Utilise Facilities Management Technology, Level 6, 10 Credits.
  • 143901000-PM-12, Space and Facilities planning, Level 6, 12 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 100.

    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • 143901000-WM-01, Prepare and Conduct Workplace Communication, Level 6, 4 Credits.
  • 143901000-WM-02, Monitor Environmental Stewardship, and Sustainability, Level 7, 20 Credits.
  • 143901000-WM-03, Monitor Emergency Preparedness, Level 7, 3 Credits.
  • 143901000-WM-04, Monitor employee performance, Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • 143901000-WM-05, Monitor facilities management operations and maintenance, Level 6, 20 Credits.
  • 143901000-WM-06, Evaluate facilities management quality management processes, Level 7, 5 Credits.
  • 143901000-WM-07, Plan and manage facilities management projects, Level 6, 3 Credits.
  • 143901000-WM-08, Utilise facilities management technology, Level 6, 5 Credits.
  • 143901000-WM-09, Space and facilities planning, Level 6, 6 Credits.
  • 143901000-WM-10, Facilities Management Strategy and Policy Interpretation, Level 6, 4 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 74. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Manage client, staff and supplier contracts and agreements.
    2. Plan and manage service and support functions required for a sustainable business.
    3. Plan and manage the business support systems and processes (executive functions).
    4. Analyse and attend to client/user needs to sustain and support core business. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities of managing client, staff and supplier contracts by means of the following abilities:
    > Draw on contract management principles in commenting on the way supply chain and procurement principles are applied in specific given scenarios.
    > Review service level agreements in terms of their applicability to the services they need to inform.
    > Reflect on the suitability of underlying ethics applied to the management of client, staff and supplier contracts in specific given contexts.
    > Review the applicability of staff performance agreements given a specific scenario's Human Resource requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate familiarity with the service and support functions required by Facilities Management to contribute to creating and supporting sustainable business.
  • Address the requirements of fostering a culture of good governance by drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to a given scenario.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities in managing.
  • Demonstrate understanding of movable and immovable assets, asset functionality and value preservation.
  • Understand office space and office management standards.
  • Apply facility management business and operational technologies/solutions.
  • Manage the business continuity plans for the entire organisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Critically review with reference to applicable principles and theory given scenarios in terms of the way the following business support systems and processes are managed:
    > Governance requirements.
    > Operational policies and procedures.
    > Facilities communication plan.
    > Total quality management system.
    > Integration of access, security and safety management systems and processes.
    > Risk management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Comment on the requirements, methods, and principles for conducting internal and external client/user needs analysis.
  • Review and comment on the way facility maintenance processes are managed in given scenarios.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities in forecasting, assessing and delivering infrastructure requirements to meet and improve on the end user needs within the institution and delivering value added solutions such as:
    > Planning and managing renovations.
    > Planning and managing refurbishments.
  • Manage space and facilities planning, design and execution processes.
  • Assign infrastructure and resources (such as parking, plant, machinery, offices, support personnel, access control, etc.).

    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 
    This qualification is aimed at aligning the South African Facilities Management industry to the International Facilities Management Association's standards and competencies. This means that the qualifying learners would be on par with over 24000 practitioners in 104 countries. As such this qualification embodies the South African Facilities Management Association's (recognised professional body for Facilities Management in South Africa) commitment to align with Global Facilities Management initiatives in setting standards and best practices. The newly developed ISO Standard for Facilities Management and its South African SABS interpretation forms the bases of this qualification.

    The inputs received from subject matter experts in the development of the qualification was evaluated and informed by a variety of international associations' certified programme content. The following were the main international sources used as a benchmark in developing this qualification:
  • The International Facilities Management Association's (IFMA) Certified Manager Programme covering 11 competencies.
  • The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) Handbook containing the Facilities Management Professional Standards Framework for the following levels of practitioners:
    > Strategic.
    > Manager.
    > Supervisor.
    > Support.

    Facility Management Association's (Australia) Diploma of Facilities Management with core and electives. The content of the developed qualification resonates with the competencies and knowledge bases defined by the above mentioned international counterparts. Special care was given to ensure enough scaffolding is built into the qualification to provide access to a wide array of learners to ultimately obtain the standards set by the Global Facilities Management.

    The qualification thus caters for new entrants and practitioners already working in the industry without impeding on the output level of the qualification. The South African developed qualification also adds value to the international benchmarks by adding a comprehensive workplace learning component to entrench the competencies defined by the international fraternity.

    Conclusion:
    This occupational qualification not only compares with the international norm, it encompasses the international norm. The qualification furthermore provides access to a wide array of learners to ultimately obtain competencies aligned with internationally defined standards in Facilities Management. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Certificate in Facilities Management, Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Business Project Management, Level 7. 
    		•

    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 by means of statements of results and work experience.

    Foundational Learning competence is not a prerequisite for access to the external integrated summative assessment.

    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 Facilities Manager: 143901000.

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

    Part Qualifications:
    None. 

    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.
     
    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.