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: Electronic Pre-press Gravure Technician 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
102318  Occupational Certificate: Electronic Pre-press Gravure Technician 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - PIFSA 
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  569  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 an Electronic Pre-press Gravure Technician. An Electronic Pre-press Gravure Technician:
  • Interrogates and pre-flights pre-press media,
  • Creates print layouts and impositions,
  • Prepares contract proofs and sets-up,
  • Operates and maintains equipment to produce an image carrier in order to enable print.
    The final product produced by this technician is an engraved cylinder that is ready to be used on a printing press.

    A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Evaluate and pre-flight pre-press media for gravure cylinder engraving.
  • Use computer applications to create print layouts and impositions for gravure cylinder engraving.
  • Prepare contract proofs for gravure cylinder engraving.
  • Produce image carriers for gravure cylinder engraving.

    Rationale:
    An Electronic Pre-press Gravure Technician plays a crucial role in the printing industry. Their work determines the set-up of a printing press to ensure efficiency, cost-saving and ultimately the quality of the printed product.

    Printing SA engaged with the printing industry to address the concerns regarding the competitiveness of the industry against international markets. Printing SA identified the Printing Trades and Occupations as scarce and critical skills in the industry.

    Electronic Pre-press Gravure Technicians currently receive training at their places of work. The extent of this training cannot be measured in terms of complexity and remains unaccredited because there is no national standard or qualification that can serve as benchmark.
    This qualification will have far-reaching implications to those who are in the trade as training programmes developed against this qualification will enjoy national recognition.

    Typical learners for this qualification or its part qualification are school leavers, Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college graduates or employees in the printing industry.

    Qualifying learners will receive a high standard of training and education that is occupationally aligned. Once qualified, learners will be able to further their education and will be able to obtain access to printing-related programmes and qualifications.

    Employers in the electronic prepress and printing industries will gain access to suitably qualified personnel. The qualified learner will produce high-quality work through the training - commensurate to industry standards that they have received.

    By creating career pathways in the sector, employees will be able to progress from general factory workers to qualified Artisans. The part qualification in this qualification will create a healthy employment cycle in providing employment opportunities to unemployed youth. 
    		•

    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 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:
  • 662101003-KM-01, Introduction to the printing and packaging industry, Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 662101003-KM-02, Legal and regulatory requirements, Level 3, 15 Credits.
  • 662101003-KM-03, Printing science and chemistry, Level 3, 7 Credits.
  • 662101003-KM-04, Quality studies in the printing and packaging industry, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 662101003-KM-05, Productivity and economics, Level 3, 11 Credits.
  • 662101003-KM-06, Workplace fundamentals, Level 3, 7 Credits.
  • 662101003-KM-07, Receiving digital data and file preparation in a gravure environment, Level 4, 13 Credits.
  • 662101003-KM-08, Pre-flighting in a gravure environment, Level 4, 15 Credits.
  • 662101003-KM-09, Preparation of contract proofs in a gravure environment, Level 4, 13 Credits.
  • 662101003-KM-10, Creating print layouts and impositions in a gravure environment, Level 4, Credits 14.
  • 662101003-KM-11, Image carriers for gravure, Level 3, 11 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 114.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 662101003-PM-01, Receive and pre-flight digital data in a gravure cylinder engraving environment, Level 4, 32 Credits.
  • 662101003-PM-02, Create impositions and layouts as per print and print finishing requirements in a gravure cylinder engraving environment, Level 4, 50 Credits.
  • 662101003-PM-03, Prepare contract proofs for printing in a gravure cylinder engraving environment, Level 4, 32 Credits.
  • 662101003-PM-04, Produce an engraved gravure cylinder, Level 3, 48 Credits.
  • 662101003-PM-05, Comply with safety, health and environmental protection best practices and procedures for a printing environment, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 662101003-PM-06, Supervise a team in a gravure cylinder environment, Level 4, 6 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 172.

    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • 662101003-WM-01, Processes to acquire familiarity with printing environment, Level 4, 14 Credits.
  • 662101003-WM-02, Structured planning and communication processes in the workplace, Level 4, 3 Credits.
  • 662101003-WM-03, Processes to receive and pre-flight digital data in a gravure cylinder engraving environment, Level 4, 64 Credits.
  • 662101003-WM-04, Processes to create impositions and layouts as per print and print finishing requirements in a gravure cylinder engraving environment, Level 4, 63 Credits.
  • 662101003-WM-05, Processes to prepare contract proofs for printing in a gravure cylinder engraving environment, Level 4, 63 Credits.
  • 662101003-WM-06, Processes to engrave cylinders for gravure printing, Level 3, 76 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 283. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1: Receive and identify files for gravure printing.
    2: Evaluate and perform pre-flight checks on pre-press media for gravure cylinder engraving.
    3: Create print layouts and impositions for gravure cylinder engraving.
    4: Prepare contract proofs for gravure cylinder engraving.
    5: Engrave gravure cylinder. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Interpret the work ticket correctly.
  • Determine the appropriateness of the files received.
  • Identify file formats correctly, name and save files to a specific location.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Interpret and check relevant pre-flight parameters to analyse pre-flight reports.
  • Correctly address the pre-flight warnings and errors.
  • Accurate print-ready files are created using appropriate applications correctly.
  • Complete the tasks within specified time.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the evaluation and pre-flight checking of pre-press media.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Create imposition templates and components for specific press and add post-press operations.
  • Create imposition schemes that meet print, post-press, process and customer requirements.
  • Pages/files are correctly submitted to an automated imposition system or correctly assigned and orientated to a manual imposition system.
  • Print layouts are created using layout software, and artwork is assigned to correct scheme.
  • Create die-line according to tooling requirement and artwork is placed correctly and corrected to print specifications, where applicable.
  • Output file is created using the correct techniques.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of creating print layouts and impositions for gravure cylinder engraving.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Pre-press proofing devices are maintained and calibrated.
  • Produce soft and hard proofs according to appropriate industry standards.
  • Carry out print quality assurance tests/checks correctly, and evaluate printed result and submitted to customer for approval.
  • Complete the tasks within specified time.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of preparing contract proofs for gravure cylinder.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Submit files to the RIP and according to job specifications.
  • Engrave gravure cylinder using the appropriate gravure cylinder engraving procedures.
  • Manage image carrier production queue correctly.
  • Performed quality assurance processes correctly and at the appropriate times.
  • Handle, care for, and store materials used for engraving gravure cylinder as per product specifications.
  • Maintain and clean gravure cylinder engraving equipment according to schedules.
  • Calibrate gravure cylinder engraving equipment using appropriate techniques.
  • Adhere to all relevant safety precautions.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the gravure cylinder engraving procedure.

    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 Quality Council for Trades and Occupation (QCTO) Assessment Quality partner must conduct 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.

    The external summative assessment will be a trade test conducted in terms of the Skills Development Act, Section 26d through an evaluation of written and practical tasks covering critical aspects in a simulated environment at an assessment centre accredited by QCTO and conducted by an assessor registered by NAMB. The assessment will take place over a minimum of 2 days. Candidates will not get recognition for those trade test tasks in which they are competent. Where a candidate does not pass all tasks, he or she are re-tested on all trade test categories in all trade test attempts. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares to qualifications from the following countries:

    England:
    City and Guilds Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Pre-Press and the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Digital Pre Press very closely resemble the South African qualification.

    Mandatory:
  • Maintain Health and Safety within a print-related working environment.
  • Communicating and working with others in the print working environment.
  • Knowledge of the organisation's printing processes and related information.

    Option stream:
  • Send and receive digital files.
  • Output digital image carriers for print.
  • Make photopolymer plates for flexographic printing.
  • Make lithographic printing plates.
  • Make gravure cylinders Level.
  • Prepare stencils for printing.

    Mandatory:
  • Promote and Maintain Health and Safety in a print-related working environment.
  • Contribute to improving the effectiveness of the print organisation.
  • Send and receive digital files.
  • Maintain digital systems in working order.
  • Plan work to meet production requirements.
  • Understanding the Print Industry.

    Optional stream:
  • Design and produce creative digital colour artwork for print.
  • Produce approved colour proofs from digital artwork.
  • Manage colour reproduction in digital prepress.
  • Pre-flight digital files.
  • Output Digital Image Carriers for Print.
  • Plan and produce edited images.
  • Make photopolymer plates for flexographic printing.
  • Make lithographic printing plates.
  • Make gravure cylinders.
  • Prepare stencils for printing.

    This qualification covers all the above-listed competencies.

    Australia:
    The qualifications on the Australian Qualification Framework that compare with this qualification are: Certificate III in Printing and Graphic Arts (Graphic Pre-press) and Certificate IV in Printing and Graphic Arts (Graphic Pre-press).

    Information from Certificates III and IV (units common to this qualification):
  • Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices.
  • Apply knowledge of the graphic pre-press sector.
  • Access and use the Internet.
  • Capture a digital image.
  • Edit a digital image.
  • Produce pages using a page layout application.
  • Manually combine spot colour and basic four-colour images.
  • Output images.
  • Produce offset lithographic plates.
  • Make photopolymer plates (flexographic).
  • Manage colour.
  • Produce and manage basic digital print.
  • Introduction to colour management.
  • Set up and produce basic digital print.
  • Use colour management for production.
  • Pre-flight and import complex images for digital device.
  • Manage digital files.
  • Set up and use complex colour management for production.
  • Generate complex imposition.
  • Apply quality assurance.
  • Digitise complex images for reproduction.
  • Promote team effectiveness.
  • Output complex images direct to plate or press.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with the above qualifications in terms of content and complexity. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal: Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualifications:
  • Occupational Certificate: Electronic Pre-press Lithography Technician, Level 4.
  • Occupational Certificate: Electronic Pre-press Flexography Technician, Level 4.
  • Occupational Certificate: Electronic Pre-press Screen Technician, Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification can articulate vertically with the following qualification:
  • National Certificate: N4 Engineering Studies, 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 Foundational Learning Competence.

    Additional legal or physical entry requirements:
    Colour vision testing.

    Criteria for the accreditation of providers:
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) website.

    The curriculum title and code is: Electronic Pre-press Gravure Technician; 662101004: This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • None.

    Part Qualifications:
    This qualification is structured to allow for a sequentially defined career exit point that supports relevant employable skills for partial completion.

    Exit Level Point:
  • Electronic Pre-press Gravure Cylinder Engraver Level 3 (143 Credits). 
    		•

    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.