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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Occupational Certificate: Refrigerant Pipe Work Fitter 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
104800  Occupational Certificate: Refrigerant Pipe Work Fitter 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MERSETA (Manufactur) 
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  104  Not Applicable  NQF Level 02  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 086/21  2021-07-01  2023-12-31 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-12-31   2027-12-31  

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:
A Refrigerant Pipe Work Fitter installs refrigerant pipework.

Rationale:
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration is an integral part of the economy found in many economic sectors and subsectors. Globalisation has brought with it technological changes that require employees to have skills and knowledge that will enable them to be on par with their counterparts. This requires learners to be trained in line with the latest technologies that will empower them to become employed or self-employed. This will enable learners to participate in the economy and thus be productive members of the society. In order to secure food stability and maintain quality for the entire population, refrigeration represents a critical skill in the maintenance of the cold chain.

Air conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic has been identified as one of the occupations in high demand. Learners and current employees need to be trained against the latest technologies in order to ensure job security, advancement, and placement.

The qualification is aimed at new entrants as well as currently employed personnel. Qualified learners are likely to be employed across the economic sectors that include but not limited to: mining, retail, food processing, warehousing, food production, automotive, marine, medical, engineering, fruit and wine industry, cold transport, farming.

This qualification is structured in a manner that allows learners to progress to the full qualification by accumulating credits achieved from the part qualification.

Learners who have acquired knowledge and skills formally or informally will undergo a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment in order to recognise skills acquired.

Qualified learners are likely to progress into engineering related qualifications, which allow for further career progression into the designer, Refrigeration inspector, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) Inspector. The qualification further enables learners to register with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA); as an engineering technologist, engineering technician and mechanical engineer.

Learners can become self-reliant, productive by being self-employed, thereby contributing positively to the economy and society and further provide employment opportunity. 

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:
NQF Level 1 with Mathematics. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:
Knowledge Modules:
  • 642701-000-00-00-KM-01, Introduction to the refrigeration trade, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 642701-000-00-00-KM-02, Health and Safety Requirements related to the Refrigeration Mechanic Trade, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 642701-000-00-00-KM-03, Scaffolding, working at heights, fall arrest systems and ladders, Level 2, 16 Credits.
  • 642701-000-00-00-KM-04, Trade related and engineering tools and instruments, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 642701-000-00-00-KM-06, Components and accessories of a refrigeration system, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 642701-000-00-00-KM-08, Refrigeration materials and piping, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 642701-000-00-00-KM-12, Evacuation of a refrigeration system, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 642701-000-00-00-KM-17, Engineering drawings, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • 642701-000-00-00-KM-24, Gas welding, brazing and cutting within the refrigeration industry, Level 3, 2 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 36 Credits.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 642701-000-00-00-PM-01, Pressure test the refrigeration system, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 642701-000-00-00-PM-02, Erect scaffolding, assemble fall prevention systems, safe use ladders and erect aluminium towers, Level 2, 28 Credits.
  • 642701-000-00-00-PM-03, Evacuate the refrigeration system, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 642701-000-00-00-PM-06, Braze refrigerant tubing and components, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 642701-000-00-00-PM-08, Manufacture a work-piece incidental to the trade, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 642701-000-00-00-PM-12, Identify, select and use fixing methods for various types of applications used within the air conditioning and refrigeration industry, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 642701-000-00-00-PM-14, Install refrigeration materials and pipe work, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 642701-000-00-00-PM-15, Plan for a project, Level 3, 2 Credits.
  • 642701-000-00-00-PM-18, Perform work activities on key-ways and locking devices, bearings, drives and couplings, Level 3, 2 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 45 Credits.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 642701-000-00-00-WM-02, Fall arrest systems and processes, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 642701-000-00-00-WM-03, Processes and procedures for erecting and dismantling access scaffolding up to 6mm, Level 2, 12 Credits.
  • 642701-000-00-00-WM-07, Processes related to pressure testing of an air conditioning system, Level 2, 3 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 23 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Install air conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation systems. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Engineering and electrical drawings are interpreted.
  • Components are moved and positioned.
  • Components are assembled.
  • Air conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation systems are assembled.
  • Supporting brackets are constructed.
  • Refrigeration pipe work is installed.
  • Components and accessories are installed.
  • Plant specifications, SANS standards, drawings are obtained and applied.
  • SANS and Pressure Equipment Regulation is interpreted.
  • Documentation, reports, certificates are completed.

    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 
    The South African Air Conditioning and Refrigeration qualification has been compared with qualifications offered in New Zealand and Australia. These countries were chosen due to easy access to the required information.

    New Zealand:
    New Zealand has a trade qualification called 'The National Certificate in Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Mechanical Services. This qualification is for apprentices who operate within the Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning industries. Access into the qualification is the successful completion of the National Engineering Certificate, Level 2.

    The contents and duration of the qualification were found to be comparable to the South African Air Conditioning and Refrigeration qualification. The qualification is pegged at Level 4 and is offered over a period of 48 months, which is equivalent to 4 years. Upon completion of the learning programme, qualified learners would be awarded 254 Credits.

    The qualification covers knowledge and skills that will enable learners to:
  • Install HVAC components and systems.
  • Pre-commission HVAC components and Systems.
  • Install pipe-work, ducting and insulation.
  • Install control components.
  • Integrate HVAC components and systems.

    The qualification allows learners to choose elective unit standards of their choice from any of the following areas: electrical, engineering fabrication, heating, ventilating and air conditioning; refrigeration air conditioning, split systems air conditioning and welding. Learners who successfully complete the qualification can advance to the National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, Level 5.

    Australia:
    Australian has registered a suite of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic trade qualifications. The South African Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic has been compared with three of these, namely, Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32211), which is offered over a period of 2 years; and Certificate IV in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Systems (UEE42911), which is offered over a period of 6 months to a year and Certificate IV in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Servicing (UEE42711).

    Upon completion of Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32211), learners will be able to: select components, install, set up, test, fault find, repair and maintain refrigeration systems and equipment that apply to food storage and preservation, air conditioning and air distribution equipment in buildings and premises. Regulatory requirements for purchasing and handling refrigerants are also included in the qualification. This qualification serves as an entry to the Certificate IV in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Systems (UEE42911).

    Upon completion of the Certificate IV in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Systems (UEE42911), leaners will be able to:
  • Calculate heat loads.
  • Select equipment for basic commercial refrigeration or residential air-conditioning applications.
  • Adhere to regulatory requirements when purchasing and handling refrigerants.

    Certificate IV in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Servicing (UEE42711) provides learners with in high level competencies related to fault diagnosis and rectification, commissioning and maintenance of refrigeration systems and equipment that apply to commercial food storage and preservation, air-conditioning, air distribution equipment and/or special applications. Regulatory requirements for purchasing and handling refrigerants are also included.

    Similarities:
    Similarities have been found to be in terms of the type of qualifications, which are all trade qualifications; key competencies to be demonstrated by learners upon successful completion of the learning programme, the duration of the learning programme and adherence to regulatory requirements.

    Differences:
    Differences have been found to be in relation to:
  • The structure and components of the South African Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic qualification in relation to the qualifications offered in the two other countries selected. The South African Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic occupational qualification is structured into Knowledge Modules, Practical Skills Modules and Work Experience Modules. All these components must be completed in order for learners to be eligible for summative assessment. It has been found that the New Zealand qualification, in addition to the core unit standards, learners are allowed to choose elective unit standards according to their career choices.
  • The total number of credits assigned the South African qualification is a lot higher than credits assigned to the international qualifications reviewed.
  • Entry level requirements for the South African qualification is Level 1 with Mathematics whilst with the New Zealand qualification, learners should have completed National Engineering Certificate, Level 2.
  • Competencies covered in three Australian trade qualifications are all covered in one South African trade qualification.

    Conclusion:
    The South African Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic qualification compares favourably to the internationally reviewed qualifications. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Part qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualifications:
  • Electrics: Chemical Electrical, Level 2.
  • National Certificate: Welding Application and Practice, Level 2.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This Part qualification articulates vertically with the following qualifications:
  • Mechanics: Chemical Welding, Level 3.
  • Electrics: Chemical Electrical, Level 3. 
    		•

    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 provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statement of results and work experience records including the Foundational Learning Competence.

    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 Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) website.

    The curriculum title and code is: Refrigerant Pipe Work Fitter: 642702000#03.

    Encompassed Trades:
    This qualification encompasses the following trade as recorded on the National Learners' Records Database (NLRD).
  • This is not a trade qualification.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
    National Artisan Moderating Body (NAMB).

    Derived qualifications related to the Occupational Certificate: Refrigerant Pipe Work Fitter qualification:
  • 642701-000-00-01, Unitary Air Conditioning Installer, Level 2, 190 Credits.
  • 642701-000-00-02, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems Pipework Installer, Level 2, 83 Credits.
  • 642701-000-00-04, Evaporative Cooling Systems Installer, Level 2, 90 Credits.
  • 642701-000-00-05, Duct Work Installer, Level 3, 72 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.