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: Insulation Installer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109560  Occupational Certificate: Insulation Installer 
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  161  Not Applicable  NQF Level 02  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2019-05-29  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 either a Building Insulation Installer or an Industrial Insulation Installer. An Insulation Installer plans and installs insulation and finishing materials in various buildings and industrial applications to maximise energy efficiency by controlling the effects of heat, cold, air, sound and moisture in accordance with the legislative requirements and/or specifications.

Qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Plan and install building insulation in various occupancy classes of buildings.
  • Plan and install insulation in various industrial environments.
  • Work as a team member.
  • Add value within the industry to maximise energy efficiency.

    Qualifying learners would typically prepare insulation materials and finishes for installation, install insulation applications to various systems and/or components within the various occupancy classes of building and industrial environments, apply thermal insulation plaster and coating finishing operations, apply cladding, sheeting and handover operations and perform quality checks on insulation installations.

    Rationale:
    This qualification is designed for learners who engage actively in insulation installation activities. Qualifying learners will be able to perform the operational aspects of the work, function within a team context and contribute to value-adding processes within the industry.

    Learning for this occupation is currently undertaken informally on-the-job. There are no formal, structured learning programmes that exists for this occupation. Industry requires a clear mechanism to be used to uphold standards across the industry. Such standards may improve the way industry functions and contribute in growing the industry further for the benefit of employers and employees.

    This qualification will formalise the documentation of industry standards. The qualification enables employers to identify skills development gaps within their respective organisations against the level of competence across the industry. This qualification will also benefit employees who may be recognised for prior learning and thus be certificated and recognised for the skills that they possess.

    Qualifying learner will have enhanced career development options. Learners may pursue career paths which include Quality Management or Compliance Inspections. Furthermore, learners may also pursue entrepreneurship opportunities in the area of insulation installation.

    Qualifying learners will function as either a Building Insulation Installer or as an Industrial Insulation Installer. The respective skills required for the different insulation options also allow for employment in proficiencies based on qualifications derived from the Occupational Certificate: Insulation Installer these proficiencies are:
  • Installing Building Insulation.
  • Installing Industrial Insulation. 
    		•

    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:
  • National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 2 with mathematical literacy.
    Or
  • 5 years relevant experience in insulation instalment. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    BUILDING INSULATION INSTALLER
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skills and Work Experience Modules at Level 2.

    Knowledge Modules:
  • Knowledge, 642401-000-01KM-01, Introduction to the Insulation Installation Industry, 5 Credits.
  • Knowledge, 642401-000-01KM-02, World of Work Fundamentals, 5 Credits.
  • Knowledge, 642401-000-01KM-03, Workplace Safety, Health, Environment and Legislative Practices, 6 Credits.
  • Knowledge, 642401-000-01KM-04, Insulation Processes, Tools, and Equipment, 5 Credits.
  • Knowledge, 642401-000-01KM-05, Building and Industrial Insulation Materials and Preparation Practices, 6 Credits.
  • Knowledge, 642401-000-01KM-06, Insulation Installation and Planning, 10 Credits.
  • Knowledge, 642401-000-01KM-07, Quality Control Practices, 5 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 42 Credits.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • Practical, 642401-000-01PM-01, Carry out Insulation Preparation Activities, 5 Credits.
  • Practical, 642401-000-01PM-02, Select, Care and Use Tools and Equipment, 5 Credits.
  • Practical, 642401-000-01PM-03, Work Safely, 5 Credits.
  • Practical, 642401-000-01PM-04, Prepare Insulation Materials and Finishes for Installation, 9 Credits.
  • Practical, 642401-000-01PM-05, Install Insulation Applications to Various Systems and/or Components within Various Occupancy Classes of Buildings, 10 Credits.
  • Practical, 642401-000-01PM-07, Carry Out Finishing and Hand Over Operations within the Building Insulation Environment, 9 Credits.
  • Practical, 642401-000-01PM-09, Perform Overall Quality Checks on Insulated Installations, 3 Credits.
  • Practical, 642401-000-01PM-10, Collect Information and Keep Records, 3 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 49 Credits.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • Work Experience, 642401-000-01WM-01, Insulation Site Preparation Processes, 19 Credits.
  • Work Experience, 642401-000-01WM-02, Insulation Materials and Finishes Preparation Processes, 14 Credits.
  • Work Experience, 642401-000-01WM-03, Installation and Finishing Stages of New and/or Refurbished Buildings, 29 Credits.
  • Work Experience, 642401-000-01WM-05, Insulation Installation Inspection Processes, 8 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 70 Credits.

    OR

    INDUSTRIAL INSULATION INSTALLER
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skills and Work Experience Modules at Level 2.

    Knowledge Modules:
  • Knowledge, 642401-000-01KM-01, Introduction to the Insulation Installation Industry, 5 Credits.
  • Knowledge, 642401-000-01KM-02, World of Work Fundamentals, 5 Credits.
  • Knowledge, 642401-000-01KM-03, Workplace Safety, Health, Environment and Legislative Practices, 6 Credits.
  • Knowledge, 642401-000-01KM-04, Insulation Processes, Tools, and Equipment, 5 Credits.
  • Knowledge, 642401-000-01KM-05, Building and Industrial Insulation Materials and Preparation Practices, 6 Credits.
  • Knowledge, 642401-000-01KM-06, Insulation Installation and Planning, 10 Credits.
  • Knowledge, 642401-000-01KM-07, Quality Control Practices, 5 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 42 Credits.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • Practical, 642401-000-01PM-01, Carry out Insulation Preparation Activities, 5 Credits.
  • Practical, 642401-000-01PM-02, Select, Care and Use Tools and Equipment, 5 Credits.
  • Practical, 642401-000-01PM-03, Work Safely, 5 Credits.
  • Practical, 642401-000-01PM-04, Prepare Insulation Materials and Finishes for Installation, 9 Credits.
  • Practical, 642401-000-01PM-06, Install Insulation Applications to Various Systems and/or Components within Various Industrial Environments, 10 Credits.
  • Practical, 642401-000-01PM-08, Carry Out Finishing and Hand over Operations within the Industrial Insulation Environment, 9 Credits.
  • Practical, 642401-000-01PM-09, Perform Overall Quality Checks on Insulated Installations, 3 Credits.
  • Practical, 642401-000-01PM-10, Collect Information and Keep Records, 3 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 49 Credits.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • Work Experience, 642401-000-01WM-01, Insulation Site Preparation Processes, 19 Credits.
  • Work Experience, 642401-000-01WM-02, Insulation Materials and Finishes Preparation Processes, 14 Credits.
  • Work Experience, 642401-000-01WM-04, Installation and Finishing Stages of New and/or Refurbished Industrial Environments, 29 Credits.
  • Work Experience, 642401-000-01WM-05, Insulation Installation Inspection Processes, 8 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 70 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Plan and install building insulation in various occupancy classes of buildings.
    OR
    2. Plan and install insulation in various industrial environments. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated assessment criteria will be used to assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner:
  • Insulation scheduling activities are carried out as per the insulation requirements.
  • Relevant safety requirements and procedures as outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (85) of 1993 and the standard operating procedures are applied.
  • Machine, tools, and equipment operational checks are performed in accordance with the specifications and standard operating procedures.
  • Insulation materials are selected, prepared and used in accordance with the work instruction.
  • Materials are transported and offloaded on site as per the standard operating procedures.
  • Site preparation inspections are conducted, and the insulation installation site is prepared as per work instruction.
  • Insulation applications are installed on various systems and/or components within various occupancy classes of buildings.
  • Insulation finishes are applied as per the manufacturers specifications.
  • Quality checks on insulated installations are carried out as per quality procedures and specifications.
  • Troubleshooting and fault finding relating to the insulation installation are explained and carried out as per standard operating procedures.
  • Incidents and problems relating to the insulation installation process are discussed and explained amongst the workgroup members.
  • All applicable documentation and reports on related matters are read, interpreted and completed as required.
  • Understanding of the insulation installation process and techniques is explained in the context of the insulation installation assignment.
  • Insulation materials and finishes are stored as per the standard operating procedure.
  • Housekeeping functions are carried out in accordance with industry good practice.

    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 external Summative Assessment will be conducted through an evaluation of written and practical tasks covering critical aspects in a simulated environment at an assessment centre accredited by Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and conducted by an assessor registered by The Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA) as the Assessment Quality Partner. The assessment will take place over a minimum of 2 days. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A desktop comparative analysis was conducted to compare qualifications, best practices and requirements in the design and development of the Insulation Installer occupational qualification. Australia and New Zealand were identified as countries against which the Insulation Installer occupational qualification was compared.

    The Occupational Certificate insulation installer has two derive qualifications that will be registered as part qualifications namely:
  • Occupational Certificate: Building Insulation Installer.
  • Occupational Certificate: Industrial Insulation Installer.

    The Australian and New Zealand qualifications, in general, are recognised worldwide; they are efficient and effective in leading industry standards particularly occupational related qualifications. The Australian Qualifications Authority (AQA) and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) also operates in a similar nature to that of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) in terms of mapping out the content of the various qualifications and the specific learning pathways.

    Currently, the Insulation Installer occupational qualification as developed through the South African Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) is not linked to a trade related occupation at a higher level. This trade related link may well occur once the full occupational framework for this related occupation is mapped through the QCTO.

    New Zealand:
    The Insulation and Home Improvement Installer (unit group 8214) is known as an occupation within the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations ANZSCO and is defined as an individual who installs a variety of insulation materials to improve resistance to heat, cold, air, sound and moisture, and install functional and decorative home improvements.
    Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below:
  • In New Zealand: NZ Register Level 2 or 3 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 4).
  • ANZSCO further differentiates between two occupations namely:
    > 821411 Building Insulation Installer.
    > 821412 Home Improvement Installer.

    A building insulation Installer applies insulation materials to various classes of buildings while a Home Improvement Installer applies decorative home improvements such as blinds, security screening and exterior claddings.

    The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) depicts the following national qualifications: National Certificate in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (mechanical services) Level 4.

    National Certificate in Proprietary Plaster Cladding Systems (Level 4).

    The latter qualification has strands in Rebated Fibre Cement, Lightweight Fibre Cement and External Insulation Finishing Systems (EIFS) with subjects in areas that include Architecture and Building, Ceilings, Walls and Floor Fixing, Planning and Construction, Construction Trade and Proprietary Plaster Cladding Systems.

    Australia:
    The following qualification was sourced for comparison within the Australian environments:
  • In Australia: AQF Certificate II or III (ANZSCO Skill Level 4).
  • Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining.

    Certificate II in Metal Roofing and Cladding. The approaches to training and methods of delivery, however, may vary considerably and range from in-house training courses targeting specific equipment or skills and vocational qualifications specialising in either installation or maintenance, to learnership covering the full range of insulation installation-related activities.

    The qualification details were compared with related qualification details found in Australia and New Zealand, and were found to be very similar to those qualifications which follow a learnership type system combining a formal learning component comprising theoretical and practical elements with extensive on-the-job training and experience. The theoretical and practical content is very similar. While it is more difficult to compare the work experience, particularly in those cases where the on-the-job learning is not differentiated, it can be inferred that workplace exposure will also be similar given the similarity in the insulation materials to be installed.

    Conclusion
    The South African qualification is comparable in scope and level of skills developed to those offered in New Zealand and in Australia. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualification:
  • National Certificate: Bricklaying and Plastering, FET Phase, Level 2.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with the following qualification:
  • National Certificate: Bricklaying and Plastering: FET Phase, Level 3. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Integrated Summative Assessment
    In order to qualify for the external summative assessment, learners must provide proof of a completion of all required modules by means of signed Statements of results and Work Experience records.

    Additional legal or physical entry requirements:
    Physical: Valid medical certificate as outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (85) of 1993.

    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: Insulation Installer: 642401-000-01-00.

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

    Assessment Quality Partners (AQP):
    Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (merSETA).

    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.
     
    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.