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: Banknote Processor 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110240  Occupational Certificate: Banknote Processor 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - BANKSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Finance, Economics and Accounting 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  39  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  SAQA 12130/20  2020-09-29  2025-09-29 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-09-29   2029-09-29  

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 equip a learner with the required skill to operate as an official Banknote Processor. The qualifying learner will be able to conduct all banknote and coin processing operations and be able to successfully apply work-related skills in a banknote and coin processing environment.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Conduct preparer and feeder operations.
  • Conduct reconciler and checker operations.
  • Conduct manual processing and shrink-wrapping operations.

    Rationale:
    Currently, there is no occupational qualification for Banknote Processors and the registration of an occupational qualification h will meet the sectoral needs and will ensure skilled and capable workers carrying out their tasks and responsibilities efficiently and according to the relevant regulations (South African Reserve Bank Act 90 OF 1989, Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, National Environmental Management: Waste Act 59 of 2008, Occupational Health and Safety Act 12 of 2004, Prevention of Counterfeiting of Currency Act 16 of 1965).

    The role of the Banknote Processor is a significant one, which is not South African Reserve Bank specific, but also a recognised occupation within the following institutions nationwide:
  • Commercial banks (Standard Bank, Nedbank, Absa, First National).
  • Cash-in-transit/private cash processing companies (SBV, G4S and Fidelity).
  • Casino's.

    Benefits to the learner include:
  • A nationally recognised qualification.
  • Better preparation for the future.
  • High standard of training and education in banknote processing.
  • Occupationally aligned.
  • Career pathing and progression.
  • Access to further education and training.
    Employers will have access to suitably qualified personnel, able to perform their jobs efficiently and skilfully, according to the standard as set-out by the South African Reserve Bank.
    Both society and the economy will benefit through the creation of career pathways in the sector. Employees will be able to move up the career ladder and create more opportunities for themselves. This will result in a healthy employment cycle providing employment opportunities. 
    		•

    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 4 with Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skills and Work Experience Modules.

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 421104-000-00-00-KM-01, Workplace Fundamentals, NQF (National Qualifications Framework) Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 421104-000-00-00-KM-02, Banknote Processing Operations, NQF Level, 4, 6 Credits.
  • 421104-000-00-00-KM-03, Personal Development, NQF Level, 4, 3 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 13.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 421104-000-00-00-PM-01, Conduct Preparer and Feeder Operations, NQF Level, 4, 5 Credits.
  • 421104-000-00-00-PM-02, Conduct Reconciler and Checker Operations, NQF Level, 4, 7 Credits.
  • 421104-000-00-00-PM-03, Perform Activities that will Enhance Job Performance, NQF Level, 4, 4 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 16.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 421104-000-00-00-WM-01, Preparer and Feeder operations, NQF Level, 4, 4 Credits.
  • 421104-000-00-00-WM-02, Reconciler and Checker Operations, NQF Level, 4, 4 Credits.
  • 421104-000-00-00-WM-03, Shrink Wrapping and Manual Processing Operations, NQF Level, 4, 2 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 10. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Conduct preparer and feeder, operations.
    2. Conduct reconciler and checker operations.
    3. Conduct manual processing and shrink-wrapping operations. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Setting up of machine is performed using appropriate test pack and with dual control.
  • The set up banknote processing machine is accurate and ready for counting.
  • Container is removed using appropriate system.
  • All preparer operations are conducted according to procedures.
  • All feeder operations are conducted according to procedures.
  • Balancing of container is accurate and accounts for all banknotes received from treasury.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Visual inspection identifies counterfeit, foreign, dye-stained and foreign denominations.
  • All reconciler operations are conducted according to procedures.
  • Appropriate authority is informed on discrepancies.
  • Manually Inspected (MI) banknotes captured on the electronic system and rejected banknotes are prepared for manual shredding.
  • Manual inspection results captured by checker on electronic system and accuracy of reconciler's work verified.
  • All checker operations are conducted according to procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Banknotes for manual processing are prepared using the appropriate system.
  • Output report demonstrates accuracy of manual processing.
  • Results with the detail banknote categories and values are updated on the system.
  • All manual processing operations are conducted according to procedures.
  • Shrink-wrapping is conducted under dual control.
  • Visual examination of shrink-wrapped or foiled bricks reveals dye-stained banknotes and mutilated banknotes.
  • Manual intervention is conducted for torn or damaged shrink-wrapping or foil.

    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development providers 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 to issue this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The aim of the international comparability study was to examine Banknote Processor qualifications of other countries at international, regional and African contexts to benchmark best practice in this field. The following countries were considered: Europe, United States and Bangladesh.
    Europe:
    The European Central Bank (ECB) offers the following training in e-learning mode:
  • Presentation of the training course: Introduction to the course - presentation video.
  • Module 1 Authenticity, (Range: includes: Unit 1: Characteristics; Unit 2: Security features; Unit 3 Production cycle; Unit 4: Methods for checking and Unit 5: Fight against counterfeiting).
  • Module 2 Fitness (Range: includes Unit 1: Quality of Euro banknotes and Unit 2: Fitness parameters and requirements).
  • Module 3 Europe Series (Range: includes: Unit 1: Characteristics; Unit 2: Security features and Unit 3: Verification methods).
    There is also a cash-handling course available.

    United States of America (USA):
    The Federal Reserve Bank of New York processes more than 19 million notes per day. According to the website of the Federal Reserve Bank, the processing of currency is done by high-speed machines, which validate denomination, test for fitness and automatically bundle fit notes into packages. The fit notes eventually make their way back into circulation when banks order currency from the Federal Reserve Bank. The processes are almost identical to the work of the banknote processor outlined in this qualification. We can assume that the training of currency processors in the USA is very similar. No details of the training for banknote processors were provided.

    Bangladesh:
    The International Institute of Currency Technology (IICT) offers the following programme:
    The Foundation Course: Duration of one week. Elements relevant to this qualification have been identified as follows:
  • Banknote Design and Origination.
  • Detail Discussion on Banknote Substrate.

    Description of:
  • Original Note.
  • Fake Note.
  • Duplicate Note.
  • Counterfeit Note.
  • Super Note.
  • Acquainted with Banknote Security Features.
  • Banknote Fit and Unfit Standardisation Process.
  • Nature and Source of Counterfeit Note.
  • Fake Note Identification and Authentication Technology.
  • Safe and Secured Cash Transaction.
  • Swift and Safe Cash Counting and Authentication Technology.
  • Banknote Sorting and Processing Technology.
  • Banknote Strapping, Binding and Bundling Technology.
  • Awareness on Fake Note Detection and Prevention.

    Conclusion:
    Manufacturers of banknote processing machines like Giesecke and Devrient (a German company), Toshiba and other companies mainly offer training for banknote processors. Hence, information on training courses, qualifications or programmes is very limited. However, from the information provided above, it can be concluded that the South African qualification compares favourably with that of international countries in terms of best practice and content. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification does not offer any horizontal or vertical articulation opportunities, but the Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) Policy will apply to learners who completed the qualification, The learners will accumulate credits towards relevant full qualifications. 

    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 modules by means of statements 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: Banknote Processor: 421104-000-00-00.

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

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
  • Banking Education and Training Sector (BANKSETA).
  • Derived Qualifications Registered as 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.