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: Assistant Painter 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112284  Occupational Certificate: Assistant Painter 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - CHIETA 
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  154  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2019-10-24  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 Assistant Painter. An Assistant Painter will be able to prepare a variety of old and new substrates for painting, using power tools. They will also be able to identify complex defects in substrates and take corrective action. They will use intermediate painting techniques - including using air-assisted spray painting machines - to paint substrates. They will also be able to glaze and paint glass and work in confined workspaces. An Assistant Painter operates in either a decorative or industrial painting context. The learner will complete the requisite work experience modules depending on the context in which they find themselves.

Rationale:
This qualification will equip learners with the necessary skills and competence to operate as Assistant Painters in either a decorative or industrial context. An Assistant Painter uses power tools to prepare substrates and uses intermediate painting skills to conduct a variety of painting activities. Assistant Painters are one step away from becoming full artisans as they will have acquired a substantial number of competencies in painting.

Typically, learners would be school leavers with an NQF Level 1 qualification or learners who have not had access to structured painting training qualifications or persons who have completed the Occupational Certificate: Brush Hand.

Learners will receive a high standard of training in painting that is comparable with international standards. The qualification will produce competent learners who can contribute to improved productivity and efficiency within the construction and chemical environments.

Employers will benefit as they will employ qualified Assistant Painters who will be able to conduct high-quality, efficient and safe painting operations, with minimum disruption to productivity. 

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 qualification with Mathematics. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

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

Knowledge Modules:
  • 643101-000-00 KM-01, Workplace Fundamentals, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 KM-05, Substrates and Substrate Preparation, Level 3, 12 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 KM-06, Glazing, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 KM-08, Paint, Paint Technology and Paint Application, Level 3, 14 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 37.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 643101-000-00 PM-05, Use Power Tools, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 PM-07, Prepare Substrates for Painting using Power Tools, Level 3, 14 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 PM-09, Paint Substrates using Intermediate Painting Skills, Level 3, 15 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 PM-11, Glaze and Paint Glass, Level 3, 5 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 37.

    Electives - Learners need to choose one context area for the Work Experience Modules totalling 80 Credits.

    Work Experience Modules:
    Context 1: Decorative
  • 643101-000-00 WM-05, Decorative Substrate Preparation, using Power Tools, Level 3, 32 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 WM-09, Painting of Decorative Substrates, using Intermediate Painting skills, Level 3, 48 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 80.

    Context 2: Industrial:
  • 643101-000-00 WM-06, Industrial Substrate Preparation, using Power Tools, Level 3, 32 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 WM-10, Painting of Industrial Substrates, using Intermediate Painting Skills, Level 3, 48 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 80: 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Prepare substrates using power tools.
    2. Paint substrates using intermediate painting skills. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Interpret work instructions.
  • Clean substrates with pressure equipment, where applicable.
  • Identify and repair defects on substrates and remove contaminants.
  • Use appropriate materials and power tools to treat and prepare substrates (ferrous and non-ferrous, wooden, concrete and plaster, fibreglass, fibre cement) for painting.
  • Conduct corrosion control measures, where appropriate.
  • Conduct all painting activities with due consideration to transfer efficiency of paint to substrate.
  • Identify, use, clean and store tools and equipment appropriately and safely.
  • Carry out all work safely and use appropriate PPE.
  • Complete tasks within the specified time according to industry standard.
  • Adhere to manufacturer's specifications.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the substrates and substrate preparation procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Interpret work instructions and plan work.
  • Prepare work area for painting (signage and barricade requirements, tools and equipment selection, identification of environmental requirements, ventilation, ensuring application area is free of dust).
  • Calculate material quantities to meet the job requirements, stir and mix paint to specified proportion and consistency.
  • Prepare structural steel and equipment supports for fireproofing.
  • Demonstrate and apply knowledge of fireproofing to structural steel and equipment supports.
  • Apply stains and clear timber finishes.
  • Apply paint to porous and non-porous substrates using an air-assisted spray painting machine.
  • Enter, worked-in and exit confined workspaces.
  • Conduct all painting activities with due consideration to transfer efficiency of paint to substrate.
  • Identify and resolve painting defects.
  • Conduct post paint application operations.
  • Use tools and equipment appropriately and safely.
  • Perform all work safely and use appropriate PPE.
  • Complete the tasks within the specified time according to industry quality standards.
  • Adhere to manufacturer's specifications.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of intermediate painting techniques.

    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 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 was compared to qualifications in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

    New Zealand:
    The Assistant Painter qualification compares with the following aspects/standards of the National Certificate in Painting and Decorating at Level 4:
  • Carrying out measurements and calculations.
  • Applying decorative paint finishes.
  • Applying paint by air-assisted spray machine.
  • Applying stains and clear timber finishes.
  • Preparing surfaces for painting.
  • Applying fireproofing to structural steel and equipment supports.
  • Applying paint by spray using air-assisted machines.

    The following standards are relevant to the South African qualification:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of paint and its application.
  • Carry out measurements and calculations in the painting and decorating sector.
  • Read and interpret plans and specifications in the painting and decorating sector.
  • Handle painting and decorating materials.
  • Apply stains and clear timber finishes.
  • Use painting and decorating tools and equipment.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of applying fireproofing to structural steel and equipment supports.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of applying paint by air-assisted spray.
  • Apply protective paint coating systems.

    United Kingdom:
    The City and Guilds Level 1 Diploma in Painting and Decorating comprises the following applicable units:
  • Erect and dismantle access equipment and working platforms.
  • Prepare surfaces for decoration.
  • Apply paint systems by brush and roller to non-complex areas.
  • Apply foundation and plain papers.
  • Produce specialist decorative finishes.

    The City and Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating qualification covers the following topics:
  • Health, safety and welfare in construction.
  • Principles of building construction.
  • Communication information.
  • Preparing surfaces for decoration.
  • Applying paint systems by brush and roller to complex areas.
  • Applying standard papers to walls and ceilings.

    The City and Guilds Level 2 Technical Certificate in Painting and Decorating comprises of the following applicable units:
  • Unit 202 Access equipment.
  • Unit 203 Preparation of surfaces for decoration.
  • Unit 204 Application of surface coatings.
  • Unit 205 Application of papers to walls and ceilings.

    Conclusion:
    Both the cited qualifications compare well with the South African qualification in terms of content and competencies. However, the New Zealand qualification does compare better with the South African qualification in that there is a greater overlap of competencies between them, as demonstrated above. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification allows for vertical and horizontal articulation possibilities with the following qualifications.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Painting and Decorating: FET Phase, Level 3.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Painter; NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
  • To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules through statements of results and work experience.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
  • Must be physically able to perform the tasks in this qualification.

    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 are:
  • Assistant Painter: 683401000#02.

    Trades encompassed:
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
    None.

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

    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.