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: Civil Engineering Materials Tester

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
112805	Occupational Certificate: Civil Engineering Materials Tester
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - SABITA
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate	Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction		Physical Planning, Design and Management
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	342	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 provide the learner with the knowledge, skills and work experience to operate as a Civil Engineering Materials Tester. A Civil Engineering Materials Tester executes the following to predefined standards of construction materials for civil engineering construction works:

Field sampling, testing, laboratory sample preparation,
And

Laboratory testing of aggregates, soils, gravels, crushed stone materials, bituminous binders and bituminous products, concrete construction materials and concrete.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Conduct laboratory activities, housekeeping and organise data;

Execute field sampling and on-site testing, calculate and submit results;

Execute sample preparation activities and conduct physical testing of aggregate materials, calculate and submit results;

Execute sample preparation activities and conduct physical testing of soils, gravels and crushed stone materials, calculate and submit results;

Execute sample preparation activities and conduct physical testing of bituminous binders, calculate and submit results;

Execute sample preparation activities and conduct physical testing of asphalt, calculate and submit results;

Execute sample preparation activities and conduct physical testing of concrete and constituent materials, calculate and submit results.

Rationale:
There is currently a critical shortage of qualified Materials Testers in the Construction Industry, and the existing qualifications are expiring, outdated and need alignment to new technologies. This qualification, therefore, intends to meet the industry's demands for the skills required as well as meeting the industry requirements of a complete qualification per occupation.

Quality control during the construction process and the manufacturing of products used in construction are dependent on the accurate execution of laboratory tests by competent materials testers.

The qualification's contribution to socio-economic transformation is that learners will be able to receive recognition for previous learning and experience. The qualification enhances employability and career prospects.

The qualified and competent materials testers test civil engineering materials for quality before approval. The material testing contributes to infrastructure constructed with lower maintenance costs, longer life spans and increased safety factors.

Graduate learners will work in the construction or manufacturing sectors. Learners will use aggregates, bituminous products, soils, gravels and crushed stone materials or concrete.

The combination of learning outcomes in this qualification will provide learners with applied competence in:

The execution of field sampling and testing,

Laboratory sample preparation and laboratory testing of aggregates, soils, gravels, crushed stone materials,

Bituminous binders and bituminous products, concrete construction materials and concrete.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning (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 2 with Mathematics.
Or

Five years assessed experience in testing in a civil engineering laboratory facility.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules.

Knowledge Modules:

311201-001-00-KM-01, Basic Mathematics and Physical Sciences, Level 3, 5 Credits.

311201-001-00-KM-02, Introduction to the Civil Engineering Construction Industry and Construction Works, Level 2, 4 Credits.

311201-001-00-KM-03, Introduction to Geology and Engineering Geology, Level 3, 4 Credits.

311201-001-00-KM-04, Introduction to Construction Materials, Level 3, 4 Credits.

311201-001-00-KM-05, Principles of Specifications, Level 4, 3 Credits.

311201-001-00-KM-06, Overview of a Laboratory Quality Assurance System, Level 4, 6 Credits.

311201-001-00-KM-07, Health and Safety Applicable to Field And Laboratory Testing, Level 3, 6 Credits.

311201-001-00-KM-08, Working with Hazardous Substances, Level 4, 6 Credits.

311201-001-00-KM-09, Theories and principles of Environmental Protection in Materials Testing Facilities, Level 3, 6 Credits.

311201001-00-KM-10, Aggregates, Soils, Gravels and Crushed Stone Base Materials Test Methods, Level 4, 7 Credits.

311201-001-00-KM-11, Bituminous Binders Test Methods, Level 4, 7 Credits.

311201-001-00-KM-12, Asphalt Test Methods, Level 4, 7 Credits.

311201-001-00-KM-13, Concrete Test Methods, Level 4, 7 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 72 Credits.

Practical Skill Modules:

311201-001-00-PM-01, Draw from Storage and Assemble Testing Apparatus for the Relevant Test, Level 3, 3 Credits.

311201-001-00-PM-02, Check Compliance of Apparatus to Specifications of Test Method, Level 4, 3 Credits.

311201-001-00-PM-03, Execute Laboratory and Housekeeping Activities, Level 4, 4 Credits.

311201-001-00-PM-04, Organise Samples, Data Information and Documentation, Level 5, 5 Credits.

311201-001-00-PM-05, Conduct Sampling of Aggregates, Level 2, 5 Credits.

311201-001-00-PM-06, Conduct Sampling of Soils, Gravels and Crushed Stone Materials, Level 3, 5 Credits.

311201-001-00-PM-07, Conduct Field Testing of Compacted and Un-compacted Fill and Pavement Layers, Level 5 Credits.

311201-001-00-PM-08, Conduct Sampling and Field Testing of Bituminous Binders, Level 4, 5 Credits.

311201-001-00-PM-09, Conduct Sampling and Field Testing of Asphalt, Level 4, 5 Credits.

311201-001-00-PM-10, Conduct Sampling and Field Testing of Fresh and Hardened Concrete, Level 4, 5 Credits.

311201-001-00-PM-11, Extract a Representative and Sized Test Sample, Level 2, 3 Credits.

311201-001-00-PM-12, Determine Particle Distribution and Particle Shape of Aggregates, Level 5, 5 Credits.

311201-001-00-PM-13, Determine the Density and Strength of Aggregates, Level 3, 7 Credits.

311201-001-00-PM-14, Determine Particle Size Distribution and Atterberg Limits of Soils, Gravels and Crushed Stone Materials, Level 4, 5 Credits.

311201-001-00-PM-15, Determine the Density of Soils, Gravels and Crushed Stone Materials, Level 4, 5 Credits.

311201-001-00-PM-16, Determine Compaction and Strength Characteristics of Untreated Soils, Gravels and Crushed Stone Materials, Level 4, 5 Credits.
>311201-001-00-PM-17, Determine the Properties of Bituminous Base Binders, Level 4, 5 Credits.

311201-001-00-PM-18, Determine the Properties of Modified Bituminous Binders, Level 4, 5 Credits.

311201-001-00-PM-19, Determine the Properties of Asphalt, Level 4, 5 Credits.

311201-001-00-PM-20, Determine the Properties of Fresh and Hardened Concrete, Level 4, 5 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 95 Credits.

Work Experience Modules:

311201-001-00-WM-01, Processes and Procedures for Conducting Laboratory Activities, Housekeeping and Organising Data, Level 2, 10 Credits.

311201-001-00-WM-02, Processes and Procedures of Executing Field Sampling and On-site Testing, Level 3, 20 Credits.

311201-001-00-WM-03, Processes and Procedures of Executing Sample Preparation Activities and Conducting Physical Testing of Aggregate Materials, Calculating and Submitting Results of Aggregate Materials, Level 4, 27 Credits.

311201-001-00-WM-04, Processes and Procedures of Executing Sample Preparation Activities and Conducting Physical Testing of Soils, Gravels and Crushed Stone Materials, Calculating and Submitting Results, Level 4, 27 Credits.

311201-001-00-WM-05, Processes and Procedures of Executing Sample Preparation Activities and Conducting Physical Testing of Bituminous Binders, Calculating and Submitting Results, Level 4, 27 Credits.

311201-001-00-WM-06, Processes and Procedures of Executing Sample Preparation Activities and Conducting Physical Testing of Asphalt, Calculating and Submitting Results, Level 4, 27 Credits.

311201-001-00-WM-07, Processes and Procedures of Executing Sampling of Constituent Materials, Sample Preparation Activities and Conducting Physical Testing of Concrete Materials and Concrete, Calculating and Submitting Results, Level 4, 27 Credits.

311201-001-00-WM-08, Processes and Procedures of Executing Field Sampling and On-site Testing of Aggregates, Level 3, 5 Credits.

311201-001-00-WM-09, Processes and Procedures of Executing Field Sampling and On-site Testing of Concrete, Level 3, 5 Credits.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 175 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Conduct laboratory activities, housekeeping and organise data.
2. Execute field sampling and on-site testing of asphalt and other bituminous surfacings, calculate and submit results.
3. Perform field sampling of aggregates.
4. Complete sample preparation activities and conduct physical testing of aggregate materials, calculate and submit results.
5. Execute field sampling and on-site testing of soils, gravels and crushed stone materials; calculate and submit results.
6. Perform sample preparation activities and conduct physical testing of soils, gravels and crushed stone materials, calculate and submit results.
7. Execute field sampling and on-site testing of bituminous binders; calculate and submit results.
8. Conduct sample preparation activities and conduct physical testing of bituminous binders, calculate and submit results.
9. Execute field sampling and on-site testing of asphalt, calculate and submit results.
10. Execute sample preparation activities and conduct physical testing of asphalt, calculate and submit results.
11. Execute field sampling and on-site testing of concrete, calculate and submit results.
12. Execute sample preparation activities and conduct physical testing of concrete, calculate and submit results.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Testing apparatus is drawn from storage and assembled as required by the relevant test.

Check compliance of apparatus against specifications reflected in the specific test method for the relevant test.

Laboratory activities and housekeeping, including verification of calibration, cleanliness, maintenance of equipment, health and safety issues and environmental considerations, are executed following laboratory requirements.

Samples, data information and documentation, are organised, including receiving, recording and storing samples, and reporting and filing tests results following laboratory requirements.

Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge and understanding of the key terms, rules, concepts, established principles and theories about conducting laboratory activities, housekeeping, and organising data.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Conduct sampling of bituminous surfacings, including sampling of previously blended (ready mixed) asphalt following test method requirements.

Conduct field testing of asphalt on bituminous surfacing following test method requirements.

Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge and understanding of the key terms, rules, concepts, established principles and theories of field sampling and on-site testing of asphalt and other bituminous surfacings along with calculations and submission of results.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Conduct sampling of aggregates following test method requirements.

Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge and understanding of the key terms, rules, concepts, established principles and theories of field sampling of aggregates.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

A representative test sample is extracted using a sample reduction method following test method requirements.

Undertake basic aggregate tests following test method requirements.

Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge and understanding of the key terms, rules, concepts, established principles and theories of sample preparation, physical testing, calculations and submission of results for aggregate materials.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Conduct sampling of soils, gravels and crushed stone following test method requirements.

Conduct field testing on compacted fill and pavement layers by determining in situ density following test method requirements.

Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge and understanding of the key terms, rules, concepts, established principles and theories about field sampling and on-site testing of soils, gravels and crushed stone, including calculations and submission of results.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Undertake basic soils, gravels and crushed stone materials tests following test method requirements.

Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge and understanding of the key terms, rules, concepts, established principles and theories about sample preparation, physical testing, calculations and submission of results for soils, gravels and crushed stone material.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Conduct sampling of bituminous binders following test method requirements.

Conduct field testing following test method requirements.

Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge and understanding of the key terms, rules, concepts, established principles and theories about field sampling and on-site testing of bituminous binders.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Determine properties of base binders following test method requirements.

Determine properties of modified binders following test method requirements.

Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge and understanding of the key terms, rules, concepts, established principles and theories about sample preparation and physical testing of bituminous binders, including calculations and submission of results.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

Conduct sampling of asphalt following test method requirements.

Conduct field testing following test method requirements.

Make asphalt briquettes following test method requirements.

Determine asphalt properties following test method requirements.

Conduct sampling of concrete following test methods requirements.

Conduct field testing on concrete following test method requirements.

Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge and understanding of the key terms, rules, concepts, established principles and theories about field sampling and on-site testing on concrete, including calculations and submission of results.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:

Establish the properties of fresh and hardened concrete following test method requirements.

Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge and understanding of the key terms, rules, concepts, established principles and theories about sample preparation, physical testing, calculations and submission of results of concrete.

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:
Before issuing the qualification, the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner must conduct an external integrated summative assessment. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification compares with outcomes-based programmes in New Zealand and Australia.

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority has a Certificate in Civil Engineering Laboratory (Level 4) (NZQA 2692) registered on its National Qualifications Framework. It has a maximum of 85 Credits and delivered over 18 months by Connexis Infrastructure Industry Training Organisation.
The programme covers the following:

Operate, maintain and calibrate civil engineering laboratory and test equipment;

Plan, prepare and conduct daily civil engineering laboratory activities;
apply quality standards and material specifications to civil engineering laboratory testing activities;

Quantify and validate the uncertainty in measurement in test results; complete aggregate sampling and perform aggregate source property, or aggregate production tests;

Complete asphalt sampling, bitumen and concrete, and perform asphalt, bitumen and concrete tests;

Perform field investigations tests, complete soil sampling and perform soil classification, soil testing and compaction or soil strength tests.

An Australian training provider, Kase Enterprises Pty Ltd offers the Certificate IV in Construction Materials Testing (soils and concrete). The institution received accreditation from the Australian Skills Quality Authority.

The programme covers the following:

Project Scope Management techniques, Team effectiveness, Continuous improvement, Conflict resolution strategies, Analyse and report results, Supervise sampling, inspections and testing at construction sites, Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan, Conduct field-based acceptance tests for construction materials, Carry out inspections for civil structures, Perform construction material computations, Conduct commercial investigation, Monitor quality of product, Apply soil mechanics, Conduct rock core logging, Classify sites, Identify rocks and minerals, Conduct advanced concrete tests.

Conclusion:
The competencies covered in the both the New Zealand Certificate: Civil Engineering Laboratory (Level 4) and Australian Certificate IV in Construction Material Testing show overlap of the content and are both on Level 4. As such, the two certificates compare well with the South Africa's Occupational Certificate in Civil Engineering Material Tester, NQF Level 4 in terms of purpose, content, competencies and NQF level.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Horizontal Articulation:

National Vocational Certificate (NCV) (Civil Engineering and Building Construction), Level 4.

Vertically Articulation:

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 modules employing a statement of results and work experience including Foundational Learning Competence.

Additional legal or physical entry requirements 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 is: 311201-001-00-00: Civil Engineering Materials Tester.

This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD

The qualification is not a trade qualification.

Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
National Laboratory Association (NLA)

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