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: Painter 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112832  Occupational Certificate: 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  549  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 prepare a learner to operate as a Painter. The Painter will prepare a variety of substrates using hand and power tools. Also, use basic, intermediate and advanced painting techniques involving brushes, rollers, trowels, air-assisted and airless spray painting machines to paint substrates, structures and vessels in either decorative or industrial contexts. The Painter provides access to the work area employing erecting and dismantling scaffolding that is maintained for use throughout the working period and assembles fall arrest systems. However, scaffolding erection must be supervised and inspected by an appropriately qualified person.

There are some work experience modules common to the decorative or industrial contexts. The learner will select the work experience modules applicable to them depending on the context in which they find themselves.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Prepare substrates using hand tools.
  • Paint substrates using basic painting skills.
  • Prepare substrates using power tools.
  • Paint substrates using intermediate painting skills.
  • Paint substrates using advanced painting skills.
  • Scope jobs, prepare and present quotations.

    Rationale:
    This qualification will equip learners with the necessary skills and competence to operate as painters applying a range of basic, intermediate and advanced painting skills within either the decorative or industrial environments. After successful completion of this qualification, the learners will be skilled and capable artisans who will apply paint that is both protective and aesthetically pleasing.

    The qualification will produce painters to operate independently. The qualification includes skills that enable the learners to scope and quote on painting jobs, plan and organise worksites and manage small painting teams.

    Typically, learners would be school leavers or learners who have not had access to structured painting training programmes. Also, whose competencies are not formally recognised. However, through their involvement in the construction and chemical industries, they have acquired considerable experience and expertise.

    Qualifying learners will progress to supervisors or foremen positions within the painting industry. Learners will receive a high standard of training in painting that is comparable with international standards, thus making it possible for them to pursue a painting career abroad. The qualification will produce competent learners who can contribute to improved productivity and efficiency within the construction and chemical environments.

    Employers will benefit because they will enjoy access to appropriately qualified artisans. Artisans will conduct high-quality, efficient and safe painting operations, with minimum disruption to productivity which results in financial loss. 
    		•

    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 Skills and Work Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 643101-000-00 KM-01, Workplace Fundamentals, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 KM-02, Safety, Health and the Environment, Level 2, 7 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 KM-03, Scaffolding, Working at Heights, Fall Protection Systems and Ladders, Level 2, 16 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 KM-04, Substrates and Substrate Preparation, Level 2, 7 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-07, Paint, Paint Technology and Paint Application, Level 2, 9 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 KM-08, Paint, Paint Technology and Paint Application, Level 3, 14 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 KM-09, Paint, Paint Technology and Paint Application, Level 4, 20 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 KM-10, Scoping Jobs, Quotation Preparation, Planning and Handover Procedures, Level 4, 15 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 KM-11, Management-Related Skills, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 KM-12, Corrosion and Corrosion Control, Level 4, 8 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 129.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 643101-000-00 PM-01, Work Safely and Respond to Emergencies, Level 2, 5 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 PM-02, Work at Heights, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 PM-03, Erect and Dismantle Scaffolding, and Use Ladders, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 PM-04, Use Hand Tools, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 PM-05, Use Power Tools, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 PM-06, Prepare Substrates for Painting using Hand Tools, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 PM-07, Prepare Substrates for Painting using Power Tools, Level 3, 14 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 PM-08, Paint Substrates using Basic Painting Skills, Level 2, 20 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 PM-09, Paint Substrates using Intermediate Painting Skills, Level 3, 15 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 PM-10, Paint Substrates using Advanced Painting Skills, Level 4, 18 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 PM-11, Glaze and Paint Glass, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 PM-12, Scope Jobs and Prepare Quotations, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 PM-13, Perform Management-Related Activities, Level 4, 10 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 120.

    Work Experience Modules:

    Decorative and Industrial Contexts:
  • 643101-000-00 WM-01, Processes to Implement Fall Protection Plans and Install Lifelines, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 WM-02, Processes to Erect and Dismantle Access Scaffolding up to 6 meters, Level 2, 12 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 WM-15, Processes to Lead a Team in a Painting Task, Level 4, 32 Credits.

    Context 1: Decorative:
  • 643101-000-00 WM-03, Decorative Substrate Preparation, using Hand Tools, Level 2, 28 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 WM-05, Decorative Substrate Preparation, Using Power Tools, Level 3, 32 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 WM-07, Painting of Decorative Substrates Using Brushes, Rollers and Trowels, Level 2, 48 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 WM-09, Painting of Decorative Substrates, using Intermediate Painting Skills, Level 3, 48 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 WM-11, Painting of Decorative Substrates, using Advanced Painting Skills, Level 4, 76 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 WM-13, Assessment of Decorative Substrates and Quotation Preparation, Level 4, 16 Credits.

    Context 2: Industrial:
  • 643101-000-00 WM-04, Industrial Substrate Preparation, using Hand Tools, Level 2, 28 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 WM-06, Industrial Substrate Preparation, using Power Tools, Level 3, 32 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 WM-08, Painting of Industrial Substrates using Brushes, Rollers and Trowels, Level 2, 48 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 WM-10, Painting of Industrial Substrates, using Intermediate Painting Skills, Level 3, 48 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 WM-12, Painting of Industrial Substrates, using Advanced Painting Skills, Level 4, 76 Credits.
  • 643101-000-00 WM-14, Assessment of Industrial Substrates and Quotation Preparation, Level 4, 16 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 300. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Prepare substrates using hand tools.
    2. Paint substrates using basic painting skills.
    3. Prepare substrates using power tools.
    4. Paint substrates using intermediate painting skills.
    5. Paint substrates using advanced painting skills.
    6. Scope jobs, prepare and present quotations. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Interpret work instructions.
  • Strip substrates, where applicable, of old paint, varnish or any other covering or coating.
  • Use appropriate materials to treat and prepare substrates (ferrous and non-ferrous, wooden, gypsum boards, polystyrene, concrete and plaster, fibreglass, fibre cement) for painting.
  • Clean substrates as per procedure.
  • Identify, use, clean and store hand tools and equipment.
  • Carry out all work safely and use appropriate PPE.
  • Complete the tasks within the specified time and meet workmanship industry standards.
  • 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.
  • Apply paint with a brush to substrates (ferrous and non-ferrous, wooden, plastic, polystyrene, concrete and plaster, tar, wall tiles, fibreglass, fibre cement).
  • Apply paint with a roller to substrates (ferrous and non-ferrous, wooden, plastic, polystyrene, concrete and plaster, tar, wall tiles, fibreglass, fibre cement).
  • Apply paint with a trowel to substrates (concrete and plaster, fibre cement).
  • Conduct all painting activities with due consideration to transfer efficiency of paint to substrate.
  • Identify and resolve basic painting defects.
  • Conduct post paint application operations.
  • Identify, use, clean and store hand tools and equipment appropriately and safely.
  • Perform all work safely and use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Complete the tasks within the specified time and meet workmanship industry standards.
  • Adhere to manufacturer's specifications.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of basic painting techniques.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Interpret work instructions.
  • Clean substrates, where applicable, with pressure equipment.
  • 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 hand tools and equipment appropriately and safely.
  • Carry out all work safely and use appropriate PPE.
  • Complete the tasks within the specified time and meet workmanship industry standards.
  • Adhere to manufacturer's specifications.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the substrates and substrate preparation procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • 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 knowledge of fireproofing as applied 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 work-space.
  • Conduct all painting activities with due consideration to transfer efficiency of paint to substrate.
  • Identify and resolve painting defects.
  • Conduct the post paint application operations.
  • Use tools and equipment appropriately and safely.
  • Carry out all work safely and use appropriate PPE.
  • Complete the tasks within the specified time and meet workmanship industry standards.
  • Adhere to manufacturer's specifications.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of intermediate painting techniques.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Interpret work instructions and plan work accordingly.
  • 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.
  • Apply liquid waterproofing coatings and membranes.
  • Apply paint by brush and roller to multiple and complex surfaces.
  • Apply paint to porous and non-porous substrates using an airless spray-painting machine.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of intumescent paint, texture systems and finishes and protective paint coating systems and wall covering.
  • Use testing methods to assess painting integrity.
  • Conduct post paint application operations.
  • Use tools and equipment appropriately and safely.
  • Perform all work safely.
  • Complete the tasks within the specified time workmanship and meet industry quality standards.
  • Adhere to manufacturer's specifications.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of advanced painting techniques.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Evaluate old and new substrates according to procedure.
  • Test substrate moisture, smoothness, flatness, hardness, friability and screed soundness and dryness and check its porosity.
  • Interpret the building plan and work out dimensions of painting job accurately.
  • Calculate/quantify labour, product and transportation costs.
  • Prepare the quotation and present it to customer using appropriate methodology.
  • Identify potential risks associated with the job explain ways of mitigating them.

    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 relevant QCTO Assessment Quality partner must conduct the external integrated summative assessment before issuing this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria. The external summative assessment will be a trade test as prescribed under Section 26d of the Skills Development Act and defined in the trade test regulations conducted through an evaluation of practical tasks and theoretical questions at an assessment centre accredited by the QCTO and conducted by an assessor registered by NAMB.

    The assessment will take place over a minimum of 2 days. The Trade Test Regulations state the process to recognise completed tasks. The QAP will give a learner who attempted a trade test recognition for those trade test tasks in which he or she has been found competent. There is no retest for learners in those tasks provided that: The learner is competent in at least 50% of the trade test tasks given during the trade test. The candidate retains recognition for a maximum of 3 attempts or 18-months from the date of successful completion of the trade test task whichever comes first. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares to qualifications in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

    New Zealand:
    The National Certificate in Painting and Decorating is at level 4 and the credit value is 204. The qualification covers the knowledge and skills related to:
  • Working sustainably.
  • Planning and organising work.
  • Conducting workplace communication.
  • Carrying out measurements and calculations.
  • Working at heights.
  • Reading and interpreting plans.
  • Paint and its application.
  • Colour theory.
  • Handling painting and decorating materials.
  • Applying decorative paint finishes.
  • Applying paint by brush and roller.
  • Applying stains and clear timber finishes.
  • Preparing surfaces for painting.
  • Using painting and decorating tools and equipment.
  • Removing and replacing door and window components.
  • Erecting scaffolds.
  • Applying fireproofing to structural steel and equipment supports.
  • Applying lead paint and managing contaminated materials.
  • Applying paint by spray and wallpaper and its application.

    This qualification comprises of the following standards:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the components, properties, and possible defects of industrial surface coatings.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of paint and its application.
  • Work effectively and sustainably in the painting and decorating sector.
  • Carry out measurements and calculations in the painting and decorating sector.
  • Work safely at heights in the painting and decorating sector.
  • Read and interpret plans and specifications in the painting and decorating sector.
  • Handle painting and decorating materials.
  • Apply paint by brush and roller to multiple surfaces.
  • Apply stains and clear timber finishes.
  • Prepare surfaces for painting or clear finish.
  • Use painting and decorating tools and equipment.
  • Erect and maintain working platform systems for painting and decorating.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of applying fireproofing to structural steel and equipment supports.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of applying paint by spray.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of wall covering and its application.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of removing lead-based paint and lead-based contaminated materials.
  • Apply liquid waterproofing coatings and membranes.
  • Calculate and cost work in the painting and decorating sector.
  • Apply paint by spray methods.
  • Apply wall covering.
  • Apply advanced wall covering techniques.
  • Apply protective paint coating systems.
  • Apply intumescent coatings.
  • Apply texture system and finishes.

    United Kingdom:
    There are several City and Guilds qualifications which cumulatively compare well with the South African qualification. The UK Level 1 qualification is equivalent to a Level 2 South African qualification.

    The City and Guilds Level 1 Diploma in Painting and Decorating comprises the following 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. This 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.
  • Producing specialist finishes for decorative work.
  • Erecting and dismantling access equipment and working platforms.
  • Creating and applying colour.

    The City and Guilds Level 2 Technical Certificate in Painting and Decorating comprises of the following 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.

    The City and Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Painting and Decorating:
  • Unit 301 Principles of organising, planning and pricing construction work.
  • Unit 302 Erecting and dismantling access equipment and working platforms.
  • Unit 303 Applying hangings to walls and ceilings.
  • Unit 304 Producing specialist finishes for painted decorative work.
  • Unit 305 Installing specialist architectural finishes for decorative work.
  • Unit 306 Applying water-borne paint systems using airless equipment.
  • Unit 307 Applying water-borne paint systems using high volume low-pressure spray equipment.

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

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification has the following articulation possibilities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Supervision of Construction Processes, Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Generic Management, 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 statements of results and work experience records including the Foundational Learning Competence.

    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:
  • Painter: 643101000.

    Encompassed Trades:
    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.