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: Key Cutter

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
116118	Occupational Certificate: Key Cutter
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-SASSETA
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate	Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security		Safety in Society
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	58	Not Applicable	NQF Level 02	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		EXCO 0522/24	2021-03-25	2025-12-31
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-31		2029-12-31

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 part-qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Key Cutter. A Key Cutter duplicates keys using specialised devices.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Prepare for key cutting operations.

Implement key cutting and locksmithing practices.

Originate keys and service locking mechanisms.

Rationale:
The key-cutting and locksmithing industry is supported by very strict rules and therefore requires appropriately trained and competent practitioners. This part-qualification was identified as an entry level qualification into the locksmithing industry. Learners who successfully complete this part-qualification with be able to practise as Key Cutters. Qualified learners are required to register with Private Security Industry Regulating Authority (PSIRA).

This qualification is aimed at both new entrants and learners that are currently working within the locksmithing industry.

This qualification aims to develop learners, promote professionalism and work ethics within the locksmithing industry, while at the same time bringing it into line with international standards. It will allow clarification of the specific roles and responsibilities of the learners and provide them with a platform when they come into the industry or platform for those who want to up-skill themselves. It will also mean that learners will receive a formal qualification in the field of locksmithing where previously no formal recognition of expertise and competence existed. Training was done by short courses offered by a range of different providers of education and training. These courses were not always recognised, as they were not against recognised standards.

Career mobility is possible through further learning, with careers such as locksmith, supervisory roles and entrepreneurship.

Benefits of this qualification include qualified and competent learners who are likely to be considered for employment opportunities. These learners will performance their duties confidently and efficiently.

The availability of qualified Key Cutters will ensure growth within the sector thereby adding value towards the economic growth.

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 results 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:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

NQF Level 1 qualification with Mathematics.
Or

Minimum of 2 years assessed experience within the locksmithing industry.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

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

Knowledge Modules:

652203-000-01-00-KM-01, Legislative Requirements within the Locksmithing industry, Level 2, 2 Credits.

652203-000-00-00-KM-02, Health and Safety Requirements related to the Locksmith Trade Level 2, 3 Credits.

652203-000-00-00-KM-03, Trade Related and Engineering Tools and Instruments, Level 2, 3 Credits.

652203-000-00-00-KM-04, Key Duplicating Principles, Level 2, 15 Credits.

652203-000-00-00-KM-05, Fundamentals of Customer Service Level 3, 2 Credits.

652203-000-00-00-KM-07, Maintenance and Calibration of Key Machines, Level 3, 3 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 28.

Practical Skill Modules:

652203-000-00-00-PM-01, Select, Use and Maintain Hand, Measuring and/or Power Tools, Level 2, 5 Credits.

652203-000-00-00-PM-02, Maintain Key Cutting Machines, Level 2, 5 Credits.

652203-000-00-00-PM-03, Duplicate Keys, Level 2, 5 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 15.

Work Experience Modules:

652203-000-00-00-WM-01, Key Cutting Duplication and Maintenance of Key Cutting Machines, Level 2, 15 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 15.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Prepare for key-cutting operations.
2. Implement key cutting and locksmithing practices.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Apply and adhere to legislative, ethical and health and safety requirements.

Select and check the necessary Locksmithing tools and machinery for functionality.

Interpret and confirm clients' specifications with affected parties.

Prepare the work area for key cutting operations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Operate key cutting machines safely.

Correctly identify key blanks.

Duplicate a variety of keys.

Deal with clients according to Batho Pele principles within the locksmithing environment.

Complete administration in line with record-keeping practices.

Apply health and safety requirements.

Apply housekeeping practices.

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.

Assessment for a part-qualification will take place over a minimum of 2 days. A candidate who attempted a summative assessment for a part-qualification will be given recognition for those tasks in which he/she has been found competent and not be retested in those provided that: The learner is competent in at least 50% of the tasks give during the assessment, and the recognition will be retained by the candidate for a maximum of 3 attempts or 6 months from the date of successful completion of the assessment task whichever comes first.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The South African Locksmith occupational qualification was compared with qualifications registered on the New Zealand and Australian qualifications frameworks. These two countries were selected due to similarities in qualifications' content.

New Zealand:
The New Zealand National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 2) was found to cover some of the competencies covered in the South African Key Cutter qualification. This qualification is pitched at Level 2 with 66 Credits. Entry into the qualification will be given to learners with 12 or more NCEA level 1 credits in both English and Maths or equivalent.

This qualification provides learners with a set of foundation skills for mechanical engineering and related trades. It is used as an entry qualification that provides a route towards becoming an artisan. Qualification holders may pursue careers in general engineering, machining, toolmaking, fitting, engineering maintenance, engineering fabrication, and marine engineering. Some of the institutions that offer this qualification include Active Training Centre Limited, Ara Institute of Canterbury LTD, A Hayes Engineering Limited, to name but a few.

Upon completion, learners will have the following skills and knowledge relevant to the mechanical engineering industry:

Health and safety; trade mathematics and mechanics; metals and other materials used in engineering; fasteners and assembly; sketching; measurement; engineering tools; machining or fabrication operations; and welding safety and procedures.

Similarities:
Similarities have been found with course content to some extent, levels at which the two qualifications are pitched at as entry requirements.

Both qualifications offer learners a platform for apprenticeship.

Differences:
Differences have been found to be with credit values. The South African Key Cutter qualification has 58 Credits whilst the New Zealand one has 62 Credits.

Differences were also seen with qualification composition. The South African Key Cutter qualification consists of knowledge modules, practical skills modules and work experience modules. These are all compulsory. On the other hand, the New Zealand qualification has core unit standards as well as elective unit standards.

Australia:
Certificate III in Locksmithing, MEM30819, is offered over a period of 3 years. This qualification is aimed at learners who are full time employed within the Locksmithing industry, as apprentices.

The qualification covers courses listed below:
Engineering measurements; computations; manufacturing and engineering environments; power tools/hand held operations; automotive locking systems; fire and security containers; key production; mechanical locking devices; masterkey systems; electronic security; manual production welding; oxyacetylene welding/brazing.

Similarities:
Similarities have been found with course content to some extent.

Differences:
The South African Key cutter occupational qualification comprises modules as opposed to units of learning.

Comparison in relation to credits and duration was not possible because of lack of information in this regard.

Conclusion:
The South African Key Cutter occupational qualification compares favourably with the two qualifications compared with in terms of complexity, duration and content, in relation to some units of learning.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification articulates horizontally and vertically with the following qualifications.

Horizontal Articulation:

Certificate: Basic Security Practices, NQF Level 2.

Vertical Articulation:

National Certificate: General Security Practices; NQF Level 3.

National Certificate: Wholesale and Retail Operations, NQF Level 3.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

NOTES

Qualifying for External Assessment:
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 Foundational Learning Competence.

Additional legal or physical entry requirements:

Learners should not have a criminal record.

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: Key Cutter: 652203-000-00-01.

Encompassed Trades:
This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:

This is not a trade qualification.

Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):

National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB).

Parent Qualification:

Occupational Certificate: Locksmith.

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.

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