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: Bench Worker 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
117017  Occupational Certificate: Bench Worker 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MERSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Part-Qualification  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  74  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 04171/20  2020-05-28  2025-05-28 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-05-28   2029-05-28  

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 Bench Worker. A Bench Worker diagnoses and repairs starters and alternators and/or disassembles (strips) starters and alternators, replaces their worn or faulty components, tests repaired starters and alternators for functionality, and re-assembles and refits them.

Rationale:
This is a part-qualification that emerged during the revision of the Automotive Electrician qualification. The part-qualification is designed for learners who will diagnose and repair starters and alternators and/or disassemble starters and alternators, replace their worn or faulty components, test repaired starters and alternators for functionality, re-assemble and refit them in auto-electrical environments like dealerships, independent workshops or fully-fledged auto- electrical workshops. This part-qualification will fulfil the need of many people employed as 'Bench Workers' who have no formal qualification in performing the above tasks with starters and alternators.

The part-qualification is aimed at both new entrants to the automotive sector as well as those who have been working in the automotive industry in the environments described above.

This part-qualification will also provide learners with a foundation to pursue the Automotive Electrician trade qualification. Upon completion of this part-qualification, learners will gain official recognition for their competencies and be positioned to assume higher-level responsibilities within their respective organisations. Learners who successfully complete this part-qualification can participate effectively in the automotive industry, whether in small, medium or large enterprises.

This part-qualification will contribute to the economy in that persons diagnosing and repairing starters and alternators in a critical growth sector will be adequately trained to do so. The part-qualification will open employment opportunities and/or enhance the potential for higher income. 

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 by 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 and Science. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

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

Knowledge Modules:
  • 671208-000-00-03KM-01, Workplace Fundamentals, Level 2, 9 Credits.
  • 671208-000-00-03KM-02, Concepts of Occupational Health, Safety and Quality, Level 2, 6 Credits.
  • 671208-000-00-03KM-05, Theory and Principles of Electricity, Level 2, 6 Credits.
  • 671208-000-00-03KM-10, Conventional Charging and Starting Systems, Level 4, 6 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 27

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 671208-000-00-03PM-01, Work Safely and Respond to Emergencies, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 671208-000-00-03PM-03, Build and Conduct Fault-finding Activities on Auto-electrical Circuits, Level 3, 9 Credits.
  • 671208-000-00-03PM-07, Test, Diagnose and Repair Conventional Starting and Charging Systems, Level 4, 8 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 19

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 671208-000-00-03WM-03, Processes for Testing, Diagnosing and Repairing Conventional Charging and Starting Systems, Level 4, 28 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 28 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Test, diagnose and repair automotive starting and charging systems. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the general principles and critical issues relating to testing, diagnosis and repair of charging and starting systems in vehicles according to accepted industry standards.
  • Source and correctly interpret technical specifications and/or information for charging and starting systems.
  • Systematically plan the task and prepare the work area according to task requirements.
  • Read and interpret diagrams for conventional starting and charging systems.
  • Test and diagnose components of conventional starting and charging systems.
  • Either replace and/or disassemble starter motors and alternators, replace their faulty components, re-assemble and refit the starters and alternators.
  • Test the replaced or repaired starters, alternators and other starting and charging system components for functionality.
  • Use, clean and store tools and equipment according to workshop requirements.
  • Dispose of all waste materials and restore the work area according to health, safety and environmental requirements.
  • Ensure that workmanship meets industry standards.
  • Perform all activities according to health, safety and environmental requirements.

    Integrated Assessment:
    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 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 South African occupational curriculum for this part-qualification was compared to auto-electrical qualifications in the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada in terms of the content of the and duration of the qualifications and was found to be very similar to the units of competency identified in the various qualifications. While there are no independent qualifications for the Bench Worker in the countries investigated, the comparison below clearly indicates that the competencies of the Bench Worker are covered in the various units in the identified qualifications.

    United Kingdom:
    In the United Kingdom, City and Guilds offer the Level 2 (88 credits) Diploma in Auto Electrical and Mobile Electrical Competence. Among the learning units that make-up the Diploma is the unit entitled 'Knowledge of removing and replacing light vehicle electrical units and components. This unit deals with charging and starting systems, their construction and operations, and removing and replacing starting and charging system units and components. Another unit entitled 'Knowledge of locating and correcting simple electrical faults in the automotive workplace' deals, inter alia, with identifying faults in starting and charging systems. A third unit entitled 'Knowledge of diagnosis and rectification of engine electrical faults' at Level 3 deals with systematic diagnostic techniques for starting and charging systems. No independent qualification exists for the Bench Worker in the United Kingdom.

    Australia:
    In Australia the Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology has two units entitled 'Diagnose and repair starting systems' and 'Diagnose and repair charging systems. The South African Bench Worker qualification resonates with the outcomes and contents of these two units. No independent qualification exists for the Bench Worker in Australia.

    Canada:
    In Canada the training of an Automotive Electrician includes testing and replacing defective alternators, generators, voltage regulators and starter motors.

    Similarities:
    Similarities between the South African qualification and the international qualification exist in terms of the content and scope of work and targeted learners.

    Conclusion:
    The South African Bench Worker qualification compares favourably with the units of competence of all the qualifications identified above. However, it best resembles the City and Guild's qualifications in the United Kingdom. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification has the following articulation possibilities:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Automotive Electrician, NQF Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • There is currently no vertical articulation as there are no other part-qualifications to which the Occupational Certificate: Bench Worker can articulate to. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
  • To qualify for the external summative assessment learners must have a copy of a completed and signed Statement of Work Experience as well as proof of successful completion of the all the knowledge and practical skill modules 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 QCTO website.

    The curriculum title and code is:
  • Bench Worker: 671208-000-00-03.

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

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

    Parent Qualification:
  • Occupational Certificate: Transportation Electrician (Automotive Electrician), NQF Level 4.

    Derived Qualifications Related to this Qualification:
  • Occupational Certificate: Automotive Battery Fitter and Tester, NQF Level 2.
  • Occupational Certificate: Original/Aftermarket Auto-electrical System or Component Fitter, NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    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.