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: Automotive Battery Fitter and Tester 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
117018  Occupational Certificate: Automotive Battery Fitter and Tester 
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  49  Not Applicable  NQF Level 02  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 Battery Fitter and Tester. A Battery Fitter and Tester tests, removes and replaces automotive batteries and battery-related components on all automotive vehicles. He also services batteries and related components.

Rationale:
This is a part-qualification that emerged during the revision of the Automotive Electrician qualification. This part-qualification is designed for learners who will test, remove and replace automotive batteries and battery-related components in auto-electrical environments like retail battery outlets, dealerships, independent workshops or fully-fledged auto-electrical workshops. The qualification will fulfil the need of many people employed at retail battery outlets who have no formal qualification in battery operations.

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.

The process of RPL will be used to recognise knowledge and skills acquired by learners at their respective workplaces.

This part-qualification will also provide learners with a foundation to pursue the following part- qualifications:
  • Original/Aftermarket Auto-electrical System.
  • Component Fitter.
  • Automotive Electrician trade qualification.

    Upon completion of this part-qualification, learners will gain official recognition for their competencies and position themselves for higher-level responsibilities within their respective organisations. Learners who successfully complete this part-qualification will be able to participate effectively in the automotive industry, whether in small, medium or large enterprises.

    This part-qualification will open employment opportunities to qualified workers that will contribute to growth in an essential sector of the economy. 
    		•

    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:
  • 671208-000-00-01KM-01, Workplace Fundamentals, Level 2, 9 Credits.
  • 671208-000-00-01KM-02, Concepts of Occupational Health, Safety and Quality, Level 2, 6 Credits.
  • 671208-000-00-01KM-05, Theory and Principles of Electricity, Level 2, 6 Credits.
  • 671208-001-01-01KM-06, Automotive Battery Systems, Level 2, 2 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 23

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 671208-000-00-01PM-01, Work Safely and Respond to emergencies, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 671208-001-01-01PM-04, Test, Diagnose, Replace and Service Automotive Batteries and Related Components, Level 2, 8 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 10

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 671208-001-01-01WM-01, Processes for Testing, Diagnosing and Replacing Automotive Batteries and Battery System Components, Level 2, 16 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 16 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Test, diagnose, replace and service automotive batteries and related components. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the general principles and critical issues relating to testing, diagnosing, replacing and servicing automotive batteries and related components, according to accepted industry standards.
  • Source and correctly interpret technical specifications and/or information for automobile batteries and battery-related components.
  • Systematically plan the task and prepare the work area according to task requirements.
  • Inspect battery systems and test a range of battery according to specifications.
  • Remove, replace and service batteries and battery-related components according to specifications.
  • Charge batteries using appropriate procedures.
  • Perform all battery-related work according to the specifications and timeframes.
  • Use, clean and store tools and equipment according to 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 with battery fitting qualifications in the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia in terms of content and duration and was found to be very similar.

    United Kingdom:
    In the United Kingdom, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) offers a two-day Battery Fitting Course. It is aimed at Technicians involved with battery testing and replacement. It is recommended that candidates have at least three months' practical battery fitting experience. The following theoretical elements are dealt with: health and safety; battery and cell construction; battery characteristics; common faults associated with batteries; battery maintenance and testing; battery storage; battery charging; the generation of electric current and electrical terms; as well as alternator components and their function. The practical components consist of battery and charging system inspection and testing, battery removal, charging and replacement.

    Battery operation is found in the unit entitled "Knowledge of locating and correcting simple electrical faults in the automotive workplace" of the City and Guilds Level 2 qualification: Diploma in Auto Electrical and Mobile Electrical Competence.

    Australia:
    In Australia training on batteries is completed against a unit standard entitled "Test, service and charge batteries". This standard is part of Certificate IV in Automotive Electrical Technology. The standard covers all the aspects of the South African qualification, including a section on jump- starting vehicles.

    New Zealand:
    In New Zealand, at Toi-Ohomai Institute of Technology, training in batteries is dealt with as part of a broader topic entitled "Starting, Charging and Batteries", which in turn is part of the New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Electrical Engineering (Level 4).

    Similarities:
    Similarities have been noted in terms of course content and scope of work.

    Conclusion:
    The South African Battery Fitter and Tester part-qualification compare well with the qualifications or training offered in other countries, especially in the United Kingdom. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification has the following articulation possibilities:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Automotive Repair and Maintenance, NQF Level 2.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Original/ Aftermarket Auto-electrical System or Component Fitter, NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    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:
  • Automotive Battery Fitter and Tester: 671208-001-01-01.

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

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

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

    Related Part-Qualification:
  • Occupational Certificate: Original/Aftermarket Auto-electrical System or Component Fitter, NQF Level 3.
  • Occupational Certificate: Bench Worker, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    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.