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: Real Wood Floor Finisher 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
117305  Occupational Certificate: Real Wood Floor Finisher 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - CETA 
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  Building Construction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  153  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  SAQA 12129/20  2020-07-30  2025-07-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-07-30   2029-07-30  

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:
Real Wood Floors operate in a luxury market that requires skilled and competent workers that add a high value component to the construction sector. The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to restore and prepare substrates and install real wood flooring. A qualified l Real Wood Floor Finisher will be able to install real wood flooring according to client and manufacturing specifications.

Rationale:
The quality and cost efficiency of flooring installation and finishing ultimately impact on the retail or rental value of the entities constructed which again impacts on the profitability of the developers who form part of the greater economic profile of the country. A Real Wood Floor Finisher installs and ensures the integrity of real wood flooring installation in the construction industry.

Currently, training for Real Wood Floor Finishers is based on the following two qualifications:
1. National Certificate: Floor Covering Installation (ID 49022).
2. National Certificate: Construction: Installation of Floor Coverings (ID 24296).

Typical learners will be those who have completed NQF Level 1 or those working in the real wood flooring installation environment and who wish to improve their qualifications. This qualification will empower them with the skills and competence required of Real Wood Floor Finishers.

Qualifying learners will have a nationally recognised qualification that will improve his/her knowledge, skills and competencies for installation of the real wood flooring. Those currently employed in the flooring sector will gain recognition for the competencies they have acquired. The qualification will improve access to other education and training opportunities in the flooring sector for advancement to higher levels such as Real Wood Flooring Installation Supervisors. The quality of this occupational qualification is comparable with international standards and will increase employment opportunities and career mobility for Real Wood Floor Finishers. The qualification will produce competent workers who will contribute to an improved skills profile in the construction sector.

This qualification will serve as a national benchmark for Real Wood Floor Finishers and open new market opportunities in the construction sector. 

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. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

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

Knowledge Modules:
  • 642202-000-00-08 KM-01, Safety, Health and the Environment, Level 2, 5 Credits.
  • 642202-000-00-08 KM-02, Floor Removal and Preparation of Work Area, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 642202-000-00-08 KM-03, Real Wood Flooring, Level 2, 5 Credits.
  • 642202-000-00-08 KM-04, Site Inspection and Preparation of Work Area, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 642202-000-00-08 KM-05, Installation of Real Wood Flooring, Level 3, 8 Credits.

    The total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 30.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 642202-000-00-08 PM-01, Work Safely and Respond to Emergencies, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 642202-000-00-08 PM-02, Remove Existing Floor and Prepare Work Area, Level 2, 5 Credits.
  • 642202-000-00-08 PM-03, Assist with the Installation of Real Wood Flooring, Level 2, 14 Credits.
  • 642202-000-00-08 PM-04, Assess Site and Prepare for Installation, Level 3, 12 Credits.
  • 642202-000-00-08 PM-05, Install Real Wood Flooring, Level 3, 16 Credits.

    The total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 51.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 642202-000-00-08 WM-01, Processes to Prepare Work Area for Installation of Real Wood Flooring, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 642202-000-00-08 WM-02, Processes to Assist with Installation of Real Wood Flooring, Level 2, 18 Credits.
  • 642202-000-00-08 WM-03, Processes to Assess Site and Prepare Substrate, Level 3, 12 Credits.
  • 642202-000-00-08 WM-04, Processes to Install Real Wood Flooring, Level 3, 34 Credits.

    The total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 72. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Perform an assistive role in the installation of real wood flooring.
    2. Install real wood flooring. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Understand and adhere to instructions of a Real Wood Floor Finisher to during all activities.
  • Remove existing floor surface material and clear work area of all obstructions.
  • Select appropriate tools and equipment for the tasks to be performed.
  • Conduct substrate tests and take corrective actions to restore substrates.
  • Prepare work area for installation of real wood flooring.
  • Perform specific tasks, within scope of a Real Wood Floor Finisher Assistant during the installation process.
  • Perform post installation tasks to restore the worksite to its original state.
  • Perform specific tasks during installation safely.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Interpret job sheets for a real wood flooring installation.
  • Red and interpret scale plans to ascertain discrepancies between it and the actual site and determine the location of various materials on the site.
  • Conduct substrate tests are, and plan and implement corrective and restorative action.
  • Monitor and supervise substrate preparation and apply vapour barriers as required.
  • Acclimate and install real wood flooring (solid and engineered wood) according to installation procedures.
  • Complete installation of real wood flooring according to industry practice, SANS documents, standards and tolerances.
  • Install flooring expansion joints as per specification.
  • Complete installation work to reflect pattern matching techniques.
  • Undercut or cut around doorframes according to procedure.
  • Adhere to manufacturers' specifications and technical data information.
  • Conduct post installations operations according to procedure.
  • Demonstrate a theoretical understanding of substrate preparation, types of real wood flooring and their installation procedures.
  • Ensure no equipment and tools are damaged.
  • Completer tasks within specified timeframes.
  • Perform installation safely and dispose waste material of according to appropriate procedures.

    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:
    The 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.

    The assessment will be combination of a written or oral examination and a set of practical tasks at a registered assessment site. Assessors registered with the Assessment Quality Partner will conduct the external integrated summative assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared to qualifications offered in Australia and New Zealand.

    Both the New Zealand and Australian qualifications have a core compulsory component and many elective options or strands (in the case of New Zealand) which cover a number of floor types/products. The learner is able to choose the floor type/product he/she would want to install. There are no separate qualifications for each floor type.

    Australia:
    The Certificate III in Flooring Technology is at Level 3. Learners are able to select the flooring products they would like to install from the electives. The core units of competency are:
  • Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices.
  • Work safely.
  • Communicate in the workplace.
  • Work in a team.
  • Use flooring technology sector hand and power tools.
  • Receive and prepare floor covering materials for installation.
  • Plan and cost flooring technology work.
  • Establish and maintain a safe flooring technology work environment.
  • Make measurements and calculations.
  • Read and interpret work documents.
  • Handle dangerous goods/hazardous substances.

    The elective pertaining to real wood flooring is as follows:
  • Moisture test timber and concrete floors.
  • Coarse sand timber flooring.
  • Install engineered timber flooring.
  • Nail strip timber flooring.
  • Install expansion joints.
  • Install mouldings and edge trims to timber floors.
  • Adapt and apply custom designs to timber flooring.
  • Cut and install timber flooring to stairs.
  • Install direct stick timber flooring.
  • Inspect defective timber flooring.
  • Install strip timber flooring onto battens.
  • Install strip timber flooring onto plywood.

    The generic electives for floor preparation include:
  • Apply waterproofing process to internal wet areas.
  • Remove existing floor coverings.
  • Select and apply appropriate compounds and additives.
  • Inspect sub-floors.
  • Apply quality standards.

    New Zealand:
    The National Certificate in Flooring (Level 4) with strands in Carpet Installation, Fine Sand and Finishes, Flooring Planning and Design, Resilient Flooring Installation, Substrate Preparation, Timber Overlay Installation, and Resin Flooring Application is at Level 4 and carries 124-200 Credits.

    The core compulsory standards are:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of chemicals used in the flooring industry.
  • Produce a scale plan of flooring worksite in the flooring industry.
  • Quantify flooring products from supplied information.
  • Assess moisture content of substrates in the flooring industry.
  • Examine and evaluate substrate in the flooring industry.
  • Carry out flooring industry personal workplace requirements.
  • Identify hazard requirements in the flooring industry.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the legislation and regulatory standards used in the flooring industry.
  • Prepare quotations for flooring jobs.

    The Timber Overlay Installation Strand comprises the following standards:
  • Maintain and store flooring equipment.
  • Maintain and store flooring hand tools.
  • Install solid timber flooring overlays.
  • Provide advice on the care and maintenance of floorcoverings.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of timber flooring products.

    The Substrate Preparation Strand comprises of the following generic standards:
  • Remove existing flooring surface material.
  • Maintain and store flooring equipment.
  • Prepare concrete substrate for floorcoverings.
  • Prepare timber substrates for floorcoverings.
  • Maintain and store flooring hand tools.
  • Use job sheets in the flooring industry.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares well with both the qualifications cited above. Both international qualifications comprise of units of learning that closely resemble the South African qualification. However, the Australian qualification is more comprehensive than the New Zealand qualification as it covers more competencies which are needed by the qualified Real Wood Floor Finisher. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualification:
  • National Certificate: Building and Civil Construction, NQF Level 3.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with the following qualification:
  • National Certificate: Supervision of Construction Processes, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    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 by means of statements of results and work experience records 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: Real Wood Floor Finisher: 642202-008.

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

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
  • Construction Sector and Education Training Authority. 
    		•

    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.