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: Heavy Duty Suspension Repairer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
117347  Occupational Certificate: Heavy Duty Suspension Repairer 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MERSETA 
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  140  Not Applicable  NQF Level 02  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:
A Heavy-Duty Suspension Repairer tests and repairs commercial vehicles (more than 3 tons GMV) including engines, suspension, steering and brakes, perform preventative and scheduled maintenance on diesel vehicles. The Occupational Certificate in Heavy Duty Suspension Repairer will equip learners with skills and knowledge to provide workshop assistance, to ensure that vehicles are serviced in a productive, cost-effective and efficient way.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Perform preventative and scheduled maintenance on diesel vehicles.
  • Dismantle, inspect, assess, repair and assemble engine and vehicle system components.
  • Diagnose and repair faults in diesel engine and vehicle systems and their components.

    Rationale:
    The automotive maintenance and repair industry provides essential services to users of automotive motor vehicles. The primary users in South Africa are the general public, public entities and commercial organisations owning a variety of vehicle fleets for a variety of purposes.

    The service extends to vehicles that include trucks, buses, fire engines and other related specialised vehicles such as drill rigs, battlefield equipment used by small, medium and large private and public enterprises to transport goods and passengers. Such vehicles need to function effectively and be well maintained to meet road safety and environmental standards. This qualification trains learners to assist in a variety of skilled tasks as Heavy Duty Suspension Repairer. The latter contributes to the success of the related business for their employers in organisations running fleet services, in maintenance and repair services, and also in dealerships and independent workshops.

    Once qualified as Heavy Duty Suspension Repairer, learners will be able to perform preventative and scheduled maintenance on diesel vehicles, dismantle, inspect, assess, repair and assemble diesel engine and vehicle system components. Also diagnose and repair faults in diesel engine and vehicle systems and their components. They may also be involved in the assembly, testing and commissioning of new or reconditioned parts for engines and automotive vehicles.

    The primary employers of automotive vehicle mechanics are the retail motor sector, mining, construction and farming, agriculture and those of government departments that provide essential public services such as emergency vehicles and ambulances. Qualified mechanics may also become self-employed and open their maintenance or repair facilities.

    This qualification will also enable qualified mechanics to keep abreast of on-going technological developments in the industry and, thus, provide a basis for further career development. 
    		•

    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 with Mathematics. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 653306-000-01-KM-01, Workplace Fundamentals, Level 2, 9 Credits.
  • 653306-000-01-KM-02, Foundational Concepts for Mechanics, Level 2, 14 Credits.
  • 653306-000-01-KM-03, Vehicle and Equipment Fundamentals, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 653306-000-01-KM-04, Basic Engine Systems, Level 2, 8 Credits.

    The total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 39.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 653306-000-01-PM-01, Work Safely and Respond to Emergencies, Level 2, 6 Credits.
  • 653306-000-01-PM-02, Use Tools and Equipment, Level 2, 20 Credits.
  • 653306-000-01-PM-12, Dismantle, Assess, and Reassemble, Steering and Suspension Systems (including, Hydraulic and Pneumatic, Components), Level 3, 5 Credits.

    The total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 31.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 653306-000-01-WM-01, Routine Scheduled Services, Level 2, 16 Credits.
  • 653306-000-01-WM-02, Removal and Replacement of Engine Sub- Systems (including, batteries), Level 3, 16 Credits.
  • 653306-000-01-WM-03, Removal and Replacement of other Vehicle Sub-Systems Components, Level 3, 20 Credits.
  • 653306-000-01-WM-14, Diagnosis and Repair of Steering and Suspension Systems, Level 4, 18 Credits.

    The total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 70. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Perform preventative and scheduled maintenance on diesel vehicles.
    2. Dismantle, inspect, assess, repair and assemble engine and vehicle system components.
    3. Diagnose and repair faults in diesel engine and vehicle systems and their components. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Discuss, outline and apply general principles and critical issues relating to performing scheduled maintenance on diesel vehicles according to accepted industry standards.
  • Plan the work systematically and prepare the work area according to task requirements.
  • Source and interpret technical information correctly.
  • Remove, replace and test components as per the service schedule.
  • Perform the service according to the manufacturer's schedule, specifications and timeframes.
  • Generate the maintenance report on the condition of all the required components and systems, including defective components according to industry standards.
  • Perform all activities according to safety and environmental requirements.
  • Apply workmanship according to industry standards.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Discuss, outline and apply general principles and critical issues related to removing, disassembling, assessing and replacing diesel engine and vehicle system components according to accepted industry standards.
  • Source and interpret technical information correctly.
  • Plan the work systematically and prepare the work area according to task requirements.
  • Remove, disassemble, assess and replace systems and sub-systems in the diesel vehicle according to applicable standard processes and to the manufacturer's specifications.
  • Dispose of all waste materials and restore the work area according to health, safety and environmental requirements.
  • Perform all activities according to safety and environmental requirements.
  • Apply workmanship according to industry standards.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Describe, outline and apply operating principles of diesel engine and vehicle systems and components.
  • Describe, outline and apply general principles and critical processes, sequence and safety requirements for diagnosing and repairing diesel engine and vehicle systems and their components according to accepted industry standards.
  • Plan the work systematically and prepare the work area according to task requirements.
  • Operate diagnostic equipment according to the manufacturer's procedures and standards.
  • Generate the diagnostic report on the condition of all the required components and systems, including defective components according to industry standards.
  • Interpret the diagnostic codes and events.
  • Source and interpret technical information correctly.
  • Diagnose all faults correctly and within stipulated timeframes.
  • Repair faults according to the manufacturer's procedures and specifications.
  • Restore the work area according to health, safety and environmental requirements.
  • Perform all activities according to safety and environmental requirements.
  • Apply workmanship according to industry standards.

    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 specified 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 
    Canada:
    The Inter-Provincial Red Seal qualification in Canada offers a Truck and Transport Mechanic Trade. The qualification is the designated trade governed by regulations under the Provincial and Territorial Apprenticeship Acts of Canada which regulates the administrative procedures and the standards and conditions of training for specific trades.

    According to the Inter-Provincial Red Seal Qualification, Truck and transport mechanics inspect, repair and maintain commercial trucks, emergency vehicles, buses and road transport vehicles. Truck and transport mechanics work on the structural, mechanical, electrical and electronic vehicle systems and components such as engines, cab, chassis and frames, brakes, steering, suspension, drive train, heating, ventilation and air conditioning emissions, fuel systems and hydraulic systems. Also, truck and transport mechanics perform preventative maintenance and diagnosis of vehicles. Truck and transport mechanics are employable in small repair shops, motor vehicle dealers, fleet maintenance companies, public transportation companies, government highway departments, railways and construction companies.

    United States of America:
    The Pearl River Community College in Mississippi in the United States of America offers a Professional Certificate in Automotive Technician Technology. This qualification prepares learners to engage in the servicing and maintenance of all types of automobiles, including Diesel combustion engine vehicles.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with qualifications in Canada and the United States of America. They all focus on training learners and providing them with knowledge and skill to service, maintain and repair all forms of transportation. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers the following articulation possibilities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: IC: N2 Motor, Diesel and Tractor Mechanics, NQF Level 2.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Heavy Equipment Mechanic, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Integrated Summative Assessment:
    None.

    Additional legal or physical entry requirements:
    Medical certificate of Fitness.

    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: 653306-000-01-03.

    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). 
    		•

    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.