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: General Glazing Installer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118083  Occupational Certificate: General Glazing Installer 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - CHIETA 
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  160  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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
63349  National Certificate: Molten Glass Production  Level 3  NQF Level 03  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a General Glazing Installer. A General Glazing Installer glazes wooden or steel frames with putty. A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Plan and prepare and select the relevant equipment and materials for glazing.
  • Prepare surface for glazing operations.
  • Perform glazing operations according to specifications.
  • Repair and/or replace fabricated glazing solutions according to specifications.
  • Perform post glazing operations.

    Rationale:
    This qualification is aimed at learners who wish to pursue their careers within the glazing industry as General Glazing Installers. It serves as an entry qualification into the glazing industry. Completion of this qualification provides learners with opportunities to enrol for higher level glazing related qualifications such as Prefabricated Glazing Solution Installer, Film/Coating Glazing Applicator, Fabricated Glazing Solution Installer and Specialised Glazing Solution Installer. Thereby increasing their employment or entrepreneurial opportunities.

    During the development of this qualification, cognisance of building regulations and technical standards that promote quality, safe installation practices and energy efficiency in buildings was taken.

    The General Glazing Installer qualification also makes provision for people to progress within this discipline to specialisation areas, including but not limited to: window and door systems, specialised glazing systems, furniture applications as well as regulatory functions.

    The range of typical learners that will enter this qualification are new entrants, both employed and unemployed, who would like to gain access opportunities for further skills development within the glazing industry.

    This qualification will benefit learners by providing them with skills that will enhance their potential for employment or to run their own businesses with well-structured, relevant, and current competencies. Qualified learners will be able to advance their careers by enrolling for higher level qualifications that will empower and capacitate them for higher level responsibilities in technical and managerial fields in the glazing industry. Improved employment opportunities will contribute to socioeconomic development and upliftment.

    Sectoral needs such as glazing services for domestic, commercial and industrial purposes will be addressed by qualified and competent General Glazing Installers.
    The overall benefits for the economy would include contribution to the reduction of unemployment and the establishing of a wide skills base indispensable for future growth in the building and architectural sectors.

    This qualification makes allowance for feeder occupations to gain access to the Glazier occupation. The General Glazier Installer qualification also makes provision for people to progress within this discipline to specialisation areas, including but not limited to: window and door systems, specialised glazing systems, furniture applications as well as regulatory functions.

    The range of typical learners that will enter this qualification are new entrants, both employed and unemployed, who would like to gain access opportunities for further skills development within the glazing industry. 
    		•

    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. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 642501-000-01-00-KM-01, Introduction to the Glazier Trade, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-KM-02, Health and Safety Requirements related to the Glazier Trade, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-KM-03, Trade related and Engineering Tools and Instruments, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-KM-04, Basic Cutting, Breaking and Processing, Level 2, 5 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-KM-05, Scaffolding, Working at Heights, Fall Arrest Systems and Ladders, Level 2, 16 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-KM-06, Drawings and Applied Sciences, Level 2, 10 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-KM-07, Quality as Applied within the Glazing Environment, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-KM-08, Materials and Fabrication Techniques, Level 3, 11 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 59.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 642501-000-01-00-PM-01, Select, Use and Maintain Hand, Measuring and/or Power Tool, Level 2, 5 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-PM-02, Inspect the Tool-box and Resources in Preparation for the Job, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-PM-03, Erect Scaffolding, Assemble Fall Prevention Systems, Safe Use Ladders and Erect Aluminium Towers, Level 2, 28 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-PM-04, Prepare Glazing Work Area, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-PM-05, Handle, Cut and Install Glazing Materials, Level 2, 10 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-PM-06, Install and Replace a Variety of Glazing Solutions, Level 2, 10 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-PM-07, Perform Risk Assessment to Identify and Mitigate Worksite Risks, Level 3, 5 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 63.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 642501-000-01-00-WM-01, Performing Fundamental Glazing Activities whilst Adhering to Health and Safety Requirements, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-WM-02, Fall Arrest Systems and Processes, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-WM-03, Processes and Procedures for Erecting and Dismantling Access Scaffolding up to 6m, Level 2, 12 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 38. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Plan, prepare and select relevant equipment and materials for glazing.
    2. Prepare surface for glazing operations.
    3. Perform glazing operations according to specifications.
    4. Repair and/or replace fabricated glazing solutions according to specifications.
    5. Perform post glazing operations. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Confirm job/customer requirements to ensure that work is carried out correctly according to specifications.
  • Select, use and maintain appropriate tools as required by the task specifications.
  • Identify, prepare, position, fasten and/or secure, and transport relevant glazing material according to the glazing operations.
  • Apply the relevant safety, health, environmental, risk and quality (SHERQ) policies and procedures for the glazing operation in accordance with standard operating procedures.
  • Pre-empt the dangers of glazing solutions to ensure safe handling and usage and to prevent injury.
  • Complete the packaging and transportation of glazing solutions in terms of safety and within financial budgets.
  • Erect scaffolding free of obstruction according to specification.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of planning, preparing and selecting equipment and materials for glazing solutions.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of glazing systems and solutions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Conduct risk assessment and evaluate glazing area.
  • Communicate findings to relevant parties.
  • Use fall arrest techniques when working at heights by determining and identifying the limitations of a limited range of fall arrest equipment and regulations.
  • Prepare surface to be glazed according to industry standards.
  • Conduct glazing operations to prepare glazing solutions for installations (installation (operations may include measurements, cutting, assembling, etc.).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3
  • Install glazing solution according to specifications.
  • Perform quality assurance operations according to industry standards.
  • Conduct handing over operations according to industry standards.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Conduct pre-glazing operations to prepare glazing solutions for repair or replacement
  • Repair and/or repair installed glazing according to specifications.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of various glazing systems, applications and environments.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the type of installation, repairing and maintaining glazing solutions.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the removal of waste materials.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Check the applied film/coating glazing solution for completeness, correctness and quality standard.
  • Perform quality control checks in accordance with recommended procedures.
  • Communicate the outcome of the glazing operation to trades and occupations to ensure legal compliance.
  • Complete relevant documentation.
  • Perform housekeeping, care and maintenance and hand over activities.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of communication techniques, customer relations and quality controls.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of administration, reporting and recording responsibilities in relation to glazing operations.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the type of documentation to be completed and issued.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the relevant Legislation to be applied and adhered to.

    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.

    The external assessment model requires that the external assessment will be conducted through a combination of a written assessment and practical task at an accredited assessment centre. The written examination will be concluded at an accredited assessment centre and marked by registered assessors. Practical tasks will also be assessed by registered assessors. The combination of the written and practical assessment will be conducted over a period of two working days. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The South African General Glazing Installer qualification was compared with glazing qualifications offered in New Zealand and Australia.

    The two countries were selected based on their similarities with the South African National Qualifications Framework. Comparison was done against knowledge and practical skills in relation to entry level, scope, NQF levels, duration, learners and credits.

    New Zealand:
    The South African General Glazing Installer was compared with the National Certificate in Glass and Glazing, Level 2, with 52 credits, ID No. 0997, which is offered by Glass and Glazing Institute, Lower Hutt.

    Unit standards covered in this qualification, which were found to be covered in the form of modules in the South African General Glazing Installer qualification, included knowledge and skills related to health and safety, customer service, history of glass making, glass industry terminology, primary glass manufacture, glass processes, glass types, glazing materials, glass properties, legislation and standards, glass ordering, pricing, materials, documentation, and plastics used in glazing.

    This qualification is for people wishing to enter the glass industry. Completion of this qualification leads to other glass and glazing qualifications at higher levels.

    Qualified learners can operate as general glass workers in their selected area of specialisation (i.e. residential, commercial and frameless) in a variety of sectors.

    Australia:
    Australia has Certificate II in Glass and Glazing, ID No. MSF 20413, offered through Holmesglen Institute, Chadstone. This certificate is offered over a period of 1 year. Upon completion, learners will have acquired knowledge and skills required to perform basic glass and glazing job roles, such as safely processing and moving thin glass, assembly/repair of lead and stained glass, following known routines and procedures and demonstrating some level of accountability for the quality of outcomes.

    Provision of the qualification involves on the job and off the job learning to gain exposure to realistic workplace conditions and employer expectations.

    Similarities:
    Similarities have been found in relation to content covered in the suite of qualifications offered in both countries. At entry level leaners are exposed to knowledge and skills related to health and safety requirements, tools and materials, quality requirements and legislative requirements. Upon completion of Level 2 qualifications, learners can operate as glass workers under supervision. They can communicate with fellow workers and customers and comply with relevant legislation when carrying out glazing operations.

    On completion of the South African Glazier qualification, learners can exit their learning to pursue employment or entrepreneurial opportunities. Learners can re-enter the learning programme to complete their learning to achieve the artisan status.

    The same has been noted with each of New Zealand and Australian qualifications. On completion of each qualification, learners can gain employment within the glass and glazing industry based on the specific strand of their choice.

    Conclusion:
    The South African General Glazing Installer qualification compares favourably with qualifications offered in the two countries selected for this comparison in terms of scope, complexity and typical learners. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Glazing; NQF Level 2.
  • National Certificate: Aluminium Fabrication and Installation; NQF Level 2.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Pre-Fabricated Glazing Solution Installer; NQF Level 3.
  • Occupational Certificate: Film/Coating Glazing Applicator; NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    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.

    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 are: General Glazing Installer: 642501-000-01-01.

    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)

    Related Parent Qualification
  • None

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION
  • None. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.