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: Pulp Process Control Operator 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118085  Occupational Certificate: Pulp Process Control Operator 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - PAMSA 
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  Fabrication and Extraction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  140  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  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
61929  National Certificate: Pulp and Paper Operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  130  Complete 
61971  National Certificate: Pulp and Paper Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  130  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Pulp Process Control Operator. A Pulp Process Control Operator conducts pulp plant inspections, conducts pulp plant inspections and first-line maintenance, takes readings and performs housekeeping and operational support activities.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Inspect and maintain overall pulp production plant reliability.
  • Conduct housekeeping tasks and report on pulp production operations.

    Rationale:
    The need for this qualification stems from the necessity to revise and update existing unit standards-based qualifications. Currently, there are two, unit standards-based qualifications registered that needs to be aligned and updated (National Certificate: Pulp and Paper Operations NQF Level 2 and National Certificate: Pulp and Paper Operations NQF Level 3) to meet requirements. This process resulted in the identification of a learning pathway for pulp and paper processing operations as well as a learning pathway for pulp processing operations.

    The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA), representing more than 90% of paper, packaging and tissue manufacturers in South Africa as well as the main individual manufacturers (including, Sappi, Mondi, Mpact, Twinsaver, Neopak, Corruseal and Kimberly Clark) supported the need and actively participated in the development of this qualification. Furthermore, participants from a Higher Education Institution (the Durban University of Technology and Unisa) offering the Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology also participated in the development of this qualification. The paper and pulp industry has a specific need for a competent and skilled workforce. Qualifications to formally acknowledge the skills and competencies, at different NQF levels, is required by the sector. This qualification, by addressing industry requirements and needs, is essential for social and economic transformation and contribute to the progression and economic growth within the pulp and paper processing and maintenance fraternity.

    Typical learners likely to be attracted to this qualification include production personnel already working in a chemical, pulp or paper processing plant, seeking to obtain a formal qualification and further their career in the pulp and paper industry. New entrants to the sector completing this qualification would benefit from increased possibilities of employment.

    This qualification will contribute to the full development of the learner within the pulp and paper industry by providing recognition, further mobility, and transportability within the sector. This qualification forms part of a suite of related qualifications in a paper and pulp occupational pathway. Learners wishing to become a Pulp Process Control Operator can either enrol for this qualification (Occupational Certificate: Pulp Process Control Operator, Level 3) or first enrol for the part-qualification Pulp Process Control Attendant, Level 2. Should such a learner wish to, at a later stage, enrol for the Occupational Certificate: Pulp Process Control Operator he/she will be granted recognition for modules already completed. Similarly, learners will be able to move from the Pulp Process Control Operator to the Paper Process Control Operator pathway.

    Learners wishing to proceed to become a Pulp Process Controller can after completion of this qualification (Occupational Certificate: Pulp Process Control Operator, Level 3) enrol for the Occupational Certificate: Pulp Process Controller, Level 4. Such learners will be granted recognition for modules already completed (CAT). 
    		•

    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. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 717102-003-00-KM-01, Introduction to pulp and paper making processes, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 717102-003-00-KM-02, Piping, fittings and valves, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 717102-003-00-KM-03, Safety, health, environment and quality, Level 3, 12 Credits.
  • 717102-003-00-KM-04, Storage, mixing and blending, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 717102-003-00-KM-05, Pumps, compressors and solids transfer equipment, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • 717102-003-00-KM-06, Separation processes, level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 717102-003-00-KM-07, Physical and industrial chemistry for pulp and papermaking, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 717102-003-00-KM-08, Heat generation and transfer, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • 717102-003-00-KM-09, Pulp production and treatment for secondary fibre and mechanical pulping, Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 717102-003-00-KM-10, Raw materials processing, Level 2, 4 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 56

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 717102-003-00-PM-01, Take readings and complete pulp process control checklists, Level 2, 5 Credits.
  • 717102-003-00-PM-02, Conduct housekeeping, pulp plant checks and operational support activities, Level 2, 5 Credits.
  • 717102-003-00-PM-03, Conduct pulp plant inspections, first-line maintenance and monitor pulp plant reliability, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 717102-003-00-PM-04, Conduct routine inspections and maintain environmental integrity standards, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 717102-003-00-PM-05, Apply and maintain safety and health principles and procedures on the pulp production plant, Level3, 10 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 40

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 717102-003-00-WM-01, Process and procedures to conduct pulping support activities, Level 2, 20 Credits.
  • 717102-001-00-WM-02, Process and procedures for maintaining pulp production plant reliability, Level 3, 24 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 44 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Monitor and inspect the reliability of pulp production plant components and perform first-line routine maintenance selecting, applying and reporting appropriate procedures.
    2. Conduct housekeeping activities and prepare pulp production process control reports reflecting information clearly and accurately. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Conduct routine inspections following safety and health requirements and environmental integrity standards in the pulp production plant.
  • Conduct pulp plant inspections and first-line maintenance and monitor pulp plant reliability to maintain overall pulp production plant reliability.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Provide operational support activities through housekeeping activities, pulp plant checks and the opening and closing of valves;
  • Take readings and complete pulp process control checklists following standard operating procedures.

    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 for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    China and the United States has the world's largest paper, and pulp production operations. Other leading paper and pulp producers in the world are Germany, Japan, Finland, and Canada.

    Even though the pulp and paper industry is very well-developed in all these countries most operators are still trained on the job with some short courses offered by equipment suppliers. In the USA, the University of Lord Fairfax offers an online self-paced program, Paper Mill Operator, ID: 56065. Learners are supported by subject matter experts with years of experience who acts as educational mentors.

    The two countries chosen for the international comparability of this qualification is Canada and New Zealand.

    Canada: Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS):
    Canada was chosen because it is one of the leading paper and pulp producers in the world and a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS): Pulp and Paper Operations, Cr 78, 1170 hours, (Code: 5762) has been registered by Compétences Québec. There is no level assigned to the qualification, but learners must have obtained a Secondary School Diploma or its recognised equivalent.

    The program was approved in 2002, but currently, there is no educational organisation offering it.

    The qualification is aimed at learners wanting to work as Pulping, Papermaking and Coating Control Operators and covers the following content:
  • Determine their suitability for the trade and the training process, 15hours, 1 Credit.
  • Use job search techniques, 15 hours, 1 Credit.
  • Use machines to supply and prepare raw materials, 30 hours, 2 Credits *
  • Apply health, safety and emergency measures, 45 hours, 3 Credits *
  • Make connections between raw materials and products, 30 hours, 2 Credits. *
  • Perform production control calculations, 45 hours, 3 Credits.
  • Learn about paper companies, 30 hours, 2 Credits.
  • Apply concepts of chemistry to pulp and paper, 45 hours, 3 Credits. *
  • Communicate in the workplace, 45 hours, 3 Credits. *
  • Make sketches and read drawings, 30 hours, 2 Credits.
  • Use a computer, 30 hours, 2 Credits.
  • Describe mechanical pulping processes, 60 hours, 4 Credits *
  • Operate machinery used to process pulp for paper and cardboard, 60 hours, 4 Credits.
  • Conduct physical tests on products, 75 hours, 5 Credits *
  • Conduct chemical tests on products, 45 hours, 3 Credits.
  • Describe chemical pulping processes, 60 hours, 4 Credits.*
  • Apply concepts of mechanics, 60 hours, 4 Credits.
  • Apply concepts associated with energy sources and industrial electricity, 45 hours, 3 Credits.
  • Describe the recycling and de-inking process, 30 hours, 2 Credits.*
  • Apply concepts associated with instrumentation and automatic process control, 75 hours, 5 Credits.
  • Perform tasks associated with the operation of paper and cardboard machines, 105 hours, 7 Credits.*
  • Describe chemical treatments and the surface properties of products, 45 hours, 3 Credits.
  • Perform winding, packaging and printing tasks, 45 hours, 3 Credits.
  • Make connections between process control and production costs, 45 hours, 3 Credits.
  • Apply environmental management concepts, 60 hours, 4 Credits.

    All areas indicated with an asterisk are also covered by this Occupational Certificate: Pulp Process Control Operator.

    Only those modules indicated by an asterisk are covered by the Occupational Certificate: Pulp Process Control Operator. The total credits for completing all knowledge and practical modules of the Pulp Process Control Operator is 96 compared to 78 Credits for the DVS: Pulp and Paper Operations.

    New Zealand:
    New Zealand was chosen because there are two qualifications registered on the NZQA. This includes 2319: New Zealand Certificate in Pulp and Paper Manufacturing (Level 3), Credits 70 and 2320 New Zealand Certificate in Pulp and Paper Manufacturing (Level 4) Credits 120. These qualifications are being offered by Competenz.

    The outcomes of 2319: New Zealand Certificate in Pulp and Paper Manufacturing (Level 3), Credits 70 includes:
  • Apply knowledge of environmental issues, employment requirements and employee performance to a pulp and paper manufacturing operation. 15 Credits.
  • Apply knowledge of products and processes to a pulp and paper manufacturing operation. 15 Credits *
  • Apply basic workplace health and safety, and the quality requirements to pulp and paper manufacturing. 10 Credits *
  • Carry out practical tasks in either a papermaking or mechanical or chemical pulping operation. 30 Credits *

    All areas indicated with an asterisk are also covered by this Occupational Certificate: Pulp Process Control Operator. Nearly all the modules are covered by the Occupational Certificate: Pulp Process Control Operator. The total credits for completing all knowledge and practical modules of the Pulp Process Control Operator is 96 compared to 70 Credits for the New Zealand Certificate at Level 3.

    Conclusion:
    The Occupational Certificate: Pulp Process Control Operator compares well with the New Zealand Certificate in terms of content and duration of the knowledge and skills. It does however not compare well with the Canadian DVS: Pulp and Paper Operations even though some of the content is covered. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Paper Process Control Operator, NQF Level 3.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Pulp Process Controller; 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.

    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: Pulp Process Control Operator: 717102-003-00-00.

    This curriculum is aligned to the Pulp Process Controller: 717102-001-00-00. To allow for easier Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT), the number (i.e. KM-/PM-/WE-) and the titles are the same, with only the curriculum identifier (6 -9th digits differing).

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

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
  • Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (FP&M SETA).

    Related Part-Qualification:
  • Occupational Certificate: Pulp Process Control Attendant, NQF Level 2.

    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.