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 Sales Advisor 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118097  Occupational Certificate: Automotive Sales Advisor 
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  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  224  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  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 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 qualification is to prepare a learner to function as an Automotive Sales Advisor. An Automotive Sales Advisor sells automotive vehicles, accessories, spare parts and services in an automotive wholesale and/or retail environment.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Sell automotive vehicles to existing and/or prospective clients.
  • Sell automotive vehicle parts or accessories to existing and/or prospective clients.
  • Sell automotive vehicle services to existing and/or prospective clients in an automotive sales environment.

    Rationale:
    A shortage of Automotive Sales Advisors was identified as a major gap within the automotive industry. This qualification makes provision for new entrants into the labour market. It similarly provides such individuals with the opportunity to acquire the related formal qualification. The developed qualification flows from the need to address this critical and scarce skills within the automotive industry and the wider economy.

    This qualification will equip learners with the necessary skills and competence that enables the sale of vehicles, parts, associated accessories and vehicle services in urban, peri-urban and rural automotive environments. On successful completion of this qualification the learner will be skilled and capable in selling vehicles and/or parts or associated accessories and/or vehicle services to existing and/or prospective clients in an automotive sales environment. A Qualified learner will find employment as an Automotive Sales Advisor, Vehicle Sales Advisor, Parts Sales Advisor or Service Advisor in the various automotive sales environments. These skills also open up opportunities for self-employment.

    The identified target group includes individuals who have been fulfilling this role within the automotive industry as well as those that seek employment as Automotive Sales Advisors, Vehicle Sales Advisors, Parts Sales Advisors and Service Advisors. Employers will benefit from appointing competent individuals through increased productivity and the enhanced ability to sell and/or advise on the purchase motor vehicles, accessories, services and spare parts in an automotive wholesale and/or retail establishment to the benefit of society and the wider 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:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • NQF Level 3 qualification or equivalent qualification in the related automotive vehicle sales, parts and accessory sales industry. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

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

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 522303-001-00-00-KM-01, Workplace Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Practices, Level 2, 5 Credits.
  • 522303-001-00-00-KM-02, World of Work Fundamentals, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 522303-001-00-00-KM-03, Customer Service, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 522303-001-00-00-KM-04, Sell Products and Services, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 522303-001-00-00-KM-05, Handling Stock, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 522303-001-00-00-KM-06, Merchandise, Market and Promote Vehicle Stock, Level 4, 15 Credits.
  • 522303-001-00-00-KM-07, Vehicle Finance, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 522303-001-00-00-KM-08, Finalise the Sale, Level 3, 5 Credits.

    Total Number of Credits for Knowledge Modules: 56.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 522303-001-00-00 PM-01, Work Safely, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 522303-001-00 PM-02, Sell Automotive Products and Services, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 522303-001-00-00 PM-03, Deal with and Promote Stock, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 522303-001-00-00 PM-04, Control Inventory, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 522303-001-00- PM-05, Carry Out Vehicle Service Operational Activities, Level 4, 15 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 48.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 522303-001-00-WM-01, New and Used Car Sales Processes, Level 4, 30 Credits.
  • 522303-001-00-WM-02, Vehicle Parts Sales Processes, Level 4, 30 Credits.
  • 522303-001-00WM-03, Stock Control Processes, Level 4, 30 Credits.
  • 522303-001-00WM-04, Vehicle Service Control Processes, Level 4, 30 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 120. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Sell automotive vehicles and associated products and services to existing and/or prospective clients.
    2. Sell automotive vehicle parts or accessories and associated products and services to existing and/or prospective clients.
    3. Sell automotive vehicles services, parts and associated products and services to existing and/or prospective clients. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Generate leads as per the standard operating procedures.
  • Carry-out used vehicles appraisals following the generally accepted vehicle appraisal guidelines.
  • Interact and engage with internal and external stakeholders following the standard operating procedures.
  • Complete offer to purchase in accordance with the customer requirements and the standard operating procedures.
  • Finalise vehicle finance in accordance with the generally accepted finance plans and policies.
  • Close the sale in keeping with the agreed upon conditions and requirements.
  • Prepare the sold vehicle for delivery in accordance with the standard operating procedures.
  • Manage value-added product inclusions with the respective service providers as per the sales agreement.
  • Oversee vehicle inspection for delivery with the respective internal and external stakeholders and service providers.
  • Finalise vehicle delivery and handover to client in accordance with the standard operating procedures.
  • Process vehicle documentation in accordance with the standard operating procedures.
  • Report vehicle sales targets, and submit planning documents following the standard operating procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Generate leads as per the standard operating procedures.
  • Prospect independent service providers in accordance with the standard operating procedures.
  • Interact and engage with internal and external stakeholders following the standard operating procedures.
  • Process parts sales documentation and administration such as parts ordering and sales invoicing in accordance with the standard operating procedures.
  • Interpret part numbers per customer requirements as per the customers' requirements.
  • Close sales and follow up outstanding issued quotes in accordance with the standard operating procedures.
  • Quality assure parts ordering processes and parts conditions against the product specifications and by following the standard operating procedures.
  • Manage value-added product inclusions and up selling with the respective customers in accordance with the standard operating procedures.
  • Report vehicle sales targets and submit planning documents following the standard operating procedures.
  • Control stock inventory by conducting bin orders and stock checks within the stipulated timeframes.
  • Report sales deviations as per the standard operating procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Prepare vehicle service as per the customer's requirements and the standard operating procedures.
  • Update and maintain customer data on the customer relation management systems following the prescribed guidelines.
  • Check stock availability per service as per the customer's requirements and the standard operating procedures.
  • Book services as per the standard operating procedures.
  • Interact and engage with internal and external stakeholders following the standard operating procedures.
  • Check customer vehicles in for a service as per the standard operating procedures.
  • Coordinate and monitor service progress as per the standard operating procedures.
  • Prepare customer service quotation in accordance with the standard operating procedures.
  • Manage value-added product inclusions and up selling with the respective customers in accordance with the standard operating procedures.
  • Generate leads as per the standard operating procedures.
  • Prepare vehicle for delivery as per the customer's requirements and the standard operating procedures.
  • Oversee vehicle inspection and hand over vehicle as per the standard operating procedures.
  • Finalise payment processing as per the standard operating procedures.
  • Follow-up and maintain customer service satisfaction following the 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 Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Assessment Quality Partner is required to issue this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes (integrated summative assessment focus areas) and Associated Assessment Criteria. The Assessment Quality Partner for this external integrated summative assessment is a QCTO accredited assessment centre.

    The most cost effective and relevant assessment strategy is one of direct observation and evaluation of the products and outputs, complemented by a panel interview and questions, either written or oral, where required.
    The learners are given a summative integrated assignment to prepare a Portfolio of Evidence (POE) as informed by the Exit Level Outcomes and the associated assessment criteria. The balance of POE evidence including evidence of mastery of the knowledge, practical and workplace experience is assessed by the accredited provider and moderated externally by the Assessment Quality Partner. In addition to evaluating the products or outcomes of learning as aligned to the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria and as contained within the POE, the Assessment Quality Partner quality assures the process of the assessments.

    The external integrated assessments are assessed by registered Assessors, who are also experts of automotive practices as well as the moderators who are qualified in assessment practices. Where it is deemed necessary to seek additional evidence, the Assessment Quality Partner may request a panel interview with the learners. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Internationally the automotive sales industry is characterised by large multinational companies which extend their influence throughout the world. The quality and scope of education, training and development is thus determined by comparing the qualifications internationally. Australia and New Zealand appear to be the leaders in developing automotive qualifications. The Automotive Sales Advisor occupational qualifications exists within two recognised qualification authority frameworks namely the Australian Qualifications Authority (AQA) and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

    A desktop study in Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States of America revealed that the automotive sales education, training and development largely takes place in-house or in the form of short courses offered through the industry associations.

    Australia:
    The Certificate III in Automotive Sales, National Code: AUR 31016 is typically implemented over a 24-month period. The qualification resides at Level 3 on the Australian Qualifications Framework. The qualification is generic and flexible to meet the needs of the range of sub sectors within the automotive sector and does not make specific reference to particular functional areas within the automotive sales industry such as vehicle sales advising, parts sales advising and vehicle service sales and advising.

    This qualification is achieved through a design that is based on units of competency which is clustered into competency groupings covering three areas:
  • Compulsory common core: competencies that are essential to working in any type of industry.
  • Compulsory stream: competencies that relate specifically to the art of sales.
  • Elective competencies: competencies that have a broader application such as those relating to interpersonal competencies and financial competencies.

    The South African Automotive Sales Advisor occupational qualification compares with the Australian qualification in terms of its content and scope. Both qualifications require the integration of theory, practice and work experience with a shared approach to assessments. The South African qualification has a specific focus on equipping individuals with the required competence to fulfil specific occupations, roles and positions within the world of work which is underpinned and supported with the required knowledge, practical and work experience.

    New Zealand:
    The National Certificate in Motor Industry (Sales and Service) as listed on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework, National Code: 1380, has strands in automotive parts and accessories and automotive services, though it is discontinued.

    The developed South African Automotive Sales Advisor qualification was additionally compared against the European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations (ESCO) system and the Australian and New Zealand Classification system (ANZCO). These occupational systems list all known occupations, the related qualifications, the required knowledge, skills and competences for an occupation. ESCO lists and describes the Sales Worker occupation which is related and compared largely to a sales worker within the wholesale and retail sector internationally. This occupation aligns closely though with little contextualisation to automotive sales.

    In terms of the ESCO classification system, an individual who functions as the Sales Worker sells and demonstrates goods in wholesale or retail shops, at stalls and markets, door-to-door, via telephone or customer contact centres. They may record and accept payment for goods and services purchased and may operate small retail outlets. Competent performance in most occupations in this sub-major group requires skills at the second ESCO skill level.

    Tasks performed by individuals in this sub-major group usually include:
  • Selling goods in wholesale or retail establishments, at street or market stalls and door-to-door, via telephone or customer contact centres;
  • Demonstrating and displaying goods to potential customers; selling and serving food for immediate consumption at counters and in the street; and buying or contracting a regular supply of products to be sold;
  • Stacking and displaying goods for sale and wrapping or packing goods sold;
  • Determining product mix, stock and price levels for goods to be sold; and
  • Operating cash registers, optical price scanners, computers or other equipment to record and accept payment for the purchase of goods and services.

    To execute the identified tasks above the Sales Worker requires essentials knowledge, skills and competences. These tasks and the related essential knowledge, skills and competences served as a good basis from which to reference and confirm the breadth, depth and scope of the Automotive Sales Advisor qualification though with a specific and unique focus on the needs within the South African automotive environment, labour demands and economy.

    Conclusion:
    The South African Automotive Sales Advisor qualification compares well with the content of the Australian qualifications. It further compares well with the required knowledge, skills and competences for the Sales Worker occupation as identified through the ESCO and ANZCO systems. The Occupational Certificate: Automotive Sales Advisor is however better tailored to the South African context and covers more competences which are needed by the qualified Automotive Sales Advisors and the related part-qualifications where the latter relates to specific jobs fulfilled within the automotive industry. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal and vertical articulation options.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Further Education Training Certificate: Generic Management, NQF Level 4.
  • Occupational Certificate: Retail Supervisor, NQF Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Supply Chain Practitioner, NQF Level 5.
  • National Certificate: Generic Management, NQF Level 5. 

  • 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 knowledge and practical modules by means of statements of results and a record of completed work experience including Foundational Learning Competences.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
  • Medical certificate for health 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: Automotive Sales Advisor, 522303-000-00-00

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

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
  • Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA).

    Related Part-Qualification (s).
  • None

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION
  • None 

  • 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.