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: Glazier 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118110  Occupational Certificate: Glazier 
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  540  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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
94023  Occupational Certificate: Glazier  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  360  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Glazier. A Glazier installs a variety of glass, frames, films and mirrors in accordance with industry standards.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Plan and prepare for the installation.
  • Perform post glazing operations.

    Rationale:
    The architectural and construction industries require structured and standardised training to qualify workers for the construction of energy efficient buildings. The overall principle followed in the development of this qualification was that building regulations, technical standards and capacity were already in place to promote quality, safe installation practices and energy efficiency in buildings.

    This qualification replaces the Glazier occupational qualification that was registered in 2016. Proficiencies recognised by industries as employable skills were identified. These are: (1) General Glazing Installer, (2) Pre-Fabricated Glazing Solution Installer, (3) Fabricated Glazing Solution Installer, (4) Specialised Glazing Solution Installer, (5) Film/Coating Glazing Applicator. During the review of this qualification the proficiencies listed above were developed into stand-alone qualifications.

    This qualification provides consistency within the architectural and construction sectors. It will ensure provision of standardised training across these sectors and create economic opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs.

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

    This qualification is one of several in the architectural and construction industry and makes allowance for feeder occupations to access to the Glazier occupation. The Glazier qualification also makes provision for people to progress in this discipline to specialisation areas, including but not limited to window and door systems, specialised glazing systems, furniture applications as well as regulatory functions.

    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 for domestic, commercial and industrial purposes will be addressed by qualified and competent Glaziers.

    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. 

  • 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? 

    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.
  • 642501-000-01-00-KM-09, Fundamental Principles of Installation, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-KM-10, Industry Contexts, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-KM-11, Communication Theory, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-KM-12, Environment, Energy Efficiency and Ethics, Level 4, 23 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-KM-13, Basic Business Practices, Level 4, 20 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-KM-14, Basic skills of customer service, Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-KM-15, Fundamentals of Team Leadership, Level 5, 4 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 128.

    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.
  • 642501-000-01-00-PM-08, Perform Pre-installation Activities for Pre-fabricated Solutions, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-PM-09, Liaise and Communicate with other Trades and Occupations, Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-PM-10, Undertake Administration, Complete Documentation and Produce Report, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-PM-11. Install Value Added Glass Products, Level 4, 35 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-PM-12, Perform Pre-installation Activities for Fabricated Glazing Products, Level 4, 30 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-PM-13, Install Standardized Products, Level 4, 35 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-PM-14, Assemble and Install Specialised Glazing Solutions, Level 4, 30 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 209.

    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.
  • 642501-000-01-00-WM-04, Processes for Setting-up and Preparing Glazing Work Area, Materials and Equipment, Level 2, 10 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-WM-05, Installation of Pre-fabricated Glazing Solutions, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-WM-06, Repairing and Replacing Glazing Solutions, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-WM-07, Installation of Value-added Glazing Solutions, Level 4, 35 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-WM-08, Installation of Fabricated Glazing Solutions, Level 4, 35 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-WM-09, Installation of Specialised Glazing Solutions, Level 4, 35 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-WM-10, Communication and Documentation Processes within the Glazing Environment, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 642501-000-01-00-WM-11, Quality and Hand-over Operations, Level 4, 10 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 203. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Plan and prepare for the installation of fabricated glazing solutions.
    2. Perform fabricated glazing solutions installation operations according to specifications.
    3. Repair and/or replace fabricated glazing solutions according to specifications.
    4. 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 hand, measuring and/or power tools.
  • Correctly identify, prepare, position, fasten and/or secure, and transport materials 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 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.
  • Prepare, secure and transport relevant resources to the glazing operation site.
  • Use fall arrest techniques when working at heights by determining and identifying the limitations of a limited range of fall arrest equipment and regulations.
  • Conduct pre-glazing operations to prepare glazing solutions for installation.
  • Install specialised glazing solution according to specifications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Conduct risk assessment and evaluate glazing area.
  • Communicate findings to relevant parties.
  • Prepare, secure and transport relevant resources to the glazing operation site.
  • Use fall arrest techniques when working at heights by determining and identifying the limitations of a limited range of fall arrest equipment and regulations.
  • Conduct pre-glazing operations to prepare glazing solutions for repair or replacement.
  • Repair and/ or replace specialised glazing solution according to specifications.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding various glazing systems, applications and environment
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of installation, repairing and maintaining glazing solutions.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of removal of waste materials.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Check the specialised installed or repaired fabricated 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. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The South African Specialised Glazing Solution 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, typical learners and credits.

    New Zealand:
    New Zealand has a suite of glass related qualifications ranging from Level 2 to 4. These are the National Certificate in Glass and Glazing, Level 2, with 52 Credits, ID No. 0997; National Certificate in Glass, Level 3, 65 Credits, ID No. 2944; National Certificate in Glazing, Level 4, with credits ranging between 103-133 Credits, ID No. 2945 and the New Zealand Certificate in Glass Processing, Level 4, with credits ranging between 72-78, ID No. 2946, which is offered by the Glass and Glazing Institute, Lower Hutt.

    Comparison to the South African Specialised Glazing Solution Installer qualification has been done against the National Certificate in Glazing, Level 4, 103-133 Credits, ID No. 2945. This qualification has three strands, these being residential, commercial and frameless glazing. Unit standards covered in this qualification, which were found to be covered in the form of modules in the South African Specialised Glazing Solution Installer qualification, included competencies and knowledge for: Application codes of practice, knowledge of industry standards and relevant regulations to the installation of glass items, application of specifications, sketches and plans to support the installation of glass items, cutting flat glass and optimisation of procurement, materials and work methods to produce glass items expected in a commercial environment.

    Qualified learners can operate as supervisors of glazing installation projects, technical or sales representatives, specific to their chosen area of specialisation (that is, residential, commercial and frameless) within a variety of sectors.

    Australia:
    Australia has 2 skill sets, namely Insulating Glass Unit Manufacturing, ID No. MSF SS00002 and Insulating Glass Unit Fabricator/Installer, ID No. MSF SS00003, which is offered by Holmesglen Institute, Chadstone.

    Units covered in the Insulating Glass Unit Manufacturing, ID No. MSF SS00002 included amongst others: apply quality standards; process glass by automated machines; process glass by semi-automated machines; set up and operate insulated glass unit manufacturing machine, whilst the Insulating Glass Unit Fabricator/Installer, ID No. MSF SS00003 skill set covers unit such as: apply quality standards; fabricate and assemble frames; fabricate and install commercial glazing; fabricate and install residential windows and doors.

    These units are similar to the ones covered in the South African Specialised Glazing Solution Installer qualification.

    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. At Level 3, learners gain knowledge and skills related to basic glazing and glass processing requirements. Upon completion of Level 3 qualifications, learners can operate with minimum supervision as glass workers. They can communicate with fellow workers and customers, prepare the glazing site for operation, calculate, order and receive materials. Whilst at Level 4, learners can undertake glazing projects unsupervised. In addition to the execution of technical glazing processes, Level 4 learners can calculate the required glazing materials, price the glazing project, order the required materials and invoice glazing projects.

    Upon completion of this qualification, learners can exit their learning to pursue employment or entrepreneurial opportunities. Learners can re-enter the learning programme to complete their learning in order to achieve the artisan status.

    The same has been noted with the New Zealand and Australian qualifications. Upon 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 Specialised Glazing Solution 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:
  • Occupational Certificate: Bricklayer; NQF Level 4.
  • Occupational Certificate: Specialised Glazing Solution Installer; NQF Level 4.
  • Occupational Certificate: Glazier; NQF Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Fabrication and Extraction; NQF Level 5.
  • National Diploma: Civil Engineering and Construction: Fabrication; NQF Level 5. 

  • 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: Glazier: 642501-000-01-00.

    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: 
    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.