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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Pulp Process Controller 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118121  Occupational Certificate: Pulp Process Controller 
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  337  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
61929  National Certificate: Pulp and Paper Operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  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 Controller. A Pulp Process Controller operates and shuts down the pulp processing plant, evaluates and maintains pulp production processes, conducts pulp plant inspections and first-line maintenance, takes readings and performs housekeeping and operational support activities.
A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Start pulp production plant up, maintain pulp production plant operating conditions and shut pulp production plant down.
  • 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 three, unit standards-based qualifications registered that needs to be aligned and updated; The National Certificate: Pulp and Paper Operations, the National Certificate: Pulp and Paper Operations and the Further Education and Training Certificate: Pulp and Paper Operations to meet requirements. This process resulted in the identification of a learning pathway for pulp processing operations as well as well as a learning pathway for paper 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 (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 a 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 by 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 Controller can either enrol for this qualification (Occupational Certificate: Pulp Process Controller, Level 4) or alternatively first enrol for the Occupational Certificate: Pulp Process Control Operator, Level 3. Should such a learner wish to, at a later stage, enrol for the Occupational Certificate: Pulp Process Controller he/she will be granted recognition for modules already completed. In a similar manner, learners will be able to move from the Pulp Process Controller pathway to the Paper Process Controller pathway. 
    		•

    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.

    Learners with previous learning, obtained the required knowledge, skills or work experience related to a module that is part of this qualification (or part-qualification) may request the accredited provider or the relevant workplace to access that module. If found competent the learner will be exempted from completing the module and the achievement will be recorded on the statement of results or the logbook.

    In terms of Credit Accumulation and Transfer policy, learners who have completed any of the modules as part of a part-qualification or a qualification that form part of the learning pathway towards this qualification will be exempted from completing those modules already completed. Proof of successful completion will be reflected on the relevant statement of results. When applying for the external integrated assessment proof of completion of all required modules may thus result in various statements of results obtained through various processes.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • NQF Level 1 qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules
  • 717102-001-00-KM-01, Introduction to pulp and paper making processes, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 717102-001-00-KM-02, Piping, fittings and valves, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 717102-001-00-KM-03, Safety, health, environment and quality, Level 3, 12 Credits.
  • 717102-001-00-KM-04, Storage, mixing and blending, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 717102-001-00-KM-05, Pumps, compressors and solids transfer equipment, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • 717102-001-00-KM-06, Separation processes, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 717102-001-00-KM-07, Physical and industrial chemistry for pulp and papermaking, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 717102-001-00-KM-08, Heat generation and transfer, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • 717102-001-00-KM-09, Pulp production and treatment for secondary fibre and mechanical pulping, Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 717102-001-00-KM-10, Raw materials processing, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 717102-001-00-KM-11, Pulp production and treatment for chemical pulping, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 717102-001-00-KM-12, Chemical production and recovery, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 717102-001-00-KM-13, Process instrumentation and control, Level 4, 16 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 88

    Practical Skill Modules
  • 717102-001-00-PM-01, Take readings and complete pulp process control checklists, Level 2, 5 Credits.
  • 717102-001-00-PM-02, Conduct housekeeping, pulp plant checks and operational support activities, Level 2, 5 Credits.
  • 717102-001-00-PM-03, Conduct pulp plant inspections, first-line maintenance and monitor pulp plant reliability, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 717102-001-00-PM-04, Conduct routine inspections and maintain environmental integrity standards, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 717102-001-00-PM-05, Apply and maintain safety and health principles and procedures on the pulp production plant, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 717102-001-00-PM-06, Start-up pulp production plant, Level 4, 20 Credits.
  • 717102-001-00-PM-07, Maintain optimum pulp production plant throughput, Level 4, 20 Credits.
  • 717102-001-00-PM-08, Shut the pulp production plant down and evaluate functionality, Level 4, 20 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 100

    Work Experience Modules
  • 717102-001-00-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.
  • 717102-001-00-WM-03, Process of working with pulp production plant and equipment, Level 4, 35 Credits.
  • 717102-001-00-WM-04, Procedures for pulp manufacturing, Level 4, 35 Credits.
  • 717102-001-00-WM-05, Pulp production process control, Level 4, 35 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 149 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Set up pulp production plant and auxiliary equipment, monitor and maintain functionality of pulp production plant and pulp quality.
    2. Monitor and inspect reliability of pulp production plant components and perform first-line routine maintenance selecting, applying and reporting appropriate procedures.
    3. 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:
  • Start up and shut down pulp production plant in accordance with start-up and shut-down checks, safety procedures and production standard operating procedures
  • Maintain optimum pulp production plant throughput by monitoring and recording process variables, making adjustments and restoring normal operating conditions and/or product quality
  • Maintain product quality through obtaining material samples, performing quality checks, submitting samples for quality checks, interpreting the results and making required process adjustments.
  • Resolve plant, equipment and material problems to restore product quality and/or normal plant operating conditions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Conduct routine inspections in accordance with 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 3:
  • Provide operational support activities through housekeeping activities, pulp plant checks and the opening and closing of valves.
  • Take complete readings and complete pulp process control checklists in accordance with 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 to issue this qualification. The External Integrated Summative Assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International comparability study was undertaken to compare the current Occupational Certificate: Glass Process Operator with related qualifications from specific countries in terms of scope, level and curriculum content. The purpose of this study was to compare the qualification to international standards and practice. Two countries were studied, namely the Canada and New Zealand.

    Canada
    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 recognized equivalent.

    The program was approved in 2002, but currently there is no educational organization offering it. The Diploma 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, 1Credit.
  • Use job search techniques, 15 hours, 1Credit.
  • 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 is also covered by this Occupational Certificate: Pulp Process Controller.
    Most the modules related to Pulp and Papermaking (i.e. excluding packaging and printing related modules) are covered by the Occupational Certificate: Pulp Process Controller. The total credits for completing all knowledge and practical modules of the Pulp Process Controller is 188 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 paper making, or mechanical or chemical pulping operation, 30 Credits.
    The outcomes of 2320: New Zealand Certificate in Pulp and Paper Manufacturing (Level 4) Credits 120 includes:
  • Explain pumps, valves and the fundamentals of process controls used in wood manufacturing operations, 15 Credits.
  • Explain principles of heat, matter, energy and chemistry relevant to the manufacture of pulp and paper, 20 Credits
  • Apply a range of knowledge and processes to support productivity, quality and performance improvements in a pulp and paper manufacturing operational context, 35 Credits
  • Understand the functions, components, operating parameters and capacity of pulp and paper manufacturing plant and equipment, 10 Credits
  • Control the operation of pulp and paper manufacturing plant and equipment to meet productivity requirements and compliance with worksite operational procedures, 25 Credits
  • Control workplace health and safety and risk reduction in a mechanical pulp manufacturing environment, 10 Credits
  • Control preventative maintenance and cleaning requirements of pulp and paper manufacturing plant and equipment, 5 Credits
    All areas indicated with an asterisk is also covered by this Occupational Certificate: Pulp Process Controller.
    Nearly all the modules are covered by the Occupational Certificate: Pulp Process Controller. The total credits for completing all knowledge and practical modules of the Pulp Process Controller is 188 compared to 190 credits for the combined two New Zealand Certificates.
    Conclusion
    The Occupational Certificate: Pulp Process Controller compares well with the two New Zealand Certificates in terms of content and duration of the knowledge and skills. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Paper Process Controller; NQF Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Pulp and Paper Technology; NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    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:
  • 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 is: Pulp Process Controller: 717102-001-00-00

    Encompassed Trade:
    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 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.