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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Project Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118438  Higher Certificate in Project Management 
ORIGINATOR
IMM Graduate School of Marketing (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Project Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-11-18  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 the Higher Certificate in Project Management is to provide learners with a broad but complete knowledge of project management, as well as business concepts, and to guide learners through the entry-level application of these concepts. The qualification will equip learners with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform project management functions at the foundation level in an organisation. This qualification allows learners to develop essential competencies needed to manage projects effectively.

Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to:
  • Identify and appropriately apply legislation and organisational policies and procedures relevant to the core processes to a given situation.
  • Evaluate a project to develop the scope of work, provide accurate cost estimates and plan the various activities.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of risk management analysis techniques that identify the factors that put a project at risk and quantify the likely effect of risk on project timescales.
  • Identify the resources required for a project and produce a work plan and resourced schedule.
  • Distinguish between the different types of projects and follow the stages needed to negotiate an appropriate contract, and develop a project plan and change control systems to integrate the various project elements.
  • Identify best practices relevant to operational responsibilities in terms of monitoring and evaluation.

    Rationale:
    The public sector, non-governmental organizations (NGO's) and donor/aid agencies in South Africa require effective project management skills for them to deliver fast, effective service, and to achieve targets.
    The number of institutions offering higher certificate qualifications in generic project management is limited. Therefore, there is a need for institutions to offer entry-level project management qualifications to serve the needs of the prospective employees, as well as the employers in both the private and public sectors. South Africa and the development of its economy requires project managers. Therefore, the qualification is geared towards the development of potential project managers to fill in these gaps.

    The institution consulted with the professional body, Project Management South Africa (PMSA) and membership is being processed. PMSA gave insight into the qualification content based on the needs of entry-level practitioners.
    The qualification will benefit the learner by providing a recognised introductory project management qualification that will improve employability, and facilitate lifelong learning as an alumnus of the institution.
    Project Management encompasses and touches every facet of the entire organisation from human resources to finance and information technology to marketing and sales. Thus it has emerged in the business world as one of the most popular career fields.

    The qualification is intended to provide the learners with a framework for understanding the dynamics of project management that covers all the essential elements and processes in project management. The qualifying learner will be able to operate as project coordinators, project administrators, junior project managers, junior business analysts in projects, and project assistants.

    The qualification was designed for learners who aspire to study towards an entry-level, higher education qualification, providing learners with a basic understanding of project management concepts. Society will benefit from the qualification as project management assists managers to operate in a more focused and streamlined way when using the principles of project management and guarantee the completion of projects to avoid losses created and incomplete projects. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The RPL Committee (sub-committee of the Assessment Committee) will evaluate the application form and may suggest entry tests or access modules (Business Numeracy, Fundamentals of Business Communication and/or Academic Literacy) to ensure the candidate is fully prepared for the RPL process.

    The qualification may be achieved through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal, informal, and non-formal learning and work experience. Recognition of Prior Learning is applied in terms of policy and criteria of the institution in accordance with the national imperatives of widening access.

    RPL for access:
  • The qualification provides alternative routes of access to higher education.RPL for access is applied to earners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • Advanced standing may be granted.


    RPL for exemption from module:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted for modules that form part of the qualification.
  • For a learner to be exempted from a module and the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credits:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.


    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Senior Certificate at NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) at NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 135 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5,135 Credits:
  • Introduction to Project Management, 20 Credits.
  • Project Management Tools and Documents, 20 Credits.
  • Project Management Body of Knowledge, 20 Credits.
  • Fundamentals of Business Management, 20 Credits.
  • Fundamentals of Ethics and Diversity, 20 Credits.
  • Fundamentals of Business Numeracy, 20 Credits.
  • Academic Literacy, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify and apply legislation and organisational policies and procedures relevant to the core processes appropriately to a given situation.
    2. Evaluate a project to develop the scope of work, provide accurate cost estimates and plan the various activities through the project phases.
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of risk management analysis techniques that identify the factors that put a project at risk and quantify the likely effect of risk on project timescales.
    4. Identify the resources required for a project and produce a work plan and resource schedule as well as manage the documents that comprise the baseline plan.
    5. Distinguish between the different types of projects and follow the stages needed to negotiate an appropriate contract, and develop a project plan and change control systems to integrate the various project elements.
    6. Identify best practices relevant to operational responsibilities in terms of monitoring and evaluation.
    7. Access, process and apply elementary business information, considering ethical behaviour. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate the process of project management and its application in delivering successful projects.
  • Make contributions following organisational policies and procedures, client requirements and legal requirements.
  • Demonstrate appropriate monitoring of health and safety in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Understand the role of business departments in an organisation.
  • Define project scope and time allocations to ensure optimal levels.
  • Demonstrate processes of quality management, integration management, human resource management, communications management, risk management and procurement management.
  • Evaluate the strengths and areas for improvement in organisational human resources management and practices correctly.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate the ability to solve both routine and new problems in the business and project management spheres.
  • Identify and reduce risks within a project.
  • Apply processes to ensure effective risk management through risk assessment and risk control.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate an informed understanding of the core areas of project management.
  • Demonstrate project scheduling procedures, manage project cost and work with the project budget.
  • Demonstrate the process of developing and tracking time and cost goals for all contractually organised work are demonstrated.
  • Plan and implement appropriate action to promote best practices in the organisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Apply management theories to basic business problems.
  • Apply quality principles to projects on quality planning, quality assurance and quality control.
  • Develop integrated information and control systems to plan, instruct, monitor and control large amounts of data.
  • Develop accurate and quick problem-solving and decision making processes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Demonstrate problem-solving in project management environments.
  • Identify and evaluate strengths and areas for improvement in own learning are correctly and adequately.
  • Describe the monitoring and evaluation process.
  • Demonstrate skills for monitoring and evaluation of a project.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Demonstrate the ability to account for his or her actions, to work effectively and have respect for others. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares favourably with the following international qualifications:

    Country: Mauritius
    Institution: Honoris United University YKBS
    Qualification Title: Higher Certificate in Project Management
    YKBS is authorised by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) of Mauritius to deliver tertiary qualifications.
    The following modules are similar to the new qualification:
  • Fundamentals of Project Management.
  • Project Scope and Time Management.
  • Introduction to Project Quality Management.
  • Project Schedule, Cost and Budget Control.
  • Project Risk Management.
  • Project Monitoring and Evaluation.

    The main difference between the two qualifications is that the South African qualification offering is more comprehensive and offers modules such as the fundamentals of business management, fundamentals of ethics and diversity, fundamentals of business numeracy and academic literacy.

    Additional observations:
    The new qualification is more comprehensive and it provides the learner with a broader understanding of business and project management. Most of the modules at YKBS are covered in the new qualification on a broader scale as opposed to them being individual modules.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: Ara Institute of Canterbury
    Qualification Title: Certificate in Project Management (level 4)
    It is accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. The university is governed by the New Zealand Qualifications Framework.
    The following modules are similar to the new qualification:
  • Introduction to Project Management
  • Lead a Project Component
  • Management of a Project
  • Project Monitoring and Control
  • Project Scope Management
    They are not stand-alone modules.

    The key differences are the inclusion of fundamentals of business management, fundamentals of ethics and diversity, fundamentals of business numeracy and academic literacy in the new qualification.

    Additional observations:
    The new qualification is more comprehensive and it provides the learner with a broader understanding of business and Project Management. Most of the modules under the Ara Institute of Canterbury's New Zealand Certificate of Project Management (Level 4 = RSA Level 5/6) are covered in the new qualification on a broader scale as opposed to them being offered as individual modules.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Swinburne University of Technology
    Qualification Title: Fast track Diploma in Project Management
    This qualification is endorsed by the Australian Institute of Project Management and demonstrates through its material that the outcomes of the qualification are aligned to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) and the Business Services Training Package competency standards.
    The following modules are similar to the new qualification:
  • Establish Project Baselines
  • Effective Project Leadership
  • Managing Project Compliance
  • Managing Project Integration

    The main differences are:
    Communication with Influence. The above stand-alone modules are covered under introduction to project management, project management tools and documents and project management body of knowledge.

    Additional observations:
    The new qualification is more comprehensive and it provides the learner with a broader understanding of project management in a business context.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: California Southern University
    Qualification Title: Certificate in Project Management
    California Southern University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission.
    The following modules are similar to the new qualification:
  • Project Management Concepts and Essentials
  • Project Management Strategic Design
  • Project Management Organization
  • Project Management Integration
  • Project Management Capstone

    The main differences are:
    The fundamentals of business management, fundamentals of ethics and diversity, fundamentals of business numeracy and academic literacy are offered in the new qualification.

    Additional observations:
    It can be observed from the above comparison that the new qualification is more comprehensive and it provides the learner with a broader understanding of business and how Project Management fits into the business as a whole.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Southern Cross University
    Qualification Title: Graduate Certificate in Project Management
    The University is governed by a Council, to which the Chief Executive Officer (the Vice-Chancellor) reports. The Council is responsible for the management of the University's affairs
    The following modules are similar to the new qualification:
    Part A: Core units
    Project Management Principles
    Project Management: Initiation and Planning
    Project Management: Quality, Control, and Risk
    Leading and Managing Projects
    Project Procurement and Contract Management
    Portfolio and Program Management
    Part B: Elective units*
    Accounting (2 units available)
    Business Management (5 units available)
    Engineering Management (2 units available)

    The main differences are:
    The new qualification does not include accounting (2 units available), engineering management (2 units available),
    health services management (4 units available), information and knowledge management (3 units available) and managing and leading people (4 units available). This is because the Australian qualification is more specialised than the new qualification.

    Additional observations:
    It can be observed from the above comparison that the Southern Cross University (SCU) qualification is a specialist qualification whereas the new qualification is more generalist in nature. Most of the modules under SCU are covered in the new qualification on a broader scale as opposed to them being independent modules. It must, however, be noted that both qualifications are comprehensive. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Marketing Management, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Export Management, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Export Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Marketing Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Project Marketing, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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.