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: 

Higher Certificate in Project Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118442  Higher Certificate in Project Management 
ORIGINATOR
Damelin 
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 theoretical and practical knowledge, as well as applied skills appropriate to project management. The simulated Experiential Learning component of the qualification exposes learners to the practice of project management in the work environment. Learners learn how to effectively manage the constraints in project management, namely scope, cost, quality and time.

The qualification is suitable for learners who wish to:
  • Enter a junior or middle management position.
  • Obtain another qualification in an applied area of practice but needs a more business-oriented project management qualification that is relevant to his/her career goals.
  • Enhance and develop project management skills and knowledge.

    Furthermore, the qualification allows them to become subject matter experts and produce graduates that satisfy the needs of industry across professional disciplines both nationally and internationally and thus; enhances learners' employability. The qualification addresses the skills gap present in the South African economy by producing work-ready, skilled and knowledgeable graduates, ready to contribute to society.

    Qualifying learners will be able to perform the following competencies:
  • Analyse, interpret, understand and apply project management principles, processes and procedures.
  • Take decisions in the context of a project development environment to concrete but often unfamiliar problems based on informed judgement.
  • Undertake investigations in the project management field, including evaluating different sources of information, gathering and interpretation appropriate information and communicating information reliably and coherently using project management and related conventions, formats and technologies.
  • Utilise appropriate techniques to communicate effectively as a project manager to all project stakeholders;
  • Use information technology effectively to manage a project;
  • Develop a project management plan; Execute, monitor and control a project
  • Operate ethically as part of a project team and as an individual to promote effective service delivery and national economic development.

    Rationale:
    The advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution has placed a greater demand on industry to deliver products, services or results at an even faster pace within the restrictions of time, cost and quality to remain competitive. Project Management prepares individuals to organise and manage resources such that the project is completed within defined scope, quality, time and cost constraints. The Project Management Professionals remains on the Scarce Skills List in South Africa and the High-demand Occupations List compiled by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). The qualification is therefore aimed to bridge the gap in the industry by equipping learners with a foundational and working knowledge of project management for professions across industries and as such creating a pool of skilled project management professionals.

    The qualification was designed in line with the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK) developed by the Project Management Institute (PMI, 2017) to ensure alignment with international standards and best practices. This alignment with international standards further enhances the credibility of the qualification.

    The qualification provides learners with entry into the dynamic field of project management for both entry level and school leavers as well as individuals already engaged in the practice or administration of project management. This formal learning intervention guides learners in the exploration of project management as it is practiced today. The qualification also acts as an initial academic entry point for learners to pursue further higher education qualifications within the field of project management in Diploma and Bachelor's Degree.

    The qualification is designed for learners who want to pursue careers and professional designations such as:
  • Project Assistants.
  • Project Management Officers.
  • Project Co-ordinators.
  • Project Administrators. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has developed mechanisms and systems to facilitate RPL, which would also serve candidates for distance learning, namely, RPL for Alternative Access, RPL for Credit to enhance Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and RPL for Advanced Standing. The institution's RPL policy has been aligned to the National Policy for the implementation of RPL (SAQA, 2019:6) and Council on Higher Education RPL Policy (CHE, 2016).

    RPL is a mechanism for formally recognising and placing a value on what people have learned through their daily life, work experience, informal and/or non-formal learning. This is an enabling mechanism for candidates to gain alternative access to further learning opportunities or improved career prospects. The latest definition of RPL by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA, 2019:6) is as follows:
    "Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)" means the principles and processes through which the prior knowledge and skills of a person are made visible, mediated and assessed for alternative access and admission, recognition and certification, or further learning and development."

    There are two main pathways of RPL, namely RPL for Credits and RPL for Access. Both pathways are made available at the institution.

    RPL for credits:
  • Credit may be granted if any of the previous studies are comparable in content, equivalent in standard and suitable to be included as part of the qualification.
  • RPL can enable exemption from a module(s) in cases where learners have gained sufficient mastery of the content and skills of those areas of the curriculum.

    RPL for Access:
  • RPL for access is made possible for all candidates who cannot access higher education study through the traditional route of matriculation exemption certificates.
  • RPL seeks to be an inclusive process that is aimed at overcoming barriers to access and success within registered higher education institutions.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to the Higher Certificate studies.
    or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 05 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5,120 Credits:
  • Project Management 1, 15 Credits.
  • Project Scope and Time Management, 15 Credits.
  • Project Resource, Cost and Procurement Management, 15 Credits.
  • Project Risk and Quality Management, 15 Credits.
  • Project Stakeholder and Communications Management, 15 Credits.
  • Project Integration Management, 15 Credits.
  • Leading and Managing Project Teams, 15 Credits.
  • Experiential Learning, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of project management key concepts and processes.
    2. Apply project management knowledge, skills, tools and techniques across the project life cycle to ensure a successful project implementation.
    3. Plan for each of the project management knowledge areas.
    4. Develop a project plan by integrating the plans for each of the project management knowledge areas.
    5. Analyse and apply skills, roles and responsibilities required of an effective project manager in leading and managing project teams.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to apply project management in the work environment through a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) research project. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Define Project Management concepts and life cycle processes.
  • Describe organisational arrangements and project governance.
  • Describe Project management knowledge areas.
  • Use applied technology for project planning, tracking and reporting.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Select projects using financial and non-financial project selection methods.
  • List the key elements of a business case and project charter developed to initiate a project.
  • Identify planning for each of the knowledge areas.
  • Monitored and control project activities led during project execution.
  • Use appropriate tools and techniques to close a project.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Develop plans for each of the project management knowledge areas: Scope, Time, Resources, Cost,
  • Procurement, Quality, Risk, Stakeholder, Communications and Integration management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Initiate a project by creating an appropriate business case.
  • Develop a Project Charter.
  • Apply project management knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to plan a project.
  • Develop a project plan to integrate and manage the nine project management knowledge areas.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Understand the process of acquiring, developing and managing the project team.
  • Identify the various methods to manage project conflicts and build relationships within the core team.
  • Describe the communication needs of global and virtual teams.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of managing projects.
  • Analyse problems and propose a plan to address simple project management.
  • Apply project management knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to plan for successful project implementation.
  • Utilise Project Management software to present, track and report on project implementation and progress.
  • Demonstrate the ability to engage in self-directed learning within the field of project management. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The proposed qualification has been compared to four international institutions. The focus of the comparison was mostly on the degree of similarity in the admission requirements, learning outcomes, duration and the qualification structure.

    Country: United States of America (USA)
    Institution: Georgetown University
    Qualification Title: Certificate in Project Management
    Purpose:
    The qualification is industry-driven and takes learners through the essential processes logically and sequentially to prepare them to move up in their careers.

    Admission requirements:
  • Professionals seeking a career change.
  • Managers wanting to learn best practices to implement at work.
  • Experienced project managers looking for formal training to certify their skills.
  • Project managers seeking training and contact hours to sit for the PMP exam.
  • Oil and gas industry engineers, project managers and others who want to improve their project outcomes with proven methodologies.

    Learning Outcomes:
  • Learn to integrate project management-related functions that are related to scope, time, cost, quality, human resource management, communication, risk management and procurement.
  • Apply fundamental project management principles, theories, and practices, including the basic concepts described in the most current version of A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), and published by the Project Management Institute (PMI) ®.
  • Use project management tools and techniques that are effective in initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing a project.
  • Gain experience working in a team environment with a project manager and a project team, handling internal conflicts as they arise.
  • Develop a detailed project plan and gain experience in supporting, justifying and presenting the completed plan to a panel.
  • Meet the 35-hour education requirement to qualify to take the PMP or CAPM exam.

    Country: USA
    Institution: UMBC Training Centers
    Training Centers is a part of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the University System of Maryland (USM)
    Qualification Title: Certificate in Project Management
    Rationale:
    Similar to the proposed qualification, this qualification is suitable for individuals seeking to enter the field of project management or for current project managers who desire additional education and training on project management skills and techniques. The qualification is intended for aspiring or current project managers and it combines a comprehensive review of major processes and knowledge areas with hands-on learning activities to provide participants with practical skills which can be applied immediately on the job.

    Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to:
  • Identify and formulate project tasks.
  • Consistently estimate individual task time and cost within a tolerance of 10%.
  • Schedule resources for each task.
  • Compute total project time and cost.
  • Use Earned Value Management (EVM) to identify project status and project future outcomes.
  • Identify project slippage and formulate corrective actions.
  • Communicate status to management and other stakeholders.
  • Apply common charting techniques such as Task, Gantt, personnel loading, and Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT).
  • Conduct meetings efficiently and achieve results.
  • Apply common charting techniques such as Gantt, Resource Assignment Matrix, and network diagram, to create a project plan.
  • Work with stakeholders to correctly formulate the scope of project requirements and the constraints on the project
  • Create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).
  • Determine areas of project risk, formulate a plan to counter those risks and use a Risk Register to manage risk during project execution.
  • Develop more reliable estimates throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Explain the relationship between project planning and effective execution and control.
  • Use Earned Value Management (EVM) to identify project status and project future outcomes.
  • Identify project slippage and formulate corrective actions.
  • Create and use a Stakeholders' Communication Plan.
  • Increase personal effectiveness by addressing the critical elements of communication.
  • Build openness, trust and respect among team members to improve interpersonal processes and foster interaction.
  • Exercise greater influence by applying the most appropriate influence strategies and addressing conflict constructively.
  • Use network analysis to make schedule and resource decisions.
  • Plan and conduct a kick-off meeting.

    Country: USA
    Institution: Bellevue College
    Qualification Title: Certificate in Project Management
    Duration: 20 weeks
    Qualification structure:
    Both qualifications share similar modules. The qualification covers the following compulsory curriculum content/modules:
  • The qualification introduces learners to the PMI framework of knowledge areas and project processes, tools, and techniques.
  • Using real-world case studies and scenarios,
  • Learners apply key concepts and strategies to create project plans, schedules, budgets, and other major project deliverables.
  • This foundation qualification examines the project management framework including key terminology, project management context, project management processes, project life cycle, and organizational design.
  • Tools and techniques that are critical during the initiating process will be emphasized.
  • Obtain hands-on practice such as reviewing a Statement of Work, identifying stakeholders, and conducting business case analysis.

    Country: India
    Institution: Centre for Excellence in Project Management
    Qualification Title: Certificate in Project Management
    The Total Project Management body of knowledge is most contemporary with cutting edge tools and techniques used globally and Soft skills essential for effective project delivery with a focus on the Indian work environment.
    Qualification structure:
    Total Project Management (TPM) is broken into eight project life cycle phases with 39 knowledge areas having over 119 concepts.
  • Knowledge Leverage.
  • Conceptualisation phases.
  • Planning
  • Organise phases.
  • Implement
  • Control phases.
  • Integrate Deliver
  • Close-out phases

    Comparison:
    The Higher Certificate in Project Management compares well with the examples given above, as it focuses on developing the learner with a thorough understanding of the project management framework which juxtaposes the project life cycle against the project management knowledge areas. This qualification consists of modules that provide broad exposure to internationally relevant project management concepts, knowledge, skills, tools and techniques that enable learners to understand and identify the customer and business needs as well as current project management trends. The qualification aims further to enable learners to progress to higher-level project management studies at a later stage in their business or academic careers. 
    		•

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

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Certificate in Project Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma: Business Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma: Business Administration, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma: Marketing Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Project Management, 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.