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 Human Resource Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118461  Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management 
ORIGINATOR
The South African College of Applied Psychology - Pretoria 
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  Human Resources 
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 Human Resource Management is to equip learners with the knowledge, skills and attitude needed to provide administrative support to the HR department as well as to conduct various human resource functions in the workplace to meet the increasing demand for HR Administrators in South Africa. The qualification has a real-world and industry focus and provides a basis for entry into the labour market, professional training, and a gateway to further Higher Education pursuits. The pedagogic design of the qualification ensures that it reflects the intentional development of a curriculum that provides core competencies aligned to its intended purpose.

The qualification will contribute to the intended outcomes as the qualifying learners will demonstrate the following skills and knowledge:
  • Apply diversity and effective communication skills in a dynamic, multi-cultural South African context.
  • Identify and explain important terminology in the field of Human Resource Management.
  • Analyse and apply the foundational Human Resource methodologies, theories, models and practices.
  • Distinguish between the functional areas of Human Resource Management.
  • Evaluate the administrative processes of Human Resource Management.
  • Explain the applicability of labour relations in the field of Human Resource Management.
  • Analyse the impact of Organisational Behaviour in a Business Environment.

    Rationale:
    The Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management (HRM) is intended to equip learners with a foundational and working knowledge of management within a commercial context and for them to contribute positively to their profession. The role of Human Resources (HR) administrators is critical to provide support to the HR Division and across the organisations.

    HRM is defined as the effective use of human capital in an organisation through the management of people-related activities. It is a core function of any successful contemporary organisation and involves the human capital journey from recruiting individuals into the organisation; training and developing employees; ensuring effective people management; to exiting of the individual from the organisation.

    The qualification is designed in response to the current demands for broadening access to learners into new career paths that address the national need for employable and well-trained human resource management practitioners within the growing human resources industry. The qualification is particularly well suited for learners wanting an entry-level qualification majoring in Human Resource Management. The qualification aims to bridge a gap in the academic qualification in providing an entry-level qualification that will provide a study articulation pathway into Higher Education.

    Furthermore, the qualification provides alternative access for learners who may not have the necessary qualifications but are already in the workplace to begin their journey into Higher Education. The qualification allows for a clear progression and articulation process as well as a career development pathway for those wanting to pursue a career in Human Resource Management.

    On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Apply diversity and effective communication skills in a dynamic, multi-cultural South African context.
  • Identify and explain important terminology in the field of Human Resource Management.
  • Analyse and apply foundational Human Resource methodologies, theories, models, and practices.
  • Distinguish between the functional areas of Human Resource Management.
  • Evaluate and apply the administrative processes of Human Resource Management.
  • Explain the applicability of labour relations in the field of Human Resource Management.
  • Explore and apply the impact of Organisational Behaviour in a Business Environment.
  • Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, or community.
  • Communicate effectively using visual and language skills in both written and oral formats.
  • Have self-understanding and acknowledge that they are part of a related system.
  • Be life-long learners, seeking to continue their growth and development.

    The qualification is aligned to four key foundational areas for professional practice as defined by South Africa Board for People Practice (SABPP).
  • Equipping learners with foundational business principles.
  • Developing fundamental management competencies.
  • Exposing learners to the complexities of the current world of work.
  • Understanding the interconnectedness of the current world of work.

    Learners will have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to contribute meaningfully to the HR profession and will be able to register as an HR Technician after one year of work experience. They will be well equipped to take up roles in organisations to meet the demand for more HR Administrators and they will do so professionally and competently.
  • Human Resource Officer.
  • Human Resource Administrator.
  • Payroll Administrator.
  • Human Resource Assistant. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    In keeping with the objectives of the National Qualifications Framework, the institution supports wide and diverse access to higher education and, therefore, while there are minimum entry requirements, provision is made for an RPL entry route within the framework of national guidelines for higher education institutions.

    Recognition of Prior Learning process is applied in two ways:
    RPL for access:
  • Applicants who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements for the qualification may apply for admission through the RPL process.
  • Applicants must provide a portfolio of evidence demonstrating formal, informal, and non-formal knowledge, training, work experience, and/or learning equivalent to the minimum entrance requirements of the qualification.

    RPL for credits:
  • Credit is granted for RPL when the learner's knowledge and skills correspond to the learning outcomes of the qualification or specific module for which credit is applied.
  • Evidence of other forms of prior learning is evaluated for equivalence against the learning outcomes of particular modules at the lower levels of qualification for advanced standing.
  • Learners may apply to the institution for Recognition of Prior Learning and to be exempted for modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of this qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • A National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    or
    National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV), NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    or
  • A Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with a school-leaving 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:
  • Introduction to Human Resource Management, 14 credits.
  • Management: Theory and Practice, 14 credits.
  • Writing for Success, 12 credits.
  • Transformation and Change in the Workplace, 14 credits.
  • Understanding Organisational Behaviour, 14 credits.
  • Digital Literacies for the 21st Century, 12 credits.
  • Diversity in the South African Context, 14 credits.
  • The Business Environment, 14 credits.
  • Numerical Literacy, 12 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply effective communication skills and demonstrate diversity and respect for others in a dynamic, multi-cultural South African context.
    2. Identify and explain important terminology in the field of Human Resource Management.
    3. Demonstrate the use of foundational Human Resource methodologies, theories, models, and practices.
    4. Distinguish between the functional areas of Human Resource Management.
    5. Demonstrate an understanding of the administrative processes of Human Resource Management.
    6. Explain the applicability of labour relations in the field of Human Resource Management.
    7. Understand the impact of Organisational Behaviour in a Business Environment.
    8. Demonstrate an understanding of the business environment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1:
  • Demonstrate an ability to work with and respect others and show sensitivity to diversity.
  • Communicate information reliably, accurately, and coherently, using conventions appropriate to the context, either in writing, verbally or in practical demonstration.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of and respect for conventions around intellectual property, copyright, and plagiarism.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:
  • Examine and apply appropriate key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules, and theories in the main areas of Human Resource Management and its practices.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3:
  • Analyse and apply relevant methodologies, theories, models, and practices of Human Resource Management in case study scenarios.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4:
  • Identify and explain the functional areas of Human Resource Management.
  • Evaluate and apply theories, models and processes pertaining to the functional areas of Human Resource Management (e.g. to case studies).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5:
  • Explain and illustrate the administrative processes of various Human Resource Management functions.
  • Discuss the importance of the Human Resource Management administrative functions in an organisational context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6:
  • Identify the scope and purpose of all relevant South African legislation pertaining to the workplace regarding the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and Labour Relations Act.
  • Discuss the management of labour relations processes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7:
  • Identify and explain individual, group and organisational levels influences on the business environment.
  • Apply Organisational behaviour theory, concepts, and models, within the domains of workplace motivation, leadership, and group and team dynamics to real-world examples.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 8:
  • Explain the nature and structure of the business environment.
  • Apply best practices of management within the business environment.
  • Explore and evaluate internal and external factors affecting the business environment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The basic principles in the field of Human Resource Management are applicable internationally, although practitioners need to thoroughly understand the labour law of the country within which they practice. The qualification is comparable to three international institutions. The focus of the comparison is mostly on the degree of similarity in the rationale and the qualification structure.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: University of California
    Qualification Title: Certificate in Human Resource Management
    Credits: 27 units
    Duration: 12-24 months
    Entry Requirements:
    A Declaration of Candidacy and a candidacy fee.

    Rationale:
    The qualification assists learners in obtaining the knowledge and skills required to successfully fulfil the role of human resource generalist. Through course work that reflects the most current activities and functions in human resources and gives learners a comprehensive view of the generalist's role. On completion of the qualification, learners s will be able to confidently interface with those in speciality human resources areas and have a positive influence on the HR function within their organization. The qualification is highly regarded by local employers for its "real-world" focus, immediate applicability in the workplace, and most up-to-date information on domestic and international HR practices.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules, which are similar to the proposed qualification.

    Compulsory modules:
  • Foundations of Human Resources Management.
  • Leading Successful Organizational Change.
  • Talent Acquisition, Management and Retention.
  • Compensation and Reward Systems.
  • Human Resources and the Law.
  • Training and Human Resources Development.
  • Introduction to Employee Benefits.

    Elective modules:
  • Modern Business Writing.
  • Foundations of Leadership.
  • Conflict Resolution.
  • Mindfulness-Based Strategies in Business.
  • Communication in a Diverse and Changing Workplace.
  • Influence Persuasion and Negotiation.
  • HR Digital Tools and Workplace Trends.

    Country: Kenya
    Institution: Kenya Institute of Social Work
    Qualification Title: Certificate in Human Resource Management
    Duration: Three months to three years
    Entry Requirements:
  • Minimum qualifications are KCSW D+ plain or KCE Div.3

    Rationale:
    The qualification is designed to equip the trainee with knowledge, skills, and attitude to enable him/her to perform routine Human Resource Management activities in an organization as a clerk. It is intended for beginners, community development workers, welfare officers and fresh learners.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification is designed in a modular format so the trainee can enter and leave for the world of work at the end of each module.
  • English Language.
  • Communication Skills.
  • Information Processing.
  • Elements of Human Resource Management.
  • Fundamentals of Management.
  • Social Research Methods.
  • Office Administration and Management.
  • Entrepreneur Education.
  • Practice of HRM.
  • Elements of Law and Industrial Relations.
  • Bookkeeping and Accounts.
  • Commerce.
  • Business Plan.
  • Trade Project.
  • Practicum.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: UC Berkeley Extension
    Qualification Title: Certificate in Human Resource Management
    Duration: one-two years
    Entry Requirements:
    Bachelor's Degree is highly recommended although learners new to the Human Resource field will also be considered.
    Rationale:
    The qualification is the foundation for learners who want to pursue a career in HR or learn the latest industry trends. The qualification will assist learners to gain knowledge, practical skills to:
  • Deliver results through performance and productivity.
  • Manage and engage an increasingly diverse workforce.
  • Understand how business issues, social, regulatory and technical changes affect HR requirements and cost.
  • Leverage technology to streamline processes and generate reliable data.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules:

    Compulsory modules:
  • Essentials of Human Resources.
  • Aligning Human Resource initiatives with Business Success.
  • Employee Recruitment, Selection and Placement.
  • Effective Performance Management.
  • Total Rewards.
  • Employee Relations.
  • Talent Management.

    Elective modules:
  • Human Resource Systems and Technology.
  • Introduction to Human Capital Analytics.
  • Employment Law.
  • Organization Development and Change.
  • Mediation and Conflict Resolution.
  • Employee Benefit Plans.

    Comparison:
    The comparison analysis reveals that the proposed qualification is comparable to the international qualifications in terms of the duration, entry requirements, rationale, and curriculum structure. The qualification also provides an opportunity for learners to understand the foundations of Human Resource Management in a South African context whilst still being able to apply the theory to a global context. These qualifications have overlapping themes related to human management with an emphasis on the integration of the functions of management which is similar to this qualification. The overlapping modules include Fundamentals of Management, Organization Development and Change Management, Human Resource Management, Operations Management, Communication in a Diverse and Changing Workplace, Business Communication and HR Digital Tools and Workplace Trends. 
    		•

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

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Human Resources Management, Level 6.
  • Diploma in Business Administration, Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Applied Social Science in Human Resource 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.