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: Security First Line Manager

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
118687	Occupational Certificate: Security First Line Manager
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-SASSETA
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate	Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security		Safety in Society
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	165	Not Applicable	NQF Level 04	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		EXCO 0522/24	2022-02-03	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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Security First Line Manager.

A Security First Line Manager leads and coordinates security team member activities in accordance with legal requirements and regulations to ensure legal compliance of individuals working within the security environment. The performing of supervisory functions further ensures safety and security compliance at site, or client specifics.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Perform asset protection functions.

Supervise work unit to achieve work unit objectives.

Conduct Security Risk Assessments.

Lead, organise and control security team members to achieve maximum operational performance.

Support, coach and motivate security team members to improve performance.

Coordinate and maintain security processes to ensure compliance.

Implement and enforce regulations and standards in accordance with industry practices.

Rationale:
The need to realign the currently registered Specialist Security Practices qualification was prompted by the absence of registered occupational qualifications for security personnel who wish to advance their careers as Security First Line Managers. The aim is to afford those in possession of the Security Officer's related qualifications and wish to further pursue a career as Security First Line Managers.

A similar qualification called Certificate: Security Management, which is offered by Intec College was found to address competencies covered in this qualification. This qualification is in the same Field, Sub-Field as well as the NQF sub-framework as the Security First Line Manager qualification. Both qualifications are pitched at NQF level 4. Differences between the two were found with credits and composition. The Occupational Certificate: Security First Line Manager is composed of knowledge modules, practical skills modules, and work experience modules whilst Certificate: Security Management qualification does not make provision for workplace exposure. As a result, learners will not gain workplace experience before completing. On the other hand, the inclusion of work experience modules in an occupational qualification allows learners to gain experience in workplaces before they get awarded the qualification. It is for this reason that an occupational based Security First Line Manager is required for learners who will operate at a managerial level within the security sector.

The availability of qualified Security First Line Managers will improve society's confidence in security provision, thus creating a sense of secure and safe environment within societies. There will be an increase in employment levels and improved security services offered by qualified personnel. This will also increase the country's chances of attracting foreign investment which translates directly to economic growth. The security sector will intensify a better and strong management team which will be able to ensure compliance to the Private Security Industry Regulatory (PSIRA) Act and minimise irregularities in the industry.

The qualification is targeted at learners who have already completed the security officer's related qualifications. The exclusion of learners without security related qualification is motivated by the fact that this qualification, Security First Line Manager, is aimed at managerial competencies, thus requires extensive knowledge and experience of the security industry practices.

The competencies covered by this qualification fully meets the registration requirements of a relevant regulatory body for personnel who are tasked with managerial responsibilities within the security industry. Because candidates are already registered with, the completion of this qualification will enable them to upgrade the status of their professional affiliation.

Qualified learners will have mobility through various areas of specialisation such as Surveillance Security Manager, Area Security Manager, Residential Shift Security Manager, and Security CCTV Control Room Manager, that can be practiced in any economic sector.

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

Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification.

Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through 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 result.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

NQF Level 3 qualification.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules totalling to 165 Credits.

Knowledge Modules

541401-001-00-KM-01 Basic Overview of Applicable Legislation for Asset Protection Functions, Level 4,10 Credits.

541401-001-00-KM-02 Legislative Requirements within the Security Sector, Level 4,10 Credits.

541401-001-00-KM-03 Professionalism is it Applies to the Security Sector, Level 4,15 Credits.

541401-001-00-KM-04 Application of Leadership within the Security Sector/Industry, Level 5, 15 Credits.

541401-001-00-KM-05 Security Risk Assessment, Level4,10 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 60

Practical Skill Modules

541401-001-00-PM-01 Conduct Security Risk Assessment, Level 4, 10 Credits.

541401-001-00-PM-02 Monitor the Implementation of an Incident Management Plan, Level4, 10 Credits.

541401-001-00-PM-03 Lead, Organise and Control Security Personnel to Improve Performance, Level 5, 10 Credits.

541401-001-00-PM-04 Provide Coaching and Mentoring to Security Personnel, Level 4, 10 Credits.

541401-001-00-PM-05 Coordinate and Maintain Security Processes to Ensure Compliance, Level 4, 5 Credits.

541401-001-00-PM-06 Implement and Enforce Regulations and Standards in Accordance with Industry Practices, Level 4, 10 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules:55

Work Experience Modules

541401-001-00-WM-01 Monitoring the Implementation of the Incident Management Plan, Level 4, 15 Credits

541401-001-00-WM-02 Leadership, Management and Supervisory Processes within the Security Sector, Level 4, 10 Credits.

541401-001-00-WM-03 Supporting, Coaching and Motivating Interventions Offered to Security Personnel, Level 4,10 Credits.

541401-001-00-WM-04, Coordination and Maintenance of Security Processes in order to ensure Compliance with Regulations, Level 4, 5 Credits.

541401-001-00-WM-04 Implementation of Monitoring Processes and Procedures to Enforce Regulations and Standards in Accordance with Industry Practices, Level 4, 10 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 50

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Perform asset protection functions.
2. Supervise work unit to achieve work unit objectives.
3. Conduct Security Risk Assessments.
4. Lead, organise and control security team members to achieve maximum operational performance.
5. Support, coach and motivate security team members to improve performance.
6. Coordinate and maintain security processes to ensure compliance.
7. Implement and enforce regulations and standards in accordance with industry practices.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Prepare to conduct security risk and threats assessment in a defined operational unit.

Collect information to assist with risk and threats identification.

Identify risks and threats pertaining to area of responsibility.

Explain consequences of risks not being dealt with.

Prioritise multiple risks according to possible harmful influences.

Describe and act upon types of possible reactions to identified risks and threats. Reactions may include but are not limited to reporting, calling for back-up, confronting, containing, evacuation, etc.

Provide feedback to stakeholders on risks and threats.

Compile security risk and threat report within the prescribed format.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Establish organisational culture.

Set work unit objectives.

Align workload plan to work unit objectives.

Communicate and agree methods used to facilitate work unit scope, objectives and deliverables upon with role players (role-players may include but are not limited to the client and security team members).

Allocate work planned to security team members in accordance with capabilities and resourcing requirements.

Communicate and confirm deliverables, roles, responsibilities, accountabilities and performance standard with security team members within the work unit.

Develop processes to monitor work progress in consultation with role-players (role-players may include but are not limited to the client and security team members).

Continuously monitor progress against plan and provide constructive feedback.

Evaluate achievement of work unit objectives.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Prepare for conducting Security Risk Assessment.

Identify and agreed upon scope and limitations of the project with the client.

Acquire security related data related to incidents and accidents from relevant sources (sources may include the client's site, Law enforcement agencies, etc.).

Conduct Security risk assessment.

Identify security risks and threats.

Analyse risks according to level of risk, frequency, and impact.

Evaluate and prioritise risk according to vulnerability, occurrence, and impact.

Document, record, and report findings to stakeholders.

Compile an Incident Management Plan.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Establish organisational culture.

Identified Suitable leadership style(s).

Set operational goals.

Identify and select Security personnel with the required skills for the task at hand.

Identify and select tools and equipment for the task.

Allocate task.

Communicate expected deliverables, standard of performance and timeframes.

Continuously monitor security team performance and provide feedback on an ongoing basis.

Implement intervention strategy to guide and support security personnel.

Implement intervention strategy to control undesired performance behaviours. Interventions may include disciplinary measures, dismissals, suspension without pay, etc.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Conduct training needs audit in collaboration with the Human Resources Personnel.

Identify Skills gaps.

Identify appropriate learning interventions (learning interventions may include coaching, mentoring, support, guidance, and training).

Conduct matching exercise (the exercise includes matching skills gaps with learning interventions).

Draw learning intervention plan (this may include drawing development plans for individual learners).

Implement learning intervention plan.

Monitor performance against expected deliverables, level of performance, standard operations, and timeframes.

Provide guidance and support where necessary.

Provide coaching and mentoring intervention where necessary.

Hold post learning interventions briefings to evaluate progress.

Make decisions about future interventions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Identified client's physical security specifications/ needs.

Conduct Security Risk Assessment on site to establish client's level of security.

Identify, analyse, and evaluate Security risks, incidents, accidents and threats.

Provide advice on impact and recommend security measures.

Draw a risk report with affected stakeholders and role-players.

Draw and implement an Incident Management Plan.

Put Security control measures in place to ensure compliance with applicable legislation.

Manage Security team performance.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Identify relevant legislation.

Confirm knowledge and understanding of applicable legislation with stakeholders such as the client, security personnel and any other party.

Monitor security team operations to ensure compliance.

Provide guidance, support and feedback related to compliance requirements.

Devise strategies to improve performance including new working methods.

Maintain and keep records are according to standard operating procedures.

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 together with work experience leads to entrance in 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.

The assessment will be conducted through written assessment and the evaluation of practical tasks at decentralised approved assessment sites by a panel of assessors evaluated by assessor(s) registered with the AQP within a period of 1 day.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

International comparability has been done against qualifications offered in New Zealand and Australia. The choice of two countries was based on their formalised programmes on Security Practices studies.

New Zealand:
The South African Security First Line Manager occupational certificate was compared with the New Zealand Certificate in Security (Advanced) (Level 4). The qualification is offered by four institutions, with C4 Group Limited being one of them.

The qualification is suitable for people who intend to operate in higher level roles within the security sector.

Entry into the qualification is a Certificate of Approval (COA) from the Registrar of Security Guards and Investigators. In addition to this, learners should be physically fit to perform required tasks.

The qualification is pitched at level 4 with 60 credits. This qualification covers four standards which are listed below:

Implement and maintain operational systems and risk management processes in a security work context, 20 credits.

Lead staff and support their development in a security workplace, 10 credits.

Implement and maintain the health and safety requirements for self and others, including defensive techniques, while carrying out security work, 20 credits

Apply knowledge of legal requirements and standards to lead the response to incidents in a security work context, 10 credits.

Upon completion of the qualification, learners can assume senior roles in the security industry such as: Senior Security Officer, Team Leader, or Supervisor.

Similarities
Similarities have been noted with content covered, the level at which both qualifications are pitched at, target learners, who are employed in the security industry and other related sectors, roles and responsibilities to be assumed upon completion as well as registration with the relevant regulating bodies within the respective countries.

Differences
Differences have been found to be with credit values. The South African Security First Line Manager qualification has a high credit value. This is mainly because of a broader scope that is covered, with legislation and regulations being some of the elements that are broadly covered in the South African qualification.

Differences have also been found with the structure and composition of the South African qualification. The South African Security First Line Manager qualification is made up of knowledge modules, practical skills modules, and work experience modules whilst the New Zealand Certificate in Security (Advanced) (Level 4) comprises only four standards.

Differences have also been noted with duration over which the South African Security First Line Manager qualification is offered. Based on the credit value, this qualification is offered over a period of a year and three months. By default, looking at credit values for the New Zealand qualification, it can be deduced that the qualification is offered within a six-month period.

Australia:
The South African Security First Line Manager occupational certificate was compared with Certificate IV in Security Management, Ref. No. CPP40719. The qualification is offered over 1260 hours, which equates to a year. Four training providers have been found to offer the qualification. One of these providers is Asset College.

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification, however proficiency in English is an added advantage.

The Australian qualification is designed in such a way that it allows learners to choose the area of specialisation with respect to the career they wish to pursue. Upon completion, based on the area of specialisation chosen, qualified learners will be able to operate as Security Supervisor or Security Business Manager.

Learners who pursue the Security supervisors' career, will be able to lead teams to coordinate and implement a range of security operations and functions such as control room, monitoring centre, electronic security and guarding.

On the other hand, learners who pursue the Security business managers' career will be able to coordinate security manpower and services to clients while operating under complex regulatory and contracting arrangements.

Similarities
Similarities have been noted with the level at which the qualifications are pitched at, duration as well as roles and responsibilities of qualified learners.

Differences
Differences have been found with the structure and composition of the South African qualification. The South African Security First Line Manager qualification is made up of knowledge modules, practical skills modules, and work experience modules whilst the Certificate IV in Security Management comprises units of learning.

Differences have also been noted with entry level requirements. Whilst entry into the South African Security First Line Manager qualification is a lower-level security officer qualification, there is open entry into the Australian Certificate IV in Security Management qualification.

Comparison with credits was not possible as this information was not provided.

Conclusion
The South African Security First Line Manager qualification compares favourably with qualifications offered in other countries in terms of scope and area of practice.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal and vertical articulation options.

Horizontal Articulation:

Certificate: Security Management, NQF Level 4

Vertical Articulation:

National Certificate: Multi-National Safety and Security Operations Management, NQF Level 5

National Certificate: Generic Management: Security Management, NQF Level 5

NOTES

Qualifying for External Assessment:
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.

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: Security First Line Manager: 541401-001-00.

Encompassed Trade(s):
This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
This is not a trade qualification.

Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)

SASSETA

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.

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