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: Commercial Cleaner 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118709  Occupational Certificate: Commercial Cleaner 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - Services SETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Preventive Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 01  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 Commercial Cleaner.

A Commercial Cleaner cleans offices, retail complexes, warehouses, residential complexes, construction sites, and other commercial premises using chemicals, cleaning tools and equipment.

In addition, learner attributes (including problem solving, interpreting information and communication) will be integrated in the learning process. Learners will have to prove competence of the above knowledge, skills, attitudes, responsibilities, and tasks imbedded in the exit level outcomes.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Plan and prepare for cleaning operation.
  • Clean different types of surfaces.
  • Conduct end of task duties.

    Rationale:
    This qualification is important to address the skills of the current and future employees serving all forms of commercial enterprises. Many commercial entities draw commercial cleaners from a unique group of semi-literate people in the country. The tasks are prescribed by supervisors and do not require long training. It is a service with a high- volume staff turnover and as a result training is more purposeful and focused. A period of six (6) months is more than enough to train an efficient commercial cleaner.

    The employees are currently trained using unit standard from various qualifications but the occupation itself does not have focused and formalised training programme. The need for formalisation of the qualification was emphasised by many role players that included the following industry bodies; Black Economic Empowerment Cleaning Association (BEECA), Professional Body for Environmental Hygiene (PBEH) and National Contract Cleaners Association (NCCA).

    The skills acquired by the qualified commercial cleaner will remain important boost for the multiple sectors.

    The qualified employees will enhance commercial value offering and improve the customer experiences for most commercial cleaning offerings. The young people drawn into this sector will improve not only their cleaning skills but also serve the country broadly across different sectors. The skills gained can be used in various economic sectors to enhance hygienic working environment and improve health and safety standard in the commercial environment.

    Opportunities for growth are abundant for many qualified people. Not only will they have a qualification that can very easily enable them to move horizontally as butlers amongst others but vertically into supervisory roles in many contracted commercial cleaning companies. This qualification will contribute to the full development of the learner within the commercial industry by providing recognition, further mobility, and transportability within the sector.

    This qualification forms part of a suite of related qualifications in a commercial cleaning occupational pathway. Learners wishing to become a Commercial Cleaner can enrol for this qualification or alternatively first enrol for the following qualifications:
  • Occupational Certificate: Laundry Worker
  • Occupational Certificate: Health Care Cleaner

    Should such a learner wish to, at a later stage, enrol for the Occupational Certificate: Commercial Cleaner he/she will be granted recognition for modules already completed through CAT. In a similar manner, learners will be able to move from any of the part qualifications to the Commercial Cleaning pathway. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
  • 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:
  • Open Access 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

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

    Knowledge Modules
  • 811201-000-00-KM-01 Introduction to the World of Work, Level 1, 6 Credits.
  • 811201-000-00-KM-02 Basics of Health, Safety and the Environment, Level 1, 5 Credits.
  • 811201-000-00-KM-03 Introduction to Commercial Cleaning, Level 1, 5 Credits.
  • 811201-000-00-KM-04 Commercial Cleaning Equipment, Chemicals and Consumables, Level 1, 5 Credits.
  • 811201-000-00-KM-05 Basics of Cleaning Commercial Kitchenette, Level 1, 5 Credits.
  • 811201-000-00-KM-06 Cleaning Ablution Facilities, Level 1, 5 Credits.
  • 811201-000-00-KM-07 Basics of Cleaning Commercial Floor Surface, Level 1, 4 Credits.
  • 811201-000-00-KM-08 Introduction to Above the Floor Surface, Level 1, 4 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 39

    Practical Skill Modules
  • 811201-000-00-PM-01 Complete Before Shift Duties, Level 1, 3 Credits.
  • 811201-000-00-PM-02 Clean Above Floor Surface, Level 1, 6 Credits.
  • 811201-000-00-PM-03 Clean the Commercial Kitchenette, Level 1, 6 Credits.
  • 811201-000-00-PM-04 Clean Ablution Facilities, Level 1, 5 Credits.
  • 811201-000-00-PM-05 Clean and Maintain Storeroom, Level 1, 4 Credits.
  • 811201-000-00-PM-06 Clean Floor Surfaces, Level 1, 6 Credits.
  • 811201-000-00-PM-07 Check and Confirm Completed Tasks, Level 1, 5 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 35

    Work Experience Modules
  • 811201-000-00-WM-01 Procedures for Completing Before Shift Duties, Level 1, 4 Credits.
  • 811201-000-00-WM-02 Procedures for Cleaning Above the Floor Surfaces, Level 1, 7 Credits.
  • 811201-000-00-WM-03 Procedures for Cleaning the Commercial Kitchenette, Level 1, 7 Credits.
  • 811201-000-00-WM-04 Procedures for Cleaning Ablution Facilities, Level 1, 7 Credits.
  • 811201-000-00-WM-05 Procedures for Cleaning and Maintaining Storeroom, Level 1, 5 Credits.
  • 811201-000-00-WM-06 Procedures for Cleaning Floor Surfaces, Level 1, 10 Credits.
  • 811201-000-00-WM-07 Procedures for Checking and Confirming Completed Tasks, Level 1, 6 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 46 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Prepare equipment and tools, chemicals, and consumables to clean commercial premises to specification.
    2. Complete cleaning of the commercial premises to standard using cleaning principles and methods. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Don personal protective equipment (PPE) in compliance to professional appearance and safety requirements.
  • Select tools and equipment in compliance to the assignment requirements for cleaning the commercial premises.
  • Conduct inspection on equipment, tools, consumables, and chemicals record and report usage and additional stock requirements for cleaning a commercial premise.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Provide explanation for functioning within workplaces to demonstrate complete understanding of concepts and application within the work of work.
  • Demonstrate the use of equipment, tools, chemicals and consumables to understand their storage and functions to industry standards.
  • Clean the components of a commercial premise in compliance to specifications, cleaning procedures to conform to cleaning principles.
  • Complete end of task duties to industry standard and storage requirements.
  • Keep records for usage of chemicals and consumables and their replenishment thereof for compliance to procedural requirements.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Learner competence must be demonstrated through a variety of options which can include formative assessment including but not limited to tests, case studies, problem solving assignments, projects and practical exercises. Learners are required to do an integrated summative 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 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 for the issuing of this qualification. The External Integrated Summative Assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria.

    The external summative assessment will be conducted through an evaluation of practical tasks and theoretical questions at an assessment centre accredited by the QCTO and conducted by an assessor registered by the AQP. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    An international comparability exercise was undertaken to compare the current Occupational Certificate: Commercial Cleaner with related qualifications from specific countries in terms of their scope, levels and curriculum content. The purpose of this exercise is to compare the qualification against existing and comparable practice internationally. The exercise was conducted with two (2) countries, that is Australia and United States of America (USA).

    Australia
    In Australia, Victorian Skills Gateways offers Certificate 11 Cleaning (Commercial Cleaner). The scope of the training provides for a commercial cleaner who cleans offices, residential complexes, hospitals, schools, industrial work areas, industrial machines, construction sites and other commercial premises using heavy duty cleaning equipment.

    The skills provided enable the Commercial cleaner to be able to: vacuuming carpets, curtains and upholstered furniture; cleaning, dusting and polishing furniture, fixtures and fittings; removing rubbish and recyclable material, and emptying containers, bins and trays; stripping wax from floors, re-waxing and polishing floor; cleaning and disinfecting laundry and bathroom fixtures, replenishing supplies and reporting defective plumbing fixtures; operating industrial vacuum cleaners to clean floors, work areas and machines; removing dust and dirt from ceilings, walls, overhead pipes and fixtures; applying acids and solvents to surfaces to remove stains and dirt; removing lint, dust, soot, oil, grease, sludge and other residues from machines, hulls and holds of ships, and interiors and exteriors of furnaces, boilers and tanks.

    The certificate covers the large part of this qualification, but its scope extends beyond South Africa's (RSA) qualification. The RSA Commercial Cleaner does not do industrial cleaning, but the scope is limited to commercial environment like offices environment, retail complexes, warehouses, residential complexes, construction sites, and other commercial premises using chemicals, cleaning tools and equipment.

    United States of America (USA)
    In the USA, the New Skills Academy offers Home & Commercial Cleaning Certification programme. The programme is industry recognised certification that covers twenty-two (22) information packed modules completed online. On completion of the course, learners are required to pass a multiple-choice test which covers all the 22 modules.

    The qualification covers amongst others the following skills: essential cleaning equipment; chemical safety; understand the job in detail; essential cleaning techniques and expected standards; cleaning products and protective clothing; the importance of effective kitchen cleaning; identify how to complete commercial kitchen cleaning to the highest standard; clean a bathroom and toilet area; hospital cleaning from areas you may need to clean to health and safety requirements; how office cleaning differs from residential cleaning and identify various techniques to effectively clean staff toilets; industrial cleaning, along with the difference between wet and dry industrial vacuum cleaners and how to keep safe when cleaning these environments, etc.

    The defined modules are similar to those in this qualification; however, the scope of the USA qualification extends beyond the scope of the Commercial Cleaner in the RSA. The differences are that the RSA qualification does not provide for industrial, domestic and cleaning of health facilities.

    Conclusion
    The qualifications analysed from these two countries are comparable to the RSA Commercial Cleaner occupational qualification. The minor exception is in the duration of the training programme, methods of delivery (online in the USA) and scope of the qualification. The RSA Commercial Cleaner does not do glazing nor industrial cleaning. These specific skills are important for respective subsectors but source their own skills which in many ways are different from those of the Commercial Cleaner. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • GETC: Domestic Services, NQF Level 1

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Laundry Worker, NQF Level 2 

  • 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: Commercial Cleaner: 811201-000-00.

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

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
    Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SSETA)

    Related Part-qualifications
  • Occupational Certificate: Commercial Kitchenette Cleaner, NQF Level 1.
  • Occupational Certificate: Commercial Ablution Cleaner, NQF Level 1.
  • Occupational Certificate: Commercial Above Surface Cleaner, NQF Level 1.
  • Occupational Certificate: Commercial Floor Cleaner, NQF Level 1. 

  • 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.