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: Quality Assurer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118769  Occupational Certificate: Quality Assurer 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - SERVICES SETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Part-Qualification  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  106  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  SAQA 097/22  2022-02-03  2027-02-03 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-02-03   2031-02-03  

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 part-qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Quality Assurer. Quality Assurers assure incoming, in-process and outgoing quality standards of products and services in terms of planned and systematic activities implemented in a quality system so that quality requirements for a product or service will be fulfilled.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Ensure incoming, in-process and outgoing quality products or services.
  • Manage the quality management department to meet performance targets.
  • Manage a quality management system.
  • Manage quality functions of an organisation to ensure product/service quality.

    Rationale:
    This part-qualification has been designed to address the shortage of suitably qualified quality assurers in the production as well as the services environment. This part-qualification establishes a South African standard for uniformity and consistency in the training of staff employed in various industries. Quality Assurers are employed across all sectors of industry, services, parastatals, and government departments. Experienced quality assurers working in the quality environment requiring a formal recognition, will benefit from this part-qualification.

    The structure of the part-qualification provides for learning at a quality assurer level (structured as a part qualification) and progresses to the level of the operational quality management level. It forms the next stepping stone in the learning path which started as quality inspector, progressing to quality controller and then entering this qualification of which the exit points prepare learners for employment as quality assurers. This part-qualification contributes to national initiatives in terms of increasing competitiveness, creation of jobs, exports, and entrepreneurship development.

    This occupational part-qualification responds to a specific need in the South African labour market to provide a standard for the development of persons employed as quality assurers, quality managers and entrepreneurs in the quality industry. This is in line with international initiatives by promoting a culture of quality. Customers will receive quality products and services and thereby improve the competitiveness of the country. By offering consistency and uniformity in the practice of quality through a recognised part-qualification, the learners will be more employable. 
    		•

    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
    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 or certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for access to the Qualification
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Occupational Certificate: Quality Controller, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 132107-000-00-00-KM-01, Quality Management and Quality Management Systems, Level 5, 11 Credits.
  • 132107-000-00-00-KM-02, Quality Management and the 4th Industrial Revolution, Level 5, 3 Credits.
  • 132107-000-00-00-KM-03, Process Management, Level 5, 6 Credits.
  • 132107-000-00-00-KM-04, Fundamental Management Principles, Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • 132107-000-00-00-KM-05, Managing Quality Assurance Department or Business Unit, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 132107-000-00-00-KM-06, Risk Profiling, Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • 132107-000-00-00-KM-07, Internal and External Stakeholders, Level 5, 2 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 38

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 132107-000-00-00-PM-01, Implement and Maintain Quality Assurance Processes in Compliance with Regulatory and Customer Requirements, Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • 132107-000-00-00-PM-02, Conduct Quality Assurance to Ensure Product/Service Conforms to Standards and Regulatory Requirements, Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • 132107-000-00-00-PM-03, Manage Documentation and Records within Quality Assurance Processes, Level 5, 2 Credits.
  • 132107-000-00-00-PM-04, Improve the Effectiveness and Efficiency of Quality Assurance Processes, Level 5, 2 Credits.
  • 132107-000-00-00-PM-05, Introduce new Products/Service, Level 5, 2 Credits.
  • 132107-000-00-00-PM-06, Critically Analyse Qualitative and Quantitative Data and Use Information for Improvements, Level 5, 2 Credits.
  • 132107-000-00-00-PM-07, Lead and Manage Wellbeing and Performance of Staff and Effectiveness of Teams, Level 5, 2 Credits.
  • 132107-000-00-00-PM-08, Apply Principles of Business ethics and Accountability, 5, 2
  • 132107-000-00-00-PM-09, Conduct Internal Audits of the Quality Management System Policies and Procedures, Level 5, 4 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 24

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 132107-000-00-00-WM-01, Conduct Quality Assurance at Various Stages of the Process, Level 5, 28 Credits.
  • 132107-000-00-00-WM-02, Maintain Productive and Effective Work Teams for a Quality Business Unit, Level 5, 16 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 44 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Coordinate the implementation of quality assurance processes and activities to enhance an organisation's efficiency and profitability.
    2. Coordinate quality assurance functions to support operations and implement improvements. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Implement and maintain a system for incoming, in-process and outgoing quality assurance processes which ensure effective quality of inventory, product and service through planning, implementing, adherence to standard operating procedures (SOP), reviewing and revising.
  • Ensure cost-effectiveness of quality management processes through correct quality assurance resources allocation.
  • Evaluate, analyse and recommend supplier material data sheets (MDS), material safety data sheets (MSDS), certificate of analysis, quality control plans, and product/service requirements.
  • Recommend and implement changed processes and practices which ensure product/service conformance with customer requirements and compliance to regulations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Coordinate quality functions through e.g. meetings, coaching, communication, resources, teams and groups, to achieve consistent use of quality tools or publication of processes and conformances and maintain continuous improvement.
  • Ensure quality of operations by coordinating quality activities, the implementation of production part approval process (PPAP), advanced product quality planning (APQP), failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), process capabilities, and measurement systems analysis (MSA).
  • Analyse performance of the Quality Management System (QMS) to support operations.
  • Implement continuous improvements through new and improved quality assurance processes and procedures.
  • Review documents and quality assurance processes based on customer feedback, introduction of new products/services or new technology.
  • Apply business ethics and accountability in quality assurance decision making and problem solving. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualifications available from the American Society for Quality (ASQ), the Certificate in Quality Management of the University of Manitoba, Canada, and the Certificate in Quality Assurance, offered by the New Zealand Organisation for Quality (NZOQ) were selected for international comparability.

    American Society for Quality (ASQ): Certified Quality Technician and Certified Quality Manager
    The qualifications in quality offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) are highly regarded both locally and internationally. The ASQ Certified Quality Technician qualification was selected for comparison with the South African standard. The core modules in the ASQ Certified Quality Technician qualification include the following: quality concepts and tools, statistical techniques, metrology and calibrations, inspections and tests, quality audits, and preventive and corrective actions.

    Canada: The University of Manitoba
    The University of Manitoba offers the Certificate in Quality Management. This qualification is designed to provide the learner with knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective manager in the field of quality management. The programme consists of two courses: Quality Assurance Planning; and Quality Control: Principles and Procedures.

    Quality Assurance Planning - This qualification introduces the learner to the field of quality and to the philosophy known as Total Quality Management (TQM). The qualification will enable the learner to explain, develop and implement quality assurance procedures, management practices, and tools and techniques. The learner will learn about the importance of a customer focus and the necessity for a continuous improvement culture in today's highly competitive global economy. Finally, the learner will be introduced to the requirements of ISO 9000:2000 and other quality system standards, and to the criteria for major quality awards such as the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award.

    Quality Improvement: Principles and Procedures-This qualification reviews the concepts, principles, and procedures of quality improvement, including prevention and detection, process capability and statistical tools for quality control. This qualification will introduce the learner to some of the basic concepts of statistical thinking, such as sampling, probability distribution and data analysis. The learner will learn practical application of those concepts through Statistical Process Control (SPC). The qualification will demonstrate how SPC control charts are designed, constructed, and interpreted. The learner will also be exposed to other tools and techniques for quality control, such as measurement, testing and inspection.

    New Zealand Organisation for Quality (NZOQ), Certificate in Quality Assurance, Qualification code OP5280
    The Certificate in Quality Assurance, of the New Zealand Organisation for Quality (NZOQ), focuses on the skills to manage and improve processes within organisations.

    The Certificate in Quality Assurance includes the following:
  • Add value to an organisation with modern quality management concepts, tools and techniques.
  • Use statistical information and Six Sigma to enhance the quality of performance, products and services.
  • Integrate environmental management and occupational health and safety into quality systems.
  • Build positive customer and supplier relationships.
  • Use stakeholder feedback to improve a product or service.

    Conclusion
    The South African qualification is comparable to what is found in the selected comparisons in terms of what content the qualification covers and the level of skills that have to be developed. It is, however, designed to meet current transformational challenges in South Africa. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Project Manager, NQF Level 05.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Quality Manager, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience records.

    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 Quality Assurer and 132107-000-01-00.

    Encompassed Trades
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD
  • None.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
  • Services SETA.

    Parent Qualification
  • Occupational Certificate: Quality Manager, NQF Level 6.

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION
  • None 
    		•

    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.