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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Text Editor 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118771  Occupational Certificate: Text Editor 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - FPMSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Communication Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  195  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  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 Text Editor. A Text Editor evaluates content to determine whether the text is ready for production, and applies editorial, production and project-management processes in preparation of this material (print, digital, audio, or composite text). The content includes all published materials except film and news media and the function is carried out in a freelance capacity or in-house at the relevant business.
The typical attributes of a graduate include, amongst others, leadership, communication, advisor, mentor and entrepreneurship.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Edit the contents of one or more publications according to the relevant style, the editorial policy, and other publishing requirements using appropriate language skills.
  • Proof-read proofs of content during the production process.
  • Under supervision of publishing personnel who deal with rights issues for the publishing enterprise, request and authorise the use of copyright material, alert publisher to plagiarism, copyright and defamation issues when necessary.
  • Project manage the editorial process of a manuscript/raw text or composite material to ensure deadlines and budgets are met and quality standards are attained and consistently maintained.

    Rationale:
    Text editing ensures that grammar, syntax, and spelling are correct; the established style for a book is followed; and the book's language is suitable and understandable to the readers. Skipping text editing lowers the quality of the textbook. Editing and proof-reading are essential parts of the writing process. They help with the effectiveness of the writing style and the clarity of ideas.

    In South Africa, awareness of career options in publishing and editing is limited, and publishing is perceived to be language-oriented, even though the industry can be accessed from various other fields (e.g. science and mathematics). Access into the industry is limited. Few institution-based training opportunities are available at this level as most learning takes place on the job and through informal mentoring. In-house training is scarce and the responsibility for training lies with proof-readers and editors themselves.

    The publishing industry is experiencing transformation created by changes in technology because of moving from printed matter to digital matter; and thus, requires new skills and training. The proofreading and editing functions are generally outsourced to freelancers and this creates more jobs in this sector. Therefore, there is a need for the Occupational Certificate: Text Editing.
    Similar qualifications registered on the NQF, other than the one used for horizontal articulation, have expired as of June 2021 and therefore are no longer relevant.

    The industry is racially skewed. This qualification will offer a variety of benefits to society, the industry and learners, including:
  • opening the industry.> creating employment for new-generation job seekers.
  • creating business opportunities.
  • supporting entrepreneurs and enabling them to develop their own businesses.

    This qualification will create entry into the industry, creating a suitable career path and mobility in the sector. The society and economy of South Africa will benefit from this qualification since it is aimed at all official languages, thereby furthering the production of materials and communication in indigenous languages, and broadening readership. It supports legislation promoting indigenous languages in South Africa.

    Mostly, editors work as freelance entrepreneurs, or find formal employment within publishing houses, government departments, in the business and corporate communication field or at legal institutions. They will be employed as management editors, project editors, language and media practitioners.

    This qualification is suitable for recent graduates, those changing careers and those already in editing without formal qualifications. Persons with a higher certificate in any field trying to develop marketable skills can enrol for this qualification.

    Industry bodies consulted during the development of this qualification included amongst others in the South African Book Development Council, Publishers Association of South Africa, Professional Editors Guild and Language and Media Practitioners of South Africa. There is professional registration is needed to function as a Text Editor.

    This qualification encompasses two part-qualifications. These two part-qualifications prepare learners to function according to editing standards set by the industry. They also provide successful learners with respective sets of employable skills, whereby enabling leaners to enter employment and start a career within the text editing career path. Learners qualified in terms of these part-qualifications will suitably fill the skills gap and provide a competent service to the publishing sector, the economy and consumers. 
    		•

    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.

    RPL for Access to the Qualification
  • 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 providers or workplaces 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 5 qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules
  • 264102-001-00-00-KM-01 Language Principles and Skills for Editing and Proofreading, Level 6, 30 Credits.
  • 264102-001-00-00-KM-02 Editing and Proofreading, Level 6, 7 Credits
  • 264102-001-00-00-KM-03 Publications and Document design, Level 6, 3 Credits.
  • 264102-001-00-00-KM-04 Interpersonal Relationships, Level 6, 3 Credits.
  • 264102-001-00-00-KM-05 The Publishing Production Process, Level 6, 3 Credits.
  • 264102-001-00-00-KM-06 Copyright and Permissions for Publishing, Level 6, 8 Credits.
  • 264102-001-00-00-KM-07 Project Managing the Editorial Production process, Level 6, 10 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 64

    Practical Skill Modules
  • 264102-001-00-00-PM-01 Edit Texts, Level 6, 20 Credits.
  • 264102-001-00-00-PM-02 Proofread Texts, Level 6, 9 Credits.
  • 264102-001-00-00-PM-03 Apply Copyright Requirements and Obtain Permissions, Level 6, 9 Credits.
  • 264102-001-00-00-PM-04 Liaise with Various Role Players in the Editorial Production process, Level 6, 4 Credits.
  • 264102-001-00-00-PM-05 Project Manage a Text Editing project to ensure timeous Delivery of a Quality Publication within the Constraints of a Budget, Level 6, 8 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 50

    Work Experience Modules
  • 264102-001-00-00-WM-01 Editing Textual, Audio and Graphic material, Level 6, 24 Credits.
  • 264102-001-00-00-WM-02 Proofreading a Variety of Proofs in hard-copy and PDF formats at the Various Stages of the Publishing process, Level 6, 20 Credits.
  • 264102-001-00-00-WM-03 Plagiarism, Copyright and Defamation issues, Level 6, 9 Credits.
  • 264102-001-00-00-WM-04 Editorial Project Management processes, Level 6, 20 Credits.
  • 264102-001-00-00-WM-05 Liaison and Communication during Editorial Project management, Level 6, 8 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 81 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Pay attention to detail and apply language skills when interpreting a brief and editing text.
    2. Pay attention to detail and apply language skills when interpreting a brief and proofreading text.
    3. Identify and alert publisher to copyright, plagiarism, defamation and permissions issues in text, and request and authorise use of copyright material.
    4. Plan and manage an editorial project ensuring deadlines and budgets are met.
    5. Compile briefs that are in line with the requirements of the content and the target audience; and that serve as a basis for the editing and proofreading of the text.
    6. Manage project resources, ensuring efficient completion of the editorial process of a manuscript.
    7. Quality assure a publication throughout the pre-publication process, ensuring quality standards are attained. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Use appropriate language skills to edit (on hard and/or soft copy) at various stages of the editing process and according to the brief.
  • Check facts and currency of information, and research solutions to remedy discrepancies/factual errors/content omissions.
  • Conduct research to identify the correct source(s)/copyright holder(s) for all quoted text and ask the permission researcher to see to the permissions required for both textual and visual materials.
  • Identify elements of bias or parochialism during the editing phase.
  • Apply analytical skills when structuring text
  • Give feedback on any discrepancies, plagiarism and other copyright infringement issues found in a manuscript, and these issues are reported on and communicated to the project manager or the managing editor.
  • Compile blurbs taking into consideration the content of the text, the target audience, and so forth.
  • Assess and monitor schedules, meet deadlines, and timeously advise the relevant members of the publishing team if a deadline cannot be met for any reason.
  • Use computer hardware and software to edit text (correct text style, structure and content, format, mark up, tagging) at different stages of publishing (pre-production stage, editing stage proofreading stage, correction stage intermediate and final proofreading stages and intermediate and final correction stages), to keep an accurate record of versions, and to communicate for reporting and briefing purposes.
  • Perform a quality check on completion of each editing activity to verify that all processes were successfully conducted.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply internationally recognised proof-reading symbols (British Standards 5261 - 2 - 2005), and knowledge of layout and style conventions for the genre are to the proofs (on hard copy and electronically) once the edited manuscript (MS) has been typeset.
  • Apply appropriate language skills to proofreading (on hard and/or soft copy) at various stages of the editing process, according to the brief.
  • Give feedback on any discrepancies, plagiarism, and other copyright infringement issues in the manuscript. Communicate these issues to the project manager or the managing editor after the language edit.
  • Make comments or suggestions to improve the MS and develop a style sheet.
  • Assess and monitor schedules, meet deadlines and timeously advise the relevant members of the publishing team if a deadline cannot be met for any reason.
  • Use computer hardware and software to proof-read (correct errors in stylistic and visual consistency, format, typography, position on the page and spelling) at different stages (First Proofs, Second Proofs and Final Proofs), to keep an accurate record of versions, and to communicate for reporting and briefing purposes.
  • Perform quality check on completion of each proof-reading activity and each of the proof-reading stages, to verify that all processes were successfully conducted.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Read and analyse texts to identify possible copyright infringements.
  • Conduct research to identify the correct source(s) and/or copyright holder(s) of all quoted text.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of South African copyright legislation, and of relevant national and international conventions and standards.
  • Use appropriate templates and apply procedures to obtain permission from various role players.
  • Consider and apply budgetary constraints when making decisions on acquiring permission to reproduce third party content.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Develop a project plan including schedules and timelines according to the submission/printing dates for authors, editors, proof-readers and other departments in the company, ensuring deadlines will be met.
  • Monitor and communicate progress of production targets continually to the relevant role players at each stage.
  • Provide timeous information to the production team on aspects such as the necessary extension of timelines, early/late delivery or sufficient production capacity is requested from the production team.
  • Provide product information to the sales and marketing team.
  • Solve problems related to poor performance and missed deadlines.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Collect and analyse information on the publishing project or content, and use this analysis as the basis for developing briefs.
  • Analyse/review the manuscript, schedule, target audience, etc.to brief a text editor and a proof-reader.
  • Use templates to compile briefs for editors and proof-readers, so as to ensure the consistency, accuracy and comprehensiveness of briefs and to provide sufficient guidance to the text editor or proof-reader.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Compile a project budget based on the funds allocated.
  • Compile a financial report of expenses in line with the budget.
  • Apply budget management skills in keeping track of expenses, e.g. when commissioning artwork/requesting permissions for quoted material/negotiating a rate with freelancer editors and proof-readers.
  • Draw up and regularly verify realistic timelines to ensure that critical deadlines are met.
  • Allocate tasks and responsibilities according to the requirements of the project, and to the available skills and availability of resources, often in conjunction with one or more departments.
  • Compile Individual freelancer contracts using a prescribed template.
  • Process and authorise Payments when contractual obligations have been met.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Compile checklists for use when checking for quality.
  • Track progress and compliance with the steps and requirements of process(es) and address all non-conformities.
  • Monitor quality is continually, ensuring that all processes have been applied and all quality standards have been adhered to.
  • Develop solutions to solve problems related to:
    > whether a level of citation constitutes plagiarism or fair use, as highlighted by the copy editor during the editing phase,
    > whether other issues found in the manuscript need to be referred back to the author or simply solved in-house.
  • Check and approve dyelines or pre-press proofs.
  • Sign off project deliverables on completion of the various phases in the project.

    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.
    Qualifying for external assessment:

    In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of a statement of results and statement of work experience as well as proof of successful completion of the following subjects and modules or alternative programmes where applicable, including Foundational Learning Competence.

    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 entail a theoretical assessment conducted at accredited assessment centres or registered assessment sites and evaluated by an assessor registered by the AQP. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared with qualifications and programs from the United States of America (USA) and United Kingdom (UK) respectively.

    USA
    The Editing Certificate offered by the University of Chicago includes core and elective modules. The mode of delivery is online or in-person, or a combination of both. The duration of this certificate is 9 months however, it could take longer (self-paced). A Bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for the qualification. Courses in the Editing Certificate program are designed to prepare students to enter the publishing industry and to help current editing professionals build skills and knowledge for career advancement.

    The Editing Certificate is a sequential program. Course competencies must be met in a specific order to best support professional development in editing.
  • Basic Manuscript Editing (Online or in-person). This course gives participants a working knowledge of The Chicago Manual of Style, the most comprehensive and widely used style guide.
  • Intermediate Manuscript Editing (Online or in-person). Students will deploy the skills they learned in Basic Manuscript Editing in longer and more complex editing assignments. In addition, students will be introduced to working with style sheets and formulating author queries. The class will also address the challenges inherent in ensuring consistency in a changing manuscript.
  • Advanced Manuscript Editing (Online or in-person). Mastery of book manuscript editing requires a thorough knowledge of style and editorial judgment.
  • Editing Electronically (Online or in-person). This course teaches students how to use Microsoft Word to make the editing process more efficient.

    Electives, of which one must be completed, are:
  • Introduction to Acquisition Editing (In-person).
  • Introduction to Developmental Editing (Online or in-person)
  • Essentials of Grammar for Professionals (Online or in-person)
  • Copyright for Publishing Professionals (Online).
  • Developmental Editing for Fiction (Online).
  • Medical Copyediting (Online)
  • Preparing Tables, Graphs, & Figures (Online)
  • Freelancing for Medical Writers and Editors (Online)

    Similarities:
    The OC: Text Editor includes all the above listed aspects in a single curriculum.

    Differences: The duration of the qualifications differ. The Editing Certificate includes electives, which is not the case with the OC: Text Editor. The OC: Text Editor includes a work experience component, which is not the case with the Editing Certificate. The entry requirements differ and are a Bachelors' degree in the case of the Editing Certificate but are NQF Level 6 for the OC: Text Editor. The OC: Text Editor covers a wider range of competencies, such as permissions and the managing of editorial projects which accounts for the longer in duration.

    United Kingdom
    The College of Media and Publishing presents an online proofreading and editing course at QLS Level 4 (which is the equivalent of Certificate of Higher Education Higher National Certificate). It is a flexible, self-paced program with no specified start or end dates. This course aims to equip learners with the editorial skills needed to become a certified proof-reader and copy editor. This online proofreading course shows learners how to correct printed documents and webpages and make them readable and legally compliant. It is aimed at beginners, people who want to start a freelance business, proof-readers and copy editors who want an endorsed award to attract more clients, and so forth. Upon successful completion, learners can join the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP).

    Course outcomes are:
  • The basics: including proofreading terminology and the publishing process
  • Applying style
  • Spelling and grammar
  • Proofreading on paper
  • Proofreading onscreen
  • Copy editing basics: including levels of editing and the client's brief
  • Copy editing use of language
  • Checking accuracy and facts
  • Key publishing laws: copyright, defamation, data protection, privacy and contempt of court.
  • Entrepreneurship or employment.

    Similarities: The OC: Text Editor includes all of the above listed aspects in a single curriculum. The target groups of these two qualifications are similar.

    Differences: The OC: Text Editor covers a wider range of competencies, such as permissions and the managing of editorial projects which accounts for the longer duration. The duration of the qualifications differ. The OC: Text Editor includes a work experience component, which is not the case with the online Proofreading and Editing Course.

    Conclusion
    The comparison revealed that the Occupational Certificate: Text Editor compares favourably with the two international qualifications in terms of content, target group and intended outcomes. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Public Service Communication, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Commissioning Editor, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    In order 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

    The curriculum title and code is: 264102-001-00-00.

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

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
  • Fibre Processing and Manufacturing SETA

    Related Part-Qualifications
  • Occupational Certificate: Proof-reader, NQF Level 6.
  • Occupational Certificate: Permissions Editor, 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.