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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Supply Chain Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119054  Higher Certificate in Supply Chain Management 
ORIGINATOR
Berea College of Technology (Pty) Ltd 
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  Procurement 
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 0333/25  2025-07-10  2028-07-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10   2032-07-10  

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 Supply Chain Management is to provide learners with the opportunity to acquire skills required to perform elementary functions in the Supply Chain Management sector. The qualification allows learners to grasp fundamental knowledge in the workings of various software packages and the commercial environment and select supply chain software packages.

Qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of a supply chain management environment within an organisation.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the influence of performance and risk within a supply chain management environment.
  • Contribute to the development of a supply chain management strategy and operational plans for the organisation.
  • Execute a supply chain strategy for the organisation.

    This qualification will contribute to the full development of the learner within the supply chain management environment by providing recognition and further mobility within the field. The qualification supports the philosophy of life-long learning because learners will be able to increase their access to employment since this qualification also caters for individuals who are employed but lack the certification to perform efficiently or to be promoted. The skills, value attributes, and knowledge reflected in this qualification are building blocks that will prepare learners for progression along the learning ladder.

    Rationale:
    The current skills deficit across all sectors means that there is a premium placed on staff that is qualified and able to perform across the key areas of management and administration. The current skills shortage also requires that employees be equipped with skills and knowledge that are key to the transformation of the South African economy and that they can contribute to the positive performance of their employers. Furthermore, there is a need for entry-level qualifications, which are vocationally, and industry focussed. The qualification has been designed to address the skills shortage.

    Statistics from the National List of Occupations in High Demand (2018) reflect a need for skilled supply chain management practitioners, administrators, and managers. The need for supply and distribution management specialists is particularly acute since they are vital for the business or organisation to function effectively due to the demanding environment in which businesses operate within, both in South Africa and globally. This qualification has therefore been designed to address these demands as well as support the competencies required in the key areas of supply chain management that were identified within the greater industry.
    This qualification offers introductory knowledge in the areas of general business administration, supply chain management, economics, operations management and computer skills within a business environment and prepares learners for a range of entry-level professional positions in supply management. The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this qualification are essential for social and economic transformation and contribute to the upliftment and economic growth within the business sector. The learners are trained to assist management with various administrative duties.

    Learners will be able to obtain employment in a range of entry-level supply chain management and administration such as:
  • Logistics, operations management, and data capture.
  • Supply chain Management clerical.
  • Procurement/Purchasing Practitioner.
  • General office administrators.

    The qualification is highly relevant and required in today`s business world as it focuses on what is current and in demand, thus making a positive contribution to the South African economy. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.
    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.
    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.
    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 128 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules,128 Credits:
  • Supply Chain Management , 28 Credits.
  • Supply Chain Management Practice, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Operations Management, 16 Credits.
  • Economics, 16 Credits.
  • Business Communication, 16 Credits.
  • Business Management Fundamentals, 16 Credits.
  • End User Computing, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply the different methods of communication in a business environment to ensure effective supply chain management practices.
    2. Examine and apply economic policies, systems, and processes to inform and support the attainment of business goals and plans within the local and global work environment.
    3. Demonstrate an informed knowledge of key terms, theories, concepts, approaches, and techniques related to supply chain management.
    4. Apply the theories, concepts, approaches, and techniques related to operations management and how this impacts supply chain management planning and decision making.
    5. Apply sound financial and business management concepts, the key business functions, principles and methodologies to decision making within the supply chain and logistics management.
    6. Demonstrate the use of information systems and technical knowledge to support the completion of business processes for supply chain management and to understand the role of software, hardware, and equipment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply the principles of effective communication and reflect on the application made.
  • Identify and apply different types of communication media.
  • Discuss the importance of effectiveness and accuracy in written and oral communication.
  • Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with different stakeholders in the supply chain environment.
  • Apply skills such as tolerance, listening skills and empathy.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Analyse and apply basic principles of economics and the basic model of the economy.
  • Explain the impact of businesses and organizations on the economy.
  • Discuss the impact of supply and demand on changes in the economy.
  • Evaluate the impact of price, income, and input productivity on a company.
  • Discuss the differences between a perfect and imperfect competitive environment for price and output determination.
  • Analyse the dynamics of macro-economics and the implications of business cycles.
  • Identify and describe the key economic challenges in South Africa.
  • Discuss exchange rate determination in the foreign exchange market.
  • Assess the impact of tariffs and protectionist policies on trade.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Discuss the challenges and critical issues in applying the principles and theories of supply chain management.
  • Identify and discuss current and future supply chain management skills and challenges within national and international frameworks.
  • Discuss the contribution of supply chain management in relation to the business impact and benefits to society and the economy.
  • Describe, explain, and discuss various methods used to measure supply chain cost, service, profit, and revenue.
  • Discuss transportation management strategies.
  • Analyse and apply various types of supply chain modelling approaches and strategies.
  • Explain, discuss, and apply relevant business systems within the logistics and supply chain environment.
  • Identify, explain, discuss, and apply information systems and technology knowledge to logistics and supply chain processes and scenarios.
  • Explore the importance of logistics channel strategy and network design.
  • Discuss the importance of contract management in logistics and supply chain management activities.
  • Analyse the role of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) in logistics and supply chain management.
  • Evaluate and apply knowledge of South African governmental supply chain management systems and processes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Evaluate and apply operations management and quality theories, models and approaches in a supply chain and logistics management environment.
  • Analyse and apply knowledge of the determinants of effective capacity and identify the approaches useful for evaluating capacity alternatives.
  • Plan, organise, lead and control the processes of operations, quality and production to ensure inputs transform into the required outputs within the business entity.
  • Integrate and adapt operational and quality management practices to meet business requirements within the operations of the business entity.
  • Identify quality problems in business and organizational processes.
  • Develop solutions to solve quality problems in business and organizational processes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Examine the elements and components of various organizational types and models.
  • Analyse the organisational cultures, leadership and management styles.
  • Discuss planning, leadership, organising, motivating and controlling as business activities and functions of managers.
  • Apply basic principles of accounting to account for the enterprise's resources.
  • Describe accounting documentation (ledgers, journals, source documents).
  • Describe accounting and marketing legal requirements
  • Describe the importance of financial information as a basis for decision making.
  • Analyse purchasing services and policies influencing the efficiency of the supply chain management practices.
  • Discuss personal selling and advertising principles.
  • Analyse and apply basic marketing principles in supply chain management.
  • Identify media liaison fundamentals and apply public relations skills.
  • Describe the basic human resource legislation and regulations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Explore and apply business information systems principles and decision-making frameworks to manage operational risks.
  • Examine the use of business computing equipment and devices.
  • Select and implement computer hardware and office software applications to complete business tasks.
  • Use the supply chain management software in business contexts.
  • Describe and demonstrate social media applications.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Integrated Assessment at the level of the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show that they can integrate concepts, ideas, and actions across this qualification to achieve competence that is grounded and coherent with the purpose of this qualification. Integrated assessment will show how already demonstrated competence in individual areas can be linked and applied for the achievement of a holistic outcome as described in the Exit Level Outcomes.

    Learners are provided with various assessment opportunities to develop and demonstrate attainment of the exit outcomes of this qualification. The assessment approaches include:
  • Tests.
  • Assignments.
  • Practicals.
  • Workbooks.
  • Presentations.
  • Examinations.
  • Oral assessments.

    The qualification will combine formative and summative approaches. Diagnostic assessment is also used to guide and support learners in both formal and informal settings.

    Formative assessment:
    The scheme of work includes assignments based on the learning material and learners are given feedback.
    The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and a limited number of outcomes.

    Summative assessment:
  • Examinations or equivalent assessment such as a research essay or portfolio is used to determine a representative selection of the outcomes practised.

    Workplace-Based Learning (WIL):
    WIL is divided into teaching and learning led laboratory assessments and workplace assessments. Work-Integrated Learning will take place at the institution's laboratories and in the workplace.
  • Learners will undergo practical guided evaluations during which time they will perform tasks and will be given feedback.
  • Remedial activities will be done where learners require additional support.
  • Workbooks will be kept by learners for completion during practical assignments. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification compares well with industry standards and requirements on an international level. The qualification compares relatively well with some of the related qualifications offered in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

    Country: Ireland
    Institution: University College of Cork (UCC)
    Qualification Title: Certificate in Supply Chain Management
    Duration: One year

    Similarities:
    The University College of Cork (UCC) is comparable to the South African (SA) qualifications in the following ways.

    Duration:
    The duration of both UCC and SA qualifications is one-year full-time study.

    Entry requirements:
    Both the UCC and SA qualifications may be accessed through recognition of prior learning. All applications are assessed on an individual basis to determine eligibility, where learners have prior accredited learning and, on this basis, seek exemptions from specific modules such applications will, in the first instance, be considered by the Academic Director and are subject to final approval by the Adult Continuing Education Committee.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    Both UCC and SA qualifications share a similar purpose in that learners will be able to put their classroom knowledge into practice through a local or international project-based internship or community internship. Learners will gain valuable professional experience working on a project for a real company or community organisation and earn credit towards one's qualifications.

    Both the UCC and SA qualifications aim to deliver an innovative and integrated teaching and assessment using established continuing education procedures. The qualifications adopt a multidisciplinary approach in order to provide the following benefits to the participant and his/her organisation:
  • Improve supply chain efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Enhance process design, customer services and information services.
  • Provide all organisational functions with an acute awareness of costs and the ability to enhance value-adding activities.

    Supply Chain Management (SCM) encompasses all the activities associated with a given product, from the raw materials stage to the final consumer. Effective SCM requires a detailed understanding of processing issues, and of supply chain structures, supply and demand variability, information systems, purchasing, production scheduling, inventory management, process design and customer services. The purpose of the UCC and SA qualifications are therefore to provide personnel across a range of organisational functions with a holistic understanding of the dynamics of supply chains and to enhance their ability to continually improve supply chain performance.

    The qualifications are designed for a variety of people working in wide range of industries, such as: pharmaceuticals, medical devices, food and drinks, electronics, utilities, distribution and services. Both qualifications will enable learners to pursue careers in various functions including procurement, logistics, production, planning, quality, accounts and finance. The delivery of qualifications is designed to facilitate individuals who wish to study on a part-time basis and to integrate their studies with their careers as well as incorporate their working experience into an accredited learning process.

    On completion both qualifications, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Provide a rigorous grounding in Supply Chain Management across the entire organisation.
  • Evaluate and apply to the fundamental concepts and principles of Supply Chain Management (SCM).
  • Apply the principles of SCM in their place of employment.
  • Explore the influence of performance and risk within a supply chain management environment.

    Qualification structure:
    The UCC qualification covers the core competencies for supply chain management which included the following six modules:
  • Introduction to Supply Chain Management, Lean Thinking and Continuing Professional Development.
  • Introducing Lean to the Supply Chain, Tools, Practices and Values Stream Mapping.
  • Introducing Enhancing Supply Chain Performance.
  • Information Technology in Supply Chains.
  • Inventory and Operations Management.
  • Purchasing Negotiation and Supply Chain Design.

    Differences:
    Although there are similarities, there are slight differences in the following aspects.

    Entry Requirements:
    The following entry requirements for UCC qualification are different from the SA qualification.
  • Candidates wishing to be considered for entry to the UCC qualification will be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application, with a minimum of three years industry experience (as deemed appropriate by the Academic Programme Director). The SA qualification does not stipulate the age requirements.

    Qualification structure:
    The SA qualification compares well with the UCC qualification although there are differences in some modules. The SA qualification offering does not provide the same focus on supply chain management design and performance; however, the key supply chain management content is aligned to the University College of Cork qualification.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: Institute of Supply Chain Management Qualification Title: Certificate in Supply Chain Management
    NQF Level: 5

    Similarities:
    The United Kingdom (UK) and the South African (SA) qualifications are similar in the following ways.

    Credits:
    The credits for the UK qualification compare well with those with the SA qualification, hence the academic workload is comparable. Both qualifications are registered at NQF Level 5.

    Purpose/Rationale
    Similar to the South African qualification, this qualification has been designed by the industry, for the industry and is perfect for one if one is working in or planning to work in an operational decision-making position in the field of supply chain management. Learners will focus on network planning and procurement in the vast field of supply chain management where the job options keep expanding. Learners will have the skills, knowledge, and attributes to work within operational areas such as procurement, production or distribution and inventory control.

    Both qualifications are designed for learners looking to progress to a senior management role within the supply chain management sector. The supply chain qualifications allow learners to develop management skills as well as develop knowledge in specific areas of the supply chain to support career development for professionals and efficiency in operations for organisations. The qualified learner may be employed as:
  • Export Department Manager.
  • Supply Chain Planning Analyst.
  • Ocean Freight Modal Manager.
  • Demand Analyst
  • Supply Chain Data Analyst.
  • Business Manager.

    Qualification structure:
    Some of the modules are relatively common to the new qualification regarding the content and level except for emphasis placed on freighting, shipping, warehousing and logistics in general. The core module is Supply Chain Management and there is a range of electives such as Road Freight Management, Risk Management, Management Information Systems, Management Human Resource Management, Finance Management, Customer Service, Business, Sea Freight, Project Management, International Trade Management, Contracting in the Public Sector, International Freight Management, Master Scheduling Techniques, Environmental Issues in Manufacturing, The Machinery of Government and Procurement and Marketing for Purchasers. The BCT certificate also offers a work integrated learning and quality management.

    Differences:
    The South African qualification does not provide the same emphasis on the public sector, freight and shipping aspects. Instead, BCT's qualifications provide a more rounded exposure to all areas of logistics, business management, operations, purchasing, IT skills, and the South African qualification offers some of the electives as part of the core curriculum. The purpose statement, credits, assessments, contents and outcomes of the UK qualification compare very well with the new qualification regarding common modules and learning areas. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Computers and Administration, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Project Management, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Public Administration, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Business Administration, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Public Administration, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Human Resource Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Management Sciences, NQF Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain 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.