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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119070  Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Physical Planning, Design and Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  SAQA 158/22  2022-04-21  2025-04-21 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-04-21   2029-04-21  

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 Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying consolidates and deepens the qualifying learner's expertise in the specialised area of quantity surveying and develops research capacity in the methodology and techniques of this discipline while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning.

This qualification will:
  • Prepare learners for professional specialisation in the building and construction environment, that is, specialise in quantity surveying.
  • Prepare learners for postgraduate studies by deepening their knowledge base and understanding of quantity surveying and the building environment relating to research.
  • Develop abilities to solve advanced theoretical and practice related problems in the quantity surveying environment.

    Upon completion of this qualification, the qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Prepare tender and contractual documents relating to the builder's work and demonstrate knowledge of procurement methods.
  • Estimate costs and undertake financial management of construction projects including advice on payments and certification during construction.
  • Manage building projects and related infrastructure.
  • Manage human resources of a construction project.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of construction principles and apply these as a member and/or leader in a project team to manage projects effectively.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of legal and economic issues affecting the industry in South Africa.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of basic property investment decisions.
  • Communicate effective communication routes with construction professionals.
  • Analyse and solve problems related to the construction sector.

    Rationale:
    South Africa is currently experiencing an unprecedented demand for infrastructure and skilled human resources. Part of this is contributed by the skills shortage, particularly in the scarce categories like engineering and related professions. In terms of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) list of scarce skills, published in Government Gazette Vol: 578, no 36721 on 2 August 2013, there is a skills shortage in the construction sector and the quantity surveying occupations. More recently, on the list of the DHET's List of Occupations in High Demand, published in Government Gazette no 39604 on 19 January 2016, building-related occupations are mentioned.

    The qualification will further the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for becoming a competent practising quantity surveyor on completion of this qualification and further studies stipulated by the SA Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP). This qualification would provide learners with the opportunity to progress to a higher or advanced level to achieve professional status with the SACQSP. Qualifying learners can be employed as assistant quantity surveyors.

    This qualification provides:
  • Preparation for a career in quantity surveying itself and areas that potentially benefit from Quantity Surveying skills, for achieving professional proficiency and contributing to the economy and its national development by ensuring optimal utilisation of resources.
  • The educational base required for registration as a professional quantity surveying in practice. 
    		•

    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.
    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:
  • Diploma in Building Science, NQF Level 6.
    Or
  • Diploma in Building, NQF Level 6.
    Or
  • Diploma in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management and Project Management, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7, totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 120 Credits:
  • Construction Economics, 24 Credits.
  • Construction Contracts and Administration, 24 Credits.
  • Research Methodology: Quantity Surveying, 12 Credits.
  • Business Development and Management, 24 Credits.
  • Advanced Descriptive Quantification, 24 Credits.
  • Property Law and Valuations, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Prepare tender and contractual documents relating to the builder's work and demonstrate knowledge of procurement methods.
    2. Estimate costs and undertake financial management of construction projects including advice on payments and certification during construction.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to manage building projects and related infrastructure.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to manage the human resources of a construction project.
    5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of construction principles and apply these as a member and/or leader in a project team to manage projects effectively.
    6. Demonstrate knowledge of legal and economic issues affecting the industry in South Africa.
    7. Demonstrate the ability to take full responsibility and accountability for undertaking quantity surveying activities related to the contractual management of construction projects and use of resources in various construction contexts.
    8. Demonstrate the ability to develop and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing within a Construction context using appropriate academic, professional, or occupational discourse.
    9. Demonstrate the ability to manage processes in unfamiliar and variable contexts, recognising that problem solving is context and system bound, and does not occur in isolation. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Quantify and document items and elements of structures and buildings
  • Understand different procurement methods.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Measure, price and analyse development projects.
  • Draft cost plans and perform cost control and cost design.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Organise the construction site and manage the development process of buildings and construction projects.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Perform, manage, and administer the basic functions of the profession in the construction industry.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Explore the requirements for effective team management and communicate effectively on project health and safety aspects with all project team members.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Analyse and apply the legal issues and economic trends related to the construction industry.
  • Apply contract conditions, legislation, and policies appropriately.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Analyse and locate the principles and performance of own work within current practice related to the built environment professions and the construction industry.
  • Analyse construction elements, components, procedures and methods.
  • Forecast the outcomes of development projects in respect of costs.
  • Predict the life cycle performance of buildings with respect to cost and quality.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of basic property investment decisions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Apply written communication skills in report writing and correspondence.
  • Apply oral communication skills in dealing with enquiries from clients, consultants, and colleagues.
  • Apply graphic presentations skills to assist and inform clients, consultants and colleagues in construction-related matters.
  • Use communication skills in engaging with stakeholders and in retrieving and disseminating information.
  • Communicate effective communication routes with construction professionals.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Apply knowledge of research theory and techniques to analyse and address problems arising in construction projects.
  • Analyse and solve problems related to the construction sector.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The assessment methods applied will determine the learner's applied competence and successful completion of this qualification and can be described as follows:

    Modules that are assessed in an examination termination mode are developed as such: Year modules require a minimum of six assessment opportunities during the year, while a minimum of three assessment opportunities are required for semester modules. Scores obtained in these assessments will be collectively calculated to determine the predicate mark.

    A minimum of forty percent is required from accumulated summative assessments as the predicate mark for examination entry. Learners obtaining less than forty percent predicate will be excluded from examination entry and will fail the module. The predicate mark and examination mark will then each equally contribute to the year mark.

    Formative assessment will be used to inform learners about their progress continuously throughout the study. Marks collected from this evidence may be recorded for promotional purposes or may be used for the sole purpose of learner and lecturer reflection, growth, and development. Formative assessment will be used to support the learner developmentally and to provide feedback to all involved in the learning process about how teaching and learning can be improved. Throughout the qualification, formative assessment strategies will be used to ensure that exit level outcomes are achieved.

    Formative assessment will include:
  • Self and peer assessments
  • Group and individual assignments.
  • Projects.
  • Construction Management simulations and tests as a basis on which to provide formative feedback on knowledge gaps, skills application, and possible ways of improvement.
  • Research assignments to provide formative feedback on different aspects of the learner's learning.

    Summative will include:
  • Individual projects and assignments.
  • Group projects and assignments.
  • Case study analyses and presentations.
  • Examinations.
  • Closed book. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying was compared with the following international qualifications with similar content and modules as follows:

    Country: Singapore
    Institution: Trent Global College of Technology and Management
    Qualification Title: Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying
    Duration: Full-Tine: One-year part-Time: 15 months
    NQF Level: Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 5 of Wales and England
    Credits: 120
    Entry requirements:
  • 2 A levels, IB Pass or equivalent Diploma from Singapore polytechnics.
  • Diploma or Advanced Diploma from PEIs equivalent to Trent Global College qualifications.
  • Foundation programme or Diplomas from BCA Academy.
  • International Diploma/Advanced Diploma or equivalent to UK RQF level 3.
  • Mature executives who do not possess the above-mentioned qualifications but are at least 30 years of age with 8 years of working experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

    Qualification structure:
    Trent Global College offers the Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying and the modules are:
  • Construction Contracts.
  • Measurement and cost studies.
  • Cost Planning and Estimation.
  • Quantity Surveying Project.

    Similarities:
  • The main objective of both Trent Global College and South African qualifications is to develop competent Quantity Surveyors who will have the skills to effectively manage projects in the construction market. The similarities are the same length of study and credits.
  • The Trent Global College content is all at the same level and the same purpose as the South African (SA) qualification Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying. The associated assessment criteria are similar. This is a one-year full-time or part-time offering of 120 credits.
  • Context for practice, Quantity Surveying advanced skills with similar module outcomes such as Measurement and costing, Cost planning and Estimation, Construction Contracts, Construction Procurement.

    Differences:
  • The Trent Global College qualification is registered at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 5 whereas the SA qualification is registered at NQF Level 6.
  • The Trent Global College qualification caters for part-time studies whereas the SA qualification offers only full time studies.

    Country: United Kingdom (UK)
    Institution: The College of Contract Management
    Qualification Title: Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying
    NQF Level: The UK's Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 5
    Credits: 240
    Duration: Two years part-time.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have at least a Grade C in GCSE in Maths and English (or equivalent),
    Or
  • Level 3 qualification in Engineering/Science including Mathematics.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The qualification is designed to help you become a highly-skilled professional. The qualification provides learners with a thorough knowledge, and the essential skills and talents to work as successful Quantity Surveying professionals who will play a key role in multi-million-dollar projects. This well-established qualification is set at an intermediate undergraduate level and places academic theory within a practical context as well as enabling you to pass a degree with Honours or distinction in any university in the United Kingdom or overseas.

    The Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying is an accessible step onto a rewarding career path or higher education. Quantity Surveyors are responsible for calculating the budget and costs of a building project. Most importantly, the role combines managerial work with technical work into one highly skilled position. Furthermore, it's a highly responsible job and the salary reflects that, but employers are struggling to fill the demand. Despite being a centuries-old practice, Quantity Surveying is a relatively new discipline in academia in contrast to something like Civil Engineering. As a result, employers are facing a skills shortage as the number of graduates is not meeting the number of Quantity Surveyors needed.

    Generally, the construction sector is one that most people enter straight from school or college because it's generally favoured by people more focused on work than study. Quantity Surveyors earn more money as they get older and more experienced. Furthermore, the future of Quantity Surveyors is looking technical, with the arrival of Building Information Modelling, which will push salaries higher for anyone who can move with the times.

    Qualification structure:
    This Quantity Surveying qualification takes two years to complete, with six modules each year. The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules.
    First Year:
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Fundamental of Engineering Drawings.
  • Construction and Civil Engineering Technology.
  • Managing Sustainable Construction.
  • Construction Project Scheduling.
  • Methods of Measurements and Estimation.
  • Tendering and Procurement Process

    Second Year:
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Construction Contract Law.
  • Cost Planning and Control.
  • Pre-Contract Administration.
  • Post Contract Administration.
  • Value Engineering.
  • Construction Claims and Dispute Resolution.

    Assessment:
  • The open-book online exams are used to assess each module,

    Similarities:
  • Both the College of Contract Management (CCM) and the South African (SA) qualifications offer the Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying with similar modules and content as follows:
    >> Construction Contract Law.
    >> Cost Planning and Control.
    >> Methods of Measurements and Estimation.
    >> Value Engineering.
  • Both qualifications have the same entry requirements, purpose and associated assessment criteria.

    Differences:
  • The CCM qualification is a two-year part-time offering of 240 minimum credits whereas the SA qualification is a one-year full-time study with 120 credits.
  • Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying (240 credits) 1-year Advanced Certificate in Quantity Surveying and added one-year Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying, equivalent to a Higher National Diploma in UK RQF level 5. The UK has 8 RQF levels and this is pegged at level 5 on UK RQF. In SA the Advanced Diploma would be on NQF level 7.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: RMIT University
    Qualification Title: Advanced Diploma of Surveying
    Duration: 6 months full time
    Entry requirements.
  • Diploma in Surveying or equivalent.
  • Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of study by acknowledging earlier, relevant experience

    Purpose:
    Learners will gain the educational and practical training they need to extend their careers in the surveying, mapping, and geographical information systems (GIS) industries. Surveying is an integral part of local, state, and national land management programmes, building and construction projects, environmental studies, navigational systems and monitoring of emergencies. Learners will use technologies and software and take part in land development exercises. They will also learn cadastral surveying.

    Throughout the qualification, learners will design a spatial project plan and learn how to apply quality control measures to the spatial information services industry.

    Exit Level Outcomes:
    On completion of the Advanced Diploma of Surveying, learners will be able to:
  • Manage project risk.
  • Conduct advanced global navigation satellite system (GNSS) control surveys.
  • Conduct identification surveys.
  • Use advanced 2D and 3D computer-aided drafting techniques.
  • Conduct advanced remote sensing analysis.
  • Develop 2D and 3D terrain visualisations.
  • Conduct complex engineering set-out surveys.
  • Monitor engineering structures.
  • Conduct precision surveys.
  • Conduct GNSS surveys.
  • Conduct engineering surveys.
  • Perform complex surveying computations.
  • Perform geodetic surveying computations.
  • Conduct geodetic surveys.
  • Design basic engineering structures.
  • Survey subsurface utility information.
  • Produce maps for land management purposes.
  • Develop subdivision survey designs.
  • Compile and check survey plans.
  • Capture new spatial data.
  • Develop spreadsheets for spatial data.
  • Undertake project work.
  • Undertake site surveys and set-out procedures for building projects.

    As part of the studies, learners will undertake a major project involving responses to real-world surveying problems. Learners will conduct research into your chosen issue, undertake fieldwork, and present the findings.
    Upon completion of the advanced diploma, many students find full-time jobs in the industry as surveying technicians/party leaders. Learners may be employed in the surveying industry as an assistant to a land surveyor, survey technician, survey field party leader, GIS/GPS operator, or computer draftsperson. Learners may initially work in areas such as land management, civil and structural engineering, or asset management for local government or mining companies.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Manage project risk.
  • Conduct advanced GNSS control surveys.
  • Conduct identification surveys.
  • Use advanced 2D & 3D computer-aided drafting (CAD) techniques.
  • Conduct precision surveys.
  • Conduct advanced remote sensing analysis.
  • Develop 2-D and 3-D terrain visualisations.
  • Conduct complex engineering set-out surveys.
  • Monitor engineering structures.

    Similarities:
  • Both the RMIT University and the South African qualifications have the same entry requirements and cater for recognition and prior learning.
  • Both qualifications share a similar purpose, exit level outcomes and rationale in which learners will develop the capacity to conduct an advanced global navigation satellite system, control and monitor complex engineering surveying structures.
    Both qualifications comprise the compulsory modules and similar content modules such as the advanced 2D & 3D computer-aided drafting (CAD) techniques and conducting precision surveys.

    Differences:
  • The duration of the RMIT University qualification is six months whereas the South African qualification is one year of full-time study. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Quantity Surveying, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Built Environment NQF, Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Construction, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Construction in Quantity Surveying, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Quantity, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Construction in Quantity Surveying, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Quantity Surveying, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    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.