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: Correctional Services Manager 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119282  Occupational Certificate: Correctional Services Manager 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-SASSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Safety in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  289  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0522/24  2022-06-21  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 Correctional Services Manager.

A Correctional Services Manager manages and coordinates activities within correctional facilities and environments by ensuring effective safe custody, rehabilitation, and social reintegration of offenders in accordance with all applicable Legislation including engagement of stakeholders.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Manage general operations of the correctional facility to ensure the rehabilitation, development, safe custody, and effective social re-integration of those entrusted in the care of correctional services.
  • Manage general security of the correctional facility in line with the pillars of security (personnel, physical security measures, technological security measures, information, operational security measures and management supervision), to contribute to maintaining and protecting a just, peaceful, and safe society.
  • Manage finances and supply chain related activities to comply with the Public Finance Management Act and to avoid irregular, unauthorised, fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
  • Manage human resources and administration to enhance service delivery and accountability.

    Rationale:
    The Department of Correctional Services contributes towards a safer South Africa through the effective incarceration, rehabilitation, care, and social reintegration of persons who have transgressed against communities and families within society and who are incarcerated in correctional facilities.

    To achieve this, there is a need to develop and empower personnel who are tasked with the responsibility of managing correctional facilities at which persons who have transgressed are incarcerated.

    This qualification is aimed at officials who are currently managing correctional facilities as well as those who aspire to progress in the Department of Correctional Services as Correctional Services Managers. The qualification will provide learners with the necessary knowledge and skills required to carry out their functions efficiently and professionally as Correctional Services Managers. The availability of qualified Correctional Services Managers will ensure an enabled and productive workforce that will effectively facilitate the correctional, rehabilitation, care, and development programmes, thus creating persons who, once released and reintegrated, become contributing and upstanding citizens of the broader society.

    There are similar qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) which focus is on developing qualified learners to operate within the correctional services field which covers functional/operational competencies whilst the Occupational Certificate: Correctional Services Manager covers managerial competencies.

    In addition to the differences identified from the registered qualifications, the Occupational Certificate: Correctional Services Manager targeted learners that are in possession of a relevant correctional services qualification or have acquired experience within the correctional environment who require training according to their responsibilities and aspire to become managers of correctional facilities.

    This qualification allows for possible mobility into managerial positions such as Centre Coordinators, Head of Centres, Head of Community Corrections, Area Commissioner, Area Coordinator, Regional Coordinator, Regional Head, Deputy Regional Commissioner, to name but a few.

    The qualification will benefit the society through services rendered by qualified Correctional Services Managers who will ensure a just, peaceful and safer South Africa as a result of effective and successful rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders entrusted in their care to ensure that all people in the South Africa are and feel safe. The sector will benefit from competent managers who will contribute towards ensuring that the Department of Correctional Services achieves its legislative mandate. In addition to this, the availability of qualified learners, i.e., Correctional Services Managers, will add value in growing the economy through the development various skills development programmes that are offered to inmates and offenders which they can implement to sustain themselves and their family.

    There is currently no registered professional body for this profession, therefore, registration with a professional body is not a requirement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules
  • 134914-000-00-KM-01, Legislative Mandate Applicable for Managerial Functions within Correctional Services, Level 6, 16 Credits.
  • 134914-000-00-KM-02, Management Fundamentals as they Relate to the Correctional Services,
    Level 6, 24 Credits.
  • 134914-000-00-KM-03, Human Resources Management as it Applies to the Correctional Services Environment, Level 6, 16 Credits.
  • 134914-000-00-KM-04, Financial and Supply Chain Management, Level 6, 24 Credits.
  • 134914-000-00-KM-05, Governance, Professionalism and Ethics with Respect to Correctional Services Environment, Level 6, 16 Credits.
  • 134914-000-00-KM-06, End-User Computing within the Correctional Facility, Level 4, 15 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 111

    Practical Skills Modules
  • 134914-000-00-PM-01, Manage General Operations of the Correctional Facility to Ensure the Rehabilitation, Development, Safe Custody, and Effective Social Re-integration of those Entrusted in the Care of Correctional Services, Level 6, 16 Credits.
  • 134914-000-00-PM-02, Manage General Security of the Correctional Facility in line with the Pillars of Security (Personnel, Physical Security Measures, Technological Security Measures, Information, Operational Security Measures and Management Supervision), to Contribute to Maintaining and Protecting a Just, Peaceful, and Safe Society, Level 6, 16 Credits.
  • 134914-000-00-PM-03, Manage Finances and Supply Chain Related Activities to Comply with the Public Finance Management Act and to Avoid Irregular, Unauthorised, Fruitless and Wasteful Expenditure,
    Level 6, 20 Credits.
  • 134914-000-00-PM-04, Manage Human Resources and Administration to Enhance Service Delivery and Accountability, Level 6, 16 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skills Modules: 68

    Work Experience Modules
  • 134914-000-00-WM-01 Management of General Operations to Ensure the Rehabilitation, Development, Safe Custody, and Effective Social Re-integration of those Entrusted in the Care of Correctional Services, Level 6,
    24 Credits.
  • 134914-000-00-WM-02 Management of General Security of the Correctional Facility/Centre in Line with the Pillars of Security (Personnel, Physical Security Measures, Technological Security Measures, Information, Operational Security Measures and Management Supervision), to Contribute to Maintaining and Protecting a Just, Peaceful, and Safe Society, Level 6, 32 Credits.
  • 134914-000-00-WM-03 Manage Finances and Supply Chain Related Activities to Comply with the Public Finance Management Act and to Avoid Irregular, Unauthorised, Fruitless and Wasteful Expenditure,
    Level 6, 24 Credits.
  • 134914-000-00-WM-04 Manage Human Resources and Administration to Enhance Service Delivery and Accountability, Level 6, 30 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 110 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Manage general operations of the correctional facility to ensure the rehabilitation, development, safe custody, and effective social re-integration of those entrusted in the care of correctional services.
    2. Manage general security of the correctional facility in line with the pillars of security (personnel, physical security measures, technological security measures, information, operational security measures and management supervision), to contribute to maintaining and protecting a just, peaceful, and safe society.
    3. Manage finances and supply chain activities to comply with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and to avoid irregular, unauthorized, fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
    4. Manage human resources and administration to enhance service delivery and accountability. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Manage and coordinate the implementation of operations related to the provision of security within a correctional facility.
  • Manage and coordinate the implementation of self-sustainable projects such as agriculture and production workshops within a correctional facility.
  • Manage and coordinate the implementation of care services, including health, within a correctional facility.
  • Manage and coordinate the administration of infrastructure within a correctional facility.
  • Manage and coordinate the implementation of Rehabilitation and Social Re-integration programmes within a correctional facility.
  • Manage and coordinate the implementation of remand detainees bail protocol to alleviate over-crowding (incarceration) within a correctional facility.
  • Manage and coordinate the implementation of operations aimed at dealing with natural disasters including but not limited to communicable diseases, adherence to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, etc., within a correctional facility.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Manage provision of security to personnel within the correctional facility in line with the pillars of security.
  • Manage the implementation of physical security measures within the correctional facility in line with the pillars of security.
  • Manage the implementation of technological security measures within the correctional facility in line with the pillars of security.
  • Manage provision of security with respect to information in line with the pillars of security.
  • Manage the implementation of operational security measures within the correctional facility in line with the pillars of security.
  • Manage provision of management supervision within the correctional facility in line with the pillars of security.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Manage budgets effectively, control expenditure and ensure the efficient use of resources.
  • Monitor and evaluate usage of resources devoted to the provision of services.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Analyse organisation's Human Resources requirements and present evidence of participation in Human Resources recruitment, shortlisting, selection, orientation, and induction processes.
  • Manage the implementation of Governance structures and stakeholder's engagement programmes.
  • Manage the implementation of Performance Management Development Systems and Reward Systems.
  • Manage the implementation of activities related to employees' investigations, disciplinary procedures and grievances.
  • Manage employees' administrative operations such as approval of leave, abscondence etc.

    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.

    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 assessment will be conducted through using an integrated assessment model consisting of written and practical tasks at a centralised accredited assessment centre, by assessors registered with the Assessment Quality Partner (AQP). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification has been compared with similar qualifications offered in New Zealand and Australia.
    The choice of two countries was based on their formalized programmes on Correctional Services studies.

    New Zealand:
    The South African Correctional Services Manager occupational certificate was compared with the New Zealand Certificate in Offender Management (Level 5). The qualification is offered by Skills Organisation. This qualification is aimed at people who are employed as or aspire to become Principal Corrections Officers or an equivalent role in a New Zealand prison environment. The qualification provides learners with knowledge and skills that will enable them to take responsibility for the overall management of staff and prisoners within the unit or area.

    Entry into the qualification is open to any learner who completed the New Zealand Certificate in Offender Management (Level 4) and is currently employed within the New Zealand prison environment.

    The qualification is pitched at level 5 with 60 credits. Upon completion, learners will be able to:
  • Manage and monitor the custodial management of a unit or area within a prison site including safety, security and wellbeing, and the active management of prisoners in accordance with legislation, regulations and organisational policies and procedures, (30 credits).
  • Manage prison resources, and staff rosters to ensure the efficient operation of a unit or area within a prison, (10 credits).
  • Develop staff understanding and capability to respond to emergencies in accordance with policies and procedures, (10 credits).
  • Apply knowledge of the management and leadership of prison staff within a unit or area within a prison (10 credits).

    Graduates will be able to work in varying prison management roles in the Offender Management Sector, private and/or public, such as a Principal Corrections Officer. Graduates may progress on to higher level qualifications in fields such as Compliance, Public Sector Leadership or Business and Management.

    Similarities:
    Similarities have been noted with content covered as well as learners' profile.

    Differences:
    Differences have been found to be with credit values. The South African Correctional Services Manager qualification has a high credit value. This is because of a broader scope that is covered, with legislation and regulations being some of the elements that are broadly covered in the South African qualification.

    Differences have also been found with the structure and composition of the South African qualification. The South African Correctional Services Manager qualification is made up of knowledge modules, practical skills modules, and work experience modules, which extends its offering to be over a lengthy one compared to the New Zealand Certificate in Offender Management, which comprises four (4) unit standards with a credit value of 60.

    Differences have also been identified with the levels at which the two qualifications are pitched at. The South African Correctional Services Manager qualification is pitched at NQF Level 6 whilst the New Zealand Certificate in Offender Management is pitched at Level 5.

    Australia:
    The South African Correctional Services Manager occupational certificate was compared with the Advanced Diploma of Correctional Management. This qualification covers general competencies required by individuals who take the roles of senior management and specialist practitioners within the correctional services environment. This qualification is offered by the Department of Communities and Justice Corrective Services New South Wales (NSW). Although information regarding entry requirements is not provided, according to the Australian career progression, this qualification builds on the Diploma of Correctional Administration-CSC50115. Information about the duration of learning could not be found as it was not provided.

    To be awarded the qualification, learners must complete two (2) core units of competency as well as four (4) elective units of competency, listed below:
    Core units of competency to be completed are:
  • CSCORG023: Provide leadership in justice services.
  • CSCORG024: Plan and implement changes in justice services.

    Regarding elective units of competency, learners can choose any three (3) elective units of competency from the list provided below. The 4th elective unit of competency can be obtained from any learning field of learner's choice.
  • CSCINT008 Coordinate intervention strategies for offenders.
  • CSCOFM023 Establish offender management practices.
  • CSCORG025 Manage the delivery of a quality correctional services.
  • CSCORG026 Establish strategic guidance for correctional services.
  • CSCORG027 Research issues of concern in correctional services.
  • BSBMGT617 Develop and implement a business plan.
  • PSPGOV606A Prepare high-level/sensitive written materials.
  • PSPHR615A Manage human resource development strategies.
  • PSPMNGT602B Manage resources.
  • PSPMNGT615A Influence workforce effectiveness.
  • PSPOHS601B Establish and maintain a workplace safety system.
  • PSPPOL501A Develop organisation policy.
  • PSPPROC607A Manage strategic contracts.
  • PUACOM004B Manage organisational communication strategies.

    Similarities:
    Similarities have been noted with complexity of content covered.

    Differences
    Differences have been found with the structure and composition of the South African qualification. The South African Correctional Services Manager qualification is made up of knowledge modules, practical skills modules, and work experience modules whilst the Advanced Diploma of Correctional Management comprises units of competency.

    The South African qualification covers a broad scope of content whilst the core content that is covered in the Australian qualification is limited.

    Comparison with regards to credits, duration and level of the qualification, was not possible as this information was not provided.

    Conclusion
    The South African Correctional Services Manager qualification compares favourably with qualifications offered in other countries in terms of scope, complexity, and area of practice. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Parole Board Member (Offender Placement and Release Practitioner), NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Correctional and Rehabilitation Studies, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Applied Social Science in Community Service, NQF Level 7 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

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

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
  • A minimum of three years of experience within the correctional services environment.

    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: Correctional Services Manager: 134914-000-00-00.

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

    Assessment Quality Partner:
  • SASSETA 
    		•

    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.