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: Commissioned Police Officer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119424  Occupational Certificate: Commissioned Police Officer 
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  150  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0522/24  2022-08-04  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 Commissioned Police Officer.

A Commissioned Police Officer ensures adherence to the Constitution and other relevant legal prescripts. He/she applies management skills to implement strategies, national instructions, and policies to ensure quality service delivery according to standards which will ensure client satisfaction. He/she leads and motivates teams and commands and controls the utilisation of resources to achieve operational objectives.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Ensure applicable regulatory framework is adhered to in a policing environment.
  • Develop, analyse, interpret, implement, and evaluate performance plans in the field of policing in support and operational environment.
  • Apply management and leadership skills to command-and-control optimised utilisation of resources and achievement of operational objectives.
  • Manage the adherence to quality service delivery and monitor and evaluate the success of corrective actions.
  • Implement internal and external workplace relations in a policing environment.

    Rationale:
    This qualification primarily derives from the workplace-based needs of the sector Safety in Society to enhance managerial competencies. This qualification will further ensure better service delivery to the community, thereby providing a safe and secure community environment which will enhance the growth of the economy. The need for this qualification is to obtain a nationally recognised qualification in the management of the law enforcement environment and to uplift the professional management standards of policing.

    This qualification is in line with the vision of the National Development Plan of the Republic of South Africa to professionalise the police service. The South African Police Service will benefit from this qualification as it will enhance management of resources and policing practices. This qualification will contribute to the sector needs by empowering law enforcement personnel in the execution of their prime function which is ensuring a safe and secure environment for all people within the country.

    Learners will benefit by improved managerial competencies / employability due to the management specialisations embedded in this qualification assisting them in the development of effective systems and the creation of standardised management capabilities. It will contribute to an in-depth understanding of the possible causes of crime, criminal preventative method and the criminal justice system.

    The benefit to society and economy will be improved police practices which will reduce crime and civil claims and will promote confidence, which will attract investment. The Safety in Society and Sovereignty of the State sub-fields will especially benefit in that it will provide managerial competencies needed for persons employed in law enforcement agencies and organizations.

    The current registered policing qualification addresses the broader spectrum of policing functions. The focus of the qualification Occupational Certificate: Commissioned Police Officer is on managerial competencies as it pertains to the SAPS.

    Typical learners are current members of law enforcement agencies at the junior management level who command and control subordinates and policing functions.

    This qualification allows learners employed in SAPS to progress from elementary law enforcement functions to management functions to perform relevant roles in the broader law enforcement environment.
    This qualification does not require registration with a professional body because there are currently no associations for SAPS members. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
  • 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 provider or workplace 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.

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

    Entry Requirements:
  • An NQF Level 5 qualification in a Policing environment. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules
  • 34913-000-00-KM-01, Regulatory Framework of Policing Environment, Level 6, 4 Credits.
  • 34913-000-00-KM-02, Quality Service Orientated Policing, Level 6, 5 Credits.
  • 34913-000-00-KM-03, Professional Leadership, Level 6, 4 Credits.
  • 34913-000-00-KM-04, Communication, Level 6, 3 Credits.
  • 34913-000-00-KM-05, Principles of Public Finance Management, Level 6, 2 Credits.
  • 34913-000-00-KM-06, Supply Chain Management, Level 6, 4 Credits.
  • 34913-000-00-KM-07, Human Resource Management, Level 6, 6 Credits.
  • 34913-000-00-KM-08, Introduction to Project Management, Level 6, 3 Credits.
  • 34913-000-00-KM-09, Command and Control: Operational Management (CSC, Crime Prevention, Crime Scene Management), Level 6, 6 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 37

    Practical Skill Modules
  • 34913-000-00-PM-01, Interpret and Apply Legislation, Policies and Directives and Ensure Compliance, Level 6, 2 Credits.
  • 34913-000-00-PM-02 Conduct Evaluations and Inspections, Level 6, 3 Credits.
  • 34913-000-00-PM-03, Ensure Compliance with Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards, Level 6, Credits.2
  • 34913-000-00-PM-04, Implement the Operational Plan in a Section, Level 6, 8 Credits.
  • 34913-000-00-PM-05, Utilise a Document Management System, Level 6, 2 Credits.
  • 34913-000-00-PM-06, Command and Control Support Services or Operations, Level 6, 6 Credits.
  • 34913-000-00-PM-07, Manage Finances of a Section, Level 6, 2 Credits.
  • 34913-000-00-PM-08, Manage Human Resources of a Section, Level 6, 2 Credits.
  • 34913-000-00-PM-09, Apply Supply Chain Management Principles and Procedures, Level 6, 3 Credits.
  • 34913-000-00-PM-10, Manage the Flow and Control of Communication within the Section, Level 6, 2 Credits.
  • 34913-000-00-PM-11, Facilitate Unambiguous Communication on Organisational Goals and Objectives, Level 6, 2 Credits.
  • 34913-000-00-PM-12, Manage Customers and Stakeholders, Level 6, 2 Credits.
  • 34913-000-00-PM-13, Manage Labour Relations, Discipline, Grievances and Conflict in the Section, Level 6,
    3 Credits.
  • 34913-000-00-PM-14, Develop Professional Teams to Achieve Goals and Objectives, Level 6, 2 Credits.
  • 34913-000-00-PM-15, Command and Control in Operational or Support Environments, Level 6, 6 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 47

    Work Experience Modules
  • 34913-000-00-WM-01, Compliance with Regulatory Framework, Level 6, 12 Credits.
  • 34913-000-00-WM-02, Operational Plans, Level 6, 10 Credits.
  • 34913-000-00-WM-03, Command and Control of Resources, Level 6, 20 Credits.
  • 34913-000-00-WM-04, Service Delivery, Level 6, 12 Credits.
  • 34913-000-00-WM-05 Workplace Relations and Professional Teams, Level 6, 12 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 66 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Adhere to applicable regulatory framework in a policing environment.
    2. Develop, analyse, interpret, implement, and evaluate operational plans in the field of policing in support and operational environment.
    3. Apply management and leadership skills to command-and-control optimised utilisation of resources and achievement of operational targets.
    4. Manage the adherence to quality service delivery, monitor and evaluate the success of corrective actions.
    5. Implement internal and external workplace relations in the field of policing environment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Evaluate the role and supremacy of the Constitution of South Africa in terms of its position in relation to other legislation.
  • Apply detailed knowledge of regulatory framework to effectively manage the environment within the law enforcement domain.
  • Apply prescribed processes in line with the regulatory framework to ensure data integrity and compliance to standards.
  • Assess compliance to legislation to determine potential areas of improvement. Range: Legislation may refer to Basic Conditions of Employment, Skills Development Act and Employment Equity, Public Financial Management Act, as well as certain organisational policies and procedures such as Human Resources Strategies etc.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Command and control daily operations or practices in line with national instructions, directives, performance enhancement plan (PEP), annual operational plan (AOP) to achieve the objectives of the desired outputs as reflected in the annual performance plan (APP).
  • Gather and analyse raw data and information from internal/external resources and systems to address the identified need (operational and support) to compile and analyse data/reports continuously through data analysis techniques to achieve the strategic objectives of South African Police Service (SAPS).
  • Apply performance management principles within a work context and assess resources for utilisation purposes. Range: Resources include but are not limited to human, financial, information and physical resources.
  • Collate and review operational plans, considering operational activities to determine their effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Execute operational actions and apply problem-solving strategies within the micro and macro environment within the policing environment, criminal justice system, social development, community, etc. ensuring adherence to the mandate of the SAPS to develop proactive and responsive policing service.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Analyse complex situations to determine solutions. Range: Situations may refer to but are not limited to crimes and incidents.
  • Evaluate the principles of partnership policing to enhance partnerships with other stakeholders. Range: Principles of partnership policing refer to community structures, implementation of sector/community policing and setting up of partnership and crime prevention initiatives.
  • Apply detailed knowledge of management and leadership concepts to effectively manage physical and human resources and finances according to regulatory framework to ensure compliance and improve service delivery relevant to own working environment.
  • Evaluate, identify and address own performance and that of subordinate's task specific learning needs (through PEP, mentoring, coaching, etc.) to ensure improvement of service delivery.
  • Compile reports to management on subordinates in a prescribed format to address the identified need (operational and support) in own environment.
  • Evaluate risk factors to determine possible influences. Range: Factors may include but are not limited to safety precautions and standard operating procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply different approaches as the situation or task changes to adapt to different situations.
  • Understand and explain situations to subordinates and co-workers daily to adhere to the code of conduct and ethical values in the execution of duties.
  • Lead individuals and teams by applying leadership skills and according to national instructions to enhance service delivery.
    prescripts. Range: Legal prescripts may refer to but are not limited to current sections of the Acts which deal with grievance procedures such as the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.
  • Assess grievance procedures in terms of the processes to be followed by employees.
  • Manage conflicts within the workplace in terms of organisational policy.
  • Generate recommendations through problem-solving management skills and techniques to solve challenges within own environment.
  • Apply team principles and concepts in directing and guiding members (coach and mentor) to function within the team to enhance team performance.

    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 assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of the qualification. The integrated external assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria.

    The external integrated assessment will consist of a combination of a theoretical examination and a practical assessment during which competence and applied knowledge will be assessed. Completion of documentation related to the demonstration will be assessed as a product.

    The EIA will be conducted at accredited assessment centres by an assessor registered by the AQP. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Comparison was made with qualifications from Australia and Canada

    Australia
    The Australian Government qualification, the POL60118 Advanced Diploma of Police Supervision was used for comparability. This qualification is aimed at persons in a supervisory role and includes coaching and sets an agreed minimum standard for police personnel. It mentions that the qualification must be contextualised within a specific police jurisdiction/agency/organisation's policies and procedures.

    There is no indication of entry requirements set for this qualification. The level and duration is not specified. The provider is not specified. Rules of combination entails six compulsory core units of competency which a learner must achieve. These modules are:
  • Develop high performing teams within policing.
  • Conduct risk management activities in a policing environment.
  • Plan policing operations and responses.
  • Supervise policing responses.
  • Promote safety and wellbeing within policing.
  • Facilitate community and stakeholder engagement for policing purposes.

    Each of these above units has a managerial aspect, namely planning, developing teams, supervising, promoting wellbeing and facilitating stakeholder engagement.

    Similarities
    All the above aspects, namely planning, developing teams, supervising, promoting wellbeing and facilitating stakeholder engagement of the Australian qualification are covered in the Occupational Certificate: Commissioned Police Officer.

    Differences
    However, the above managerial aspects in the Australian qualification are more related to the operational aspect of policing whereas the Occupational Certificate: Commissioned Police Officer, includes both operational and support functions of SAPS. The composition of the Occupational Certificate: Commissioned Police Officer entails theory, practical skills, and work experience, which is not the case with the Australian qualification.

    Canada
    The Dalhousie University in Canada offers the Advanced Certificate in Police Leadership. The level and duration of the qualification is not indicated. The aim of this qualification is to provide police members with an improved understanding of the functioning of police organisations and planning strategically.

    It consists of several aspects including:
  • Identify personal leadership strengths and challenges.
  • Personal leadership skills enhancement.
  • Counselling, coaching, and consulting.
  • Improvement in the organisation and areas of strength.
  • Use of leadership techniques and practices.
  • Budgeting and financial management for police services.
  • Coaching skills for leaders.
  • Communication skills for police personnel.
  • Ethics for police leaders.
  • Strategic HR management for police organisations.
  • Strategic management through evidence-based policing.
  • Policing the modern community: dealing with diversity and difference.
  • Career development and planning.
  • Building trust in the organisation.
  • Motivation.
  • Ethics.

    The content of the Advanced Certificate in Police Leadership focusses on management, namely management of resources, leadership, organisational improvement, coaching and career development.
    Similarities
    The aspects management of resources, leadership, organisational improvement, coaching and career development are similar between the content of the Occupational Certificate: Commissioned Police Officer and Advanced Certificate in Police Leadership.

    Differences
    The Occupational Certificate: Commissioned Police Officer does not include the aspect of strategic management through evidence-based policing. The composition of the Occupational Certificate: Commissioned Police Officer entails theory, practical skills, and work experience, which is not the case with the Canadian qualification.

    Conclusion
    The Occupational Certificate: Commissioned Police Officer compares favourably with the two international qualifications. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Traffic Officer, NQF Level 06.
  • Occupational Certificate: Parole Board Member (Offender Placement and Release Practitioner), NQF Level 06.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor: Policing Practices, NQF Level 07. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    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.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
  • None.

    Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers:
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.

    The curriculum title and code are: Commissioned Police Officer and 134913-000-00-00

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

    Assessment Quality Partner:
  • Safety and Security SETA 
    		•

    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.