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: Automotive Engine Assembler 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119428  Occupational Certificate: Automotive Engine Assembler 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MERSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Part-Qualification  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  93  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  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:
An Engine Assembler inspects, assesses, and assembles internal combustion engines.

Rationale:
This is one of the derived Occupational Certificate: Automotive Engine Fitter qualifications. It comprises proficiencies that will allow qualified learners to pursue a career as an Engine Assembler within the automotive industry.

The part-qualification is aimed at both new entrants as well as learners who have been working within the automotive industry. Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to inspect, assess and assemble internal combustion engines.

This part-qualification will also provide learners with a foundation to complete the remaining Automotive Engine Fitter modules. Subject to the summative assessment results, learners will be awarded the Automotive Engine Fitter qualification.

Learners can advance their careers by enrolling in higher level automotive related qualifications. This will empower them with knowledge and skills that will enable them to take more responsibilities and/ or higher-level occupations.

Learners who successfully complete this qualification can participate effectively in the automotive industry, whether in small, medium, and large enterprises. 

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.

    Entry Requirements:
  • An NQF Level 1 qualification with Mathematics and Science. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

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

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 653109-000-00-KM-01, Workplace fundamentals, Level 2, 9 Credits.
  • 653109-000-00-KM-03, Vehicle and equipment fundamentals, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 653109-000-00-KM-04, Basic engine systems, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 653109-000-00-KM-05, Vehicle, equipment, and propulsion systems, Level 3, 13 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 38

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 653109-000-00-PM-06, Measure and assess engine components to given specifications for machining and assembling, Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • 653109-000-00-PM-07, Assemble petrol engines, Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • 653109-000-00-PM-08, Assemble diesel engines, Level 3, 8 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 20

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 653109-000-00-WM-03, Assemble engine components and engine after assessment and measuring, Level 3,
    35 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 35 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Inspect, assess, and assemble internal combustion engines. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Written and oral answers to questions demonstrate an understanding of the general principles and critical issues relating to inspecting, measuring, assessing and assembling internal combustion engines according to accepted industry standards.
  • Inspect, measure, assess, and assembled engine components according to applicable standard processes.
  • Source and correctly interpret technical information.
  • Plan the works is systematically and prepare the work area according to task requirements.
  • Dispose of all waste materials and restore the work area according to health, safety and environmental requirements.
  • Preform all activities with confidence.
  • Workmanship meets industry standards.
  • Perform all activities according to safety and environmental requirements.

    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 for the qualification will be conducted by means of a written exam in decentralised assessment centres and the evaluation of on-the-job performance in the workplace within 1 day". 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Automotive Engine Assembler is one of the Automotive Engine Fitter derived qualifications. Therefore, cognizance was taken considering this, when conducting the international comparability study for the Automotive Engine Fitter. This was done in against qualifications offered in New- Zealand and Australia. The two countries were chosen due to advanced technology in the two countries. Comparison was done against scope, complexity, duration, and entry requirements.

    New-Zealand offers a qualification that is registered at level 4 (ANZSCO Skill Levels). To qualify for entry into the qualification, learners should belong to an organisation within the motor industry as apprentices. Training is in the form of an apprenticeship which takes four years to complete. Learners who have gained experience within the motor industry for three years may qualify as for this qualification. Learners who gained experience within the motor industry for three years may qualify for this qualification. In some instances, on the job training may be required to consolidate knowledge learnt and skills gained from the learning process.

    Upon completion of an apprenticeship, learners will be able to:
  • Detect and diagnose faults in engines and parts.
  • Dismantle and remove engine assemblies, transmissions, steering mechanisms, and other components, and checking parts.
  • Repair and replace worn and defective parts and reassembling mechanical components, and referring to service manuals as needed.
  • Perform scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications, and engine tune-ups, to achieve smoother running of vehicles and ensure compliance with pollution regulations.
  • Reassemble engines and parts after being repaired.
  • Test and adjust mechanical parts after being repaired for proper performance.
  • Diagnose and test parts with the assistance of computers.
  • May inspect vehicles and issue roadworthiness certificates or detail work required to achieve roadworthiness.

    Upon completion of this qualification, learners may qualify in any of these occupations:
  • Motor Mechanic (General).
  • Diesel Motor Mechanic.
  • Motorcycle Mechanic.
  • Small Engine Mechanic.

    In some instances, registration or licensing may be required to practice in the occupation.

    Australia:
    Australia offers two qualifications for motor mechanics (UNIT GROUP 3212 MOTOR MECHANICS). These are AQF Certificate III, which is pegged at NQF level 3 which includes at least two years of on-the-job training and AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3), that is pegged at NQF level 4. Upon completion of the training, qualified motor mechanics will be able to repair, maintain and test motor vehicle and other internal combustion engines and related mechanical components. Contents of the qualifications could not be found.

    Learners who are employed within the motor industry have the best chance of entry into the qualification. The attainment of the qualification is through apprenticeship over a period of four years. Learners with three years of experience may be awarded the qualification.

    TAFE Queensland, an international training provider based in Australia, offers a certificate for Diesel Engine Technicians titled Certificate III in Automotive Diesel Engine Technology-AUR31512. Upon completion of the course, learners can diagnose, repair, and find faults in engines, fuel systems and electrical systems in diesel machinery. To qualify for entry into the learning programme, learners are expected be in an existing contract as apprentices in the field of automotive diesel engine technology.

    Similarities:
    Similarities between the South African Automotive Engine Assembler occupational qualification and the international Automotive related occupational qualifications have been found with the purpose or description of the occupation, the contents or scope of the qualification, the competencies to be demonstrated by a qualified learner and the way in which training is offered. It has also been noted that learners learn both theory and practical skills in an integrated manner.

    Differences:
    Differences have been found to be with the design or packaging of the qualifications in the countries whose qualifications have been compared to the South African occupational qualification visited. The South African occupational qualification is designed such that it has the three components of learning design, these being knowledge modules, practical modules, and work experience modules whereas those offered in the two countries visited, are comprised of unit standards. Differences have also been found with the duration of learning.

    Conclusion:
    The South African Automotive Engine Assembler compares favourably with other automotive engine fitters related qualifications offered in other countries in terms of scope and complexity. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Engine Management and Fuel Injection Systems Assistant, NQF level 3.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Automotive Motor Mechanic, NQF Level 4.
  • Occupational Certificate: Diesel Fitter, NQF Level 4. 

  • 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.

    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: Automotive Engine Assembler: 653109-000-00-02.

    Encompassed Trades:
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • None.

    Assessment Quality Partner:
  • National Artisan Moderating Body (NAMB).

    Parent Qualification
  • Occupational Certificate: Automotive Engine Fitter NQF Level 4.

    Related Part-Qualifications
  • Occupational Certificate: Automotive Engine Dismantler NQF Level 2. 

  • 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.