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: Electronic Pre-press Screen Technician

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
119435	Occupational Certificate: Electronic Pre-press Screen Technician
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - PIFSA
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate	Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology		Manufacturing and Assembly
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	550	Not Applicable	NQF Level 04	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 operate as an Electronic Pre-press Screen Technician.

An Electronic Pre-press Screen Technician interrogates and pre-flights pre-press media, creates print layouts and impositions, prepares contract proofs and sets- up, operates and maintains equipment to produce an image carrier to enable print. The final product produced by this technician is a screen that is ready to be used on a printing press.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Evaluate and pre-flight pre-press media for screen printing.

Use computer applications to create print layouts and impositions for screen printing.

Prepare contract proofs for screen printing.

Produce image carriers for screen printing.

Rationale:
An Electronic Pre-press Screen Technician plays a crucial role in the printing industry as their work determines the set-up of a printing press to ensure efficiency, cost-saving and ultimately the quality of the printed product. Printing SA engaged with the printing industry to address the concerns regarding the competitiveness of the industry against international markets during which the Printing Trades and Occupations were identified as scarce and critical skills in the industry. Electronic Pre-press Screen Technicians currently receive training at their places of work; but the extent of this training cannot be measured in terms of complexity and remains unaccredited because there is no national standard or qualification that can serve as a benchmark. This qualification will have far-reaching implications to those who are in the trade as training programmes developed against this qualification will enjoy national recognition.

The qualification also specifies the training requirements for a part-qualification, which is: Electronic Pre-press Screen-maker. In light of the above, this qualification will have far-reaching positive implications for those who are or intend to be in the trade. Typical learners for this qualification or its part-qualification are school leavers, qualifying learners from the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college or employees in the printing industry.

Learners will receive a high standard of training and education that is occupationally aligned. Once qualified, learners will be able to further their education and will be able to obtain access to printing-related programmes and qualifications. While such registered qualifications do not currently exist at an NQF Level 5 or higher, it is envisaged that Pre-press Supervisory and or Master Craftsmen qualifications will be developed soon to provide career pathway opportunities. Employers in the electronic pre-press and printing industries will gain access to suitably qualified personnel who will produce high-quality work through the training - commensurate to industry standards that they have received.

By creating career pathways in the sector, employees will be able to progress from general factory workers to qualified Artisans. The work of Electronic Pre-press Screen Technicians is critical to the economy because of the fundamental role printing and print products play in the lives of every South African.

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:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Any NQF Level 2 qualification.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

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

Knowledge Modules:

662101-003-00KM-01, Introduction to the Printing and Packaging Industry, Level 3, 4 Credits.

662101-003-00-KM-02, Legal and Regulatory Requirements, Level 3, 15 Credits.

662101-003-00-KM-03, Printing Science and Chemistry, Level 3, 7 Credits.

662101-003-00-KM-04, Quality Studies in the Printing and Packaging Industry, Level 4, 4 Credits.

662101-003-00-KM-05, Productivity and Economics, Level 3, 11 Credits.

662101-003-00-KM-06, Workplace Fundamentals, Level 3, 7 Credits.

662101-003-00-KM-07, Receiving Digital Data and File Preparation in a Screen-Printing Environment, Level 4, 13 Credits.

662101-003-00-KM-08, Pre-Flighting Preparation in a Screen-Printing Environment, Level 4,
15 Credits.

662101-003-00-KM-09, Preparation of Contract Proofs in a Screen-Printing Environment, Level 4, 13 Credits.

662101-003-00-KM-10, Creating Print Layouts and Impositions in a Screen-Printing Environment, Level 3, 13 Credits.

662101-003-00-KM-11, Image Carriers for Screen Printing, Level 3, 8 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 110

Practical Skill Modules:

662101-003-00-PM-01, Receive and Pre-Flight Digital Data in a Screen-Printing Environment,
Level 4, 32 Credits.

662101-003-00-PM-02, Create Impositions and Layouts as per Print and Print Finishing Requirements in a Screen-Printing Environment, Level 4, 50 Credits.

662101-003-00-PM-03, Prepare Contract Proofs for Printing in a Screen-Printing Environment,
Level 4, 32 Credits.

662101-003-00-PM-04, Produce Screens for Screen Printing, Level 3, 48 Credits.

662101-003-00-PM-05, Comply with Safety, Health and Environmental Protection Best Practices and Procedures for a Printing Environment, Level 2, 4 Credits.

662101-003-00-PM-06, Supervise a Team in a Screen-Printing Environment, Level 4, 6 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 172

Work Experience Modules:

662101-003-00-WM-01, Processes to Acquire Familiarity with the Printing Environment, Level 4, 14 Credits.

662101-003-00-WM-02, Structured Planning and Communication Processes in the Workplace, Level 4, 3 Credits.

662101-003-00-WM-03, Processes to Receive and Pre-Flight Digital Data in a Screen-Printing Environment, Level 4, 79 Credits.

662101-003-00-WM-04, Processes to Create Impositions and Layouts as per Print and Print Finishing Requirements in a Screen-Printing Environment, Level 4, 64 Credits.

662101-003-00-WM-05, Processes to Prepare Contract Proofs for Printing in a Screen-Printing Environment, Level 4, 64 Credits.

662101-003-00-WM-06, Processes to Produce Screens for Screen-Printing, Level 3, 44 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 268

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Receive and identify files for screen printing.
2. Evaluate and perform pre-flight checks on pre-press media for screen-printing.
3. Create print layouts and impositions for screen printing
4. Prepare contract proofs for screen printing.
5. Produce image carriers for screen printing

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Interpret work ticket correctly.

Determine the appropriateness of the files received.

Identify file formats correctly and name and save files to specific location.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Analysis of pre-flight report indicates that all the relevant pre-flight parameters are interpreted and checked.

Address pre-flight warnings and errors correctly.

Create accurate print-ready files using appropriate applications correctly.

Complete the tasks within specified time.

An understanding of the evaluation and pre-flight checking of pre-press media is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Create imposition templates and add components for specific press and post press operations.> Create imposition schemes that meet print, post- press, process and customer requirements.

Submit pages/files correctly to an automated imposition system or assign and orientate to a manual imposition system correctly.

Create print layouts using layout software and assign artwork to correct scheme.

Create die-line according to tooling requirement and place artwork correctly and corrected to print specifications, where applicable.

Apply distortion correctly.

Create output file using the correct techniques.

Complete the tasks within specified time.

Demonstrate an understanding of creating print layouts and impositions for screen-printing.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Maintain and calibrate pre-press proofing devices.

Produce soft and hard proofs according to appropriate industry standards

Carry out quality assurance tests/checks correctly and evaluate and submit printed result to customer for approval.

Complete the tasks within specified time

Demonstrate an understanding of preparing contract proofs for screen printing.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Submit files to the RIP and according to job specifications.

Produce screen using the appropriate screen-making procedures.

Manage image carrier production queue correctly.

Perform quality assurance processes correctly and at the appropriate times.

Handle, care and store materials used for making screen as per product specifications.

Maintain and clean screen-making equipment according to schedules.

Screen-making equipment is calibrated using appropriate techniques.

Adhere to all relevant safety precautions.

Complete the tasks within specified time.

Demonstrate an understanding of the screen-making.

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 external integrated assessment will be conducted through a trade test as prescribed under section 26 D of the Skills Development Act and defined in the Trade Test Regulations. It will be conducted through an evaluation of written and practical tasks covering critical aspects in a simulated environment at an assessment centre accredited by QCTO and conducted by an assessor registered by the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB).

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The qualification was compared with similar qualifications from England and Australia.

England
City and Guilds Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Pre-Press and the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Digital Pre-Press very closely resemble the South African qualification.

The Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Pre-Press covers the following units:
Mandatory:

Maintain Health and Safety within a print related working environment.

Communicating and working with others in the print working environment.

Knowledge of the organisations printing processes and related information.

Option stream:

Send and receive digital files.

Output digital image carriers for print.

Make photopolymer plates for flexographic printing.

Make lithographic printing plates.

Make gravure cylinders Level.

Prepare stencils for printing.

The Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Digital Pre-Press covers the following units:
Mandatory:

Promote and Maintain Health and Safety in a print related working environment.

Contribute to improving the effectiveness of the print organisation.

Send and receive digital files.

Maintain digital systems in working order.

Plan work to meet production requirements.

Understanding the Print Industry.

Optional stream:

Design and produce creative digital colour artwork for print.

Produce approved colour proofs from digital artwork.

Manage colour reproduction in digital prepress.

Pre-flight digital files.

Output Digital Image Carriers for Print.

Plan and produce edited images.

Make photopolymer plates for flexographic printing.

Make lithographic printing plates.

Make gravure cylinders.

Prepare stencils for printing.

Australia
The qualifications on the Australian Qualifications Framework that resonate with this qualification are: Certificate III in Printing and Graphic Arts (Graphic Pre-press) and Certificate IV in Printing and Graphic Arts (Graphic Pre-press) by Australian Skills Management Institute.

Information from Certificates III and IV (units common to this qualification)

Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices.

Apply knowledge of the graphic pre-press sector.

Access and use the Internet.

Capture a digital image.

Edit a digital image.

Produce pages using a page layout application.

Manually combine spot colour and basic four-colour images.

Output images.

Produce offset lithographic plates.

Make photopolymer plates (flexographic).

Manage colour.

Produce and manage basic digital print.

Introduction to colour management.

Set up and produce basic digital print.

Use colour management for production

Pre-flight and import complex images for digital device.

Manage digital files.

Set up and use complex colour management for production.

Generate complex imposition.

Apply quality assurance.

Digitise complex images for reproduction.

Promote team effectiveness.

Output complex images direct to plate or press.

Conclusion
This qualification compares favourably with the above qualifications in terms content and complexity.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Occupational Certificate: Electronic Pre-press Lithographic Technician, NQF Level 4.

Occupational Certificate: Electronic Pre-press Flexographic Technician, NQF Level 4.

Vertical Articulation:
This qualification does not currently articulate vertically to any registered qualification at an NQF Level 5 or higher. It is envisaged that Pre-press Supervisory and or Master Craftsmen qualifications will be developed soon to provide career pathway opportunities.

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:
Colour vision testing.

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 Electronic Pre-press Screen Technician: 662101-003-00-00.

Encompassed Trades:
None.

Assessment Quality Partner:
National Artisan Moderation Body.

RELATED PART-QUALIFICATIONS

Occupational Certificate: Electronic Pre-press Screen-Maker, NQF Level 3.

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.

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