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: Railway Signalling Fault Finder and Maintainer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119442  Occupational Certificate: Railway Signalling Fault Finder and Maintainer 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner- TETA 
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  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  366  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 a Railway Signalling Fault Finder and Maintainer. A Railway Signalling Fault Finder and Maintainer performs fault finding, repairs, and maintenance of signalling equipment.
A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Perform fault finding, repair, and maintenance of signalling equipment.

    Rationale:
    The South African government has set as a priority the shifting of as much traffic as possible - both freight and passenger services - from the road to rail. This move necessitates the timely development of the critical competencies of all services closely related to efficient functioning of both freight and passenger train services, and Railway Signalling Maintenance Mechanician is a significant component of these services. Efficiencies in transport systems are closely related to positive socio-economic changes. The reliable functioning of all railway equipment and systems to ensure the safe running of trains are at the core of this relationship. Economic opportunities are likely to increase where train infrastructure systems are geared towards efficient functioning to ensure access to markets and related economic opportunities.
    Efficiently operated rail transport system will reduce the volume of road traffic pressures on our roads. When more volumes move by motor powered rolling stock supported by efficient signal equipment and systems, more jobs will be created as this ensures economic growth.
    Persons operating within the rail transport industry, as well as other transport services, will benefit from all aspects of this qualification (theoretical, practical and work experience competencies) as it is needed to render effective and efficient rail transport services. These services are essential for operational requirements of all train services entering South Africa from neighbouring countries. As such, this qualification is essential to set the benchmark for all Railway Signalling Fault Finders and Maintainers operating in South Africa as well as neighbouring countries.

    The range of typical learners will, therefore, come from within the rail environment, from other sectors and outside the country. The Railway Signalling Fault Finder and Maintainer is part of a suit of occupational qualifications that has been developed by the rail sector to provide a learning pathway which includes the Train Control Officer, Electricians, Train Driver and other related occupations within the railway environment. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (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 or certifying a work experience
    record.

    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 4 qualification with Mathematics and Science. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

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

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 672107-001-00-KM-01, Introduction to Railway Signalling, Level 2, 12 Credits.
  • 672107-001-00-KM-02, Basic Principles of Health, Safety and Quality, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 672107-001-00-KM-03, Occupational Health, Safety and Environment, Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 672107-001-00-KM-04, Railway Signalling Tools, Measuring Equipment, Materials and Technique, Level 2,
    10 Credits.
  • 672107-001-00-KM-05, Electrical Systems and Basic Electronic, Hydraulic and Pneumatic Principles,
    Level 4, 15 Credits
  • 672107-001-00-KM-06, Symbols in Railway Signalling Technology, Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 672107-001-00-KM-10, Railway Signalling Technology for Maintenance, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 672107-001-00-KM-11, Railway Signalling Technology for Fault Finding, Level 4, 30 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 90

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 672107-001-00-PM-01, Read, Interpret and Analyse the Engineering Designs, Level 4, 3 Credits.
  • 672107-001-00-PM-05, Communicate in the Railway Signalling Industry, Level 4, 3 Credits.
  • 672107-001-00-PM-06, Diagnose, Locate Fault, Repair, Maintain and Test Functionality on the Signalling
    Equipment, Level 4, 130 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 136

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 672107-001-00-WM-03, Perform Maintenance Processes and Procedures of Conducting Fault Finding and
    Repairing of Signalling Components, Level 4, 140 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 140 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of the theory underpinning working safely on railway signal fault finding and maintenance.
    2. Perform fault finding, repair, and maintenance of signalling equipment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Discuss different ways of labelling railway signalling conductors.
  • Identify and discuss different colour codes used in labelling railway signalling conductors.
  • Identify the electronic components used for railway signalling and describe their functions and applications.
  • Explain hydraulic and pneumatic symbols.
  • Make freehand sketches of hydraulic and pneumatic circuits.
  • Identify hydraulic components and describe and explain their purpose and functions.
  • Describe and explain the construction and operation of hydraulic and pneumatic circuits and indicate the
    direction of air and oil flow.
  • Describe and explain hydraulic and pneumatic applications in railway signalling.
  • Describe safety precautions to be taken when working with hydraulic and pneumatic applications and
    explain the reasons for these.
  • Define and explain electrical terms and electrical symbols.
  • Describe and explain safe work practices for working with electricity.
  • Identify components in electrical circuits, and describe the function of each component using the correct
    terminology.
  • Discus railway signal fault finding and maintenance, including but not limited to:
    o specification of maintenance of track vacancy detection systems.
    o process of functional and correspondence tests.
    o specification for maintenance of railway signals.
    o specification of maintenance of point machine.
    o specification of maintenance of track vacancy detection systems.
    o methods to configure signal systems.
    o indicators of discrepancies in signal systems configuration process.
    o safety elements of track vacancy detection system fault finding.
    o process of communicating feedback after reporting a fault on a track vacancy detection system.
    o process of performing functional and correspondence test on track vacancy detection systems.
    o process of communicating feedback after reporting a signal fault.
    o process of performing signal functional and correspondence tests.
    o process of communicating feedback after reporting a point machine fault.
    o process of performing points machine functional and correspondence tests.
    o process of communicating feedback after reporting an interlocking fault.
    o process of performing interlocking functional and correspondence tests.
    o process of communicating feedback after reporting a remote-control fault.
    o process of performing remote control functional and correspondence tests.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Undertake planning and preparation to perform fault finding, repair and maintenance activities in accordance
    with task specifications.
  • Conduct fault finding, repairing, and maintenance activities on railway signalling equipment in accordance
    equipment specifications.
  • Conduct quality checks on repaired and maintained railway signalling equipment to verify the functionality
    of the equipment.
  • Demonstrate an understanding and application of health and safety regulations through hazard identification,
    risk mitigation and restoration of work area.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the need for communications by communicating effectively while working
    on live equipment under operational conditions.

    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 leads to entrance into 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. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    An international comparability study was undertaken to evaluate a selected number of comparable qualifications from various countries in terms of their scope, levels and curriculum content.

    International qualifications from Australia and the United Kingdom (UK) were used for this comparability study.

    In Australia, the Industry Skills Council offers a Certificate in Mechanical Rail Signalling III and is assumed to be equivalent to NQF level 3, with conditional entry being Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure. The certificate covers a total of 18 units of competency comprising: 11 core units and selection of 7 from 15 elective units. The core units are: Carry out measurements and calculations, Read and interpret plans and job specifications; Service and clean mechanical signalling equipment and infrastructure; Repair and adjust mechanical signalling equipment and infrastructure; Carry out off-site repair, overhaul and assembly of mechanical signalling equipment; Maintain mechanical signalling locking and interlocking devices; Test mechanical signalling equipment and isolate faults; Process workplace documentation; Apply awareness of safe working rules and regulations; Use info technology devices in the workplace and Install mechanical infrastructure for signalling.

    The content of this qualification focuses exclusively on mechanical components of the railway signal and does not cover the electrical component which is rather significant for the occupational certificate. Significant aspects covered in the core units are addressed in the several components of the occupational certificate.

    A one-year certificate in railway operations offered in the UK is closely comparable to the Occupational Certificate: Railway Signalling Maintenance Mechanician. The certificate covers the following modules: Becoming a Reflective Practitioner, Railway Operating principles, Railway business organisation, railway systems, Railway customer service, safety law and management, train planning and performance management, managing people and lastly integrated work-based learning project.

    There are modules like railway operating principles, railway system as well as safety law and management that cover aspects very much similar to those covered in the occupational certificate. However, the rest of the modules addresses overall management of the railway operations and not signal operations per se. Although somewhat comparable in some instances, the broader thrust of this qualification is not comparable to the occupational certificate.

    Conclusion
    It cannot be concluded that the qualifications identified from different countries are represented and a fair reflection of similar qualifications. Similarities from the countries identified are limited in scope to issues of safety, signal system, and their operations. However, there are no similarities in terms duration, entry requirements and the exit levels. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Qualification: Railway Signalling Maintenance Mechanician, NQF Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Railway Signalling Technology, NQF Level 5 (qualification under development). 

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

    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: Railway Signalling Fault Finder and Maintainer: 672107-001-00-03.

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

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
  • Transport Education Training Authority (TETA).

    Related Standalone Qualifications
  • Occupational Certificate: Railway Signalling Assembler and Wirer, Level 2.
  • Occupational Certificate: Railway Signalling Installer, 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.
     
    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.