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: Stonemason 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119446  Occupational Certificate: Stonemason 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner- Services SETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Building Construction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  540  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 Stonemason. A Stonemason acquires, designs, cuts and shapes hard and soft stone blocks and masonry slabs to construct and renovate stone into different stone products (structures and monumental masonry).

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Prepare (draw and design) the stone to prescribed shapes.
  • Cut and shape stone to different products designs and shapes.
  • Conduct finishing works for stone products.

    Rationale:
    Currently, there is no existing qualification relevant to produce qualified stonemasons. The qualification will enable the current and future practitioners acquire specialised skills from focused and structured training. This qualification is important to address the skills of the current and future employees serving within sectors employing stonemasons. The industry will draw the learners from the cohort of current employees who performed the function without recognised qualification.

    The country has a serious problem of high unemployment impacting negatively on the youth in particular. Acquisition of this qualification will enhance personal esteem for current practitioner and restore the dignity of those who practiced without qualification. The development of this qualification was steered and drew inspiration from the participation of National Funerals Directors Association, National Association of South African Undertakers, South African Funeral Practitioner Association, National Undertakers Association of South African and Funeral Industry Practitioners of South African. All these associations participated directly or through submission of inputs where necessary.

    Learners who acquire this qualification have ample opportunities to perfect their trade within such field as mining, construction, art, funeral services and manufacturing. The learners will be able to practice as entrepreneurs within construction (manufacturing kitchen tops and tombstones), Craft Producers, tiling and bricklaying. 
    		•

    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 2 qualification with Mathematics and Science. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 641301-000-00-00--KM-01, Information Technology in the Stonemason Environment, Level 2, 20 Credits.
  • 641301-000-00-00-KM-02, Quality Management Systems in the Stonemason Environment, Level 4,
    15 Credits.
  • 641301-000-00-00- KM-03, Interpret and Draw Engineering Drawings, Level 3, 15 Credits.
  • 641301-000-00-00- KM-04, Workplace Fundamentals, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 641301-000-00-00- KM-05, Stonemason Practice, Level 4, 35 Credits.
  • 641301-000-00-00- KM-06, Stonemason Consumables and Materials, Level 4, 25 Credits.
  • 641301-000-00-00- KM-07, Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship, Level 3, 20 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 140.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 641301-000-00-00-PM01, Procure Stone Blocks, Slabs and Material, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 641301-000-00-00-PM02, Use Equipment and Tools to Cut the Stone to Size, Level 3, 15 Credits.
  • 641301-000-00-00-PM03, Interpret and Draw Engineering Designs, Level 3, 15 Credits.
  • 641301-000-00-00-PM04, Handle and Care for Tools and Equipment, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 641301-000-00-00-PM05, Produce Different Types of Stone Shapes, Level 4, 20 Credits.
  • 641301-000-00-00-PM06, Create the Design Decorations for the Stone, Level 4, 20 Credits.
  • 641301-000-00-00-PM07, Finish the Stone Design, Level 3, 25 Credits.
  • 641301-000-00-00-PM08, Erection and Installation of Stone Products, Level 3, 20 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 135

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 641301-000-00-00-WM-01, Processes for Acquisition and Procurement of Stones and Materials, Level 3,
    40 Credits.
  • 641301-000-00-00-WM-02, Procedures for Cutting Stone to Size, Level 4, 40 Credits.
  • 641301-000-00-00-WM-03, Processes for Painting and Artwork on the Stones, Level 4, 60 Credits.
  • 641301-000-00-00-WM-04, Processes for Drilling and Joining Stones to Complete a Stone Product, Level 4, 60 Credits.
  • 641301-000-00-00-WM-05, Processes for Finishing the Stone Design, Level 3, 40 Credits.
  • 641301-000-00-00-WM-06, Erection and Stone Installation Processes, Level 3, 25 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 265 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Prepare and cut different types of stones to different designs and shape.
    2. Demonstrate various skills in finishing works to complete the stone product to specification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Explain workplace environment to demonstrate the understanding of performance management, ethics at work, mentorship, conflict management and quality management.
  • Draw different shapes to demonstrate understanding of engineering drawing.
  • Assemble individual parts together to represent the final product through Computer Aided Designs (CAD) drawing.
  • Identify different role players in the sector and understand the working environment and the history of the trade in South Africa.
  • Provide details about the formation and types of stones and rock formations.
  • Identify all tools and equipment used in stonemasonry and explain their use.
  • Demonstrate standard procedures for handling, caring and maintenance of stones in compliance with
    manufacturers' specifications.
  • Identify different consumables and materials and explain their respective use and characteristics.
  • Explain basic business practices, planning and marketing in relation to their relevance to stonemasonry.
  • Explain stock taking practices for purposes of procurement.
  • Demonstrate procedures for ordering and purchasing stone blocks, slabs and material in compliance with normal projection techniques.
  • Use tools and equipment to cut the stone to design specifications.
  • Explain the use of isometric scale consistent to the drawing and specifications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Use different computer software for designing decorations.
  • Explanation of quality concepts demonstrate knowledge of quality management systems, control and assurance systems.
  • Use of different measurement tools demonstrate understanding of basic arithmetic concepts.
  • Use computer software to draw engineering design (CAD).
  • Create design decorations on the stone using both manual and computer aided designs.
  • Use equipment, tools and material to prepare stone for painting.
  • Explain and complete stone finishing processes following standard industry practices.
  • Complete polishing works to design specifications.
  • Install stone to specifications using different types of materials, tools and equipment.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Integrated Formative Assessment
    The external assessment will be a trade test as prescribed under section 26D of the Skills Development Act as defined in the Trade Test Regulations. The trade test will be conducted through a combination of a written assessment of a maximum of 3 hours, and practical tasks evaluation to be conducted at a QCTO accredited trade test centre over a period of 2 working days and assessed by the National Artisans Moderation Body (NAMB) registered assessor.

    Integrated Summative Assessment
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required to issue 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 26D 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 
    An international comparability exercise was undertaken to compare the current Occupational Certificate: Stonemason with related qualifications from the United Kingdom and Australia in terms of their scope, levels and curriculum content. The purpose of this exercise is to compare the qualification against existing and comparable practice internationally.

    United Kingdom
    In the United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland and Wales) City & Gilds provides a Level 3 Diploma in Stonemasonry. Whereas there are no entry requirements for this qualification, City & Gilds prescribes that any of its centres should assess potential participants to ensure access and no under 15 years can be registered. The Diploma provides the following unit standards, all of which are comparable to the Occupational Certificate: Stonemason:
  • Health, Safety and Welfare in Construction.
  • Principles of Organising, Planning and Pricing Construction Work.
  • Setting Out and Templet Making for Complex Stonemasonry Components.
  • Working Complex Stonemasonry Components.
  • Fixing Complex Stonemasonry Components.
  • Conservation and Restoration Techniques for Architectural Heritage.

    The only difference is with regard to restoration techniques for heritage site. The trained and experienced stonemason should be able to conserve and repair architectural building and sites.

    Australia
    Victorian Skills Gateways offers Certificate 111 in Stonemasonry (monumental/ Installation). The qualification requires entry level apprenticeship training and Mathematics as entry requirements. The duration ranges from one (1) to four (4) years of training.

    The qualification offers the following skills for qualification as a qualified stonemason:
  • Studying plans and specifications to determine materials required, dimensions and installation procedures,
  • Erecting and dismantling restricted height scaffolding, seals foundations with damp-resistant materials and spreads layers of mortar to serve as a base and binder for blocks using trowels.
  • Laying bricks in rows, designs and shapes, and spreads mortar between joints, embedding blocks in mortar and removes excess mortar.
  • Checking vertical and horizontal alignment, cutting, shaping and polishing stones and bricks using machines and hand tools, and shapes bricks to fit irregular spaces,
  • Repairing and maintaining bricks, cement blocks and related structures and designing and cutting monumental and memorial masonry and lettering.

    Conclusion
    The qualifications analysed from these two countries are comparable to the South African qualification. The minor exception is roofing and maintenance work in Australia and conservation and restoration of architectural heritage buildings in the case of United Kingdom. The duration of study is also comparable although the South African component is one year more. Considering the credit allocation, the significant amount of time is dedicated to work experience in the South African qualification. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Bricklayer, NQF Level 4.
  • Occupational Certificate: Refractory Mason, NQF Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Diamond Processing, NQF Level 5.
  • National Certificate: N4 Engineering Studies, Level 5. 
    		•

    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
    Medical certificate for health fitness.

    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: Stonemason: 641301-000-00-00.
    Encompassed Trades
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD
  • SAQA ID: 96234 Stonemason.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
    National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB).

    Related Part-Qualifications
  • Occupational Certificate: Stone Engraver, Level 4. 
    		•

    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.