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: Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing Operator 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119460  Occupational Certificate: Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing Operator 
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  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  56  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:
The purpose of this part-qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing Operator.

A Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing Operator conducts eddy current testing and then interprets whether indications are relevant or non-relevant, according to prescribed procedures. A Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing Operator will employ eddy current testing methods, record the results and escalate anomalies to the Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing Technician.

A qualified leaner will be able to
  • Prepare for eddy current testing according to instructions.
  • Conduct eddy current testing and then interpret whether indications are relevant or non-relevant, according to prescribed procedures.

    Rationale:
    This part-qualification aims to equip learners with the necessary skills and competence to operate as Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing Operators which would enable them to be recruited as operators by the industry. Most of the people employed in non-destructive testing sector are operators. Typical learners for this part-qualification are school leavers, TVET college graduates or workers who have been employed in the NDT industry. Learners will receive a high standard of training and education that is occupationally aligned and internationally recognised.

    In terms of the learning pathway, acquisition of this part-qualification allows learners to enter the Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing Technician (NDT Level II) and move on to become Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing Technologists (NDT Level III). This will create a healthy employment cycle providing employment opportunities to unemployed youth who are interested in non-destructive testing. Employers in the sector will gain access to suitably qualified Non-Destructive Testing Eddy Current Testing Operators to conduct testing at NDT Level I and this shall bring great benefit to the economy as more qualified Non-Destructive Radiographic Testing Operators and Technicians will be available in industries while these individuals would be benefiting themselves as recruits into the industry this benefiting their societies.

    Qualifying learners would be recruited by the industry as Non-Destructive Operators. It is important and a requirement that individuals be qualified as operators before they could be absorbed in the practice by industry hence the need for this part-qualification. 
    		•

    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:
    The minimum entry requirement for this part-qualification is:
  • An NQF Level 3 qualification with Mathematics and Science. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 311703-004-00-01-KM-01, Workplace Fundamentals, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 311703-004-00-01-KM-02, Introduction to Non-Destructive Testing, Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • 311703-004-00-01-KM-03, Materials (NDT Level 1), Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • 311703-004-00-01-KM-05, Eddy Current Testing, Recording and Classification (NDT Level 1), Level 4, 10 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 30.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 311703-004-00-01-PM-01, Perform basic statistical calculations for NDT and interpret NDT drawings, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 311703-004-00-01-PM-02, Conduct Eddy Current Testing, Recording and Classification (NDT Level 1), Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 311703-004-00-01-PM-03, Conduct Eddy Current Testing, Recording and Classification in an Occupational Context (NDT Level 1), Level 4, 5 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 14.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 311703-004-00-01-WM-01, Eddy Current Testing Processes (NDT Level 1), Level 3, 12 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 12. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Prepare for eddy current testing according to instructions
    2. Conduct eddy current testing and then interpret whether indications are relevant or non-relevant, according to prescribed procedures. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the instructions to prepare eddy current testing.
  • Ensure that selection and setting-up of equipment, choice of specimens, consumables and PPE is correct and appropriate to the test.
  • Apply all relevant safety precautions.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the preparations for eddy current testing techniques.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Ensure that specimen preparation and demarcation of inspection area is in accordance with instruction.
  • Ensure accurate detection, characterisation or classification of discontinuities.
  • Establish the position and orientation of the relevant discontinuity through various methods.
  • Correct and appropriate use of equipment and PPE to the method.
  • Apply all relevant safety precautions.
  • Complete the tasks within the specified time.
  • Ensure that no equipment, parts, materials, and tools are damaged.
  • Ensure that post-eddy current testing and evaluation activities are appropriate to the test performed.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of instruction preparation and application of Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing procedures.

    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. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The industry offers non-destructive visual testing qualifications based on international standards and programmes. Some offer ISO 9712 based qualifications, others offer qualifications based on those of the British Standard Institute (BSI, or the European Standard (EN ISO: 9712) or the Training Guidelines in Non-destructive Testing Techniques: 2008 Edition of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) or the standards of the American Society for Non-destructive Testing (ASNT). This part-qualification focuses on Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing is the first of four NDT levels of operation.

    International Standard Organisation (ISO) 9712
    Training for Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing Operators is specified in internationally-approved documents, the primary one being International Standard Organisation (ISO) 9712. All other standards, documents and all NDT training globally are guided by this document. The ISO document also spells out the tasks that Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing Operators need to perform and provides the minimum training requirements in terms of duration.

    American Society for Non-destructive Testing (ASNT) has its standard SNT-TC-1A
    The American Society for Non-destructive Testing (ASNT) has its standard SNT-TC-1A 2011 Edition entitled 'Personnel Qualification and Certification in Non-destructive Testing'. Included in the ASNT list are the basic methods covered in ISO 9712. The ASNT document provides guidance similar to the ISO document on the qualifications for Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing Operators.

    Technical Report ISO/TR 25107
    The Technical Report ISO/TR 25107 entitled "Non-destructive testing - Guidelines for NDT training syllabuses" is yet another important document against which the South African part-qualification can be measured. The Technical Report provides recommendations for both the minimum technical knowledge to be acquired by Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing Operators and the means for evaluating and documenting the competence of personnel whose duties demand the appropriate theoretical and practical knowledge.

    International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA)
    The TECDOC of the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA), is another significant document which constitutes Testing Operators. The knowledge and practical skills modules of this South African part-qualification were developed using the documents referred to above. Through this endeavour the international comparability for this qualification was achieved. Every provider of eddy current testing globally, including colleges and universities, provide training in line with mainly ISO 9712 and other relevant national standards and documents, based on ISO 9712. Examples of such training centres are:
  • General Electric's Inspection Technologies' NDT Training Academies based in Cincinnati, Lewistown and Boston in the United States, in Huerth and Hechingen in Germany, in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
  • FIFE College Training and Development offers NDT training in a number of methods and so does Lavender Training Institute. All this institute's training courses are accredited by the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT).

    Conclusion
    The Occupational Certificate: Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing Operator has been developed in line with ISO 9712 and other international non-destructive eddy current testing documents. This part-qualification compares favourably with non-destructive eddy current testing training offered internationally in terms of content and international standards. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Non-Destructive Radiographic Testing Operator, NQF Level 3.
  • Occupational Certificate: Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Wall Thickness Testing Operator, NQF Level 3.
  • Occupational Certificate: Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Testing Operator, NQF Level 3.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing Technician, NQF Level 4.
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Welding Application and Practice, 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 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: Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing Operator: 311703-004-00-01.

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

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
  • Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (merSETA).

    Parent Qualification
  • Occupational Certificate: Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing Technician, NQF 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.