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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Architectural Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119488  Higher Certificate in Architectural Technology 
ORIGINATOR
Academic Institute of Excellence (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Physical Planning, Design and Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0333/25  2025-07-10  2028-07-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10   2032-07-10  

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:
This Higher Certificate in Architectural Technology is primarily vocational and is characterised by the knowledge emphasis, general principles, and application or technology transfer. The qualification provides learners with a sound knowledge base in a particular field or discipline and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills to a particular career or professional context while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning.

The specific purpose of this qualification is to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities, and skills required for further learning towards becoming a competent practicing architect. This qualification aims to prepare successful learners to operate effectively in the Architectural Technology environment.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Apply appropriate design, drawing, and construction methods, procedures or techniques in investigation and application processes within a professional architectural environment.
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of the relationships between graphic communication and construction systems, and how actions, ideas or developments in graphic communication impact construction systems.
  • Apply well-developed processes of analysis, synthesis and evaluation to indicate their influences on a design.
  • Identify and analyse design problems, using analytical skills, interpreting and developing a brief, gathering evidence and applying conceptual solutions based on principles and appropriate procedures.
  • Evaluate information related to design and construction, select information appropriate for academic report writing, and to apply well-developed processes of analysis, synthesis and evaluation in order to produce a well-informed report.
  • Integrate drawings produced by other professionals in the built environment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with regard to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules, and credits for or toward the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
    >National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate Studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate Studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 without endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 140 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 05, 140 Credits.
  • Architectural Practical, 5 Credits.
  • Communication in Architecture, 5 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship, 5 Credits.
  • Architectural Design, 20 credits.
  • Construction, Technology and Detailing in Architecture, 35 Credits.
  • Computer Applications, 30 Credits.
  • History and Theory of Architecture, 10 Credits.
  • Architectural Representation and Draughting, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate basic information reliably and coherently, using appropriate academic and professional or occupational conventions, formats and technologies related to the architectural environment.
    2. Demonstrate the basic knowledge and awareness of building technology, materials and processes at a low rise, and low complexity residential scale.
    3. Demonstrate a basic understanding of different forms of knowledge, schools of thought and forms of explanation related to architectural design, construction, and awareness of knowledge production processes.
    4. Identify design problems, using analytical skills, interpreting and development of a brief, gathering evidence and applying conceptual solutions based on principles and appropriate procedures.
    5. Apply an understanding of accepted good construction practice and integrate drawings produced by other professionals in the built environment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Communicate all aspects that are performed accurately and professionally including the use of correct language structures, terminologies associated with the architectural profession, writing of reports and articles.
  • Produce and communicate multiple design concepts are from concept development to eventual technical resolution and presented effectively with a rationale and logical thought process.
  • Apply business communication methods to communicate design ideas and concepts to clients and peers including written and oral communication methods.
  • Analyse and apply aspects of graphic communication using appropriate software.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply and understand 3D software packages through modelling and rendering.
  • Develop and source specifications in line with the required format, formulation of clauses and legal framework
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge of the assembly of construction methods and associated building regulations.
  • Demonstrate understanding of a project in terms of its social, scientific, and legal context.
  • Demonstrate evident knowledge of protocol engagement in an office.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the economic and legal procedures involved in providing architectural services.
  • Research, analyse, explain, and evaluate theoretical aspects associated with construction such as services, materials and methods.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify and analyse appropriate research and knowledge discussed in terms of architectural theories, themes, styles, influences, periods, elements, and details.
  • Analyse the basics of the environmental influences of climate and context.
  • Demonstrate a basic vocabulary of architecture through the investigation of architecture.
  • Design office procedures including, forms of collaboration and doing business, strengths and weaknesses, space and equipment requirements and layout are explained and can be implemented.
  • Complete and produce technical drawing skills required for council submission and construction of own designs.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate time management skills to keep to deadlines as projects are time sensitive.
  • Demonstrate an overall good attitude and work ethic in the workplace.
  • Demonstrate the ability to solve problems from conception to final construction of a project is evident.
  • Evaluate the requirements for the design of structures in terms of design, basics, materials, loads, tension, beams, compression, connections, foundations, deflections, and structural systems.
  • Produce reports reflecting research methods and provide conceptual solutions to a defined problem associated with construction.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Produce projects that can be imported, exported, and shared with consultants in the professional team seamlessly and feedback can be implemented through updating and revising of the drawings.
  • Identify basic software modelling and documentation that can be effectively managed.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Integrated assessments are used whereby theoretical and practical components are assessed simultaneously. During integrated assessments the assessors make use of formative and summative assessment methods. The formative and summative assessments may be in the form of a project or portfolio. In the final mark composition assignments and projects will be included.

    The primary indicator of competence is the achievement of 50% in the summative assessment and an overall 50% for each individual module (this includes the assessment of all relevant learning outcomes). It is therefore evident that learners must hand in all assignments, logbooks, research projects, write all class and formal tests as well as a complete portfolio assessment.

    Formal summative assessment of the verbal and visual presentation, external assessment - the learner's Experiential Training host submits a report on the learner's performance. The report indicates the extent of the learner's industry-readiness and any remedies required before completion.

    Formative assessments contribute 40% towards the final mark and summative assessments contribute 60% towards the final mark of the module. All projects are assessed with a pass requirement of 50%.

    Formative assessments are conducted on a regular basis using tests, observation, portfolio reviews and presentations to monitor learner progress.
    A variety of assessment instruments will be used that will be suitable and appropriate to the work context of the learners. These instruments include a practical logbook and a portfolio of evidence. The Portfolio of evidence will include examples of visual media projects (i.e., photos) and other evidence gathered during the assessment process.

    The practical logbook that learners must complete is compiled with the appropriate assessment criteria. Outcomes as reflected by the completion of the practical logbook are assessed and approved by the academic staff and internal and/or external moderators 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Malaysia
    Institution: Victoria International College in Kuala Lampur
    Qualification Title: The Architectural Draughting Qualification
    This is a vocational qualification; it is devised in such a way as to equip learners with the appropriate technical drawing skill that will enable them to produce detailed drawings with CAD (Computer Aided Drawing) that complies with Local Building By-Law and guidelines.

    The qualification also provides learners with the opportunity to acquire business skills and leadership abilities. Draughtsmen are responsible for drawing up set designs. Working to the Production Designer's references and specifications conveyed via the Art Director, Draughtsman use their knowledge and skills to translate these ideas into detailed technical drawings, showing plans, elevations, and sections.
    All Draughtsman will work for a period as Junior Draughtsman, where they will develop their drawing skills and learn under the guidance of more experienced practitioners.

    Upon completion learners will acquire:
  • Technical drawing skills.
  • Ability to visualize perspective and 3-dimensional space.
  • Keen interest in design, architecture, and film.
  • Ability to visually interpret other people's ideas.
  • Ability to work quickly and to respond to any required changes.
  • Ability to work as part of a team.
  • Knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.

    Similarities:
    Exit Level Outcome
  • Both qualifications apply and equip learners with architectural designs.
  • Both qualifications equip learners with technical drawing skills.
  • Qualifying learners may work as Draughtsperson.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: Wellington Institute of Technology.
    Qualification Title: Architectural Technology Qualification.

    This is a two-year full-time qualification at Level 6. In this qualification learners learn how residential and medium buildings are designed. Develop technical drawing skills using the latest computer aided design (CAD) software. Build your portfolio and let your skills take you places in this exciting industry.

    This qualification enables learners to:
  • Prepare preliminary designs and develop building concepts.
  • Create working drawings for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
  • Evaluate the principles of architectural design.
  • Understand commercial services and how they operate within the industry.
  • Become proficient in architectural drawing using ArchiCAD (computer-aided design software).
  • Understand how the principles of published data relate to the provision of services for a construction project.

    Career options:
  • Architectural technician.
  • BIM technician.
  • Draughtsperson.
  • Architectural designer.
  • Kitchen and bathroom designer.
  • Compliance officer.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications apply and equip learners with architectural designs.
  • Both qualifications equip learners with technical drawing skills.
  • Both qualifications focus on architectural construction principles.
  • Qualifying learners may work as Draughtsperson.

    Differences:
  • The New Zealand (NZ) qualification is at Level 6, and the South African (SA) qualification is at Level 5.
  • The ZA qualification is offered in two years, and the SA qualification is offered in one year. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Construction Quantity Surveying, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Architecture, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Architectural Technology, NQF level 6.
  • Bachelor of Architecture, NQF level 7.
  • Bachelor of Architectural Studies, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    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.