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 Track Master 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119662  Occupational Certificate: Railway Track Master 
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 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Civil Engineering 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 
The purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with the knowledge, understanding, competence and experience required to operate as a Railway Track Master.

A Railway Track Master constructs, aligns, repairs, and maintains permanent way infrastructure, components, and associated works to ensure the safe running of trains.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Construct, maintain and rehabilitate basic and specialised railway lines and per-way elements.
  • Prepare, join and repair basic and specialised rail tracks and track components.
  • Inspect, plan, and coordinate the construction and maintenance of permanent railway lines.

    In addition, learner attributes (including problem solving, decision making, interpreting and communicating information and applying essential methods and techniques) will be integrated in the learning process.
    Learners will have to prove competence of the above knowledge, skills, attitudes, responsibilities, and tasks imbedded in the exit level outcomes.

    Rationale:
    The need for this qualification stems from the fact that "Railway Track Master" is recorded as a Trade (SAQA ID 96355). Currently there are two registered qualifications related to this Trade, i.e., SAQA ID 49795; National Certificate: Rail Construction and Maintenance; NQF Level 3 and SAQA ID 61670 Further Education and Training Certificate: Railway Construction and Maintenance; NQF Level 4. The Occupational Certificate: Railway Track Master is required for the recorded trade and to replace the mentioned existing unit standard based qualifications.
    Railway Track Masters have been identified as a scarce skill in the Transport sector. The development of railway infrastructure is a key driver for economic development.

    In South Africa, one of the barriers to accelerated economic development is the provisioning of cost effective and reliable mass transport systems for both freight and passenger services. A key strategy in the National Development Plan is the improvement and proper maintenance of infrastructure. Currently and in the future, there is a need for skills and abilities to build and maintain an ever-growing railway network. This qualification is targeted at providing the fundamental human resource capabilities required to deliver this strategy and will thus benefit the sector society and the economy.

    Typical learners likely to be attracted to this qualification are the out of school youth with limited formal qualifications as well as workers in the rail sector interested in working mainly outdoors and aspiring to obtain formal recognition for skills and knowledge. Learners entering this trade will exit with an NQF Level 4 trade which will be internationally accepted as entry into related careers and/or further studies within the Civil Engineering Construction field.

    This qualification will contribute to the full development of the learner by providing recognition, further mobility, and transportability within the sector. This qualification forms part of a suite of related qualifications (originally developed as part-qualifications but which had to be registered separately) to create an occupational pathway with several options to follow, each resulting in employment opportunities in areas of specialisation. In addition, this qualification also includes a part-qualification specifically to enable learners with any of the associated qualifications to further specialise.

    Learners wishing to follow such a route will be granted recognition for modules already completed (CAT). These qualifications include the Occupational Certificate: Railway Track Welder, NQF Level 3; Occupational Certificate: Railway Track Constructor, NQF Level 3. The relationship and career path opportunities between the various qualifications are quite complex and is outlined in detail in the various curricula. The part-qualification Occupational Certificate: Railway Track Supervisor NQF Level 4 will provide learners who have completed either the Occupational Certificate: Railway Track Welder, NQF Level 3 or Occupational Certificate: Railway Track Constructor, NQF Level 3 an opportunity for career progression. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
  • 734212-000-00-KM-01, Concepts and Principles of Per-way Construction and Maintenance, Level 2, 21 Credits.
  • 734212-000-00-KM-02, Health and Safety Concepts and Principles of Per-way Construction and Maintenance, Level 3, 21 Credits.
  • 734212-000-00-KM-03, Concepts and Principles of Materials and Components of Per-way Construction and Maintenance, Level 3, 21 Credits.
  • 734212-000-00-KM-04, Railway Track Diagnostics, Level 4, 29 Credits.
  • 734212-000-00-KM-05, Fundamental Principles and Theories of Rail Welding, Level 3, 16 Credits.
  • 734212-000-00-KM-06, Concepts of Managing and Supervising Per-way Construction and Maintenance, Level 4, 40 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 148

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 734212-000-00-PM-01, Operate and Care for Engineering Hand and Power Tools within a Railway Maintenance Environment, Level 2, 12 Credits.
  • 734212-000-00-PM-02, Construct and Maintain Basic Per-way Components (clearances, safety devices, lubricators, ballasts, and sleepers), Level 2, 24 Credits.
  • 734212-000-00-PM-03, Destress, Replace, and Align Rails, Level 4, 24 Credits.
  • 734212-000-00-PM-04, Build and Construct Rail Turnouts and Related Components, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 734212-000-00-PM-05, Build and Construct, Railway Lines and Temporary Track Supports, Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • 734212-000-00-PM-06, Cut Rails, Level 4, 20 Credits.
  • 734212-000-00-PM-07, Grind Rails and Repair Battered Rail ends, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 734212-000-00-PM-08, Weld Rails, Level 4, 26 Credits.
  • 734212-000-00-PM-09, Weld and Maintain Track Components, Level 4, 30 Credits.
  • 734212-000-00-PM-10, Supervise and Oversee the Execution of Rail Construction and Maintenance Activities, Level 4, 16 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 176

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 734212-000-00-WM-01, Processes and Procedures for the Routine Maintenance of Per-way Components, Level 2, 24Credits.
  • 734212-000-00-WM-02, Processes for the Maintenance of Rails, Level 3, 32 Credits.
  • 734212-000-00-WM-03, Processes for the Construction and Repair of Railway Lines and Turnouts, Level 4, 48 Credits.
  • 734212-000-00-WM-04, Processes for the Cutting and Grinding of Rails, Level 2, 32 Credits.
  • 734212-000-00-WM-05, Processes for the Welding of Tracks and Components, Level 4, 48 Credits.
  • 734212-000-00-WM-06, Processes to Supervise Rail Construction and Maintenance Activities, Level 4, 32 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 216 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Prepare railway tracks and track components and apply specific welding and joining techniques to construct, maintain and repair rail tracks and track components demonstrating a fundamental understanding of related principles, theories, and safety requirements.
    2. Apply civil construction processes and techniques to construct, maintain and rehabilitate railway lines and associated per-way elements demonstrating a fundamental understanding of established standards.
    3. Inspect, plan, and manage rail construction and maintenance projects and processes, applying key terms, rules, concepts, established principles and theories and health and safety requirements. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Repair wheel spin burns/battered rail ends using the appropriate grinding and welding techniques, appropriately selected tools, materials, and equipment. Make all required measurements accurately according to the given diagrams and drawings, compile all OHS requirements in terms of the regulatory requirements and relevant codes of practice.
  • Repair rail Manufactured frogs using the appropriate grinding and welding techniques, appropriately selected tools, materials, and equipment. Make all required measurements accurately according to the given diagrams and drawings, compile all OHS requirements with in terms of the regulatory requirements and relevant codes of practice.
  • Repair railway switchblades using the appropriate cutting and welding techniques, appropriately selected tools, materials, and equipment. Make all required measurements accurately according to the given diagrams and drawings, compile all OHS requirements with in terms of the regulatory requirements and relevant codes of practice.
  • Execute preventative grinding using the appropriate grinding and welding techniques, appropriately selected tools, materials, and equipment. Make all required measurements accurately according to the given diagrams and drawings, compile all OHS requirements with in terms of the regulatory requirements and relevant codes of practice.
  • Cast exothermic joints using the appropriate welding techniques, appropriately selected tools, materials, and equipment. Made all required measurements accurately according to the given diagrams and drawings, compile all OHS requirements with in terms of the regulatory requirements and relevant codes of practice.
  • Repair rail bound 14% cast manganese frogs using the appropriate grinding and welding techniques, appropriately selected tools, materials, and equipment. Made all required measurements accurately according to the given diagrams and drawings, compile all OHS requirements with in terms of the regulatory requirements and relevant codes of practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Identify broken block joints/rails and describe the different types of breaks indicating the most likely causes for these breaks.
  • Detail plan of how to replace railway block joints/tracks describe all the required steps, materials that must be used and accurately indicates the potential risks and delineates a feasible timeline for the work.
  • Accurately measure and evaluate the Clearances for a range of railway situations indicating any deviations from standard.
  • Explain the actions required to correct sub-standard clearances are according to internationally accepted railway standards and in accordance with local legislation and related codes of practice.
  • Execute hand screening of railway ballast according to the accepted standard and completed within the time frame and in compliance with all Occupational Health and Safety requirements.
  • Evaluate constructed railway turnouts, Identify and replace all defective components according to the internationally accepted railway standards and in compliance with all occupational health and safety standards and related legal determinations.
  • Accurately calculate track geometry to determine the relevant railway track standard and classification.
  • Determine using the required tools and equipment the stress-free temperatures of various sections of railway track lines and the most appropriate method for destressing the line is described according to the internationally accepted processes and the tested best practices.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Accurately read, interpret measured results of track conditions and list and describe the priority actions to deal with defects in terms of internationally accepted railway practices and local legislative requirements.
  • Inspect various sections of railway tracks and assess the quality of the construction and maintenance work on these tracks. Reports on this assessment is accurate and indicates all the defects, problems and potential problems associated with the completed work.
  • Reflect on the appropriate application of the occupational health, safety and environmental requirements associated with the work being done during railway track construction and maintenance demonstrates a deep understanding of the practical hazards and risks associated with railway construction and maintenance work.
  • Complete planning for the execution of rail construction and maintenance activities within the parameters of an approved budget and time frames and in compliance with all Occupational Health safety and environmental requirements.
  • Evaluate and quality end products delivered by construction and maintenance machines according to the international leading practices for such work, identify all defects, and describe the potential short, medium, and long-term consequences of these defects.

    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 External Integrated 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). The assessment will take place over a minimum of 2 days. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The countries selected for international comparability include the United Kingdom and Australia. These countries were selected as both has well-defined career paths for the railway sector that includes training related to rail construction and maintenance.

    Australia
    Centre of Excellence in Rail Training, Sydney Australia offers the qualification TL127120 Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure (Track Work) as a 1-year apprenticeship with no specified entry requirements and the qualification TL137120 Certificate III in Rail Infrastructure as a two-year apprenticeship with Certificate II as entry requirement. The Occupational Certificate: Railway Track Master is a three-year qualification and therefore incorporates both mentioned Certificates.

    TL127120 Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure (Track Work) requires completion of all generic core units as well as all the units from one of the specialist elective groups All units not also covered by the Occupational Certificate: Rail Track Master are marked with an asterisk.

    Generic Core
  • Maintain and use hand tools.
  • Shift materials safely using manual handling methods.
  • Participate in basic workplace communication.
  • Follow work health and safety procedures.
  • Apply fatigue management strategies.
  • Safely access the rail corridor.

    Track specific
  • Apply track fundamentals.
  • Operate minor mechanical equipment.
  • Safely access the rail corridor.
  • Carry out track ballasting.
  • Install railway sleepers.
  • Install and repair rail fastening systems.
  • Carry out rail installation.

    The Certificate III in Rail Infrastructure requires completion of all generic core units as well as all the units from one of the specialist elective groups, i.e. track maintenance and construction; turnout installation; track welding; track examination; rail testing; turnout construction; rail track surfacing and track drainage maintenance. As the Occupational Certificate: Rail Track Master covers all the specialist areas, except for track drainage maintenance, all these units are also listed below. All units not covered by the Occupational Certificate: Rail Track Master are marked with an asterisk.

    Generic Core
  • Use communications systems.
  • Conduct workplace information briefings.
  • Implement and monitor work health and safety procedures.
  • Apply quality systems.

    Track maintenance and construction
  • Carry out measurements and calculations.
  • Read and interpret plans and job specifications.
  • Check and repair track geometry.
  • Implement track maintenance and construction.

    Turnout installation
  • Install turnouts.

    Track welding
  • Grind rails.
  • Heat and cut materials using oxy-LPG equipment for the rail industry.
  • Weld rail using aluminothermic welding process.

    Track examination
  • Examine track infrastructure.
  • Visually inspect track infrastructure.

    Rail testing
  • Test rail using ultrasonic equipment.
  • Test rail using non-destructive testing equipment.

    Turnout construction
  • TLIS0001 Construct and assemble points and crossings.

    Rail track surfacing
  • Measure and mark track for resurfacing.

    Track drainage maintenance
  • Install and maintain surface track drainage.

    Similarities and differences:
    The structure of the Occupational Certificate: Railway Track Master is different from the Australian Certificates as it is one qualification and not two. Furthermore, it encompasses the different specialisation areas provided for in the Level III Certificate and requires learners to complete all the units thereof with the exclusion of track drainage maintenance.

    The Occupational Certificate: Railway Track Master is however like the two Australian Certificates combined in terms of content, duration and approximate level. The Occupational Certificate: Railway Track Master also has a dedicated focus on supervision which include conduct workplace information briefings but is much broader.

    United Kingdom
    In the United Kingdom apprenticeship standards and several associated qualifications, under the City of Guilds, have been developed in the field of rail engineering for the disciplines track, overhead line, electrification, traction and rolling stock, signalling and telecoms.

    An entry level apprenticeship for a Rail Engineering Operative can be completed over a period of one year. This will require the learner to achieve two qualifications, i.e., 6497-02 Level 2 Diploma in Rail Engineering Operative Knowledge and 6499-02 Level 2 Diploma in Rail Engineering Operative Competence. Entry requirements are not specified.
    An advanced level apprenticeship for a Rail Engineering Technician can be completed over a period of three years. This will require the learner to achieve two qualifications, i.e., 6497-03 Level 3 Diploma in Rail Engineering Technician Knowledge and 6499-03 Level 3 Diploma in Rail Engineering Technician Competence. Entry requirements are not specified.

    Both knowledge qualifications are currently being offered by Fast Line Training Services with branches across the UK.

    The Level 2 Diplomas roughly correspond with NQF Level 3 (pre matric) and the Level 3 Diplomas with NQF 4 qualifications. Only the content of the knowledge qualifications is specified whilst the practical component remains the responsibility of the employer. The content of the two knowledge components is outlined below. All modules of these qualification are covered by the Occupational Certificate Railway Track Master.

    Level 2 Diploma in Rail Engineering Operative Knowledge (Duration 300 hours).
  • Engineering Operative Knowledge (6497-02).
  • Working in the rail engineering industry 90.
  • Engineering technology principles 90.
  • Rail Engineering.

    Level 3 Diploma in Rail Engineering Technician Competence (Track) (Duration 680 hours).
  • Complying with statutory regulations and organisational safety requirements in the rail industry.
  • Using and communicating technical information.
  • Working efficiently and effectively as a rail engineering technician.
  • Plan Permanent Way activities.
  • Implement and monitor safe working systems for permanent way maintenance or renewal activities.
  • Allocate and Monitor Resources for permanent way engineering activities.
  • Undertake detailed inspection of the Permanent Way infrastructure.
  • Assess the performance and condition of the Permanent Way assets.
  • Establish track geometry and position.
  • Ensure that the track is fit for operational purposes.

    Similarities and differences:
    The structure of the Occupational Certificate: Railway Track Master is different from the UK Diplomas as it is one qualification and not two sets.

    The Occupational Certificate: Railway Track Master is however like the four UK Diplomas combined in terms of content, duration, and approximate level. The Occupational Certificate: Railway.

    Conclusion
    The Occupational Certificate: Railway Track Master (a three-year qualification) compares well and is like both the Australian Certificates combined and the UK Diplomas combined in terms of content, duration, and level. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Vehicle Builder, NQF Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • National Certificate: N5: Engineering Studies, NQF 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 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:
    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 Track Master: 734212-000-00-00.

    Encompassed Trades:
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • SAQA ID 96355, Railway Track Master.

    Assessment Quality Partner:
  • National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB). 
    		•

    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.