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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Certificate in Facility Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
120402  Advanced Certificate in Facility Management 
ORIGINATOR
Academy for Facilities Management (Pty) Ltd (A4FM) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0638/26  2026-02-02  2029-02-02 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-02-02   2033-02-02  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
94576  Advanced Certificate in Facilities Maintenance Management  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Advanced Certificate in Facility Management is primarily vocational in nature. It emphasises general principles together with practices and more specific procedures concerning maintenance services, soft services, and their application in the Facility Management (FM) context. It provides Facility Managers with a sound knowledge base in these areas of specialisation of the FM field and equips learners to undertake more specialised and intensive learning.

The qualification comprises a holistic overview of the field and the range of modules encompass the best, tried and tested practices in the FM environment and draws upon the expertise of academics and employers in the field.

The qualification focuses on two core areas of specialisation within the field of FM, FM Maintenance Management Hard Services and FM Soft Services.

The qualification focuses on the key functional areas:
  • Soft services management within the built environment like cleaning, catering, and security, the most visceral of FM services that directly and immediately impact building users.
  • Maintenance management of the built environment in the areas of civil, mechanical, and electrical maintenance, and while these services are mostly basement activities, largely unnoticed by the end-user, they are essential for a healthy and safe working environment.

    Rationale:
    The FM industry has always signalled a need for two areas of specialisation, namely maintenance management and soft services. Therefore, the new qualification incorporates both these areas of specialisation. The qualification will provide a holistic learning path in FM.

    The Global FM market generated revenue of $1.5b in 2028 and Africa is the region with the highest growth. The footprint of FM in the economy must be noted - in 2017 it contributed 2.6% of the Gross National Product of the SA economy, employed 1,7% of the total workforce and recorded an industry growth rate of 7.7%. (Global FM Market Report 2017). In an economy with systemic growth problems an industry as vibrant as this must be encouraged and supported with relevant education.

    While the SA Facility Management (SAFM) industry is projected to show continued growth it will have a clear demand for well-qualified staff, amongst both FM user and FM providers organisations in all sectors - private as well as state-owned. The qualification gives priority to both the needs and the advancement of the SAFM industry. With sensitivity to international standards and local requirements, this qualification intends to produce dynamic leaders with exceptional facility management skills.

    The design of the qualification aims to meet the needs of employers and property owners, including the state, by providing a theoretical, practical, and skills-orientated programme with sufficient and appropriate experiential learning. The qualification provides for the academic development and mentorship of learners who are involved in the supervision or management of the operational aspects of facility management, especially for those wishing to specialise in either the management of FM soft services or maintenance.

    This qualification is a response to the workplace need for competent facilities managers with a focus on the management of FM soft services or maintenance, across all economic sectors.

    The qualification provides for the academic development and mentorship of learners who are involved in the supervision or management of the operational aspects of FM, especially for those wanting to specialise in the management of either a full range of maintenance services or a wide range of soft service offered within the FM context.

    The institution surveyed the industry, including a SAQA-recognised professional body, the South African Facilities Management Association (SAFMA) and consulted its Industry Advisory Panel. A discussion about this application and the proposed curriculum was conducted with SAFMA. Documentation outlining the curriculum was also provided. SAFMA welcomed the proposed application and indicated its willingness to entertain such a request for endorsement once the qualification was approved.

    The South African Facility Management (SAFM) industry shows continued growth with a clear demand for well-qualified staff, amongst both FM users and providers of all sectors - private as well as state-owned.
    This qualification aims to produce dynamic leaders with exceptional facility management skills. Jobs or areas of activity in which the qualifying learners may operate include, facility managers or supervisors of cleaning, catering, security, and maintenance.

    Growth of the local Facility Management (FM) industry has consistently outperformed GDP and GNP figures over the last three decades. Regular pre-COVID industry research (commissioned by SAFMA) shows continued growth with a clear demand for well-qualified staff across all sectors of the economy. The programme incorporates international standards (ISO) and best practices as well as local requirements which, like our existing FM programmes, will produce dynamic leaders with the necessary facility management knowledge and skills. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL will be applied to accommodate learners 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 towards 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, learners 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 requirements for the qualification are:
  • Higher Certificate in Facilities Management, NQF Level 5.
    Or
  • A relevant qualification in the related field, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 6 totalling 126 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 72 Credits:
  • Business Communication, 6 Credits.
  • Facilities Management Theory, 6 Credits.
  • Management for Facilities Management, 18 Credits
  • Risk Management, 6 Credits.
  • Project Management, 6 Credits.
  • Facilities Management Information Systems Management, 6 Credits.
  • Sustainability (for Facilities Soft Services), 6 Credits.
  • Contract Management & SLAs, 6 Credits.
  • Sourcing, 6 Credits.
  • Capstone Research project, 6 Credits.

    Elective Technical Modules (Stream 1) - FM Maintenance Management, totalling 54 Credits.
  • Civil Maintenance, 18 Credits.
  • Electrical Maintenance, 18 Credits.
  • Mechanical Maintenance, 18 Credits.

    OR

    Elective FM Soft Services Modules (Stream 2), totalling 54 Credits.
  • Housekeeping (Cleaning, Hygiene & Pest control),12 Credits.
  • Reprographics (Copying, Printing, Scanning) & Mailroom, 6 Credits.
  • Security Management, 12 Credits.
  • Hospitality, Reception, Parking, 6 Credits.
  • Food Management, 12 Credits.
  • Landscaping, 6 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate communication skills and display digital literacy in the drafting of documents.
    2. Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of the key concepts, principles and theories related to Facility Management (FM).
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts, principles and models related to project management and information systems management in a facility maintenance and soft services context.
    4. Demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts, principles, and models of management in an FM context.
    5. Demonstrate an understanding of risk management, sustainability, and regulatory compliance for the integrated management of maintenance services, and soft services in an FM context.
    6. Plan and manage the delivery of FM maintenance / soft services and the related sourcing processes, contracting, and service level agreements.
    7. Analyse client (demand organisation), and end-user needs for FM soft services, and maintenance services and manage the outcomes of service delivery.
    8. Apply FM management principles for the effective delivery of a range of facility soft services and a comprehensive range of facility maintenance services. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Read academic and business texts with understanding.
  • Participate in learning discussions and teamwork.
  • Select, evaluate, and utilise appropriate information to communicate accurately in an academic and business context.
  • Access, process and use relevant information for academic and business purposes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Explain FM, its principles, frameworks, and processes.
  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of FM standards and statutes and the ability to apply this in the work environment.
  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of FM strategy, policy and plans and how to align these with the business plan/strategy of the demand organisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Explain and use information systems as a tool for soft services management in own organisation and use information systems for improved service delivery and user satisfaction.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the functionality, capability, practical advantages and integration of various FM information systems (FMIS).
  • Use project management principles, frameworks, and processes.
  • Plan the project lifecycle through all phases to project control.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply good corporate governance and management principles, frameworks, and processes.
  • Demonstrate an informed understanding of the strategy of their own organisation and how the FM function is aligned.
  • Demonstrate insight regarding the relationship with peers and seniors and outline own strategy for building relationships and own reputation in the employer organisation.
  • Design a strategy for establishing a personal leadership philosophy, style, and brand.


    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Apply the principles, frameworks, and processes of sustainability in maintenance management / soft services delivery.
  • Apply risk management principles, frameworks, and processes in the organisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Interpret and apply standards, principles, frameworks, and processes of contact management for the integrated delivery of FM services (soft and maintenance).
  • Use the principles, frameworks, and processes regarding service level agreements for the integrated delivery of FM services (soft and maintenance)
  • Apply the principles of contract law as it applies to FM service delivery agreements.
  • Use sourcing standards, principles, and processes for the delivery of FM services (maintenance and soft).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of client (demand organisation), and end-user needs for maintenance services and managing the metrics and outcomes of service delivery.
  • Explain and apply the principles, standards, frameworks, and processes of FM maintenance management and soft services.
  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of FM & maintenance best practice principles and apply them to the FM practices of the employer organisation.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of infrastructure systems, assets, and components in a facility or building.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Evaluate, select, and apply the facility maintenance management principles for the integrated delivery of effective and efficient facility maintenance across all infrastructure services.
  • Evaluate, select, and apply the principles for the integrated management and delivery of effective and efficient facility soft services for all user requirements.
  • Interpret and apply the statutory and standards framework for the delivery of and maintenance of facility services and infrastructure with and work in teams and departments of the business using appropriate channels of communication.

    Integrated Assessment
    Academic assessment exists at both formative and summative levels in the form of tests and examinations.
    Assignment work is required at the formative level for every module but not the same number across all modules. Compulsory and some elective modules (Maintenance Management) require one Question and Answer type assignment and one essay-style assignment.

    The soft services elective requires one essay-style assignment per module. The difference is based on the fact that there is a much more established body of knowledge for the fields that comprise the compulsory subjects as well as maintenance management, but not for soft services.

    The Work Integrated Learning Assessment (WILA) is an audit of the employer organisation against the requirements of SANS 1752.
    Just as SANS1752 is an integrated standard the WIL Assignments for every module must not be seen in isolation. All WILA submissions are integrated, and each WILA must draw on the experience of the previous submission - a process of continuous improvement over the entire study period.

    Every successive submission requires learners to improve on the earlier submission, based on the feedback provided by lecturers, new learner insights and knowledge.
    The capstone module is oriented towards work-integrated learning and learners will have to establish information on the FM practices of their employer organisation.

    The Capstone summative submission will be assessed by a panel of lecturers and external moderators to ensure 100% moderation. Exam rules, as for any module, will apply and those who achieve between 45 % and 49% will have a supplementary opportunity. Due to the nature of Capstone, they may not necessarily be able to resubmit but could be required to appear in front of the examination panel for an oral supplementary opportunity. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Ireland
    Institution: Griffin College
    Qualification Title: Facilities Management Leadership and Management programme
    Level: ILM 5
    The Ireland qualification is delivered face-to-face, and it is available via distance learning. The ILM 5 is equivalent to NQF Level 6. It is endorsed by an Engineering body for CPD purposes.

    Entry requirement:
  • School Leaving Certificate, equivalent to the SA National Senior Certificate.

    Purpose:
    This vocational and practical qualification is designed to give learners the knowledge and skills to manage facilities, property, and assets effectively and efficiently. Combining learning with practical examples is a hallmark of the qualification.

    Modules:
  • Property and Assets Management (comparable to the FM Theory)
  • Project Management (Similar to the SA qualification)
  • Health and Safety
  • Facilities Management in the Context of an Organisation
  • Managing Relationships and Delivering Services
  • Leadership in the FM Role (comparable to the Capstone research project).
  • Solving Problems and Making Decisions (comparable to the Capstone research project)
  • Developing Yourself and Others (Comparable to the Capstone research project)

    Assessments:
  • No written examinations. All assessments are assignment based.
  • Learners complete assignments related to their practical everyday work.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications have similar entry requirements and are at NQF level 6.
  • In both qualifications assignments are based on the work environment (WIL)

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification is not available in face-to-face mode.
  • The SA qualification requires assignments, tests exams as well as a Capstone project, whereas the Ireland qualification does not administer written examinations.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: University of California (UC)
    Qualification Title: Professional Certificate in Facilities Management
    Mode of Delivery:
  • Face-to-face
  • Available via distance learning

    Duration:
  • 12 - 24 months

    Entry Requirements:
  • The standard UC requirements for freshmen are: Completed a minimum of 15 college-preparatory courses (A-G courses) with a letter grade of C or better.
  • Exam grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better (3.4 if you're a non-resident)

    Purpose of the qualification:
    The qualification is designed to equip learners with the knowledge, training and tools necessary to make effective and sustainable facilities management decisions that reduce costs while enhancing the organization's facility and services. Learn strategies and techniques in all areas of competency recognized by the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA).

    Modules:
  • Principles of Facilities Management (Similar to the FM Theory in the SA qualification)
    However, ACFM offers areas of specialisation whereas the UCSD programme covers the entire field of FM
  • Planning & Project Management for Facilities Managers (Similar to the module Project Management in the SA qualification, but does not include the vocational requirement of leading and managing a project team)
  • Facilities Operations & Maintenance
  • Building Systems & Technology
  • Real Estate Property Management-
  • Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity
  • HVAC Systems Design (Similar to Mechanical Maintenance in the SA qualification, but the module encompasses maintenance management for all mechanical plant, equipment, and systems in a building)
  • Resource Management BUSA-
  • Economics and Life Cycle Cost Analysis
  • Introduction to Sustainability
  • Business Communication Skills (Similar to the SA module Business Communication)

    Similarities:
  • The minimum completion time for both qualification is two years (The SA qualification is a two-years because it is a part-time distance learning qualification)

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification is not available in face-to-face mode.
  • The USA entry requirements are similar to the NQF requirement for a Senior Certificate. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Certificate in Logistics Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Advanced Certificate in Operations Management, Level 6.
  • Advanced Certificate in Project Management, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Management NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Business in Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Hospitality Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Public Administration in Human Resource Management, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.
     
    1. Academy for Facilities Management (Pty) Ltd (A4FM) 


    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.