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: 

Higher Occupational Certificate: Environmental Practitioner 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
121547  Higher Occupational Certificate: Environmental Practitioner 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-LGSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Occupational Cert  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Environmental Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  170  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 1121/24  2024-01-30  2029-01-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-01-30   2033-01-30  

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
50309  Further Education and Training Certificate: Environmental Practice  Level 4  NQF Level 04  140  Complete 
66789  National Certificate: Environmental Management  Level 5  NQF Level 05  134  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as an Environmental Practitioner. An Environmental Practitioner identifies, prevents, monitors and reports site specific environmental risks and hazards; provides input to the integrated environmental management plan in compliance with the relevant legal and ethical framework and standard operation procedures; implement the roll out of integrated environmental plan. Typical graduate attributes will include among others leadership, discipline, compassion, communication, inquisitive, analytical, problem solving and dedication.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Enforce compliance to the environmental regulatory framework.
  • Comply to the ethical framework in the workplace.
  • Contribute to the integrated environmental management plan (waste, air, biodiversity, etc.)
  • Apply the integrated environmental management tools.
  • Participate in implementing the operational plan based on operational strategies for environmental issues.
  • Develop and lead an inter-disciplinary team.

    Rationale:
    South Africa has a need to manage and protect its natural resources and ecological systems, while simultaneously using its resources in a sustainable manner to promote social, physical and economic development. There is also a need for people to be empowered to develop environmental management practices, which will ensure that their activities, individually and collectively, result in the sustainable use of resources and minimise negative impact on the environment. Recent developments in environmental legislation have resulted in an increased demand for competent practitioners with the necessary skills, knowledge and values to fulfil these legislative requirements.

    Typical learner for this qualification is any individual who is currently working as an environmental practitioner in the environmental management sector and new entrants, especially in the fields of environmental science, environmental management and waste management. It will also enhance the provision of service within the environmental management sector as it provides the specific knowledge, skills and values needed in the environmental management field. Currently there are no similar Environmental Practitioner qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework.

    The environmental protection shall aid sustain the natural resources for the economic development of the country for industries that are directly dependent on natural resources, thus sustain livelihoods. This need arises from the increased pollution incidents, mismanagement of resources, privatisation of water, etc. which lead to environmental degradation. The qualification will facilitate access to, mobility and progression within the environmental management education and training and career progression to environmental technician for potential learners. The qualification was developed in collaboration with professional and statutory bodies. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for Access:
  • Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification.
  • Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through 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.

    Entry Requirements:
  • An NQF level 3 qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 213302-001-00-KM-01, Compliance with Environmental Regulatory Framework, Level 5, 6 Credits.
  • 213302-001-00-KM-02, Adherence to the Environmental Ethical Framework in the Workplace, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 213302-001-00-KM-03, Integrated Environmental Management Plan, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 213302-001-00-KM-04, Environmental Management Tools, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 213302-001-00-KM-05, Developing an Operational Plan based on Operational Strategies for Environmental issues, Level 5, 7 Credits.
  • 213302-001-00-KM-06, Forming and Leading an Inter-disciplinary Team, Level 5, 7 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 50

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 213302-001-00-PM-01, Comply with the Environmental Regulatory Framework, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 213302-001-00-PM-02, Adhere to the Environmental Ethical Framework, Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • 213302-001-00-PM-03, Illustrate the Components of the Biophysical Environment, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 213302-001-00-PM-04, Provide Input to the Integrated Environmental Management Plan, Level 5, 6 Credits.
  • 213302-001-00-PM-05, Use the Integrated Environmental Management Tools, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 213302-001-00-PM-06, Conduct an Initial Investigation to Present an Accurate Account of Environment issues, Level 5, 5 Credits.
  • 213302-001-00-PM-07, Assist in the Development of an Environmental Operational Plan and Strategies for Implementation, Level 5, 6 Credits.
  • 213302-001-00-PM-08, Form, Support, Coordinate, Motivate and Lead Multi-disciplinary Teams, Level 5, 3 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 48

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 213302-001-00-WM-01, Compliance with the Regulatory Framework, Level 5, 6 Credits.
  • 213302-001-00-WM-02, Adherence to the Environmental Ethical Framework, Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • 213302-001-00-WM-03, A description of the Biophysical Environment (the living and non-living features of an Environment in which an Organism lives), Level 4, 12 Credits.
  • 213302-001-00-WM-04, Understanding and Application of Integrated Environmental Management Tools, Level 5, 12 Credits.
  • 213302-001-00-WM-05, Conducting (participating, assisting) Preliminary Research (Survey, Preliminary Investigation, Problem Identification) and Data analysis of Environmental Issues, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 213302-001-00-WM-06, A description of the importance of the development of an Integrated Environmental Management Plan, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 213302-001-00-WM-07, Monitoring the implementation of an Operational Plan, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 213302-001-00-WM-08, Training, Supporting, Coordinating and Motivation of the Team members, Level 5, 12 Credits

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 72 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply environmental regulatory framework and adherence to the ethical framework in the workplace.
    2. Contribute to the integrated environmental management plan (waste, air, biodiversity, etc.)
    3. Apply the integrated environmental management tools.
    4. Implement the operational plan based on operational strategies for environmental issues.
    5. Develop and lead an inter-disciplinary team. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Explain, discuss, analyse, monitor and implement the relevant environmental legislation and policies.
  • Explain and apply the different steps in the compliance process.
  • Explain, analyse and apply the relevant environmental ethical policies.
  • Explain, inspect and observe compliance, non-compliance and best practice in relation to the collection of environmental data at a specific site.
  • Explain the ethical obligations to the environment.
  • Describe and apply the human behaviour towards the environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Describe and explain the various components of an integrated environmental management plan.
  • Explain, discuss and apply the process of formulating the integrated environmental management plan.
  • Explain the importance and purpose of integrating the various components into a unified environmental management plan.
  • Explain, discuss and analyse the roles and responsibilities of all the stakeholders.
  • Describe the importance of an integrated environmental management plan in terms of its objectives.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify, discuss and apply appropriate environmental management tools.
  • Compile and communicate site report and recommendations for environmental management.
  • Identify, analyse, discuss, compare and apply the different types of impact assessment.
  • Explain and discuss the different components of an environmental management system.
  • Describe and explain the purpose of environmental management tools.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Conduct an initial investigation on a specific environmental issue.
  • Compile and communicate report of the specific investigated environmental issue.
  • Develop an operational plan with associated implementation strategies to address a specific environmental issue.
  • Describe, explain and compare the elements/components of an operational plan and operational strategies for environmental issues.
  • Discuss factors that influence operational strategies and its implementation.
  • Explain, discuss and apply the principles of monitoring and evaluation process.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Describe and discuss a multi-disciplinary team and inter-disciplinary teams.
  • Describe, discuss and apply the stakeholder engagement process.
  • Explain, discuss and apply the principles of conflict management and resolutions in multi-disciplinary team .
  • Form, support, coordinate and motivate a multi-disciplinary team to resolve environmental issues.
  • Explain, describe and apply personal skills to deal with various stakeholders.
  • Describe and evaluate factors that influence motivation.
  • Describe and compare positive and negative reinforcement mechanisms.
  • Analyse, describe and apply different types and styles of leadership.
  • Explain, evaluate and apply accountability and responsibility in leadership.
  • Explain fundamentals of integrated collaboration.
  • Describe and analyse criteria for integrated collaboration.
  • Describe, analyse and implement team formation and stages of team formation.
  • Explain, select and apply community awareness processes in a community.
  • Explain, select and apply community empowerment and capacity building support for a community.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment
    The Skills Development Providers 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 leads to entrance into the integrated External Summative Assessment.

    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. Additional to the written assessment the learner must also submit a portfolio of evidence compiled of outcomes achieved in the workplace. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification was compared with qualifications from Canada and New Zealand.

    Canada
    The University of Calgary offers a one (1) year Environmental Management Certificate. It allows learners to gain the most recent specialised knowledge and skills needed for effective practice in the dynamic field of environmental management.

    It enables learners to explore uniquely Canadian environmental problems within a global perspective; Learn environmental systems, processes, tools, strategies, risk management techniques and legal requirements that help one assess and manage air, water, soil and waste. The Environmental Management Certificate qualification blends theory and practice while focusing on the need for sustainable development and the use of market-driven solutions. This qualification is ideal for university and college graduates looking to transition into the environmental sector.

    The qualification covers the following modules:
  • Auditing of HSE Management Systems and Compliance.
  • Ecosystems: Functions and Impacts.
  • Environmental Law.
  • Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability.
  • Introduction to Environmental Management.

    Optional modules: Minimum of 4 modules
  • Corporate Social Responsibility.
  • Environmental Impact Assessment and Reporting.
  • Environmental Issues and Indigenous Communities.
  • Environmental Management Systems and Standards.
  • Environmental Site Assessment.
  • Introduction to Geo-Information Systems.
  • Global Warming and Climate.
  • Management Tools and Techniques for Environment.
  • Occupational Hygiene: The Basics.
  • Oils Sands: Overview, Environmental Impacts and Regulations.
  • Renewable Energy Technologies.
  • Stakeholder engagement.
  • Waste Management Systems.
  • Water Management for the 21st Century.
  • Water Quality.

    Similarities:
    The purpose, duration and content of the two qualifications are similar, both have practical component.

    Differences:
    The Canadian Environmental Management Certificate qualification has elective modules, with no work experience component and specified exit level.

    New Zealand
    Learning Cloud offers a one (1) year Certificate in Environmental Management. The qualification consists of the following modules:

    Core Modules:
  • Eco-tour Management.
  • Conservation and Environmental Management.
  • Environmental Waste Management.
  • Soil Management (Crops).

    Elective Modules: select any 2 of the following 7 modules.
  • Alternative Energy.
  • Marine Studies.
  • Nature Park Management.
  • Ornithology.
  • Herpetology.
  • Primatology.
  • Wildlife Management.

    Aims of the qualification are to:
  • Provide a basic introduction to the study of ecology.
  • Provide a brief perspective on environmental problems and their causes.
  • Provide a brief introduction to pollution and its effect on the environment and conservation.
  • Increase your awareness of the relationship between soil and water and understand their effects on the environment and conservation.
  • Understand techniques of vegetation management that are used in a range of situations.
  • Identify methods used to monitor and manage large natural animal populations and land areas used for sustainable species continuance.
  • Identify the methods used to monitor and manage natural marine populations for sustainable species continuance.
  • Describe the role of Ecologically Sustainable Development policies in future environment management.
  • Describe the scope of ecotourism experiences available.
  • Determine management issues related to ecotourism activities/enterprises, giving due consideration to environmental and ethical concerns.
  • Develop in the learner an awareness of ecotourism destinations in existence and possibilities (in your country).
  • Explain the management and operation of an ecotourism office.
  • Explain the management of eco-tourist accommodation facilities including:
  • Identify catering options for different ecotourism activities.
  • Identify legal and statutory requirements for the establishment and operation of an ecotourism enterprise.
  • Identify/establish safety precautions/requirements/procedures for an ecotourism enterprise.
  • Plan for an ecotourism activity.

    Similarities:
    The purpose, duration and content are similar for both qualifications.

    Differences:
    The New Zealand Certificate in Environmental Management qualification has no practical and work experience components and exit level.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with those of the two countries in terms of the purpose, content, duration and practical component. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal and vertical articulation options.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Environmental Education, Training and Development Practice, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Environmental Science Technician, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required knowledge and practical modules by means of statements of results and a record of completed work experience.

    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 is: Environmental Practitioner: 213302-001-00-00

    Encompassed Trade:
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • None.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
  • LGSETA 
    		•

    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.
     
    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.