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: 

National Occupational Certificate: Plasterer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
121847  National Occupational Certificate: Plasterer 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - CETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Occupational Cert  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Building Construction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  560  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  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 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 qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Plasterer.

A Plasterer prepares, calculates, tests, mixes, applies coats of plaster on interior and exterior walls, floors, ceilings and other structures, applies concrete screed on floors, maintains and restore plaster on surfaces, and applies decorative textures in finishing coats and protective coverings of plaster adhering to general workplace health, safety and building construction standards.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Plan and prepare for plastering.
  • Mix plastering materials and test concrete screed.
  • Carry out plastering and concrete screeding on surfaces.
  • Maintain and restore damaged or cracked plaster on existing building or surfaces.

    Rationale:
    As per Government Gazette 35625, published on 31 August 2012, the Minister of Higher Education and Training issued a listing of occupations as trades for which artisan qualifications are required, Plastering was identified as a trade occupation in terms of Section 26B of the Skills Development Act 1998 (Act No. 97 of 1998), and is regarded as one of the core trade skills that is highly in demand in the construction and built environment as it forms part of the pivotal list of trade skills identified by the industry.

    The built environment sub-sector encompasses almost all facets of society's everyday lives. This sub-sector accounts for a considerable percentage to the country Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and adds value to all South Africans socially and economically as it contributes to building homes, commercial buildings in complexes and civil infrastructure construction.

    The qualification is aimed at individuals who wish to join the plastering trade and those who are already practicing the trade but lack a formal qualification to be recognised as Plasterers nationally. The qualification will equip learners with requisite trade skills in plastering both interior and exterior walls, columns, beams, ceilings and other structures as well as repair damaged walls and create decorative textures in finishing coats. Qualifying learners will have the competitive edge in terms of professionalism, productivity, quality, efficiency and cost-effectiveness in rendering plastering services and/or products.

    Currently there are no similar qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). At the time of development, there was no licensing from professional body or membership required after completing this qualification.

    The qualification will also provide qualifying learners with opportunities to progress onto a range of other construction-related qualifications relevant to their trade interest area while others go directly into employment at client's home, businesses, employed by construction companies or become self-employed which by extension benefits the society. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
  • 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 with Mathematics and Physical Sciences. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules
  • 642302-000-00-KM-01, Legislation, Regulations and Standards Requirements in the Built and Construction Environment, Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 642302-000-00-KM-02, Plastering Theory, Work Procedures and Techniques, Level 4, 25 Credits.
  • 642302-000-00-KM-03, Assembling of a Scaffold, Ladder and Trestles, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 642302-000-00-KM-04, Basic Building Administration and Customer Service, Level 4, 10 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 50

    Practical Skill Modules
  • 642302-000-00-PM-01, Assemble, Use and Disassemble a Scaffold, Ladder and Trestles, Level 4, 25 Credits.
  • 642302-000-00-PM-02, Carry Out Different Plastering and Wet Finishes on Different Surfaces, Level 4, 115 Credits.
  • 642302-000-00-PM-03, Perform Concrete Screeding on Floors and Stairs, 4, 65 Credits.
  • 642302-000-00-PM-04, Assess and Repair Cracked or Damaged Plaster Surfaces, Level 3, 15 Credits.
  • 642302-000-00-PM-05, Analyse and Apply Basic Business Management Principles, Level 4, 18 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 238

    Work Experience Modules
  • 642302-000-00-WM-01, Processes of Preparing, Assembling, Using and Disassembling a Scaffold, Ladder and Trestles, Level 3, 12 Credits.
  • 642302-000-00-WM-02, Processes of Preparing and Plastering Different Surfaces, Level 4, 120 Credits.
  • 642302-000-00-WM-03, Processes of Preparing, Mixing and Laying Screed, Level 4, 95 Credits.
  • 642302-000-00-WM-04, Processes of Preparing and Performing Decorative Textures in Finishing Coats on Surfaces, Level 4, 25 Credits.
  • 642302-000-00-WM-05, Processes of Repairing Cracked/Damaged Plaster on Surfaces, Level 4, 20 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 272 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Interpret drawings and specifications, plan and prepare for plastering on surfaces and screeding.
    2. Perform concrete mix design and carry out plastering on surfaces and screeding on floors.
    3. Assess and restore cracked or damaged surfaces. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    ELO 1: Interpret drawings and specifications, plan and prepare for plastering on surfaces and screeding.
  • Identify, assess and clear work site to conform to general workplace health and safety requirements, and level the work site to prevent/minimise risks and/or damage to persons and the surrounding area.
  • Assemble and/or disassemble a scaffold or ladder as per SANS 10085 regulations.
  • Read and interpret building drawings, work instructions or contract information correctly and determine the scope of work activities to the required specifications.
  • Identify, describe and select components, tools and equipment for preparing the plaster mixture including assembling and disassembling a scaffold, ladder and trestles correctly in terms of their features, uses and suitability to the plastering application.
  • Identify, calculate, organise and acquire the quantity and quality of materials required for plastering surfaces and are in compliance with relevant legislation, regulations and standards.
  • Assemble, test and set up a scaffold, ladder and trestles correctly in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    ELO 2: Perform concrete mix design and carry out plastering on surfaces and screeding on floors.
  • Calculate and mix quantities of plastering materials required correctly to the desired consistency for plastering application.
  • Explain methods and principles in terms of their application, and apply plaster to interior and exterior walls, columns, concrete ceiling, beams, reveals, soffit and sills as per specifications.
  • Operate and handle relevant hand and power tools including equipment correctly and safely when plastering and screeding by applying safe work practices.
  • Apply smooth, decorative or textured finishes to plastered surfaces that meet work instructions and/or building drawing specifications and completed within the allocated timeframes.
  • Check required levels using the relevant tools to ensure plumbness.
  • Lay, rule and brush screed correctly to meet the required level as per the specifications.
  • Clean up, maintain and store all tools and equipment in the designated area.
  • Use and disassemble scaffold, ladder and trestles safely and correctly in line with the manufacturer's specifications.
  • Clean-up work site correctly in accordance with safety, health and environmental requirements and is free of rubble, debris and other waste materials.
  • Restore work site to its original state.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
    ELO 3: Assess and restore cracked or damaged surfaces.
  • Assess and mark correctly cracked or damaged surfaces correctly using the relevant tools.
  • Identify and describe materials, methods and tools/equipment involved in repair work for plaster repairs application.
  • Cut out, clean, fill and smooth cracked or damaged plaster to achieve to level of the existing plaster.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
    ELO 4: Analyse and apply business management principles and building administration.
  • Explain and apply business and management or supervisory principles and coordination of people and resources in plastering work context.
  • Explain and apply processes and principles for providing customer and personal services to meet quality standards for services.
  • Record inventory of tools and materials used during plastering according to company-specific standard operating procedures.
  • Maintain all records related to plastering work activities according to administrative best practice.

    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:
    The external assessment will be a trade test as prescribed under section 26D of the Skills Development Act as defined in the Trade Test Regulations. The assessment will consist of integrated written and practical tasks covering critical aspects of the trade in a simulated environment at an assessment centre accredited by the QCTO and conducted by an assessor registered by NAMB.

    A learner who attempted a trade test will be given recognition of those trade test tasks in which he/she has been found competent and not to be re-tested in those provided that: the learner is competent in at least 50% of the trade tasks given during the trade test, and the recognition will be retained by the candidate for a maximum of three attempts or 18 months from the date of successful completion of the assessment task, whichever comes first.

    Certification rule: Learners must attain a minimum of 70% for knowledge and be competent on the practical components of the assessment.

    The attainment of the part qualification does not lead to a full qualification; however, it will allow the learner to either apply for an Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) assessment in preparation for the trade test.

    . 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared with the international qualifications from New Zealand and Australia.

    New Zealand:
    Building Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) is a subsidiary of New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology offering a National Certificate in Solid Plastering pegged at Level 4 with a duration of 1 year 4 months. This qualification comprises of fundamentals and optional units. The optional units include Specialist moulding and Decorative components which are also covered in the South African qualification. The qualification provides learners with competencies required for solid plastering which include, scaffolding, basic tool use and safe working practices in an on-site environment as well as communication skills.

    This qualification covers:
    Trowel trades fundamentals
  • Tools and equipment
  • Legislation
  • Drawings and specifications
  • Planning and Communication
  • Building Science
  • Building Mathematics

    Solid plastering
  • Materials, mixing and surface preparation
  • Plaster surfaces
  • Repairs and maintenance
  • Consents and licensing

    Decorative mouldings (optional)
  • Construction of moulds
  • Application of solid plaster cornices and mouldings
  • Running bench moulds
  • Forming plaster moulds on site

    Similarities
    The New Zealand qualification is similar with the South African qualification in terms of content, for example Specialist moulding and Decorative components, and work experience component as learners are required to complete an apprenticeship to attain skills in a real or simulated workplace environment.

    Differences
    The New Zealand qualification differs with the South African qualification in duration as it is offered over a period of 1 year 4 months. It also differs with the South African qualification in structure as it is unit-based, offering learners optional strands to choose from whereas the South African qualification must be completed as a whole (i.e. the entire curriculum components) as it is structured to include the trade test.

    Australia:
    Australian School of Finishing Trades (ASFT) offers CPC31011 Certificate III in Solid Plastering, pegged at AQF Level 3 with duration of 2 years.

    This qualification has 20 units of competency requirements (15 core and 5 electives) that cover common skills for plastering work in the residential and commercial construction industry, which are similar to the South African qualification and differ slightly in terms of packaging.

    The course covers the following topics:
  • Read and interpret plans and specifications (Core)
  • Prepare surfaces for plastering (Core)
  • Plan and organise work (Core)
  • Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding (Core)
  • Carry out measurements and calculations (Core)
  • Handle solid plastering materials (Core)
  • Apply float and render to straight and curved surfaces (Core)
  • Use solid plastering tools and equipment (Core)
  • Apply basic levelling procedures (Core)
  • Apply set coats (Core)
  • Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the constructions industry (Core)
  • Conduct workplace communication (Core)
  • Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry (Core)
  • Restore and renovate solid plasterwork (Core)
  • Apply trowelled texture coat finishes (Core)
  • Work safely at heights (Elective)
  • Investigate business opportunities (Elective)
  • Install pre-cast decorative mouldings (Elective)
  • Erect and maintain trestle and plank systems (Elective)
  • Install cast plaster blockwork and wall sheet panels (Elective)
  • Carry out conite construction and wall sheet panelling (Elective)
  • Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres (Elective)
  • Use explosive power tools (Elective)
  • Manage finances for new business ventures (Elective)
  • Carry out concreting to simple forms (Elective)
  • Apply plaster by projection machine (Elective)
  • Cut and fix paper-faced cornices (Elective)
  • Install acoustic and thermal environmental protections systems (Elective)

    Similarities
    The Australian qualification is similar with the South African qualification in terms of content, for example common skills for plastering work in the residential and commercial construction industry, this qualification also has a similar structure which is a combination of theory, practical tasks and work-based learning although expressed as core and elective units of competency as learners are expected to attain skills in a real or simulated workplace environment.

    Differences
    The Australian qualification differs slightly with the South African qualification in terms of level and duration as it pegged at AQF Level 3 and duration as it can be achieved in 2 years whereas the South African qualification require learners to perform a trade test which forms part of the entire curriculum with 560 credits.

    Conclusion:
    The New Zealand qualification compares favourably with the South African qualification in terms of scope, and level but differ in terms of duration and structure whereas the Australian qualification compare favourably with the South African qualification in terms of structure and content but differs in terms of level and duration. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides opportunities for the following articulation options.

    Horizontal articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Refractory Mason, NQF Level 4.
  • Occupational Certificate: Painter, NQF Level 4.
  • National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Production Supervisor NQF Level 5.

    Diagonal articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Interior Decorating, 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.

    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: Plasterer: 642302-000-00-00.

    Encompassed Trade:
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • Plasterer

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
  • National Artisans Moderating 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.