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 Certificate in International Trade Practice

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
125249	Higher Certificate in International Trade Practice
ORIGINATOR
Boston City Campus (Pty) Ltd formerly Boston City Campus and Business College (Pty) Ltd
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Procurement
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
Registered		EXCO 0637/26	2026-01-30	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 the Higher Certificate in International Trade Practice is to provide qualifying learners with a well-rounded, industry-oriented education in International Trade Practice, equipping them with a strong knowledge base and the required theory and methodologies to be successful in the discipline.

The qualification is primarily vocational, offering learners the basic introductory knowledge, cognitive and conceptual tools, and practical techniques for higher education studies in the International Trade Industry. The qualification incorporates values, knowledge, and skills in the core areas of international trade, including fundamental management principles, and import and export procedures and regulations. Learners will further develop basic problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking competencies, as well as the ability to take responsibility for their actions. Theoretical depth is further enhanced by incorporating relevant content in a range of supporting areas, including ethics, information technology, legal principles, legislation and regulations, communication, marketing, and operations.

Aligned with the institution's qualifying learner capabilities, this qualification aims to develop a qualified learner who is developed into a work-ready professional, with the necessary international trade practice-specific knowledge and skills. The qualifying learner will be prepared to begin navigating the complexities of a changing world, capable of creative, active and social engagement within civil society.

Upon successful completion, the qualifying learner will be able to:

Demonstrate a basic understanding of international trade principles in the South African and global context.

Apply the basic principles of international marketing within a specific context.

Resolve fundamental theoretical, managerial and administrative issues encountered in international trade.

Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of international trade finance.

Discuss ethics, international law and regulations compliance and the legal significance of certain key contracts encountered in international trade.

Rationale
International trade is the purchase and sale of goods (import and export) and services by companies in different countries and is a major contributor to the rise of the global economy (Heakal, 2023). In the South African context, international trade holds great value for our economy, with exports accounting for 29.9% of the gross domestic product (GlobalData, 2021). Matthee, Saville, Flowerday & Bezuidenhout (2022) note that "Exporters produce superior results relative to non-exporting firms across a wide range of performance metrics, including employment, remuneration, capital intensity, productivity, and profitability, to mention a few. South Africa is no exception in this regard".

There are several reasons supporting this observation, including those exporters who inter alia enjoy greater resilience because of network effects and diversification benefits where firms export multiple products to multiple destinations. Apart from this, South Africa's export sector has "grown considerably faster than the domestic sector over the past two and a half decades, considering the country's relative openness to the world" (Matthee et al, 2022).

The resilience of this industry is evident in the turnaround post-COVID international trade GDP growth of 14.1% from 2020 to 2022. Disruptions to global supply chains, the decrease in demand for South African products, port closures, the reduction in consumption in China, and the slowdown in world trade adversely affected South Africa (Krugel & Viljoen, 2022), and the international trade industry's GDP contributions decreased by 3.25% in 2020 (Microtrends, 2022). Given the subsequent growth, the international trade industry can be relied on to contribute to decreased unemployment, which currently stands at 32.6% (Smit, 2023).

The Sector Skills Plan (TETA, 2022) indicates that occupations in the Forwarding and Clearing sector are classified as hard to fill', such as Import/Export Administrator, Clearing and Forwarding Agent, Logistics Manager and Supply Chain Practitioner. Furthermore, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (2023) rolled out the National Exporter Development Programme (NEDP). The purpose of this qualification is to increase exports, particularly of those products and services that add value and contribute to employment and the green economy. The target group is small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs). The NEDP aims to deliver appropriately skilled exporters and contribute to the number of active exporters over time. This is a clear indication of the shortage of experienced and qualified exporters in the country.

A wide range of skills are valuable in the import and export industry and will assist in furthering the junior practitioner's professional identity, such as the ability to communicate with a wide audience while solving problems and understanding industry trends. With technology and innovation increasingly playing a role in this industry post-pandemic, qualifying learner starting in entry-level international trade positions should have a comprehensive understanding of their role within the industry. The rise of e-commerce is creating new opportunities for businesses to sell their products and services to customers around the world.

Qualifying learner skills related to import and export administration are deemed as lacking by industry stakeholders (TETA, 2022). Higher education institutions in Southern Africa, such as Boston City Campus, are uniquely positioned to address the skills gap and assist the industry in overcoming the critical issues identified above. There is currently a very limited number of qualifications, be it a diploma, degree or higher certificate, that specifically focus on International Trade Practice. In keeping with the institution's vision to enhance, uplift and continuously improve the quality of education and training in Southern Africa, offering this qualification will contribute to bridging these skills gaps. A qualifying learner will possess basic introductory knowledge, cognitive and conceptual tools and practical techniques related to the industry.

The institution recognises the need for suitably qualified learners for the sustainability of the import and export industry. Therefore, the qualification aims to further serve the institution's mission, which is to provide quality and relevant education and training to all our learners by equipping qualifying learners with the necessary knowledge, theory, skills, and experience in the important discipline of International Trade Practice, ensuring the mastery of general principles together with more specific procedures and their application.

The qualification fits in with the current suite of qualifications offered by the institution. The qualifying learner will be empowered for further cognate studies in the fields of International Trade Practice, including Import, Export, Supply Chain Management and Logistics, in the pursuit of an advanced certificate or diploma at NQF level 6, or a degree at NQF level 7.

Employment opportunities for the qualifying learner include:

Import and Export Controller.

Import and Export Administrator.

Import Clerk.

Export Freight Clerk.

Trade Lane Coordinator.

Inbound Shipping and Claims Consultant.

Junior Technical Buyer > Imports and Exports.

Junior Road Freight Controller.

Import and Export Cost Estimator.

Imports and Exports Compliance Administrator.

Warehouse and Logistics Administrator.

Shipping Controller.

Customs Clerk.

Sales Executive (Import/Export).

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution follows the CHE's Policies on the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment (CHE, 2016). The institution's existing RPL policy and practices will be applied in relation to the qualification. The principles of recognising learning that has already taken place will be applied at a modular level.

RPL for Access:

Learners need to be able to demonstrate their prior learning through evaluation/verification and/or assessment.

Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and learners will enter into discussion with the RPL advisor to determine the requirements for the RPL assessment/portfolio of evidence.

Only 10 % of a cohort will be allowed admittance to a qualification on RPL basis.

RPL for Exemption:

Learners applying for admission to the qualification via RPL can only be exempted from a maximum of 50 % of the qualification modules.

Although learners are rigorously assessed, as per the principles of RPL, there is no guarantee that a learner will gain admittance into a qualification or receive exemptions from modules.

Entry Requirements:

Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 without endorsement.
Or

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.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework, Level 5, totalling 122 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 122 Credits.

Computer Literacy (Word, Word Advanced, Outlook), 16 credits.

Academic Literacy, 14 credits.

Principles of International Trade Practice, 18 credits.

Fundamentals of Operations in International Trade,14 credits.

Introduction to International Trade Finance, 14 credits.

Principles of International Marketing, 14 credits.

Import and Export Practice and Procedure, 18 credits.

Work Integrated Learning, 14 credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of international trade principles in the South African and global context.
2. Apply the basic principles of international marketing within a specific context.
3. Resolve fundamental theoretical, managerial and administrative issues encountered in international trade.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of international trade finance.
5. Discuss ethics, international law and regulations compliance and the legal significance of certain key contracts encountered in international trade.
6. Demonstrate an integrated understanding of operations management within the context of international trade.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Discuss the role and significance of international trade.

Provide a correct overview of the framework for international trade within a specific country.

Identify factors that promote imports and exports in a particular country.

Communicate effectively using higher education communication techniques applicable to the educational and business environment.

Explain fundamental economic concepts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Demonstrate the relationship between planning and researching, and the controllable elements of international marketing.

Explain niche marketing and market segmentation.

Identify potential foreign markets.

Explain the use of market data.

Explain the importance of a marketing strategy.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Discuss the essential principles of management.

Describe the internal and external environments of an international trade (import/export) organisation.

Explain the management of an international trade-related business strategy.

Apply the correct fundamentals of Incoterms to international trade endeavours.

Oversee the physical movement of import/export consignment from source to destination.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Calculate accurate pricing and costing and implement relevant strategies.

Demonstrate an understanding of basic accounting systems and proficient use of spreadsheets.

Demonstrate the ability to contribute to the budgeting process.

Calculate product and delivery costs accurately.

Identify financial risk in international trade in each scenario.

Interpret basic financial statements and explain the implications of standard financial ratios and balance sheet and income statement components.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the legal framework that governs international affairs.

Determine the contractual nature of commercial transactions.

Recognise the significance of intellectual property rights within the import and export context.

Explain how international trade law regulates customs procedures, including the classification of goods, valuation, and origin requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Evaluate the importance of operations management within a business context.

Define project management and identify and discuss the key elements of the project management process.

Define Total Quality Management and accurately identify and discuss the tools used to manage the total quality management process.

Identify and formulate a strategic quality plan considering the design and management of quality in the import and export of products and services.

Integrated Assessment
The institution's assessment practices are driven by our Assessment and Moderation Policy. This policy is informed by key national policies and best practice benchmarks, including the SAQA National Policy and Criteria for Designing and Implementing Assessment for NQF Qualifications and Part-Qualifications and Professional Designations in South Africa (2014); CHE Policy on RPL, CAT and Assessment (2016) and CHE Distance Education Qualifications in a Digital Era: Good Practice Guide (2014). And as a point of departure, the principles of good assessment, including transparency, fairness, authenticity and legitimacy, drive the assessment praxis.

The Higher Education Assessment and Moderation Management Policy, which sets the institutional assessment strategy, is written from the standpoint of open distance and e-learning provision. From this vantage point, the policy guides and frames assessment practices, imagining the specific requirements of learners studying in the distance modality. That is, the policy and its implementation are fully cognisant of what is needed to ensure learners can navigate the challenges and opportunities associated with the distance modality.

While the institutional policy provides the broad parameters for assessment and moderation practices, there are several factors peculiar to the specific requirements of the qualification that inform how we think about and design our qualifications, including the choice of assessment strategies (i.e., the specific number, configuration, weighting and combination of assessment events as the means by which learning outcomes are assessed), the assessment typologies (i.e., the general category/type of assessment, e.g., summative, formative, ipsative, diagnostic, etc., selected as the assessment strategy), and assessment modalities (i.e., the particular type of instrument by which learners are assessed, e.g., examination, research essay, discussion forum, etc.) used in each module.

The assessment strategy includes the following combination of weighted assessment typologies:
Assessment Strategy 1 (AS1):

Two (2) Formative Assessments will count 50% towards the overall mark.

One (1) Summative Assessment will count 50% towards the overall mark.

Assessment Strategy 3 (AS2):

One (1) Formative Assessment will count 50% towards the overall mark.

One (1) Summative Assessment will count 50% towards the overall mark.

Assessment Strategy 3 (AS3):

Two (2) Formative Assessments will count 40% towards the overall mark.

Two (2) Summative Assessments will count 60% towards the overall mark.

The WIL typology included in the qualification will be Problem-based learning. This typology is strongly guided and built around clearly structured problems required in the completion of a project, which will enhance learning. There will be collaboration between academics and workplace representatives to ensure that the project is based on solving problems that have both academic relevance and workplace authenticity.

Assessment Strategy W (ASW) will be used for the WIL module:

Two (2) Formative Assessments will count 40% towards the overall mark.

Two (2) Summative Assessments 1: (Project) 40% and (Reflective Essay): 20% which will count 60% of the overall mark.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification was compared to the following international qualifications:

Country: Mauritius
Institution name: LM Institute
Qualification title: National Certificate in Customs Clearance
NQF Level: 4
Duration: One and a half (1.5) years

Entry Requirements:
The National Certificate in Customs Clearance admission requirement is a School Certificate with at least 3 credits; alternatively, mature learners with Form IV and at least 1 year of working experience in the sector may register.

Purpose
The National Certificate in Customs Clearance is designed to enable those new to the sector to grasp the fundamental concepts and the practical/operational workings of a Customs Clearance company. It prepares the leavers to start a career in the sector at the operational level. While the name denotes customs and clearance, the qualification is aimed at producing a qualifying learner who can fulfil various roles at the operational level in shipping and freight forwarding companies, import and/or export companies, freeport companies, export-oriented companies such as textile companies, seafood companies and international trade companies.

Similarities:

The LM Institute (LMI) qualification and the South African qualification (SA) are for those who are new to the industry, as they provide a background in their respective fields.

The entry requirements for both LMI and SA qualifications are completion of high school and facilitating admission for learners with working experience.

Differences:

The SA qualification has a duration of one (1) year, while the LMI is offered in one and a half (1.5) years.

The SA qualification is offered at NQF Level 5 while the LMI qualification is offered at NQF Level 4.

The LMI qualification allows for progression to a Diploma, while the SA qualification provides an entry to NQF level 6 Advanced Certificates, Diplomas, and NQF Level 7 bachelor's degrees respectively.

Country: Australia
Institution name: Charles Sturt University
Qualification title: Undergraduate Certificate in International Trade
AQF Level: 5
Credits: 32
Duration: One (1) year

Entry requirement:
High School Certificate (or equivalent)

Purpose:
The Undergraduate Certificate in International Trade provides learners with the skills and knowledge for career paths in customs administration and other public sector agencies and businesses involved in cross-border trade. Modules in the qualification include International Trade Terms and Documentation, Introduction to Tariff Classification, and Introduction to Customs Valuation.

Qualification structure:

International Trade Terms and Documentation, 16 Credits

Introduction to Tariff Classification, 8 Credits

Introduction to Customs Valuation, 8 Credits

Similarities:

The Charles Sturt University (CSU) qualification and the South African (SA) qualification require the successful completion of high school and facilitate admission for learners with working experience.

Both qualifications from the CSU and SA are offered at AQF Level 5 and NQF Level 5.

The duration for both the CSU and the SA qualifications is one year.

Differences:

CSU qualification only has 32 credits, meanwhile the SA qualification has 122 credits.

The SA qualification delves deep into international trade aspects, with 8 modules that provide in-depth knowledge of the industry/sector, while CSU only offers the qualification with 3 modules.

Conclusion:
Ultimately, the Higher Certificate in International Trade Practice compares favourably with international qualification offerings, providing similar content for higher education certificate qualifications aimed at school leavers, which equip learners for entry-level employment in international trade occupations while also facilitating pathways to further studies at the diploma or degree level.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows for the following articulation options.

Horizontal Articulation:

Higher Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management Practice, NQF Level 5.

Higher Occupational Certificate: Business Development Officer, NQF level 5.

Vertical Articulation:

Diploma in International Trade Management in Exports/Imports, NQF level 6.

Diploma in Export Management, NQF level 6.

Bachelor of Commerce in International Supply Chain Management, NQF level 7.

Diagonal Articulation:

National Occupational Certificate: International Trade Administrator, NQF Level 4.

Higher Occupational Certificate: Logistics Practitioner, NQF Level 5.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

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.

1.	Boston City Campus (Pty) Ltd formerly Boston City Campus and Business College (Pty) Ltd