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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 Diploma: Bomb Disposal Specialist |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 126037 | Occupational Diploma: Bomb Disposal Specialist | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Development Quality Partner - SASSETA | ||||
| PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
| QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations | OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
| QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
| Occupational Dip | Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security | Safety in Society | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 360 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 06 | Regular-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Registered | EXCO 0840/26 | 2026-06-02 | 2031-06-02 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2032-06-02 | 2035-06-02 | |||
| 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 |
| 63229 | National Diploma: Bomb Disposal | Level 5 | NQF Level 05 | 245 | Complete |
| PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
| Purpose:
The purpose of the Occupational Diploma: Bomb Disposal Specialist qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Bomb Disposal Specialist. A Bomb Disposal Specialist maintains public order by responding to bomb incidents, identifying explosive devices or threats, and safely disposing of or rendering the device/situation safe. Bomb Disposal Specialists will identify, analyse, and solve problems in unfamiliar situations and contexts, gathering evidence and applying solutions based on evidence and procedures appropriate to bomb disposal and related environments. A qualified learner will be able to: The qualifying learner will acquire the requisite knowledge and skills to effectively and proficiently carry out their duties in compliance with applicable legislation in terms of the SAPS Act 68 of 1995 and the Defence Act 42 of 2002. The learners will grow professionally through the acquired skills and derive personal satisfaction knowing that they are contributing to the overall safety of the community. The learners will also benefit as their employability will be expanded. A qualified learner will be able to demonstrate the following key attributes: Rationale: The need for this qualification stems from the necessity to align a historically registered qualification. Based on sector skills plans for the Safety and Security sector, a specific need was identified to provide for both Bomb Disposal Technicians and Explosives/Ammunition Inspectors. The learning outcomes in this qualification provide learners with applied competence in bomb disposal in the sub-fields of Safety in Society, as well as Sovereignty of the State, and serve as a basis for further learning towards other qualifications at NQF Level 7. This qualification is for individuals specialising in bomb disposal competencies for the armed forces of South Africa, leading to a highly competent and specialised workforce in this discipline. Currently, there are no registered occupational qualifications for Bomb Disposal Specialists on the NQF. Benefits to the economy include providing South Africa with competent and professional bomb disposal officials who are able to react to, handle, and investigate any bomb threat and/or incident. Furthermore, learners will be empowered to dispose of explosive ordnance and weapons and/or weapon caches that could pose a hazard to society. This qualification will standardise learning in the above-mentioned services and enhance the quality of training in bomb disposal. The qualification will allow for transformation within the broader Safety in Society and Sovereignty of the State environment through the recognition of prior learning that will allow for the recognition of formal, non-formal, and informal learning, leading to the achievement of a nationally recognised occupational qualification. Typical learners for the qualification shall come from the junior and middle ranks of the South African Police Service and the South African National Defence Force. Learners will benefit from this qualification as successful completion will contribute to the full development of the learner by providing recognition, further mobility, and transportability within the armed forces. Collaboration with relevant stakeholders: List typical occupations in which the qualifying learner will operate: |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for Access: Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a qualification or part-qualification if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a qualification or part-qualification. Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated, and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills qualification. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors. RPL for Exemption: For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills qualification through any means of formal, informal, or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for Awarding Credits: Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification, part-qualification, or skills qualification through any means of formal, informal or nonformal learning and/or work experience may be awarded credits towards relevant modules and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA, confirming that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved. For a Skills Qualification, the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP) must ensure all modular competency requirements are met before the FISA and keep a record of such evidence. Upon successful completion of the EISA/FISA, RPL learners will be issued the QCTO certificate for the qualification, part-qualification, or skills qualification. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO. Entry Requirements: |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:
Knowledge Modules: Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 48. Practical Skills Modules: Total number of credits for Practical Skills Modules: 200. Work Experience Modules: Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 112. |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Analyse a bomb incident situation, gathering evidence to inform critical decisions regarding appropriate procedures to safely solve bomb incidents.
2. Analyse, select and apply appropriate methods, procedures, and techniques to render bombs/explosive devices safe. 3. Disarm and dispose of bombs/explosive devices to safely solve bomb incidents. 4. Conduct post-blast scene investigations and select and apply appropriate methods, procedures, or techniques in the processes of investigation. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
ELO 1: Analyse a bomb incident situation, gathering evidence to inform critical decisions regarding appropriate procedures to safely solve bomb incidents: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: ELO 2: Analyse, select and apply appropriate methods, procedures, and techniques to render bombs/explosive devices safe: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: ELO 3: Disarm and dispose of bombs/explosive devices to safely solve bomb incidents: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: ELO 4: Conduct post-blast scene investigations and select and apply appropriate methods, procedures, or techniques in processes of investigation: Integrated Assessment: Formative Assessments: Formative assessments are conducted throughout the training of learners. A range of formal, non-formal, and informal ongoing assessment activities is used to focus on teaching and learning outcomes to improve learner attainment. Formative assessments are conducted continuously by the facilitator to feed into further learning, to identify strengths and weaknesses, and to ensure the learner's ability to apply knowledge, skills and workplace experience gained. Formative Assessments are conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP), and a variety of ongoing assessment methods may be used, for example, quizzes, assignments, tests, scenarios, role play, and interviews. Continuous feedback must be provided. Summative Assessments: Integrated Assessment involves all the different types of assessment tasks required for a particular qualification or part-qualification, such as written assessment of theory and practical demonstration of competence. To achieve this, the Internal Assessment Criteria (IAC) for all modules as found in the QCTO curriculum document must be followed. An accredited SDP should implement a well-designed, formal, relevant, final internal Summative Assessment strategy for all modules to prepare learners for the EISA. These assessments evaluate learning achievements of each module of the relevant components of the qualification or part-qualification. Internal Summative Assessments are developed, moderated and conducted by the SDP at the end of each module or after integration of relevant modules, e.g. applied knowledge tests, workplace tasks, practical demonstrations, simulated tasks/demonstrations, projects, case studies, etc. The results of these final formal summative assessments must be recorded. These results, which include the Statement of Work Experience results, where applicable, contribute to the Statement of Results (SoR) that is a requirement for admission to the EISA. An SoR, using the template provided by the Quality Partner, is issued by the accredited SDP for qualifications and part-qualifications. The SDP must produce a valid Statement of Results for each learner, indicating the final result and the date on which the competence in each module, of each component, was achieved. Learners are required to produce this SoR, together with their ID document or alternative ID document, at the point of the EISA. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| This qualification was compared with similar qualifications from Scotland and the United States of America:
Most of the information on official bomb disposal qualifications, training, policies, and procedures internationally is not freely available or easily accessible, as the content is related to the security of the country, as well as the Sovereignty of the State. National Security Agencies and policing departments are very circumspect in the release of any details of internal security training, competency mapping, and procedures, as the success in fulfilling the security function hinges, in large measure, on their discretion and lack of publicity. Most people who enter this field are filtered through the Armed Forces of the State. They must, therefore, satisfy military or police selection requirements, which in sensitive areas are often classified as with this South African Occupational Diploma: Bomb Disposal Specialist. Therefore, this international comparability study focused specifically on information received from Bomb Disposal Specialists in the law enforcement environment. An international comparison was conducted firstly from staff reports compiled by South African Bomb Disposal Specialists visiting various foreign police forces, and secondly by means of a questionnaire which was completed by the Bomb Disposal Specialists who had visited foreign countries. What is presented below is as comprehensive as possible. Scotland and the United States of America were the two countries chosen for the international comparability study. Country 1: Scotland. Institution name: Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Munitions and Search (DEMS) Training Regiment. Duration: Not specified. A major £100 million bomb disposal training facility at St George's Barracks in Bicester, (housing the Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Munitions and Search Training Regiment). A long-standing military tradition has also resulted in the attendant development of registered qualifications in the field of explosives and bomb disposal techniques. One such prime qualification is - G71Y 22: Contribute to the Search and/or Disposal Function. The following units (indicated by course number) are mandatory, and their expected outcomes are listed: D9V6 04: D1VG 04: D9TF 04: D9TK 04: D9TJ 04: D9TL 04: D9TH 04: D9TY 04: D9TR 04: Similarities: Differences: Country 2: United States of America. Institution name: Redstone Army Arsenal Hazardous Devices School. Qualification name: Explosive Ordnance Clearance Agent (EOCA). Duration: Not specified. Purpose: The purpose of the course is to train Combat Engineers and select Engineer Officers with the basic skills and knowledge required to perform as Explosive Ordnance Clearance Agents. This course trains students in the following areas: reacting to the Unexploded Ordnance Hazard, Explosive Ordnance Clearance Agent's roles and responsibilities, ordnance terminology, safety, colour codes and markings, explosives and explosive effects, ordnance identification, remote charge placement, common improvised explosive device (IED) components, protective measures, reconnaissance, marking and disposal, reporting, and current improvised explosive device (IED) trends. The qualification covers the following aspects: Similarities: Differences: Conclusion: Taking into consideration all the aspects, which were examined in this study, the South African Occupational Diploma: Bomb Disposal Specialist, NQF Level 6, is equal to, and in some instances surpasses, the qualifications which are available internationally regarding content and target competencies. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal, vertical and diagonal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: Diagonal Articulation: |
| MODERATION OPTIONS |
| N/A. |
| CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
| N/A. |
| NOTES |
| Qualifying for External Assessment:
External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) - a national assessment: The Quality Partner is responsible for the management, conduct and implementation of the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), in accordance with QCTO set standards. Competence in the EISA is a requirement for certifying a learner. For entrance into the EISA, the learner requires a valid Statement of Results issued by the accredited institution indicating: The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge, Practical and Work Experience modules. OR The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge and Application Components. Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements: Criteria for the accreditation of providers: Accreditation requirements, against which Skills Development Providers (SDP) and Assessment Centres will be accredited, are found in the Curriculum Document, as listed below. The qualification is ring-fenced in accordance with the relevant legislative framework. Accreditation will be done in compliance with the following: The skills development provider must be empowered to render its services in accordance with Section 199 (5) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa The skills development provider should be established in terms of the SAPS Act 68 of 1995 sec32.) (i) as well as sec 63 (4) and Training to be conducted at SAPS-approved facility (Formal Approval letter to be issued by SAPS: National Commissioner) and/or The skills development provider should be established in terms of the Defence Act 42 of 2002, sec 14(e)(i), as well as sec 63 (4) and training to be conducted at a DoD-approved facility (Formal Approval letter to be issued by DoD: Chief HR), Assessment Centre should be established in terms of the SAPS Act 68 of 1995, sec 32. (i) as well as sec 63 (4) and Assessment to be conducted at a SAPS-approved facility (Formal Approval letter to be issued by SAPS: National Commissioner), and/or Assessment Centre should be established in terms of the Defence Act 42 of 2002, sec 14(e)(i), as well as sec 63 (4), and Assessment to be conducted at a DoD-approved facility (Formal Approval letter to be issued by DoD: Chief HR). The curriculum title and code are: 541202--001-00-00 - Bomb Disposal Specialist. Encompassed Trade: This is not a trade qualification. Assessment Quality Partner (AQP): Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA). |
| 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. |