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: Civil Services Construction Constructor 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
126058  National Occupational Certificate: Civil Services Construction Constructor 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - CETA 
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
National Occupational Cert  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Civil Engineering Construction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  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
65409  National Certificate: Building and Civil Construction  Level 3  NQF Level 03  140  Complete 
24133  National Certificate: Construction: Roadworks  Level 2  NQF Level 02  120  Complete 
24173  National Certificate: Construction: Roadworks  Level 3  NQF Level 03  155  Complete 
49016  National Certificate: Construction: Concreting  Level 3  NQF Level 03  152  Complete 
49410  National Certificate: Construction  Level 2  NQF Level 02  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Civil Services Construction Constructor.

A Civil Services Construction Constructor constructs pipe systems for water, stormwater, and sewerage.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Set out, plan, and prepare for civil services construction work.
  • Coordinate, construct, and maintain pipe systems for sewerage and ancillaries.
  • Coordinate, construct, and maintain pipe systems for stormwater.
  • Coordinate, construct, and maintain pipe systems for water.

    Learners will benefit by being equipped with practical skills and technical knowledge required to participate effectively in the construction and maintenance of civil services infrastructure. They will receive hands-on training in essential areas such as the installation of water supply, sewer, and stormwater systems, trenching, pipe laying, backfilling, and safety standards. Learners gain competencies that are aligned with industry requirements, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to essential public infrastructure development projects.

    A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes:
  • Problem-solving.
  • Effective Communication.
  • Accuracy.
  • Mathematical quantification.

    Rationale:
    The Civil Services Construction Constructor qualification addresses a critical need in South Africa's infrastructure development. The role of a skilled Civil Services Construction Constructor is essential for constructing and maintaining pipe systems for water, stormwater, and sewerage. These systems are fundamental to urban and rural infrastructure, ensuring the reliable delivery of essential services that directly impact public health, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.

    The qualification has been developed to address the absence of a recognised national standard for constructing and maintaining pipe systems for water, stormwater, and sewerage in South Africa. Existing qualifications in the construction sector are outdated and do not adequately cover the specific skills required for these critical infrastructure projects.

    There is no similar qualification currently registered on the NQF that specifically addresses these needs, highlighting the unique and essential nature of this qualification.

    This qualification is of benefit to civil construction industry stakeholders, including professional bodies and construction companies, because it addresses a significant skills gap in the workforce. The qualification meets the sector's need for qualified individuals capable of constructing and maintaining essential water and sewerage infrastructure. Consultations involved recognised professional bodies and industry experts to ensure the qualification aligns with sector requirements.

    This qualification will benefit society by improving public health and environmental sustainability through better water and waste management systems. Economically, it supports job creation and enhances the productivity of the construction industry, contributing to national development goals and strategies, such as supporting the development of a green economy.

    Typical learners for this qualification include individuals entering the construction industry, current workers seeking to formalise their skills, and those aiming to advance their careers in infrastructure development and maintenance. The qualification will attract school leavers, construction workers, and career changers looking to specialise in civil service construction. Qualifying learners are likely to enter occupations such as civil service constructors, infrastructure supervisors, site managers, and project coordinators. The qualification provides clear pathways for further learning and career advancement, enabling learners to progress to higher levels of education and more specialised roles within the construction sector.

    Collaboration with relevant stakeholders:
    Various stakeholders within the civil engineering construction industries were involved during the development of this occupational qualification. These stakeholders included industry bodies, professional bodies, private and public training providers and government departments.

    List typical occupations in which the qualifying learner will operate:
  • Civil Services Constructors.
  • Infrastructure supervisors.
  • Site managers.
  • Project coordinators. 
    		•

    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 of learning, qualification if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a qualification of learning.

    Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific 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 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 Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA):
    Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification of learning, 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.

    Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued the QCTO certificate for the qualification. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO.

    Entry Requirements:
  • An NQF Level 3 qualification with Communication and Mathematical Literacy. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 641403-002-00-KM01, Theories and Principles of Sewer Pipelines, NQF Level 4, 3 Credits.
  • 641403-002-00-KM02, Theories and Principles of Water Pipelines, NQF Level 4, 3 Credits.
  • 641403-002-00-KM03, Theories and Principles of Stormwater Drainage, NQF Level 4, 3 Credits.
  • 641403-002-00-KM04, Theories and Principles of Subsoil Drains and Service Ducts, NQF Level 3, 1 Credit.
  • 641403-001-00-KM05, Principles of Setting Out Work Areas, NQF Level 4, 1 Credit.
  • 641403-002-00-KM06, Basic Fundamentals of Concrete, NQF Level 3, 1 Credit.
  • 641403-001-00-KM07, Safety, Health, and Environment Related Legislation, NQF Level 3, 1 Credit.
  • 641403-001-00-KM08, Theories and Principles of Supervision, NQF Level 4, 1 Credit.
  • 641403-001-00-KM09, Construction Planning and Administration, NQF Level 3, 1 Credit.
  • 641403-001-00-KM10, Construction Drawings and Specifications, 3, 1 Credit.
  • 641403-001-00-KM11, Introduction to Construction Materials, NQF Level 3, 1 Credit.
  • 641403-001-00-KM12, Tools and Construction Plant, NQF Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • 653201-000-01-KM13, Workplace Relationships and Performance, NQF Level 3, 1 Credit.
  • 653202-000-01-KM14, Decision Making, NQF Level 3, 1 Credit.
  • 641403-001-00-KM15, Fundamentals of Labour-Intensive Construction (LIC) And Civil Works Concepts, NQF Level 3, 3 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 25

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 641403-002-00-PM01, Set Out and Transfer Levels for The Services Construction, NQF Level 3, 1 Credit.
  • 641403-002-00-PM02, Plan, Prepare, and Use Tools and Equipment for Civil Services Construction Work, NQF Level 3, 1 Credit.
  • 641403-001-00-PM03, Construct and Lay a Stormwater Pipe or Culvert, NQF Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 641403-001-00-PM04, Construct A Manhole or Inspection Chamber or Junction Box, NQF Level 4, 5
  • 641403-002-00-PM05, Construct and Lay a Water Pipe, NQF Level 4, 7 Credits.
  • 641403-002-00-PM06, Construct and Lay a Sewer Pipe, NQF Level 4, 7 Credits.
  • 641403-002-00-PM07, Construct and Lay a Subsoil Pipe, NQF Level 4, 7 Credits.
  • 641403-002-00-PM08, Install and Insulate Duct Systems, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 641403-001-00-PM09, Communicate with Colleagues and Stakeholders, NQF Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • 641403-001-00-PM10, Implement Labour Intensive Construction Systems and Techniques for Water and Sanitation Services, NQF Level 3, 3 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 43

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 641403-002-00-WM01, Processes and Procedures for Setting Out, Planning, and Preparing for Civil Services Construction, NQF Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 641403-002-00-WM02, Processes and Procedures for Laying, Repairing, and Maintaining Water Pipe Systems and Associated Infrastructure, NQF Level 4, 15 Credits.
  • 641403-001-00-WM02, Processes and Procedures for Laying, Repairing, and Maintaining Stormwater Pipe Systems and Associated Infrastructure, NQF Level 4, 17 Credits.
  • 641403-002-00-WM03, Processes and Procedures for Laying, Repairing, and Maintaining of Sewer Pipe Systems and Associated Infrastructure, NQF Level 3, 15 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 52 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply knowledge and theoretical concepts to plan, set out, and prepare civil services construction activities for pipe systems for water, stormwater, sewerage, and ancillaries.
    2. Apply knowledge to plan and manage the installation of pipes and ancillary structures for sewerage pipe systems and ancillary components
    3. Apply knowledge of materials, techniques, and project lifecycle to coordinate, construct, and maintain stormwater pipe systems
    4. Apply knowledge of plans, specifications, pipe locations, and depths to coordinate, construct, and maintain water pipe systems. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    ELO 1: Apply knowledge and theoretical concepts to plan, set out, and prepare civil services construction activities for pipe systems for water, stormwater, sewerage, and ancillaries.
  • Plan and prepare by interpreting construction drawings and specifications.
  • Plan and prepare civil services construction work by ensuring that all preparatory steps are completed according to the project requirements, including safety, health, and environmental considerations.
  • Set out and transfer services construction work areas levels by applying the principles of setting out, verifying that all measurements and levels are precise and conform to the specified plans.
  • Execute construction activities for pipe systems, including water, storm water, sewerage, and ancillaries, by following established processes and procedures and ensuring all tasks are completed to the required standards.
  • Decide and communicate by engaging with colleagues and/or stakeholders to resolve any issues that arise and foster a collaborative and productive work environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    ELO 2: Apply knowledge to plan and manage the installation of pipes and ancillary structures for sewerage pipe systems and ancillary components
  • Coordinate and plan sewerage pipe system projects applying the theories and principles of sewer pipelines and aligning with project specifications and requirements for accurate installation and optimal system performance.
  • Construct sewerage pipe systems by applying knowledge and skills in constructing, ensuring all components are installed correctly and securely fitted.
  • Perform maintenance and repair tasks by applying knowledge of sewerage works to ensure that all maintenance activities support the overall integrity and functionality of the sewerage system.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
    ELO 3: Apply knowledge of materials, techniques, and project lifecycle to coordinate, construct, and maintain stormwater pipe systems
  • Coordinate and plan stormwater pipe system projects by applying the theories and principles of stormwater drainage, using appropriate construction materials, and aligning with the project specifications and requirements.
  • Construct storm water pipe systems by applying knowledge of storm water pipes or culverts, fundamentals of concrete, and following established processes and procedures.
  • Perform maintenance and repair tasks on stormwater pipe systems by applying knowledge of laying, repairing, and maintaining stormwater pipe systems to ensure that all maintenance activities support the overall integrity and functionality of the stormwater system.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
    ELO 4: Apply knowledge of plans, specifications, pipe locations, and depths to coordinate, construct, and maintain water pipe systems.
  • Coordinate and plan water pipe system projects by applying the theories and principles of water pipelines and aligning with project requirements for the installation of pipes at specified locations and depths.
  • Construct water pipes by applying knowledge of installation and insulation of duct systems, using plant and equipment, and following established processes and procedures.
  • Perform maintenance and repair tasks on water pipe systems by applying knowledge of water pipes to ensure that all maintenance activities support the overall integrity and functionality of the water pipes.

    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, 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 relating to the achievement of each module of the relevant components of the 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 to similar qualifications from New Zealand and Australia.

    Country 1: New Zealand
    Institution name: Connexis Infrastructure Training (CIT)
    Qualification name: New Zealand Certificate in Infrastructure Works Civil
    Duration: 25 Months
    NZQF: Level 4
    Credits: 161-164 Credits

    Entry requirements:
  • The learner must hold the New Zealand Certificate in Infrastructure Works (Level 3).

    Purpose:
    This qualification is designed for individuals seeking to gain skills in the construction, laying, repairing, and maintaining of water, sewer, and stormwater systems.

    The qualification requires the completion of core units and elective units. The core units are mandatory, while elective units can be selected based on the learner's interests and career goals.

    Modules:
    Core Modules:
  • Apply Health and Safety Risk Assessment to a Job Role.
  • Demonstrate Knowledge of and Implement Environmental Controls for an Infrastructure Worksite.
  • Apply Site Work Instructions.
  • Carry Out Notifiable Work and Permit Requirements on An Infrastructure Worksite.
  • Supervise Health and Safety Requirements on an Infrastructure Worksite.

    Elective Modules:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of subgrade for infrastructure civil works.
  • Install earth retaining structures for road construction.
  • Maintain and repair road drainage systems.
  • Install road furniture.
  • Stabilise and modify layers for road construction or road maintenance.

    Similarities:
  • The South African National Occupational Certificate is similar to the New Zealand Certificate in terms of the core competencies required for infrastructure work.
  • Both qualifications cover essential aspects such as site management, environmental policies, and the installation and maintenance of water, sewer, and stormwater systems.

    Differences:
  • The South African National Occupational Certificate differs from the New Zealand Certificate in terms of the specific elective units available.
  • The New Zealand qualification offers a broader range of elective units, including infrastructure inspections and project management, which are not covered in the South African qualification.

    Country 2: Australia
    Institution name: TAFE Queensland (TQ)
    Qualification name: Certificate III in Civil Construction (Road Construction and Maintenance)
    Duration: 12-24 Months
    AQF: Level 3

    Purpose:
    This qualification is designed for individuals seeking to gain skills in the civil construction sector, which includes the construction, laying, repairing, and maintaining of water, sewer, and stormwater systems.

    Modules:
    Core Modules:
  • Plan and organise work.
  • Apply risk management processes.
  • Read and interpret plans and job specifications.
  • Work safely and follow WHS policies and procedures.
  • Carry out measurements and calculations.

    Elective Modules:
  • Install trench support.
  • Install stormwater systems.
  • Install sub-soil drainage.
  • Conduct civil construction skid steer loader operations.
  • Maintain site records.

    Similarities:
  • The South African National Occupational Certificate is similar to the Australian Certificate III in terms of the core competencies required for civil construction.
  • Both qualifications cover essential aspects such as site management, environmental policies, and the installation and maintenance of water, sewer, and stormwater systems.

    Differences:
  • The South African National Occupational Certificate differs from the Australian Certificate III in terms of the specific elective units available.
  • The Australian qualification offers a broader range of elective units, including civil construction inspections and project management, which are not covered in the South African qualification.

    Conclusion:
    In conclusion, the South African qualification compares well with the New Zealand and Australian standards in terms of the core competencies and practical skills required for civil services construction. It aligns well with the New Zealand and Australian qualifications in terms of the comprehensive coverage of installation and maintenance techniques for water, sewer, and stormwater systems. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides opportunities following articulation options.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Occupational Certificate: Borehole Pump Operator, NQF Level 4.
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Higher Occupational Certificate: Landscape Designer, NQF Level 5.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    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 the 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.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
  • None.

    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 curriculum title and code are: Civil Services Construction Constructor, 641403-002-00-00.

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

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
  • Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA). 
    		•

    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.