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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Construction Materials Testing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
49017  National Certificate: Construction Materials Testing 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Civil Engineering Construction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CETA - Construction Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Civil Engineering Construction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 
Learners found competent against this qualification will be able to safely execute sampling and laboratory testing. These test are for mix designs, quality control during construction and acceptance testing of completed products and stabilised materials.

For those with extensive experience in the workplace, this qualification can be used in the recognition of prior learning process to assess and recognise workplace skills acquired without the benefit of formal education and training.

For the new entrant, this qualification describes the learning outcomes required to effectively participate in a structured workplace.

For education and training providers, this qualification provides guidance for the development of appropriate learning programmes and assessment documentation.

For employers, this qualification enables skills gaps to be identified and addressed ensuring that productivity levels are increased and business objectives achieved.

This qualification has been developed to provide flexibility and mobility / portability across the construction materials testing industry. This will allow for future career advancement across the various learning areas of construction materials testing.

Rationale for the qualification

The rationale for the introduction of a unit standard based - "National Certificate in Construction Materials Testing - NQF Level 3 " qualification- is to provide an introductory qualification for persons executing laboratory testing on construction materials.

Quality control during the construction process and the manufacturing of products used for construction, are totally dependent on the accurate execution of laboratory test by competent materials testers.

Learners will mostly be employed in the construction industry or the manufacturing of construction material products - where specialisation in the use of concrete, bituminous or soil materials occurs.

There is currently a critical shortage of competent Materials Testers in the Construction Industry.

The combination of learning outcomes in this qualification will provide learners with applied competence in the execution of laboratory sampling and laboratory testing procedures specifically for concrete, bituminous or soil construction materials depending on the Learning area taken.

The qualification will serve as a basis for learning towards the National Certificate in Construction Materials Testing - NQF Level 4

Its contribution to socio-economic transformation is that learners would be able to receive recognition for previous learning and experience. Employability and career prospects are enhanced. Progress to Level 4 - will enable learners to start their own businesses supplying a construction materials testing service - a process that will accelerate economic transformation and give economic empowerment.

The benefits to the economy is that quality products will be constructed / manufactured with lower maintenance cost, longer life spans and meeting the minimum requirements with respect to safety. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learners should have acquired the language competencies of NQF level 2 and mathematical literacy competencies of NQF Level 2, prior to embarking on learning towards this qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

The qualification may be obtained through the process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Learners who have met the requirements of any unit standard in this qualification may apply for recognition of prior learning to the relevant body, and will be assessed against the assessment criteria and specific outcomes for the relevant unit standard/s. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
Rules of Combination:

The qualification is composed of Fundamental, Core and Elective learning components: Fundamental - 44 credits. Core - 30 credits.

In order to be awarded the Qualification, the learner has to prove competence on all the Fundamental and Core unit standards, as well as a minimum of 46 credits from the elective list.

In order to cluster the elective learning in meaningful combinations that will assist learners to attain marketable skills in a specific direction and facilitate career development / career paths, the following are proposed learning areas.

Bituminous Materials Testing Learning area:

Fundamental: 44 credits Core: 30 credits Elective: 48 Total : 122 credits
  • Execute sampling of asphalt materials for testing - NQF Level 3
  • Execute laboratory testing pertaining to asphalt materials -NQF Level 3
  • Execute sampling of bituminous binder materials for testing - NQF Level 3
  • Execute laboratory testing pertaining to bituminous binders - NQF Level 3
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and produce computer spreadsheets using basic functions -NQF Level 2
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and produce word processing documents using basic functions - NQF Level 2

    Concrete Materials Testing Learning area:

    Fundamental: 44 credits Core: 30 credits Elective: 46 Total : 120 credits
  • Execute sampling of concrete material for testing - NQF Level 3
  • Execute laboratory testing pertaining to concrete -NQF Level 3
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and produce computer spreadsheets using basic functions -NQF Level 2
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and produce word processing documents using basic functions - NQF Level 2
  • Demonstrate knowledge of concrete construction technology

    Soils and Gravel Testing Learning area:

    Fundamental: 44 credits Core: 30 credits Elective: 46 Total : 120 credits
  • Execute sampling of soil & gravel material - NQF Level 3
  • Execute laboratory testing pertaining to soils and gravels - NQF Level 3
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and produce word processing documents using basic functions - NQF Level 2
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and produce computer spreadsheets using basic functions -NQF Level 2
  • Produce word processing documents for business - NQF Level 3
  • Produce and use spreadsheets for business - NQF Level 3 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    On completion of this qualification learners are able to demonstrate the following generic competence:
  • Apply knowledge of physics and chemistry in the sampling and testing process of construction materials.
  • Apply knowledge of occupational health and safety specifically applicable to construction materials testing.
  • Apply knowledge of aggregate sampling and testing.

    Elective exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria for the different proposed learning areas are as follows:

    Bituminous Materials, Concrete Materials, Soil and Gravel Materials Learning area

    Demonstrate a basic competence to sample and test asphalt materials and bituminous binders, or concrete materials, or soil and gravel materials- in a safe and efficient manner. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    On completion of this qualification learners are able to demonstrate the following generic competence:
  • The ability to apply knowledge of chemistry and physics is evaluated against standardised test procedures contained in various codes of practise.
  • Industry norms and specifications are used to evaluate the application of occupational health and safety issues in the construction materials testing environment.
  • Industry norms and specifications are used to evaluate the sampling and testing of aggregates.

    Elective exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria for the different proposed learning areas are as follows:

    Bituminous Materials, Concrete Materials, Soil and Gravel Materials Learning area
  • The identification of materials to be sampled and tested is demonstrated
  • The correct apparatus are identified
  • Both the apparatus and materials to be tested are prepared
  • The test isexecuted under supervision and in compliance to specified test procedures
  • Test readings are taken and test results recording

    Integrated Assessment:

    Formative assessments conducted during the learning process will consist of written tests, demonstrations and a number of self-assessments. The purpose of formative assessment is to diagnose learner strengths and weaknesses and to determine readiness for summative assessment.

    Summative assessment would consist of written tests coupled with assignments, case studies and practical demonstrations. Summative assessments would only be conducted once the learner has indicated that he/she is ready to undergo summative assessment.

    Before qualifying, the learners will be expected to demonstrate competence in a practical situation that integrates the assessment of all specific outcomes, for all unit standards.

    Integrated assessment provides learners with an opportunity to display an ability to integrate practical performance, actions, concepts and theory across unit standards in order to achieve competence in relation to the purpose of this qualification.

    In particular, assessors should check that the learner is able to demonstrate the ability to consider a range of options and make decisions about:
  • The quality of the observed practical performance as well as the theory and underpinning knowledge behind it.
  • The different methods that can be used by the learner to display thinking and decision making in the demonstration of practical performance.
  • Reflexive competencies 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The learning area qualification design model for the qualifications " National Certificate in Construction Materials Testing - NQF Levels 2; 3 & NQF 4 is unique to South Africa. In terms of this model, a learner can specialize in one of the three learning areas indicated in the articulation part of the qualification. On completion of any of the learning areas - the same qualification is awarded.

    The learning area model is however comparable to the - "strand" - concept in qualifications registered on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework. The "strand " enables learners to specialise.

    No information could be found on the New Zealand National Qualifications Framework for qualifications in Construction Materials Testing.

    One training provider in Australia does offer a post certificate / diploma / degree course in Construction Materials Testing.( soils and concrete ) The course has a duration of 108 hours.

    By comparison, the National Certificates in Construction Materials Testing in South Africa all have a minimum of 142 credits - that is 1420 hours of training. The learning area - Concrete materials - is a much more comprehensive training program if the material range, number test procedures, and the number of training hours is considered.

    The Scottish Qualifications Authority has a unit standard at level 4 "Building Materials: Performance Studies " - which contains a outcome - " describe and carry out tests on building materials and prepare laboratory reports. " - range statement - cement, aggregates, fresh concrete, hardened concrete, masonry products, timber and steel. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification has been developed for mobility across various Learning areas in Construction Materials Testing.

    Horizontal articulation is possible because the fundamental learning and the core units are the same for all the various Learning areas.

    Refer to annexure C elective unit standards - rules of combination - where different combinations of electives together with Fundamental and Core learning - formatted in learning areas- on completion will result in the same generic National Certificate in Construction Materials Testing - NQF Level 3.

    Articulation with the National Certificate in the Supervision of Construction processes at NQF Level 4 is possible since this qualification contains a unit standard dealing with the interpretation of test/ laboratory results.

    Articulation with the National Diploma in the Management of Construction processes at NQF Level 5 is also possible since this qualification contains a unit standard dealing with the initiation of and interpretation of test / laboratory results.

    Vertical articulation is also possible.
    Learners can progress from level 2 to level 6 in the various Learning fields.

    The following qualifications provide a learning pathway for the Construction Materials Tester / Technician / Technologist

    NQF level 2:
    National Certificate in Construction Materials Testing - various learning areas
    NQF level 3: (this qualification )
    National Certificate in Construction Materials Testing - various learning areas
    NQF level 4: ( generic qualification in process of registration )
    National Certificate in Construction Materials Testing - various learning areas
    NQF level 5: ( still to be developed )
    National Diploma in Construction Materials Technology - various learning areas
    NQF level 6: ( still to be developed )
    National Degree in Construction Materials Technology

    Equally, holders of other qualifications may be evaluated against this qualification for the purpose of RPL. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Assessment of learner achievements takes place at providers accredited by the relevant body (RSA, 1998b) for the provision of programs that result in the outcomes specified for the National Certificates in Construction Materials Testing. The relevant- ETQA, or other ETQA's who have a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant - ETQA, is responsible for the moderation of learner achievements of learners who meet the requirements of this qualification.

    Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA. Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.

    Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation; in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between ETQA's and in terms of the moderation guideline detailed immediately below.

    Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification.

    Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution, which is accredited by the relevant ETQA 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor / moderator, the applicant needs:
  • A recognized assessor qualification.
  • Compliance with the relevant ETQA's requirements for assessor / moderator registration.
  • Subject matter expertise in the unit standard/s for which assessor / moderation registration is sought, as well as an understanding of the context of the qualification in order to enable integrated assessment.
  • A moderator qualification for applicants to register as moderator. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  7547  Operate a personal computer system  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Core  116560  Execute laboratory testing pertaining to aggregate materials  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Core  116585  Execute sampling of aggregate materials for testing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  14547  Implement Occupational Health and Safety measures in a construction materials testing laboratory  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Fundamental  8968  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9010  Demonstrate an understanding of the use of different number bases and measurement units and an awareness of error in the context of relevant calculations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Fundamental  9013  Describe, apply, analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Fundamental  8969  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9012  Investigate life and work related problems using data and probabilities  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8973  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  7456  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business and national issues  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8970  Write texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  14539  Demonstrate an understanding and apply physical science and chemistry in construction materials testing  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Elective  7572  Demonstrate knowledge of and produce computer spreadsheets using basic functions  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  7568  Demonstrate knowledge of and produce word processing documents using basic functions  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  116568  Execute laboratory testing pertaining to asphalt materials  Level 3  NQF Level 03  20 
    Elective  116576  Execute laboratory testing pertaining to bituminous materials  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  116588  Execute laboratory testing pertaining to concrete  Level 3  NQF Level 03  25 
    Elective  116586  Execute laboratory testing pertaining to soils and gravels  Level 3  NQF Level 03  20 
    Elective  116584  Execute sampling of asphalt materials for testing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  116589  Execute sampling of bituminous materials for testing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Elective  116570  Execute sampling of concrete material for testing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  7 
    Elective  116557  Execute sampling of soils and gravels for testing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Elective  7567  Produce and use spreadsheets for business  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  7570  Produce word processing documents for business  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  116591  Demonstrate an understanding of and adjust concrete mix design  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  15183  Demonstrate knowledge of concrete construction technology  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Elective  15172  Interpret test/lab results in civil construction  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  15169  Organize and control the construction of bulk earthworks  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Elective  15175  Plan, organise and control the construction of stabilized and unstabilized pavement layers  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Elective  15190  Plan, organise and control asphalt paving construction  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
    Elective  15192  Plan, organise and control bituminous surfacing seal construction  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 


    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.