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
49058  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 2  NQF Level 02  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 
The accurate execution of laboratory testing by competent materials testers will enhance quality control during the construction process and manufacturing at NQF Level 2.

Learners found competent against this qualification will be able to (under supervision ) 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 learnerships 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 2 " qualification- is to provide an introductory qualification for persons executing (under supervision) 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 Learnership 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 1 and mathematical literacy competencies of NQF Level 1, 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 Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA), 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 - 60 credits. Core - 23 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 37 credits from the elective list contained in Annexure C.

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 learnerships 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
On completion of this qualification learners are able to demonstrate and also apply the following generic competence and apply:

1. Knowledge of physics and chemistry and apply this knowledge in the sampling and testing process of construction materials
2. Knowledge of occupational health and safety specifically applicable to construction materials testing.
3. Knowledge of aggregate sampling and testing.

Electives and assessment criteria for the different proposed fields of learning are as follows:

Bituminous Materials field of learning.

1. Demonstrate a basic competence to sample and test (under supervision ) asphalt materials and bituminous binders- in a safe and efficient manner.

Concrete Materials field of learning.

1. Demonstrate a basic competence to sample and test (under supervision ) concrete materials- in a safe and efficient manner.

Soil and Gravel Materials field of learning.

1. Demonstrate a basic competence to sample and test (under supervision ) soil and gravel materials - in a safe and efficient manner. 

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
On completion of this qualification learners are able to demonstrate and also apply the following generic competence and apply:

1. The ability to apply knowledge of chemistry and physics will be evaluated against standardised test procedures contained in various codes of practise.
2. Occupational health and safety issues and other related Legislative and regulative matters are applied according to
industry norm.
3. Aggregate materials are sampled and tested in accordance with industry norms and specifications.

Electives and assessment criteria for the different proposed fields of learning are as follows:

Bituminous Materials field of learning.

These outcomes are assessed when:
  • The materials to be sampled are identified and tested
  • The correct apparatus are identified and both the apparatus and materials to be tested are prepared
  • The test is executed under supervision and in compliance to specified test procedures
  • Test readings are taken and test results are recorded

    Concrete Materials field of learning.

    These outcomes are assessed when:
  • The materials to be sampled are identified and tested
  • The correct apparatus are identified and both the apparatus and materials to be tested are prepared
  • The test is executed under supervision and in compliance to specified test procedures
  • Test readings are taken and test results are recorded.

    Soil and Gravel Materials field of learning.

    These outcomes are assessed when:
  • The materials to be sampled are identified and tested
  • The correct apparatus are identified and both the apparatus and materials to be tested are prepared
  • The test is executed under supervision and in compliance to specified test procedures
  • Test readings are taken and test results are recorded

    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 learnership model for the qualifications " National Certificate in Construction Materials Testing - NQF Level 2 & NQF 4 is unique to South Africa. In terms of this model, a learner can specialize in one of the three learnerships indicated in the articulation part of the qualification. On completion of any of the learnerships - the same qualification is awarded.

    The learnership 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 learnership - 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 Learnerships in Construction Materials Testing.

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

    Refer to annexure C elective unit standards - rules of combination - where different combinations of electives together with Fundamental and Core learning - formatted in learnerships- on completion will result in the same generic National Certificate in Construction Materials Testing - NQF Level 2.

    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 interpreting of test / laboratory results

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

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

    NQF level 2: ( this qualification )
  • National Certificate in Construction Materials Testing - various learnerships
    NQF Level 3:
  • National Certificate in Construction Materials Testing - various learnerships
    NQF level 4:
  • National Certificate in Construction Materials Testing - various learnerships
    NQF level 5: ( still to be developed )
  • National Diploma in Construction Materials Technology - various learnerships
    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 CETA (RSA, 1998b) for the provision of programs that result in the outcomes specified for the National Certificates in Construction Materials Testing. CETA- ETQA, or other ETQA's who have a Memorandum of Understanding in place with CETA - 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, the applicant needs:
  • A recognized assessor qualification
  • Compliance with the relevant ETQA's requirements for assessor registration
  • Subject matter expertise in the unit standard/s for which assessor registration is sought, as well as an understanding of the context of the qualification in order to enable integrated assessment 
    		•

    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  14656  Demonstrate an understanding of sexuality and sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS  Level 1  NQF Level 01  5 
    Core  116770  Execute laboratory testing pertaining to aggregates  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  116771  Execute sampling of aggregate materials for testing  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  116777  Implement Occupational Health and Safety measures in a construction materials testing laboratory  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Core  7547  Operate a personal computer system  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Fundamental  12462  Engage in a range of speaking and listening interactions for a variety of purposes  Level 1  NQF Level 01  6 
    Fundamental  12469  Read and respond to a range of text types  Level 1  NQF Level 01  6 
    Fundamental  12470  Write for a variety of different purposes  Level 1  NQF Level 01  6 
    Fundamental  8963  Access and use information from texts  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  9009  Apply basic knowledge of statistics and probability to influence the use of data and procedures in order to investigate life related problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  116766  Demonstrate an understanding and apply physical science and chemistry in construction materials testing  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Fundamental  7480  Demonstrate understanding of rational and irrational numbers and number systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  8962  Maintain and adapt oral communication  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  12444  Measure, estimate and calculate physical quantities and explore, describe and represent geometrical relationships in 2-dimensions in different life or workplace contexts  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  8967  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  7469  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal and community life  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Fundamental  9007  Work with a range of patterns and functions and solve problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  8964  Write for a defined context  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    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  116774  Execute laboratory testing pertaining to asphalt materials  Level 2  NQF Level 02  20 
    Elective  116768  Execute laboratory testing pertaining to bituminous binders  Level 2  NQF Level 02  10 
    Elective  116767  Execute laboratory testing pertaining to concrete  Level 2  NQF Level 02  25 
    Elective  116769  Execute laboratory testing pertaining to soils and gravels  Level 2  NQF Level 02  20 
    Elective  116773  Execute sampling of asphalt materials for testing  Level 2  NQF Level 02  10 
    Elective  116776  Execute sampling of bituminous binder material for testing  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  116772  Execute sampling of concrete material for testing  Level 2  NQF Level 02  7 
    Elective  116775  Execute sampling of soil and gravel material  Level 2  NQF Level 02  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 


    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. Academy for Construction Skills (Pty) Ltd (ACS) 


    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.