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 Diploma: Electronic Warfare 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
50500  National Diploma: Electronic Warfare 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Air Defence 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
SAS SETA - Safety and Security SETA  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Diploma  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Safety in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  240  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 9900/00  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2023-06-30   2025-06-30  

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 
Purpose:

This qualification is aimed at learners who work or intend to work in the electronic warfare environment as operators or in related occupational fields in the context of the sovereignty of the state and government law enforcement, and who seek recognition for essential skills in the conduct of electronic warfare operations. Electronic warfare encompasses manipulation of the electro-magnetic spectrum to take control, deny undesirable use and to exploit own use thereof for organisational purposes. Electronic warfare consists of Signal Intelligence (SIGINT), Electronic Support Measures (ESM) and Electronic Counter Measures (ECM).

This qualification will also be valuable for those who may have been practising within the electronic warfare sector, but without formal recognition. This qualification is designed to be flexible and accessible so that learners who successfully complete this qualification know about and will be able to conduct the essential operations in electronic warfare.

Learners studying towards achieving this qualification will be able to:
  • Manage people in the work environment.
  • Conduct electronic warfare operations.
  • Assess stressful situations to apply resources.
  • Analyse EW information for future application in a sovereignty of the state and government law enforcement environment.

    In addition, learners will be able perform some of the following electives according to their choice of elective specialisation:
  • Perform landward electronic warfare operations.
  • Perform airborne electronic warfare operations.
  • Perform seaborne electronic warfare operations.

    Practitioners will generally carry out their role within the context of a sovereignty of the state and government law enforcement environment in times of peace and war.

    Rationale:

    Electronic warfare refers to the manipulation of the electro magnetic spectrum in order to fulfil a specific purpose such as to protect national assets, thereby ensuring the sovereignty of the Republic of South Africa. This qualification may be achieved in one of the electronic warfare streams - landward, airborne or seaborne. In order to meet the requirements of the workplace, the identification and recognition of competencies required by electronic warfare operators and the identification of how these relate to other military roles is vital. There is a critical need to provide recognition to people who are able to function within the electronic warfare domain.

    The majority of the learners for this qualification are likely to be working in the South African National Defence Force, with the knowledge gained in this qualification being directly applicable to the electronic warfare community of South Africa. Experienced electronic warfare operators are also in general demand in the intelligence sector, government law enforcement and defence industry.

    This qualification will give learners the opportunity to build on the skills, knowledge, understanding and experience they have to earn a formal qualification in electronic warfare. Learners will be able to work in a high stress situation and apply integrity, assertiveness and self-discipline to their daily lives. Professional conduct is also embedded in this qualification and will enhance the general image of the security forces in South Africa. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF level 4.
  • Mathematics at NQF level 4.
  • Computer Literacy at NQF level 3.
  • Interpret a topographical map for navigational purposes NQF level 4.
  • Perform counter insurgency operations at NQF level 4.

    Recognition of Previous Learning:

    This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through recognition of prior learning in terms of the defined exit level outcomes and/or individual unit standards.

    Evidence can be presented in various ways, including international and/or previous local qualifications, products, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

    All such evidence will be judged in accordance with the general principles of assessment and the requirements for integrated assessment.

    Access to the qualification:

    Learners for this qualification need to communicate effectively. Auditory skills will also limit access to the qualification in certain instances. Clear vision is also a requirement for achieving many of the outcomes of this qualification, and colour blindness or poor vision may hinder applicants from successfully completing this qualification. Physical fitness is required to perform many outcomes and a physically challenged person may not be able to achieve this qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Fundamental:

    Learners must achieve all 40 fundamental credits.

    Core:

    Learners must achieve all 98 core credits.

    Elective Specialisation:

    Learners must achieve at least 102 credits of their choice from any of the available elective credits in either one of the specialisation streams (landward, airborne and seaborne) or from the generic elective component. Elective streams of additional unit standards will be added to this qualification once they have been developed.

    Airborne electronic warfare elective stream unit standards:
  • Manage short range communication specific to aircraft.
  • Demonstrate the use of short-range communication specific to aircraft.
  • Demonstrate understanding of human performance and limitations in aviation.
  • Demonstrate understanding of South African Aviation law, International Civil Aviation Organization rules and procedures for small commercial aeroplane operations.
  • Interpret meteorology for aviation.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the principles of flight.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of airpower.
  • Apply survival techniques for aircrew members.
  • Describe small aeroplane components and emergency equipment.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of operation and use of radio aids in air navigation.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of aircraft instrumentation.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the principles of navigating an aircraft.
  • Conduct an Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) operation. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Manage people in the work environment.
    2. Conduct electronic warfare operations.
    3. Assess stressful situations to apply resources.
    4. Analyse EW information for future application in a sovereignty of the state and government law enforcement environment.

    Elective Exit Level Outcomes:
    5. Perform airborne electronic warfare operations.

    This qualification allows for further elective exit level outcomes once the unit standards have been developed and linked to this qualification by the landward or seaborne electronic warfare specialists.

    This qualification addresses the following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes, as detailed in the unit standards:
  • The ability of the learner to identify and solve problems through identifying the correct transmissions to interpret.
  • The ability of the learner to work effectively with others as a member of a team, group organisation or community is demonstrated through participating in and providing input for the entire EW operation.
  • The ability of the learner to organise and manage him/her self responsibly and effectively is demonstrated through adhering to operational requirements for the entire EW operation.
  • The ability of the learner to collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information is demonstrated through categorising data according to operational requirements.
  • The ability of the learner to communicate effectively in the modes of oral and/or written presentation is demonstrated through disseminating data and communicating with colleagues.
  • The ability of the learner to use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others is demonstrated through operation of SIGINT and ESM systems.
  • The ability of the learner to demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems is demonstrated through describing the consequences of poor performance.
  • The ability of the learner to contribute to own full personal development is demonstrated through working autonomously under stressful conditions. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • The ability to communicate within an organisation is demonstrated in terms of personnel management.
  • Individual skills and competencies of personnel are analysed in accordance with organisational prescripts.
  • Training needs of personnel are evaluated in accordance with organisational requirements.
  • Timeframes are set and adhered to in terms of achieving agreed results.

    2.
  • Preparation ensures the optimal functioning of electronic warfare operations.
  • The site selected for electronic warfare operations is appropriate for the type of operation.
  • Electronic warfare operations are conducted in accordance with operational requirements.
  • Electronic warfare data is analysed to determine the implications on an operation.
  • Electronic emission theory is analysed in terms of the manner in which it is interpreted.
  • Electronic warfare systems are deployed in accordance with operational requirements.

    3.
  • The extent of stress in given situations is identified in order to determine the impact on the operation.
  • Stressful situations are handled in a manner that maximises the required operational results.
  • Resources are applied to enable the resolution of a situation.

    4.
  • Electronic emissions of operational forces are exploited to gather relevant information.
  • Changes in the electro-magnetic battle space are identified and actions taken are relevant to the situation.
  • Analysed information is used to develop counter measures.

    5. Elective ELO:
  • Short range communication between aircraft is managed in accordance with SANDF protocols.
  • Current legislation pertaining to aircraft is explained in relation to the effect on EW operations.
  • Aircraft instrumentation is explained in terms of its purpose and advantages in relation to EW operations.
  • Principles of navigating an aircraft are explained in relation to EW operations.
  • Topography is described in terms of the impact on EW operations.
  • Airborne specific EW systems are operated in accordance with operational requirements.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Assessment should be carried out at regular intervals as well as at the end of the periods of study and should be assessed in an integrated way. It is envisaged that learners will work at more than one unit standard at a time.

    The achievement of applied competence of this qualification will be demonstrated if learners are able to apply electronic warfare techniques in their respective streams for the effective planning of joint, combined and multi-national operations through the gathering and dissemination of electronic warfare data.

    Learners must demonstrate the ability to engage in the operations selected in an integrative way, dealing with divergent and "random" demands related to these work operations under stressful situations. Evidence is required that the learner is able to achieve the purpose of the qualification as a whole at the time of the award of the qualification. Integration of skills will be demonstrated through the achievement of the core operational standards.

    Assessors should note that evidence of integration could well be presented by learner when being assessed against the individual unit standards. Thus, there should not necessarily be separate assessments for each unit standard and then further assessment for integration. Well-designed assessments should make it possible to gain evidence against each unit standard while at the same time gaining evidence of integration. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Due to the sensitive nature of the electronic warfare environment it was difficult to compare the content (unit standards) of this qualification to that of other countries. The comparisons found that no other countries have qualifications directed towards electronic warfare, so the task team considered the skills and knowledge taught to electronic warfare operators as the basis for this comparison. The following countries were selected as follows:

    United States of America:

    The United States of America (USA) was chosen for international comparability as they are currently the world leaders in terms of Signal Intelligence and Electronic Warfare. The US military conducts Information Operations and divides Information Operations into two categories namely, Information-in-Warfare (IIW) and Information Warfare (IW).

    IIW is an intelligence function that conducts information collection activities. It includes Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance. Intelligence is further subdivided into various disciplines including Signal Intelligence (SIGINT). SIGINT is further divided into Communication Intelligence (COMINT), Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) and Foreign Instrumentation Signals Intelligence (FISINT).

    IW is an operational function that conducts offensive and defensive information operations. It includes EW that is further subdivided into Electronic Warfare Support (ES) / Electronic Support Measures (ESM), Electronic Attack (EA) / Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) and Electronic Protection (EP) / Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM).

    It was identified that EW Operators in the US Air Force, Marine and Navy hold similar posts to that of South Africa. It was noted that in the USA members specialise in one function only such as ground based Communication Intelligence. In the SA Air Force Signal Intelligence / Electronic Warfare Operators / Officers operate in all the various different functions of Signal Intelligence as well as Electronic Warfare.

    The US Air Force does not specify the duration of experience required, but applicants must have experience as Aircraft EW Specialist. This experience must have been in an active duty or Reserve status in a flying component of the US military establishment within the past 36 months. The US and Marine corpse also have specific employment entry requirements, but these are not pertinent to the qualification, only to employment in a post.

    United Kingdom:

    The United Kingdom (UK) was chosen for international comparability as they are currently the next world leader in terms of Signal Intelligence and Electronic Warfare. In the Royal Air Force, enlisted members specialise in only one function of Signal Intelligence, similar to the USA. Enlisted and commissioned aircrew members perform Electronic Warfare functions but again only specialising in one of different functions. The post profiles of the various functions are very similar to that of the SA Air Force, but entry requirements to a post are based on employment criteria rather than on qualifications achieved.

    Australia:

    Australia was chosen for international comparability as they have an outcomes-based system of education and training similar to that of South Africa. The Royal Australian Air Force employs Airborne Electronic Analysts (AEA) that performs both Signal Intelligence and Electronic Warfare tasks. These tasks are identical to those of SA Air Force Signal Intelligence and Electronic Warfare operators, but with added maritime tasks as Australia have no land neighbours and are surrounded by ocean.

    Australia has specific employment entry requirements for learners applying to become an AEA, but these are not pertinent to the qualification, only to employment in a post.

    New Zealand:

    New Zealand was chosen for international comparability as they have an outcomes-based system of education and training similar to that of South Africa. The Royal New Zealand Air Force employs Air Electronics Operators (AEO) that performs both Signal Intelligence and Electronic Warfare tasks. The tasks are also the same as that of SA Air Force Signal Intelligence and Electronic Warfare operators but with added maritime tasks as New Zealand have no land neighbours and are surrounded by ocean.

    New Zealand has specific employment entry requirements for learners applying to become an AEO, but these are not pertinent to the qualification, only to employment in a post. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification has been designed and structured so that qualifying learners can be recognised as an electronic warfare operator. The qualification acts as a springboard from which learners may progress to qualifications in image interpretation, information warfare, counter intelligence, defence intelligence, intelligence collection and defence intelligence analysts.

    Learners can move horizontally or vertically between electronic warfare related qualifications, although in most cases, certain standards will be required horizontally before moving to another qualification vertically.

    This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualifications:

    This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualifications:
  • National Certificate: Statutory Intelligence Practice (level 5). 48667
  • National Diploma: Applied Military Intelligence (level 5). 49852
  • National Certificate: Navigation (level 5). 49950

    This qualification articulates vertically with the following qualifications:
  • National Diploma in Statutory Intelligence: Counter Intelligence (level 6). 49100
  • National Diploma in Statutory Intelligence Practice: Analysis (level 6). 49102
  • National Diploma in Statutory Intelligence: Collection (level 6). 49104
  • National Diploma: Joint and Multi National Operations (level 6). 49783 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this qualification or any of its associated Unit Standards may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this qualification or any of its associated Unit Standards must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this qualification or any of its associated Unit Standards must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors registered with the relevant ETQA must carry out the assessment of learners for any of the unit standards that make up this qualification. However, the following criteria are specified for assessors who assess integration of this qualification:
  • Be competent in the outcomes of this qualification.
  • Have a minimum of 3 years working knowledge in the electronic warfare environment. 
    		•

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

    NOTES 
    As per the SAQA decision to re-register all provider-based qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework that meet the criteria for re-registration, this qualification has been re-registered from 1 July 2018. As per the SAQA decision to re-register all provider-based qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework that meet the criteria for re-registration, this qualification has been re-registered from 1 July 2018. The elective unit standard category is open-ended to allow the learner to choose the elective specialization credits associated to the elective unit standards from any discipline that would add value to the purpose of the qualification or the learner`s own development on a learning pathway. The learner may choose any of the elective specialisation areas, but the unit standards within that area may be determined by organisational requirements. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  123531  Analyse Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) and Electronic Support Measures (ESM) data  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Core  123534  Conduct a Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) and Electronic Support Measures (ESM) operation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
    Core  120057  Demonstrate knowledge of electronic emission theory  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
    Core  123532  Evaluate a site for military surveillance and communications systems  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Core  123533  Prepare a Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) and Electronic Support Measures (ESM) operation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
    Core  114507  Understand, identify, and plan the exploitation of operational resources to collect information  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  35 
    Core  120487  Use firearms in a military and law enforcement environment  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
    Fundamental  7876  Conduct on-the-Job-Training  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Fundamental  15096  Demonstrate an understanding of stress in order to apply strategies to achieve optimal stress levels in personal and work situations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Fundamental  117985  Demonstrate an understanding of the Law of Armed Conflict during multi-national operations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Fundamental  15224  Empower team members through recognising strengths, encouraging participation in decision making and delegating tasks  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Fundamental  10055  Present data to stakeholders  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Fundamental  12433  Use communication techniques effectively  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Elective  120155  Apply survival techniques for aircrew members  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Elective  11504  Give security orders and instructions  Level 4  NQF Level 04  15 
    Elective  115468  Interpret a topographical map for navigational purposes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  2 
    Elective  114589  Manage time productively  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  15234  Apply efficient time management to the work of a department/division/section  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Elective  114506  Apply intelligence analysis tradecraft  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  35 
    Elective  123530  Conduct an Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) operation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  9 
    Elective  115753  Conduct outcomes-based assessment  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
    Elective  120161  Conduct pre and post flight procedures and administration for flights  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Elective  376860  Demonstrate an understanding of radio wave propagation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Elective  118027  Demonstrate an understanding of the planning process at the operational level  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  13 
    Elective  120059  Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of operation and use of radio aids in air navigation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Elective  120044  Demonstrate knowledge of Airpower  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Elective  120492  Demonstrate the application of performance management  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Elective  120150  Demonstrate the use of short-range communications specific to aircraft  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
    Elective  120045  Demonstrate understanding of aircraft instrumentation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Elective  120047  Demonstrate understanding of human performance and limitations in aviation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Elective  120156  Demonstrate understanding of South African Aviation law, International Civil Aviation Organization rules and procedures for small commercial aeroplane operations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Elective  120040  Demonstrate understanding of the concepts of operational command and control  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  2 
    Elective  120041  Demonstrate understanding of the principles of flight  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Elective  120058  Demonstrate understanding of the principles of navigating an aircraft  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  7 
    Elective  120152  Describe small aeroplane components and emergency equipment  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  9 
    Elective  120042  Interpret meteorology for aviation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  7 
    Elective  120052  Manage short range communication specific to aircraft  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
    Elective  10146  Supervise a project team of a developmental project to deliver project objectives  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  14 
    Elective  115461  Survive emergency situations making use of natural resources for survival  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  30 
    Elective  7881  Manage workplace diversity  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  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.
     
    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.