SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Certificate: Quality Assurance

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
65861	Certificate: Quality Assurance
ORIGINATOR
City Guilds International
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
SERVICES - Services Sector Education and Training Authority			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National Certificate	Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology		Manufacturing and Assembly
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 0480/09	2009-07-01	2012-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2013-06-30		2016-06-30

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:

The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with the necessary skills required to be effective in the practices of quality assurance.

Learners who achieve this qualification are able to:

Fulfill a quality assurance role within a wide range of industries including manufacturing and service.

Manage quality assurance systems.

Operate quality control systems.

Design, present, analyse and interpret frequency distribution and quality control charts.

Undertake sampling inspections and testing.

Rationale:

This qualification has been developed for individuals who are employed in (or preparing for) occupations involving quality assurance or quality improvement initiatives in all areas of commercial activity.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

It is assumed that learners have achieved the equivalent of NQF Level 4 in a formal education environment.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

The structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible. This qualification may therefore be achieved in part or completely through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. The learner should be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and support and guidance should be provided. Care should be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining a qualification.

If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits should be assigned to the learner. Recognition of Prior Learning will be done by means of Integrated Assessment as mentioned above.

This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow:

Accelerated access to further learning at this or higher levels on the NQF.

Gaining of credits towards a unit standard.

Obtaining of this qualification in part or in whole.

Access to The Qualification:

There is open access to the qualification. However, it is preferable that learners should acquired language competencies and mathematical literacy competencies at NQF Level 4.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This Qualification is made up of a combination of learning outcomes from Fundamental, Core and Elective components, totaling 120 credits.

Fundamental; 20 credits:

Communication; 10 credits.

Mathematical Literacy; 10 credits.

Core; 80 credits.

Elective Minimum; 20 credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Use effective communication skills within the workplace.

2. Use mathematics in real life situations.

3. Describe the functions and elements of quality assurance in manufacturing and service.

4. Describe the setting and use of purchase and manufacturing specifications.

5. Describe inspection and testing.

6. Describe and carry out a sampling inspection.

7 .Present and interpret frequency distributions and quality control charts.

8. Describe how quality control systems are operated.

9. Explain quality costs.

10. Analyse frequency distributions.

11. Construct and interpret operating characteristic curves.

12. Predict reliability.

13. Manage quality assurance systems.

14. Design and us quality control charts.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

This qualification addresses all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes. A learner who obtains this qualification can:

Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.

Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community.

Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively.

Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.

Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem- solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1. Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Use the writing process to compose various reports and texts required within the workplace.

Read and interpret various texts with understanding.

Maintain and adapt oral communication as required.

Use appropriate communication skills within the workplace.

2. Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Use mathematical functions correctly to solve routine problems and tasks within the workplace.

3. Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Identify the functions of quality assurance within their own working environment.

Identify the functions of quality assurance within other environments.

Identify the elements of quality control.

Describe and explain the elements of quality control systems.

State the functions of quality control within industry and commerce.

Explain the relationship of quality to reliability, price and delivery.

Explain the relationship between quality and other considerations.

Explain the concept of feedback.

Define terms relating to quality assurance and reliability.

4. Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Explain the need to specify precisely what has to be made.

Define the terms related to quality standards.

Identify the function of a standard.

Prepare exemplary clauses relating to purchase and manufacturing specifications.

Explain the terms relating to deviation from specification.

Describe, in general terms, systems for the implementation and control of temporary deviation from specification.

Describe the three basic methods of quality control during manufacture.

Describe a system for the control of modifications based on given criteria.

5. Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Explain the contribution of inspection and testing.

Identify acceptable and non-acceptable errors in measurement of product and process.

Explain the function of different methods of inspection.

Explain the role of accreditation and certification organisations.

Explain the need to calibrate instruments to appropriate standards.

List the factors to be considered in establishing an appropriate working environment for inspection and test.

Explain the effect of task and psychological factors on inspection performance.

Explain the use of prescribed control areas.

Describe typical inspection routines.

Devise inspection and test specifications and schedules.

Select the appropriate equipment for testing in specified situations.

6. Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Explain the need for purchasing specifications for all materials.

Explain, in general terms, the risks involved in sampling.

State the meaning of terms used in sampling inspection.

Explain how to obtain a representative sample.

Select an appropriate single sampling plan.

Draft instructions for the use of the plan selected.

Explain the system of defect classification.

Describe methods of dealing with rejected batches.

Apply basic probability theory.

7. Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Compile frequency records.

Construct and interpret information from distribution curves and charts.

Apply measures of central tendency and measures of dispersion.

Recognise common frequency distribution curves and identify cause and correction of departure from usual patterns.

Recognise the normal frequency curve.

Explain how the type of distribution can be deduced.

Identify cases when a departure from normality would not be acceptable.

Plot and interpret simple quality control charts, given relevant control limits or control lines.

Explain the choice of suitable scales and class interval.

8. Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Explain the importance of human factors in the achievement of quality.

Identify the cause of controllable defects.

Describe the role and responsibilities of selected personnel.

Describe the application of motivational techniques.

Describe techniques used in trouble shooting and early warning.

9. Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

State advantages and disadvantages of cost models.

Allocate quality costs and construct graphs of them.

Explain the need for and use of quality costs data.

Formulate presentations relating to quality costs.

10. Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:

Explain the concept of variability.

Calculate the probability of a combination of several events.

Calculate statistics from sample data.

Explain the reason for choosing an appropriate model for probability prediction.

Use tables of cumulative probabilities.

Test and obtain estimates of statistics for a normal distribution.

11. Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:

Explain the statistical basis of acceptance sampling.

Construct and interpret operating characteristic curves.

Construct and interpret AOQ curves.

Explain the principles of quality rating and vendor appraisal.

12. Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:

Sketch a typical bathtub curve and name its three sections.

Define terms used in area of reliability.

Determine reliability parameters from life-test data.

Calculate reliability of multi-component systems where the components can be in series or in parallel.

Sketch typical graphs of costs versus reliability.

13. Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 13:

Explain the need for and methods of obtaining customer/marketing specifications.

Describe the liaison between quality assurance and design.

Explain the purpose of a quality assurance management system.

Describe the design and introduction of a quality assurance system.

Select appropriate techniques for corrective and preventive action.

Describe the implementation of total quality.

14. Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 14:

Explain the function and statistical basis of quality control charts.

Design and interpret the results of capability studies.

Construct and use control charts.

Describe modifications to the construction and use of basic control charts.

Integrated Assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved:

Assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever.

This qualification is comprised of the following:

Practical competences: What a candidate must be able to do.

Knowledge requirements: What a candidate must know.

There are several ways in which these can be assessed:

Practical:

Assessors may be required to use different assessment methods:

Competence checklist: Observation of performance.

Competence checklist: Appraisal of a product.

Practical assignment.

Knowledge Requirements:

Learners will be required to take tests to show that they meet the knowledge requirements.

These assessments can take the following forms:

Written tests: Multiple choice.

Written tests: Short, structured questions.

Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably interwoven. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the modules will be integrated.

Assessment of communication, language, literacy and numeracy should be integrated as far as possible with other aspects and should use practical contexts wherever possible.

Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar techniques such as realistic working environment including real work timescales and pressures should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflexive competencies.

All learners are required to complete an externally set and marked international examination in order to achieve the qualification.

Assessment should ensure that all outcomes and critical cross-field outcomes are evaluated.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The Certificate in Quality Assurance is broadly comparable to level 4 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

According to the 'Rough Guide to Comparing Qualifications in the UK and Ireland' published by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) and the four UK regulators (Qualifications Curriculum Authority (QCA)-now called the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual), the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), the Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales (ACCAC) and the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment in Northern Ireland (CCEA)), the Certificate in Quality Assurance is comparable to level 6 of the The National Framework of Qualifications for Ireland (NFQ) and Level 7 of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

Vertical articulation can occur by embarking on the study of related NQF Level 6 qualifications.

Horizontal articulation can occur with qualifications on NQF Level 5.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this qualification must be registered and appointed by the provider according to existing moderation guidelines of the FETQC/HEQC or relevant ETQA/SETA.

Any institution offering learning of this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA/SETA.

Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by City & Guilds and relevant ETQA.

Moderation should also validate the achievement of competencies and assessment processes as described in exit level outcomes and integrated assessment options as described in the qualification.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:

Interpersonal skills, subject matter expertise and assessment experience.

To be competent in the planning and conducting of assessment of learning outcomes.

The subject matter experience must be well developed within the relevant field and subfield practices.

The assessor must have completed:

A similar qualification or from the same family of qualifications, at or above the level of the qualification.

Minimum of two years relevant experience.

The subject matter experience of the assessor can be established by recognition of prior learning.

Assessors need to be registered with the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance Body.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2009.

NOTES

The City & Guilds Certificate in Quality Assurance (7430) is currently registered on the South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF) as the Certificate: Quality Assurance (SAQA ID 22949).

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.

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