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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Further Education and Training Certificate: Chemical Operations 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
78529  Further Education and Training Certificate: Chemical Operations 
ORIGINATOR
Chemical Industries SGB 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
The individual Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary for each Learning Programme recorded against this qualification is shown in the table at the end of this report.  SFAP - Sub-framework Assignment Pending 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Further Ed and Training Cert  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  140  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 091/21  2021-07-01  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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
22868  National Certificate: Chemical Process Operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  126  Complete 

This qualification is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
111359  Occupational Certificate: Chemical Plant Controller  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  180  Complete 
102156  Occupational Certificate: Chemical Plant Operator  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  487  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

This qualification is used to address the training needs for an internal process controller. This competence provides the skills needed to take responsibility for a significant process in the chemical operations industry. It also provides the basis upon which further related learning and career development can take place.

Through the employment of competent operating personnel, employers and in turn the field and sub-field have confidence that this critical work in the industry is efficiently carried out.

Social development and economic transformation are enhanced through efficient production, and career development and personal job satisfaction of operating personnel are facilitated through the learning process used to achieve the competency specified.

Qualifying learners will:

Have an understanding of the various process operations that are used in chemical operations:
  • Apply scientific principles in the processing industry.
  • Act as a process expert to assist others to understand the process and operational issues better.
  • Control chemical process operations in a process environment.

    Rationale:

    This qualification replaces the National Certificate in Chemical Process Operations, NQF Level 4 (ID 22868).

    This is the third qualification in a series for people working in the chemical operations industry who need to progress beyond NQF Level 3 and for learners who want to progress in the chemical operations industry. The qualification reflects the workplace-based common or non-specific needs that a learner requires in the chemical operations industry, before progressing to learning at a higher level.

    Typical learners are operating personnel working in a chemical processing plant. The chemical processing industry is well established in South Africa and its success is dependant upon the efficient production of chemical products. Achievement of this objective is largely dependant upon the competence, recognised by this qualification, of the people who operate chemical processing equipment. An adequate number of people with these skills are needed to ensure that the production units in South Africa operate productively.

    Competence in chemical process operations requires appropriate general, chemical specific technical & other knowledge and its application; as well as expertise in operating production equipment and controlling a chemical process. This knowledge and expertise can form a basis for further learning particularly in the production/operational, engineering and supervisory aspects of chemical operations and similar industries in the chemical and other sectors. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 3
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    Recognition of prior learning must be carried out in accordance with the policy and rules specified and used by the ETQA responsible for evaluation of people seeking RPL for a part of the whole qualification.

    Access to the Qualification:
  • National Certificate in Chemical Operations, NQF Level 3

    Access for learners with disabilities is dependent on the:
  • Type and severity of the disability
  • Nature of the operational processes and requirements of the equipment. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Fundamental Component:

    The Fundamental Component consists of Unit Standards in:
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4 to the value of 16 Credits.
  • Communication at NQF Level 4 in a First South African Language to the value of 20 Credits.
  • Communication in a Second South African Language at NQF Level 3 to the value of 20 Credits.
  • It is compulsory therefore for learners to do Communication in two different South African languages, one at NQF Level 4 and the other at NQF Level 3.

    All Unit Standards in the Fundamental Component are compulsory.

    Core Component:

    The unit standards in the compulsory Core Component of the qualification reflect the skills and competencies needed for building expertise in the chemical operations field. In the Core Component, the learner must demonstrate his/her competence in the total of 55 Credits.

    Elective Component:

    The Elective Component consists of a number of specialisations each with its own set of Unit Standards. Learners are to choose a specialisation area and must choose Elective Unit Standards to the value of 29 credits from the Elective Unit standards listed under that specialisation so as to attain a minimum of 140 Credits for this qualification.

    Chemical Industry specialisations (Learning Programme ID 58538):

    ID 244101: Use a panel or a computer interface to control a process, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
    ID 244103: Use automated control techniques to control a process, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
    ID 244106: Use standard operating procedures to control a process from a panel or Computer interface, NQF Level 4, Credits 15.

    In addition learners are to choose additional Elective unit standards to give a total of 140 credits for the qualification:

    ID 113909: Coach a team member in order to enhance individual performance in work environment, NQF Level 3, 5 credits.
    ID 117132: Explain basic economics NQF Level 3, 3 Credits.
    ID 9533: Use communication skills to handle and resolve conflict in the workplace, NQF Level 3, 3 Credits.
    ID 13670: Demonstrate an understanding of the relevance of key policies to environmental education, NQF Level 4, 2 Credits.
    ID 14667: Describe and apply the management functions of an organization, NQF Level 4, 10 Credits .
    ID 244104: Issue a permit to work in a process environment, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.

    Mining and Minerals specialisation (Learning Programme ID 78904):

    Specialisation Area: Chemical Operations.

    Learners are to choose Elective Unit Standards to the value of at least 29 credits from the list below:

    ID 113909: Coach a team member in order to enhance individual performance in work environment, NQF Level 3, 5 Credits.
    ID 117132: Explain basic economics, NQF Level 3, 3 Credits.
    ID 9533: Use communication skills to handle and resolve conflict in the workplace, NQF Level 3, 3 Credits.
    ID 13670: Demonstrate an understanding of the relevance of key policies to environmental education, NQF Level 4, 2 Credits.
    ID 14667: Describe and apply the management functions of an organization, NQF Level 4, 10 Credits.
    ID 12544: Facilitate the preparation and presentation of evidence for assessment, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
    ID 244104: Issue a permit to work in a process environment, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
    ID 244101: Use a panel or a computer interface to control a process, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
    ID 244103: Use automated control techniques to control a process, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
    ID 244106: Use standard operating procedures to control a process from a panel or computer interface, NQF Level 4, 15 Credits.
    ID 115753: Conduct outcomes-based assessment, NQF Level 5, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply scientific principles in the processing industry.

    2. Demonstrate an understanding of the chemical process and related issues.

    3. Control chemical process operations in a process environment.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    Each critical cross-field outcome was considered in terms of its applicability to each of the specific outcomes for each unit standard. Where it was found to be applicable, the nature of the skills being developed was specified by the working group and captured in the standard.

    Critical cross-field outcomes are assessed per unit standards and are part of all exit level outcomes.

    Critical cross-field outcomes have been addressed by the exit level outcomes as follows:

    While performing integrated chemical process operations, qualifying learners can:

    Identify and solve problems in which response displays that responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking, have been made by:
  • Responding to emergencies in a processing environment; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 2.
  • Investigating process improvement methods; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 2,3.
  • Applying operating procedures; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 3.
  • Controlling variables impacting on chemical process operations; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 2,3.

    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community by:
  • Working in a coordinated team during system start-up and shut down; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 3.
  • Guiding and coaching learners; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 2.
  • Participating in a task team; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 2.
  • Co-ordinating one's work with that of others in the direct surrounding area, internal and external operations; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 2,3.

    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Controlling the integrated process; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 3.
  • Planning and implementing one's own routine operational functions; Evident in all Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Planning and implementing corrective action to maintain product quality; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 3.

    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Applying scientific principles to complex separation processes; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1.
  • Investigating process improvement methods; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 2.
  • Monitoring the impact of all process and material variables; Evident in all Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Managing records, reports and stock; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 2,3.

    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations by:
  • Recording and interpretation of instrument readings; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 2,3.
  • Guiding and coaching learners; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 2.
  • Making recommendations to the task team; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 2.
  • Preparing and presenting reports; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 2,3.

    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Applying environmental protection practices through water treatment processes; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1.
  • Applying the concepts related to energy and power in a process environment; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1.
  • Controlling technologically advanced production equipment according to operating procedures; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 3.
  • Working and interpreting technologically advanced instrumentation and computer systems; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1,3.

    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation by:
  • Participating in quality assurance practices; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 2,3.
  • Adjusting equipment and machinery while taking cognisance of the downstream impact; Evident in all Exit Level Outcomes.

    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large by:
  • Maintaining and applying safety practices in the processing environment; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 2,3.
  • Maintaining and applying quality practices in the processing environment; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 2,3.
  • Performing core operating functions; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1,3. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Chemical principles are explained and applied in a process environment.
  • The concepts related to energy and power are applied in a process environment.
  • The scientific basis and operational principles underlying complex separation processes are explained with examples.

    2.
  • Process problems are resolved in accordance with set requirements.
  • Plant safety, quality and efficiency is improved in accordance with organisational requirements.
  • Process improvement methods are investigated and recommendations are made.

    3.
  • The process is controlled using various automated methods.
  • The impact of all process and material variables is integrated as required.
  • Corrective action is taken to maintain product and process integrity.

    Integrated Assessment:

    The applied competence (practical, foundational and reflexive competencies) of this qualification will be achieved if a candidate is able to achieve all the exit level outcomes of this qualification.

    Appropriate methods and tools must be used to assess practical, foundational and reflexive competence of the learner in all the exit level outcomes listed above, as well as to determine a learner's ability to solve problems, work in a team, organize him/herself, use applied science, and understand the implications of actions and reactions in the world as a set of related systems. Such an assessment process will determine development of the whole person, and the integration of applied knowledge and skills.

    Assessors should develop, conduct, and ensure integration of, assessment by making use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods against the unit standards that make up the qualification. Combinations of applied, foundational and reflective competencies, including critical cross-field outcomes, should be assessed wherever possible.

    Moderators should ensure that assessment is valid, consistent and integrated into work or learning, and that there is sufficient and authenticated evidence of learner competence against the whole qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Benchmarking was done against the NVQ from Britain, the Australian and New Zealand Qualifications Frameworks.

    African countries with manufacturing facilities (including SADC countries) were scanned for applicable qualifications or training programmes, but no relevant qualifications are offered in any of these countries.

    Good international comparability, including similar core qualification structures and progressions from NQF Level 1 to NQF Level 4, were found in the Australian and British qualifications.

    A comparison with the British qualification was included, because the British chemical industry is very well developed and the NVQ is an educational structure comparable to the NQF. An internet search revealed that the City & Guilds Level 4 NVQ in Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Petro-Chemical Operations focuses on providing Technical Support training. The qualification contains compulsory core units consisting of safety, teamwork, work handover; three compulsory units related to technical support; and a choice of five elective units from a range with a high quality component, emergencies, energy optimisation and problem solving.

    Australia:

    The Australian processing industry is of a similar size and sophistication as the South African industry. For this reason a comparison with the Australian qualification was included, as well as the AQF being an educational structure comparable to the NQF. An internet search of the AQF revealed that the Australian Certificate IV in Process Plant Technology contains the same compulsory core units on communication, safety, quality and work procedures which are also included in the previous levels. (These five units do not have to be repeated if completed previously). The qualification consists of 26 units, but if the core units have been completed previously, the learner only has to complete 21 units in total. At least five units have to be chosen from a range of technical and operational units with the emphasis on control and supervision. The rest of the qualification is made up of units from other training packages or the learner is allowed to choose elective unit standards in domains that are comparable to what is required for the local qualification, e.g. lead teams, implement operational plans, and process supervision.

    New Zealand:

    Research in the NZQA showed that a Certificate in Energy and Chemical Plant (Process Operation) (level4) is registered. This qualification allows for optional strands in Refrigeration, Steam Generation, Ancillary Operations, Geothermal, Waste Management and Co-Generation. The basic Process Operation qualification contains 9 compulsory core unit standards consisting of 1 workplace communication unit standard and 8 processing operations and safety unit standards, totalling 58 credits.

    If the learner wants to gain competence in one of the strands mentioned above, a further range of elective unit standards specific to that area of specialisation has to be chosen.

    The content of this qualification is similar to that contained in the South African NQF Level 3 qualification, namely: communication, safety, quality control and equipment operation, monitoring and maintenance. The main difference between this qualification and the South African NQF Level 4 qualification is that the learner is not trained to take up the control of a process in a chemical plant.

    Both local and international qualifications place high emphasis on safety with a range of unit standards relating to hazards, emergencies and environmental protection included.

    The Chemical Operations Qualification compares well with the best international qualifications and training programmes offered. The compulsory technical content incorporated in the qualification will serve to support qualifying learners to make better informed, autonomous decisions within a more compact timeframe than international learners and will increase transportability of the qualification considerably. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification is the final qualification in a series of four chemical operations qualifications and it will allow the learner a vertical progression from the NQF Level 3 qualification. The qualifying learner may progress into a NQF Level 4 supervisory internal process controller role in the chemical process operations industry.

    This qualification allows for vertical progression into tertiary education because the qualification has specifically been designed to allow for further study at a technical university.

    The generic knowledge and expertise enables the learner to progress horizontally in a range of other processing operations or to develop a career where knowledge of chemical operations is necessary.

    Horizontal articulation within the processing industry can occur with the following registered NQF Level 4 qualifications:
  • ID 48915: Further Education Training Certificate: Manufacturing and Assembly Operations Supervision, NQF Level 4.
  • ID 48643: Further Education Training Certificate: Chemical Pulp Manufacturing, NQF Level 4.
  • ID 48645: Further Education Training Certificate: Pulp and Paper Chemical Recovery, NQF Level 4.
  • ID 49049: Further Education Training Certificate: Lump Ore Beneficiation, NQF Level 4.
  • ID 48919: Further Education Training Certificate: Measurement, Control and Instrumentation, NQF Level 4.
  • ID 48399: Further Education Training Certificate: Sugar Processing, NQF Level 4.
  • ID 21496: Further Education Training Certificate: Dry Lumber Processing, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone moderating the assessment of learners against this Qualification must be registered as a moderator with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited or recognised as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation 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 ETQAs (including professional bodies); 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, exit level outcomes 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 that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    In order to assess this qualification, the assessor needs:
  • Well developed interpersonal skills.
  • Assessors to meet the requirements of the generic assessor standards.
  • Competence against the unit standard "Conduct outcomes-based assessments".
  • Detailed documentary proof of educational qualification, practical training undergone, and/or experience gained at an appropriate level in the work concerning the production of molten glass. This must meet the relevant ETQA policies and guidelines. The subject matter expertise of the assessor can be established through the recognition of prior learning.
  • Registration with, or recognition by, the relevant ETQA as specified through an appropriate memorandum of understanding. 
    		•

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

    NOTES 
    This qualification replaces qualification 22868, "National Certificate: Chemical Process Operations", Level 4, 126 credits.

    Range of equipment covered:

    A system is understood to be equipment operated in combination to achieve a desired result in process operation.
    Operating a system includes the integrated operation of the equipment that makes up the system.

    Range statements:

    This qualification addresses the theoretical knowledge required by learners in the processing industries.
    Knowledge relating to the processing industries includes process specific technology, communication, mathematics, applied science, and SHEQ.
    This qualification may be applicable to other processing operations. This is subject to its acceptance by appropriate subject matter experts. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  117877  Perform one-to-one training on the job  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  244100  Apply integrated process control methods  Level 4  NQF Level 04  15 
    Core  244097  Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of work, energy and power in physics  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Core  244099  Demonstrate understanding of liquid-liquid and liquid-vapour separation processes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Core  244102  Demonstrate understanding of water treatment processes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Core  244105  Participate in a task team in a process environment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Core  244089  Understand applications of Physical Chemistry in a processing environment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  119472  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119466  Interpret a variety of literary texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119457  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119465  Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9015  Apply knowledge of statistics and probability to critically interrogate and effectively communicate findings on life related problems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  119462  Engage in sustained oral/signed communication and evaluate spoken/signed texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  119469  Read/view, analyse and respond to a variety of texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  9016  Represent analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Fundamental  119471  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  7468  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business, national and international issues  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  119459  Write/present/sign for a wide range of contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  113909  Coach a team member in order to enhance individual performance in work environment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  117132  Explain basic economics  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  9533  Use communication skills to handle and resolve conflict in the workplace  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  13670  Demonstrate an understanding of the relevance of key policies to environmental education  Level 4  NQF Level 04  2 
    Elective  14667  Describe and apply the management functions of an organization  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Elective  12544  Facilitate the preparation and presentation of evidence for assessment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  244104  Issue a permit to work in a process environment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  244101  Use a panel or a computer interface to control a process  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  244103  Use automated control techniques to control a process  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Elective  244106  Use standard operating procedures to control a process from a panel or computer interface  Level 4  NQF Level 04  15 
    Elective  115753  Conduct outcomes-based assessment  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 


    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.
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Originator Pre-2009
    NQF Level    		 NQF Level Min Credits Learning Prog End Date Quality
    Assurance
    Functionary    		 NQF Sub-Framework
    58538  Further Education and Training Certificate: Chemical Operations  Generic Provider - Field 06  Level 4  NQF Level 04  140     CHIETA  OQSF 
    78904  Further Education and Training Certificate: Chemical Operations: Mining and Minerals  Generic Provider - Field 06  Level 4  NQF Level 04  140     MQA  OQSF 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THESE LEARNING PROGRAMMES: 
    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.