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: 

Higher Certificate in Interior Decorating 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
83547  Higher Certificate in Interior Decorating 
ORIGINATOR
BHC School of Design (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Design Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare the learner for an entry level position in the interior decorating industry. The qualification also serves to provide the learner with the basic introductory knowledge and practical skills required for further higher education studies within the field of interior decorating or interior design.

This qualification provides the learner with a strong theoretical foundation in decorating principles and elements, arrangement of furniture and accessories, conceptual development, decorative materials, styles and trends, and project administration. The learner is required to apply this knowledge, when critically analysing the design problem, and to construct a functional and aesthetically pleasing decorating proposal for a range of commercial and domestic interiors, that is clearly communicated (both visually and verbally) and is supported by relevant and documented research.

In order to bridge the gap between the classroom and the world of work, the programme culminates in a 3 week experiential learning module and the compilation of a decorating portfolio. The learner is thus given the opportunity to apply the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that were cultivated during the year, while under the direction of a supervisor and facilitator respectively.

Upon successful completion of the programme the learner will have attained a basic level of knowledge in the field of interior decorating and will be prepared to competently perform as a junior interior decorator or specialise as a dcor stylist, window display designer or decorating showroom consultant. The learner may also choose to study further in the related disciplines of interior, textile or surface design.

Rationale:

The Higher Certificate: Interior Decorating provides the learner with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to enter into the world of work in the interior decorating industry.

The South African Institute of the Interior Design Professions (IID) has identified a lack of formal qualifications in the field of Interior Decorating and this qualification is one such qualification that meets this need to organise and regulate education and training in this field. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The learner entering this qualification is assumed to have the knowledge, comprehension and application of English language at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and workplace experience, in terms of the criteria laid out by the institution.

Recognition of Prior Learning will be granted upon successful submission of a portfolio of evidence. Such a portfolio will provide verification that the learner is competent in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes embedded in this qualification.

Access to the Qualification:

The minimum entry requirement is the National Senior Certificate, or its equivalent. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
The learning programme leading to this qualification consists of 120 credits, with all modules at NQF Level 5. All modules are compulsory:
  • Interior Decorating Theory, 24 credits.
  • Presentation and Communication, 24 credits.
  • Decorative Materials and Furnishings, 24 credits.
  • Decorating Principles and Elements, 6 credits.
  • Styles and Influences, 12 credits.
  • Project Administration, 6 credits.
  • Experiential Learning, 12 credits.
  • Preparation for Employment, 12 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Interpret the client brief and produce creative and functional decorating solutions.

    2. Use appropriate materials, media and techniques to effectively communicate a decorating proposal.

    3. Research and evaluate the application and characteristics of a range of decorative materials and furnishings.

    4. Research the major design movements and apply knowledge of decorative styles and influences.

    5. Apply the principles and elements of design when planning and evaluating an interior.

    6. Produce the documentation required to plan and manage a decorating project.

    7. Apply interior decorating knowledge and skills in the workplace.

    8. Compile a decorating portfolio that demonstrates interior decorating knowledge and skills.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    The qualifying learner can:
  • Understand the role and possible specialisations of an interior decorator and the inherent ethical, social and environmental responsibilities associated with the profession.
  • Select and apply the design principles and elements, knowledge of style, materials, furniture arrangement and drawing techniques required to successfully answer a client brief, and effectively plan and manage all the design phases.
  • Identify, evaluate and solve problems relating to the planning and decoration of interior spaces, and communicate design solutions using the appropriate terminology and standard drawing conventions.
  • Apply appropriate research methods when gathering and selecting information and critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate information.
  • Communicate professionally with clients, colleagues, contractors and suppliers, using the most appropriate mediums.
  • Conduct oneself professionally and work responsibly with others as part of a team. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

    1.1 Explain the role and responsibilities of an interior decorator.
    1.2 Apply the principles of responsible design.
    1.3 Interpret the client brief.
    1.4 Apply the phases of the design development cycle in order to execute an imaginative and innovative solution.
    1.5 Plan and arrange furniture creatively and functionally in a range of residential and commercial interiors.
    1.6 Style and arrange functional and aesthetic art and accessories in a range of domestic and commercial interiors.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

    2.1 Use appropriate materials, media and techniques to produce presentation boards for a decorating proposal.
    2.2 Produce sketches that clearly communicate a decorating concept.
    2.3 Identify and use manual draughting equipment to produce accurate and aesthetically pleasing presentation drawings.
    2.4 Prepare and present a client proposal using the SketchUp Pro software package to prepare 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional presentation drawings.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

    3.1 Research and evaluate the characteristics of a range of decorative materials and furnishings.
    3.2 Research and record the supply and availability of decorative materials and furnishings.
    3.3 Identify and record environmental and budgetary considerations with regard to decorative materials.
    3.4 Creatively present findings in an acceptable research project format.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

    4.1 Research the major design movements and record findings.
    4.2 Apply knowledge of decorative styles and influences in a project.
    4.3 Analyse the influence of major design movements on successive styles.
    4.4 Present findings creatively in an acceptable research project format.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

    5.1 Identify and describe the principles and elements of design when planning and evaluating an interior.
    5.2 Explain colour theory in order to develop effective and appropriate colour schemes.
    5.3 Document and creatively present a proposal of an interior designed for a client.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

    6.1 Explain the roles and the responsibilities of the project team.
    6.2 Produce the documentation required to complete the planning stages of a project.
    6.3 Produce the documentation required to manage a project.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

    7.1 Demonstrate industry readiness for an interior decorating workplace.
    7.2 Evaluate own performance within the workplace.
    7.3 Document and creatively present observations of own performance.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

    8.1 Demonstrate personal entrepreneurship skills.
    8.2 Identify and prepare a professional decorating portfolio for an employment opportunity that integrates acquired knowledge and skills.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Assessment shall be focused on ability of the learners to apply their understanding and practical skills to creatively solving client briefs. Knowledge, understanding and practical skills may be assessed in isolation, during the process of the training, and shall be designed to assist them in applying their knowledge and skills to the completion of the practical briefs. Assessment strategies and procedures should be in alignment with the purpose and exit level outcomes of the qualification. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Interior Decorating is recognised as a specialty field within the field of interior design and existing courses offered locally and internationally often cover both fields.

    This qualification however is similar to the certificate in Interior Decorating offered by the Fairfield University in the United States of America and the certificate in Interior Decorating offered by the George Brown College in Canada in that it focuses primarily on the knowledge and skills required to be a successful Interior Decorator.

    Fairfield University offers a one-year Certificate in Interior Decorating that is structured very much like this qualification and includes modules such as colour design, history of furniture, textiles for Interiors, and drawing and presentation which compare favourably in content to decorating principles and elements, styles and influences, decorating furnishings and finishes, and presentation and communication.

    The George Brown College offers a certificate in Interior Decorating that is structured slightly differently in that the programme is split into many smaller modules, but the intended learning outcomes are very similar. Further similarities include the focus on industry involvement and the opportunity for learners to visit showrooms and contemporary and historic buildings in order to increase their understanding of the course content.

    Both of these programmes are offered as full or part time programmes and focus on providing the theory that underpins the practical application of the required skills within the studio environment.

    This qualification differs from the Canadian and United States of America qualifications in that it is designed to address national requirements and industry legislation as well as providing the learner with the opportunity to prepare a decorating portfolio. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Completion of the Higher Certificate meets the minimum entry requirement for admission to an Advanced Certificate: Interior Decorating or Interior Design. Accumulated credits may also be presented for admission into the Diploma: Interior Design offered by BHC School of Design. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    All assessments are internally moderated. The summative, exit level portfolio is internally and externally assessed, and externally moderated. External moderators are selected according to their qualifications and industry experience and must be approved by the Academic Board of the institution. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

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

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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. BHC School of Design (Pty) Ltd 


    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.