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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Sound Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
86184  Higher Certificate in Sound Technology 
ORIGINATOR
Cape Audio College (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  Film, Television and Video 
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 the Sound Technology qualification is to give learners a thorough understanding of the theory and practical requirements to be successfully employed in the audio industry.

Rationale:

The audio industry has shown a lot of growth over the years and Cape Audio College has developed a qualification that will provide the necessary skills, experience and knowledge to be successfully employed in the audio industry.

Cape Audio College works closely with organisations in the workplace to align the qualification and the knowledge and skills taught with the needs of the industry.

By providing learners with skills and knowledge of the latest technologies, the audio industry in South Africa as a whole will benefit, in that the quality and standard of audio productions will improve and match and maintain international levels. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that learners have:
  • A basic insight and aptitude towards audio equipment and music.
  • English language competence; speaking, reading, writing and comprehension, at NQF level 4 (Grade 12).
  • General problem solving skills.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    Cape Audio College offers opportunities for prospective learners with industry experience and/or previous academic qualifications to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning.

    Recognition of Prior Learning may be used to grant access to learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements and to grant credits towards the qualification.

    Access to the Qualification:

    The qualification is open to a learner that meets any of the following requirements:
  • Successful completion of a South African Senior Certificate or National Senior Certificate.
    OR
  • Successful completion of a Further Education and Training Certificate or any other accredited qualification at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    N 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    All the modules are at NQF Level 5 and are compulsory.

    Modules:
  • Audio technology fundamentals, 3 credits.
  • Sound Measurement, 3 credits.
  • Basic electronics, 3 credits.
  • Microphone technology and application, 10 credits.
  • The audio signal chain/Recording Equipment, 12 credits.
  • Applied music, 2 credits.
  • Computer based audio, 12 credits.
  • Music production/Recording, 18 credits.
  • Audio visual production, 12 credits.
  • MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), 5 credits.
  • Mixing - Music, 10 credits.
  • Introduction to Digital audio Technology, 10 credits.
  • Live sound, 10 credits.
  • Acoustics, 5 credits.
  • Mastering, 5 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate understanding of the theory of human hearing and the auditory perception of sound and how it relates to decision-making when evaluating audio equipment for use.

    2. Demonstrate understanding of the theory and application of audio technology fundamentals including the electrical representation of sound in audio productions.

    3. Demonstrate understanding of the concept of the decibel in relation to the different operating voltages of modern audio devices, and interpret the metering of these devices using the decibel scale.

    4. Inter-connect audio devices through the application of basic electronics principles.

    5. Demonstrate understanding of the various properties and applications of microphones, microphone theory and microphone recording techniques.

    6. Read and write music at a level equivalent to Grade 1 music theory.

    7. Utilise the various software programmes used in the audio industry.

    8. Compose musical soundtracks of any genre using MIDI.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in the qualification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria are used in an integrated way when assessing competence against the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the digital audio workstation (DAW) user interface and the function of the crucial software and hardware modules to capture, edit and process audio in the digital realm.
  • Audio paths are managed and configured.
  • Musical instrumentation digital interface (MIDI) and audio is recorded, edited and mixed, making appropriate use of plug-ins.
  • A realistic insight into the trends and practices in the audio industry are demonstrated.
  • A personal research portfolio of a variety of practices in various sub-fields of the industry is compiled.
  • Musical equipment is assembled to store and manipulate a variety of sound sources of various productions.
    > Range of equipment includes but is not limited to: Musical instruments, microphones and related sound equipment
    > Range of productions includes but is not limited to: Basic pop ensembles, choirs and voice recordings.
  • Hardware and software based sound processing devices are used to process captured sound in a variety of ways.
  • A basic mixer is operated by configuring, routing and mixing audio.
  • Multi-track music recordings are mixed and processed using a variety of sound processing devices.
  • Signal flow diagrams are drawn for a basic mixing system to describe the function and integration of constituent components.
  • Effective soldering techniques are applied when building electronic circuits.
  • Audio cables and connectors are assembled and repaired.
  • Basic electronic test equipment is used in conjunction with circuit diagrams, to identify faults.
  • Pre-recorded samples of audio waveforms and various musical instruments and musical genres, triads and intervals are aurally identified.
  • Intervals, triads, major and natural minor scales and a simple song are performed on a musical instrument.

    Integrated Assessment:

    The methods of assessment include both the summative, such as examinations, as well as formative, including essays with personal feedback, practicals with feedback, and both individual, group and written projects with reports critically analysing an aspect thereof, and presentations with group work. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares favourably with the following qualifications and courses in the United Kingdom:
  • School of Sound Recording - Manchester: 'Audio Engineering Techniques and Technology'.
  • Pulse Recording College - Dublin: 'Certificate in Music Technology and Sound Engineering'.
  • Adam Smith College - Fife: 'Higher National Diploma in Sound Production'.
  • Future Works - The Manchester School of Media: 'Higher Certificate in Audio Technology'. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:

    This qualification articulates horizontally with any cognate Higher Certificate at NQF Level 5.

    Vertical articulation:

    This qualification articulates vertically with any cognate Diploma or Advanced Certificate at NQF Level 6. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Formative assessment will be conducted internally by registered moderators.
  • Internal moderation takes place on a regular basis throughout the course of learning. Primary external moderation takes place at the conclusion of the programme. External moderators are chosen according to their academic and industrial experience and knowledge. Internship supervising is considered external moderation as supervisors who are key figures within the industry are required to monitor and assess the progress and ability of the learner. 
    		•

    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. Cape Audio College (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.