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:

Higher Certificate: Office Administration

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
90510	Higher Certificate: Office Administration
ORIGINATOR
Milpark Education (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 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Office Administration
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
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 1141/23	2021-07-01	2024-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30		2028-06-30

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 qualification builds the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required by persons at introductory level studies. At the same time, it prepares successful students for further learning in the same or related areas of study, thus laying a firm foundation for lifelong learning and career development.

The qualification is designed to enable students to acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values required to operate confidently in and respond to the challenges of the South African employment context as effective and educated office administrators. In this regard, the programme addresses existing and potential skills gaps.

The qualification focuses on meeting the needs of many sectors for business education and management development.
The following Administrative needs or areas are generic across sectors and it is into this gap that the qualification fits:

Office Administration

Business Law

Office Computing

Communication

Rationale:
The current skills deficit across all sectors means that there is a premium placed on staff that is qualified and able to perform across the key areas of management and administration (whether of processes, people or information). The current skills' shortage also requires that employees be equipped with skills and knowledge that are key to the transformation of the South African economy and that they are able to contribute to the positive performance of their employers.

The Higher Certificate: Office Administration addresses these needs at a number of critical levels by promoting the development of knowledge and skills in the areas of business practice, business law, computing and communication. The qualification plays a significant part therefore in the development of potential and existing generically skilled administrators; successful completion of an office administration qualification enhances the student's likelihood of being employed and ensures career progression possibilities.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

English language proficiency of at least NQF Level 4.

Foreign applicants, whose first language is not English, may be required to provide proof of proficiency in English prior to admission to the qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners can achieve this qualification wholly or in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning. The institution's RPL policy guides this process whereby skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competence acquired through formal and non-formal learning are assessed.

RPL for Formal Learning (Credit Recognition):
Learners may apply for credits or exemptions for subjects already passed in-house or at other recognised institutions.

RPL for Informal and Non-Formal Learning:
Skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competences acquired through informal and non-formal learning are also assessed in the RPL process.

Access to the Qualification:
The minimum level of learning required for a learner to enter the Higher Certificate: Office Administration is a National Senior Certificate.

Access to this qualification may also be gained through the recognition of formal and non-formal prior learning (incorporating experiential learning) at NQF Level 4. Mature age applicants and applicants with NQF Level 4 qualifications will be considered individually by the Director in keeping with the requirement of the RPL policy.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

All Fundamental and Core modules are compulsory.
Students must choose one elective module to complete the qualification.
120 Credits are required to obtain the qualification.

Fundamentals Modules:

Business Communication, Skills and Practices, 20 Credits.

Office Computing (End-user computing), 15 Credits.
Total: 35 Credits.

Core Modules:

Introduction to Business Context and Practice, 25 Credits.

Office Administration: Principles and Practice, 30 Credits.

Business Law for Office Administrators or Business Law for the Financial Services Sector, 15 Credits.
Total: 70 Credits.

Elective Modules:

Office Administration for the Financial Services, 15 Credits.

Office Administration for Legal and Accounting Services, 15 Credits.

Office Administration for the Public Sector, 15 Credits.

Managing People and Organisations, 15 Credits.
Total: 15 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the business environment and the functions of the different business units and their administrative requirements.
2. Communicate effectively in a business environment using the appropriate tools and language.
3. Manage, store and retrieve information using manual and electronic storage facilities.
4. Apply the principles of administration to the work of a business in varied contexts.
5. Apply the fundamental time-management, self-management and decision-making skills needed to provide an efficient administrative support service.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
Qualifying learners will be required to demonstrate competence in the following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

Identify, systematically examine, critically evaluate and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions have been made, using critical and creative thinking.

Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively to ensure efficiency in both personal and working life.

Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information to contribute to office activity and personal growth.

Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation through cooperation with peers and managers.

Utilise science and technology efficiently and effectively to meet day-to-day work and personal requirements.

Work as a team member and player to ensure that work flows efficiently and is not unnecessarily interrupted.

Ensure that all types of communication are clear, relevant and related to the business in hand.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Competence is evident when the candidate is able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of the macroeconomic environment and the various business sector forms, products and services with their respective interdependences.

Identify generic and specific business resources, processes and procedures.

Demonstrate knowledge of what a business strategy is and explain the concepts of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in a business.

Demonstrate an understanding of theories and concepts in ethics, generic governance and ethical considerations in a business.

Apply knowledge of the relevant legislation regulating the SA business sector in general.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
Competence is evident when the candidate is able to:

Communicate appropriately in an organisational context by explaining the process of communication, identifying and making use of effective communication skills, identifying the barriers to and ethical considerations in communication.

Demonstrate the ability to view the customer as the central figure in organisational communication and the ability to deal with diverse customers.

Demonstrate knowledge of e-mail etiquette, interpersonal skills and effective listening skills.

Draft accurate notices, agendas and minutes of meetings.

Draft short, formal, memorandum reports for specific purposes using appropriate tone, content and language.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
Competence is evident when the candidate is able to:

Identify the various elements of the computer hardware system components, software applications and computer networks and show a sound understanding of the uses of each.

Create and manage computer files through the use of word processing, spreadsheet and other relevant presentation software and technology.

Make use of various types of filing systems and demonstrate an understanding of storage, retrieval and backup of electronic and hard copies of information in the business context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
Competence is evident when the candidate is able to:

Plan an office layout and keep an asset register of office equipment.

Perform basic accounting and financial recordkeeping tasks.

Demonstrate understanding of the basic requirements of taxation in a business and perform the appropriate recordkeeping tasks.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
Competence is evident when the candidate is able to:

Plan with a diary and maintain a diary system.

Make effective use of the appropriate planning tools and information systems from a range of choices.

Give effect to the links between decision-making and information.

Integrated Assessment:
Integrated Assessment is used extensively across the qualification, particularly in the case studies. Self and formative assessment takes place through case studies, assignments, including the writing of proposals and financial plans.
Summative assessments are integrated into the learning in that they take place at the end of each of the constituent modules of the programme.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

It appears that many South African qualifications currently on offer in "office administration" have become secretarial rather than administrative in focus. The move towards a more administrative focus is reflected in a number of ways in the qualifications on offer in the United Kingdom and Australia in particular. In this respect, therefore, the Higher Certificate in Office Administration moves the area of administration more in line with that approach adopted in these and other countries.

This Higher Certificate aligns with a number of similar qualifications on offer internationally:

Canada: Vancouver Community College offers the Office Administration Certificate which is similar to the Higher Certificate in Office Administration. The qualification provides skills for office administration across 186 hours of classroom interaction. In the first term, the major portion of class time is devoted to practical skills training, with an emphasis on building human relations and business communication skills. The second term expands hands-on practical skills training with a greater emphasis on advanced applications on computers and machine transcribers. Time is set aside for work experience where the student is placed in a challenging work environment which requires application of the skills learned in the classroom.

The qualification is designed for persons who want to upgrade their office skills for certification and for those entering the office workplace for the first time.

Participants will complete the core courses and then move into one of the following specialities:

Option 1: Administration and Supervision.

Option 2: Legal Office Skills.

Option 3: Medical Office Skills.

Option 4: Records Management Skills.

Core courses:

Office Procedures.

Supervisory Skills.

Business English Skills.

One of the following (or all three):
Accounting for Non-Accountant, Bookkeeping or Payroll courses.

North Glasgow College in Scotland, offers the Higher National Certificate in Administration and Information Technology:
This two year full-time course reflects the vital roles and functions that administration and new technology play in the world of commerce. The course develops a pro-active role within the management structure of an enterprise, along with the information skills required for the up-to-date office.

After one year of full-time study students may obtain a HNC in Administration and Information Technology.

After two years of full-time study students may obtain a HND in Administration and Information Technology.
Content:

Administrative Procedures

Communication

IT in Business: Databases, Spreadsheets, Word Processing and Presentation Applications

Desk Top Publishing

Office Technologies

Office Administration

Personal Development Planning

Management: Leadership at Work, Administration Graded Unit 1, Administration Graded Unit 2.

Options:

Languages

Law

Administration Procedures

Managing People and Organisations

European Union Institutions.

New Zealand: Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology offers the Certificate in Business Administration:
Through this Certificate, students will gain the skills necessary to develop a career in administration with an emphasis on document production and keyboarding skills to succeed in any office environment with confidence.

The qualification which emphasises the essentials of business systems, processes, reports and documents will provide the skills necessary to develop a career in administration, thereby giving confidence to take on more important administration roles.

Also included is a study in generic computer applications, office administration, business systems, customer service and accounts processing using the MYOB (Mind Your Own Business) accounting and payroll software.

Students will also complete a work placement for further training and the opportunity to apply the new skills in a real world setting.

Conclusion:
The Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria of this qualification match those of the qualifications offered in each of the above-mentioned countries. The Degree of difficulty and notional learning time are also comparable to the offerings in those countries.

This qualification is equivalent to the ICSA (Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators) international qualification offered in the following countries: United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Malawi, Canada, Nigeria, Kenya, Botswana, Swaziland, India and Ghana.

The Higher Certificate: Office Administration, Level 5 can be said to be internationally comparable in terms of broad content.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This Qualification articulates horizontally with any Higher Certificate in a similar field at NQF Level 5.

The Qualification articulates vertically with, inter alia, the:

Advanced Certificate: Management, offered by Milpark Business School at NQF Level 6.

Diplomas in relevant fields such as Financial Planning, Management, or Business Administration at NQF Level 6.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Internal moderation of all assessment is carried out by the academic staff of the institution. Internal moderators are qualified at least one NQF level higher than that of the learners. External moderation of assessment is performed by suitably qualified persons across the country.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Assessors and moderators must:

Hold a qualification at least one level higher than the qualification being assessed or moderated.

Have more than two years' teaching experience relevant to the qualification being assessed. Assessors with less than two years' experience have their assessment work moderated by a peer.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 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.	Milpark Education (Pty) Ltd