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: 

Occupational Certificate: Metal Machinist 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
93625  Occupational Certificate: Metal Machinist 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MERSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  520  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-07-01  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

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 this qualification is to prepare a learner to:
Fabricate, fit and maintain mechanical components, parts and machines in accordance with specifications
A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Apply hand skills to fabricate mechanical components using engineering tools.
  • Machine mechanical components by preparing for, setting up and operating a range of metal engineering machining tools and equipment.

    Rationale:
    The Metal Machinist is a recognised trade qualification and prepares the person to work effectively in various industries making use of metal engineering machining skills and meet the challenges of such an environment.

    The primary focus of this qualification is the develop the ability to prepare for, set up and operate a range of engineering machine tools to shape and form metal stock and castings to fine tolerances, using detailed drawings and specifications. Hand skills play a large role in this qualification.

    Qualifying learners will be able to maintain and support the various policies and procedures related to the safety, health, environment and quality systems that govern their workplace.

    The field of engineering machining is characterized by work-to-order, low volume manufacture of components using different machining methods for use in a variety of industries. People working in the engineering machining field require specialised technical skills and knowledge, as well as highly developed hand skills in order to adapt to and meet the requirements of the constantly changing products that must be manufactured. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access to the integrated assessment:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and conform prior learning. Prior learning must be acknowledged by a statement of results.

    RPL for entry requirements to access the qualification:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
    NQF Level 1 with Mathematics. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • Basic engineering theory, NQF Level 3, 32 Credits.
  • Fitting Theory, NQF Level 4, 38 Credits.
  • Machining Theory, NQF Level 4, 36 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 106.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • Fabricate simple components or work pieces using basic hand skills and hand tools, NQF Level 2, 6 Credits.
  • Fabricate components or work pieces using power tools or machinery, NQF Level 3, 12 Credits.
  • Produce simple components by setting up and attending to the operation an engineering machine, NQF Level 2, 20 Credits.
  • Produce components of intermediate complexity by performing engineering machining operations, NQF Level 3, 16 Credits.
  • Perform complex machining operations, NQF Level 4, 50 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skills Modules: 104.

    This qualification also requires the following compulsory Work Experience Modules:
  • Fabrication processes in an engineering workshop, NQF Level 2, 40 Credits.
  • Structured planning and communication processes in the workplace, NQF Level 4, 60 Credits.
  • Machining processes to design specifications of a range of work pieces from different materials, NQF Level 4, 180 Credits.
  • Engineering workshop control processes, NQF Level 4, 30 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 310. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply hand skills to fabricate mechanical components using engineering tools.
    2. Machine mechanical components by preparing for, setting up and operating a range of metal engineering machining tools and equipment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    1.1 Tools and equipment are selected, used and cared for to accepted standards.
    1.2 Safe work procedures, precautions and Personal Protective Equipment required is described and adhered to.
    1.3 Fabrication techniques and consequences if not adhered to can be explained for specific applications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    2.1 Safe work procedures, precautions and Personal Protective Equipment required is described and adhered to.
    2.2 Procedures, operating principles and specifications of machining equipment and accessories can be explained.
    2.3 Measuring equipment/instruments can be identified, read, calibrated, used and cared for.
    2.4 Cutting tool types and applications can be explained.
    2.5 Engineering drawing are read and interpreted to determine step-by-step machining operations and quality specifications.
    2.6 Data tables can be read and formulae applied to calculate machine settings for specific machining tasks (types and class off its, reaming, tapping and screw cutting settings).
    2.7 Speeds and feeds are calculated, selected and set.
    2.8 The machine, accessories and coolant are setup and prepared for the machining task.
    2.9 Cutting tools are selected and secured for the machining task.
    2.10 Work pieces are prepared and secured.
    2.11 Machining tasks of varying complexity is performed on a centre lathe to required specifications and within accepted tolerances.
    2.12 Machining tasks of varying complexity is performed on a conventional milling machine to required specifications and within accepted tolerances.
    2.13 The engineering machine is monitored while in operation and adjustments to speeds and feeds are made where required.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    The external summative assessment will be a trade test conducted in terms of Section 26 D of the Skills Development Act through an evaluation of written and practical tasks covering critical aspects of the trade and conducted in a simulated environment at an assessment centre accredited by QCTO by an assessor registered by National Artisan Moderation Body. The assessment will take place over a minimum of 2 days. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International comparable qualifications are associated with Engineering related trades persons and Machinists.

    The Australian Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade qualification (MEM30205) is related to the occupation listed in ANZSCO: 323000 - Mechanical Engineering Trades Workers. This qualification provides for an elective range of standards that are similar in scope and context to the South African Metal Machinist trade. The same applies to the New Zealand qualification National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Fitting and Machining Strand).

    The Republic of Uganda developed a competence-based profile for Fitter Machinists with the assistance of the African Development Bank. This profile was selected for comparative purposes within the African context and address machining extensively.

    The program guide for The Canadian Red Seal Trade Machinist was selected for international comparability purposes. This program guide establishes the nationally accepted curriculum for the training of Machinists in Canada. The structure and scope of this curriculum is largely comparable with the South African approach. The curriculum is structured in four levels and recognises the need for progressive development of machining related engineering competencies. The scope of the learning units covered by the curriculum is comparable with the South African curriculum except for Computer Numerical Control (CNC) learning units. CNC related operations are included in level four learning of the Canadian curriculum, but is only included to a limited extent in the South African Metal Machinist qualification. CNC Operators and Programmers are regarded as further specialisation areas by South African industries.

    The Metal Machinist trade has specific relevance to the South African labour market as a long established and very common listed trade. The South African trade qualification compares favourably with global trends in this field of training. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates with qualifications within the mechanical trades related to the following occupations:
    The qualification articulates horizontally with the following, at NQF Level 4:
  • Automotive Machinist.
  • Fitter and Turner.

    The qualification articulates vertically with the following at NQF Level 5:
  • Engineering Studies N4, at NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience including Foundational Learning Competence or equivalent.

    Additional legal or physical environment.
    None

    Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers:
  • Accreditation of providers to provide this qualification will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.

    The curriculum title and code is: Metal Machinist, 652301000.

    This qualification encompasses the following trades recorded on the NLRD:
  • Machinist Fitter.
  • Machine Tool Fitter. 
    		•

    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.
     
    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.