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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Pastoral Care 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
93855  Higher Certificate in Pastoral Care 
ORIGINATOR
Theological Education by Extension College of Southern Africa 
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 07 - Human and Social Studies  Religious and Ethical Foundations of Society 
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:
This is an entry level qualification with the purpose of capacitating current and future pastoral carers within Christian organisations to exercise theologically and ethically sound pastoral care for the benefit of people within their organisations or broader communities. The qualification is primarily vocational. The qualification can serve as a standard to facilitate the formal recognition or appointment of pastoral carers.

Rationale:
There is an increased demand for pastoral care will increase as many people in South African communities face the challenges of life with limited or no access to care. Poverty, HIV/Aids, demographic and cultural shifts all impact the type and quantity of care that is needed to develop and sustain healthy communities. The qualification addresses the acknowledged need within churches and other Christian organisations for training and equipping of pastoral carers to improve the quality of the delivery of pastoral care. This in turn will qualitatively and quantitatively impact the ministry of these organisations to their constituencies and communities.

Many people do not have access to informal or professional pastoral care or counselling in times of transition or crisis. Their family, church or community elders are most often the first people approached for guidance. This first line of pastoral care is often under-skilled and very seldom connected to a network through which they can escalate the level of care by referral. By developing the knowledge and skills of pastoral carers, many people's struggles will be resolved or the escalation thereof averted. Trained pastoral carers will be better informed in determining when to refer a person being cared for and to whom they should be referred. Through resolution or referral, people, families and communities will be healthier.

The development of pastoral carers within the context of the local congregation has often been casual and at the discretion and skill level of the local clergy. The lack of capacity of pastoral carers within Christian organisations is a limiting factor for the quantity and quality of pastoral care ministry undertaken by organisations. This directly impacts the wellbeing of people within those organisations and their wider communities. Therefore to train and equip pastoral carers to function alongside professional clergy, social workers and psychotherapists is for the benefit of individuals, Christian organisations and the greater communities in which they exist.

This qualification is aimed at people who are already involved in pastoral care or who are considering involvement in pastoral care within Christian organisations, many of whom will not be in a position to access full-time studies. It is worth noting that on average learners are significantly older than the norm for higher education in general and theological education in particular, and they bring a wealth of life experience to their studies.

It is envisaged that most learners will complete this qualification in order to fulfil their ministry as pastoral carers with greater competence and effectiveness. This qualification is offered at NQF Level 5 to allow pastoral carers with no prior formal theological education to engage a range of subject matter specific to their pastoral care ministry role at an introductory level, without having to first complete other theology studies. For clergy pursuing post-ordination training who have already graduated with a theology qualification, this qualification will offer a far greater focalisation on this specific area of ministry, albeit at an introductory level. Many post-ordination learners do not have the time or energy to commit to the demands of post-graduate studies.

For learners who do not intend to pursue and complete theological qualifications at higher levels, this may be the sum total of their theological studies. For learners who wish to pursue further theological studies, this qualification will provide access and an introduction to theological disciplines albeit with a ministry focus.

Many volunteer caregivers also hold secular employment, or participate in community organisations or structures. Consequently, the development of their pastoral care skills will have a secondary impact beyond their church involvement. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
This Recognition of Prior Learning will be utilised to allow access to this qualification. RPL will be applied for learners who do not meet the criteria for admission to grant access or credits towards the qualification.

Entry Requirements:
Admission to this qualification is based on the minimum entry requirement for a Higher Certificate:
  • The National Senior Certificate.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate.
  • National Certificate (Vocational). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 totalling 120 Credits:
  • A person called by God, 12 Credits.
  • Called to share good news, 12 Credits.
  • Serving in and through the Church, 12 Credits.
  • The world in which we serve, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Pastoral Care and Ethics, 12 Credits.
  • Skills and Models for Pastoral Care and Counselling, 12 Credits.
  • Applying Pastoral Care in the context of HIV and Aids, 12 Credits.
  • Applying Pastoral Care in the context of change, 12 Credits.
  • Applying Pastoral Care in the context of brokenness, 12 Credits.
  • Applying Pastoral Care the context of families, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply foundational biblical and Christian theological knowledge in a responsible manner pertaining to Christian pastoral care.
    2. Apply foundational ethical knowledge and values pertaining to Christian pastoral care.
    3. Apply foundational knowledge, skills and values of pastoral care.
    4. Apply foundational knowledge, skills and values for counselling.
    5. Demonstrate knowledge, values and self-awareness as a Christian pastoral care worker. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Key biblical themes and the importance of biblical interpretation are outlined.
  • Basic exegesis and application of biblical texts are performed, demonstrating sensitivity to social diversity, divergent opinions and differing styles of expressing faith.
  • Theological themes central to Christianity are outlined and applied in familiar contexts.
  • A theological understanding of Christian pastoral care is outlined showing how it is relevant for today.
  • Theological and biblical knowledge is applied within the practice of Christian pastoral care.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The moral characteristics and the moral formation for Christian pastoral care workers are outlined.
  • Models for moral and character formation are outlined and applied.
  • Models of Christian ethical decision making are outlined and applied to case studies germane to Christian pastoral care.
  • The relationship between pastoral care and organisational order and discipline within Christian organisations are outlined.
  • The morally responsible use of power and authority is outlined.
  • The ethical necessity and limitations of confidentiality is applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Christian principles of pastoral care are explained.
  • Pastoral care models are applied.
  • Pastoral care skills are applied.
  • Pastoral care values of justice, beneficence, non-malfeasance and autonomy are outlined and applied.
  • Pastoral care attitudes such as empathy and respect are outlined and applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Christian principles of counselling are explained.
  • Counselling models are applied.
  • Counselling skills such as listening, reflecting and questioning are applied.
  • Counselling values of respect, justice, beneficence, non-malfeasance and autonomy are applied.
  • Models of record keeping such as genograms are applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Biblical and moral characteristics of Christian pastoral care workers are identified.
  • A model of self-care to process the psycho-social stresses of pastoral care of others is applied.
  • The role of mentors and spiritual directors is explained.
  • A strategy for personal growth is developed.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative and summative assessments are the main assessment methods employed. The entire qualification is integrated and all the assessments employ a Bruner's spiral curriculum whereby knowledge from fundamental courses is developed in core courses. Assessment for each module will be conducted mainly by means of written assignments and in some cases, projects. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Alphacrucis College in Australia offers a Certificate IV in Pastoral Care. The qualification is designed to ensure that chaplains, pastors and pastoral care are equipped to provide a high standard of care in the community.

    The Centre for Pastoral Education at The Jewish Theological Seminary in New York offers a Certificate in Pastoral Care and Counselling. The qualification assists and equips interested learners in developing skills for helping people in crisis.

    Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California offers a Certificate in Pastoral Care. The qualification provides practical suggestions and models both for the direct service of those suffering as they face their personal challenges. It is also aimed at those who have already been active in pastoral ministry.

    Conclusion:
    The qualification compares favourably with the chosen as they also focus on same issue that is to develop an individual with the ability to provide comfort to those suffering as a result of life's challenges. These challenges may include long-term or life-limiting illness, death of a loved one, separation and divorce, or aging. The study period and some of the modules of the qualifications are the same with our one. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification is design to give access to qualifications on the same level meaning it can articulates both horizontally and vertically with qualifications in the National Qualifications Framework.

    Horizontal articulation is possible with a:
  • Higher Certificate in Pastoral Counselling.

    Vertical articulation is possible with a:
  • Diploma in Pastoral Theology. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    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 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. Theological Education by Extension College of Southern Africa 


    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.