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: Carpenter 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94022  Occupational Certificate: Carpenter 
ORIGINATOR
DQP - Master Builders Association - KZN 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Building Construction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  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 operate as a carpenter.

Carpenters construct, erect, strip, install, renovate and repair structures and fixtures of wood, plywood, panelling, timber and steel formwork and access materials.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Determine materials, dimensions required and setting out and preparing a work area on a construction site.
  • Construct, erect, install and maintain structures on work area and building sites.
  • Fit, assemble and alter internal and external fixtures of buildings such as walls, doors, window frames, fascia boards and panelling.

    Rationale:
    The Construction industries required a training system for the construction of energy efficient buildings. The overall objective was that building regulations, technical standards and capacity are in place to promote energy efficiency in buildings. The Building Regulations were amended and the Occupational Qualifications process was utilised to address the need for technical standards and capacity.

    The range of typical learners that will enter this qualification are people who would like to gain access to employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in Carpentry.

    This qualification resides as one of several in the construction industry and makes allowance for any feeder occupations to gain access to the Carpenter occupation. The Carpenter qualification also makes provision for people to progress within this discipline to specialisation areas including constructing, erecting and installing formwork or constructing, erecting and installing roofing and partitioning.

    The main benefits of this qualification for the learner is that the learner has an opportunity to be recognised as a qualified artisan with well-structured, relevant and current competencies and able to either charge increased rates or have access to entrepreneurial opportunities within the construction environment.

    Society will be served by qualified Carpenters who not only undertake work with improved skills but are also undertaking this work with a full awareness of the importance of energy efficiency requirements.

    The overall benefits for the economy would include efficient and effective carpentry competencies available to be utilised for economic growth purposes as well as assist in the global move to a greener world by contributing towards building energy efficient buildings. 
    		•

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

    Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.

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

    Entry Requirements:
    NQF Level 3 qualification. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 641502000-KM-01, Health, Safety, Quality and Legislation, NQF Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 641502000-KM-02, Environment, Energy Efficiency and Ethics NQF Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 641502000-KM-03, Tools, Equipment, Materials and Workshop Practice, NQF Level 3, 20 Credits.
  • 641502000-KM-04, Drawings and Applied Sciences, NQF Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 641502000-KM-05, Industry Contexts, NQF Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 641502000-KM-06, Communication Theory, NQF Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 641502000KM-07, Carpentry Formwork and cutting, NQF Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 641502000KM-08, Shoring trenches/excavations, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 641502000KM-09, Roofing, NQF Level 4, 3 Credits.
  • 641502000KM-10, Partitioning/ceiling, NQF Level 4, 2 Credits.
  • 641502000KM-11, Carpentry finishing, NQF Level 4, 3 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 72 Credits.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 641502000-PM-01, Set out work area, NQF Level 4, 18 Credits.
  • 641502000-KM-02, Cut materials according to specifications using hand and power tools, NQF Level 3, 12 Credits.
  • 641502000-KM-03, Install structures, NQF Level 4, 16 Credits.
  • 641502000-KM-04, Fabricate erect and strip steel and timber formwork, NQF Level 4, 18 Credits.
  • 641502000-KM-05, Prepare and erect ceilings, roof trusses, partitions and panelling, NQF Level 3, 15 Credits.
  • 641502000-KM-06, Clad roof structures, NQF Level 3, 14 Credits.
  • 641502000-KM-07, Finish carpentry activities, NQF Level 3, 15 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 108 Credits.

    This qualification also requires the following Compulsory Work Experience Modules:
  • 641502000-WM-01, Processes and procedures to plan and prepare for carpentry activities in a construction environment, NQF Level 3, 40 Credits.
    And
    Context 1: Formwork:
  • 641502000-WM-02, Processes and procedures for constructing, erecting and installing formwork within the construction environment NQF Level 4, 80 Credits.
    Or
    Context 2: Roofing and partitioning:
  • 641502000-WM-03, Processes and procedures for constructing, erecting and installing roofing and partitioning within the construction environment, NQF Level 4, 80 Credits.
    And
  • 641502000-WM-04, Processes and procedures for fitting, assembling and altering internal and external fixtures of buildings, NQF Level 4, 60 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Determine materials, dimensions required and set out and prepare a work area on a construction site.
    2. Construct, erect, install and maintain structures on work area and building sites.
    3. Fit, assemble and alter internal and external fixtures of buildings such as walls, doors, window frames, fascia boards and panelling. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Drawing scales, materials and geographical symbols are identified, described and interpreted accurately from a basic building drawing.
  • Site plans, elevations, sections, dimensions, schedules and annotations are identified, described and interpreted accurately from a basic building drawing.
  • Levels onsite are calculated and accurately measured from a site datum in terms of standard operating procedures.
  • Vertical heights of construction units such as ceiling and columns are calculated accurately from site datum.
  • Transfer levels using a straight edge, water level, dumpy level, boring rods and laser beam t is done with 100% accuracy.
  • The building location and position complies with the site plan and conforms to exact positions of the walls and trenches.
  • The building site layout and position is identified as per specification in working drawings.
  • Carpentry tools, materials and equipment are identified, used and maintained in accordance with the standard operating procedures.
  • Materials are measured, prepared and cut in accordance with specification.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of determining materials, dimensions required and setting out and preparation of work area on a construction site.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Timber shoring components and methods are identified, prepared and organised according to standard operating procedures.
  • Timber shoring is installed to ensure trench walls are secured to prevent the collapse of and falls from the excavation sides.
  • The formwork for the starter nib is erected as per specifications and positioned, aligned and secured as per specifications.
  • Grout-loss tight erected formwork to prevent leaking when pouring concrete.
  • Stripping process apply standard precautions to minimise the risk of damage to the structure, equipment and materials and ensure the safety of self and personnel.
  • Beams and slabs undergo pre and post-fabrication activities and are fabricated as per specifications.
  • Walls and columns undergo pre and post-fabrication activities and are fabricated as per specifications (preparation includes the cleaning and treating of shutters).
  • Branded, suspended and timber ceilings are erected as per the required specifications.
  • Timber frame partitions undergo cladding and erecting in accordance with manufactures specifications.
  • The timber roof trusses are marked, cut and assembled to specification in accordance with material waste management practices.
  • Roof structures undergo cladding with concrete, clay tiles, slate tiles, corrugated galvanised sheeting, and corrugated fibre cement sheeting as per specifications.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of constructing, erecting, installing and maintaining structures on work area and building sites.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Installation of finishing components complies to approved drawing specification and standard operating procedures.
  • Finished components are tested for functionality in accordance with specifications.
  • The operating machines and machine wooden components is set up in accordance with manufactures specifications.
  • Templates and jigs are created in accordance with specifications.
  • Wall-panelling made from wood are assembled and machined to specification.
  • A range of wooden moulds is set out and fitted to specification.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of fitting, assembling and altering internal and external fixtures of buildings such as walls, doors, window frames, fascia boards and panelling.

    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:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria.

    The external assessment model requires that the external assessment will be conducted through a combination of a written assessment and practical task at an accredited trade test centre. The written examination will be concluded at an accredited trade test centre and marked by registered assessors. Practical tasks will also be assessed by registered assessors. The combination of the written and practical assessment will be conducted over a period of two working days. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This International Comparability study was undertaken to examine Carpenter trade/occupation, including the level of qualification and related curriculum. The purpose is to provide baseline information towards benchmarking the curricula under development for the South African Master Builders Association (MBA). A preliminary literature review considered a total of 17 countries but, the majority were eliminated to remain with only five including South Africa. The reason is that many of the countries had scanty information and/or no recognized national trade/occupation qualification stipulating a set of national standards for most trades. Consequently, the countries included in the final comparability review were: Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Canada and South Africa. New Zealand and Australia were considered to be particularly the most appropriate countries with which to compare with South Africa. The report is structured in two main parts. The first part provides an overall summary of the trade/occupation for each country. The second part presents a comparison of the trade/occupation across the five countries, highlighting the key similarities and differences. For the trade/occupation, an attempt has been made to include the name of qualification, qualification levels, number of credits, duration of training and nature of training/mode of delivery. An example of the related curriculum is available which suggests that overall, the South African curriculum is much more detailed than is found in the comparative countries.

    Overall summaries for each country:

    New Zealand:
    New Zealand has nationally recognised trade qualifications ranging from NZQF Levels 1 to 5 and the trade/occupation under investigation is offered at certificate level from Level 2 to Level 5. There are various training providers that offer these courses and qualifications. A National Certificate in Carpentry is available at NZQF Level 4. In terms of the modes of delivery, the trade/occupation investigated is delivered primarily through some form of on-the-job training.

    Australia:
    Australia has a similar trade qualification system to that of New Zealand. Technical and Further Education (TAFE) courses are offered by various institutions such as the Holmsglen institute. TAFE aims at equipping students with practical skills that are transferable to the workplace. Therefore, most courses offered under TAFE are based on national competency set of standards geared towards workplace training packages. Both vocational education and training institutions may offer vocational education and training for certificates I to IV certifications (i.e. 4 levels). The study review established the existence of the following training and qualifications; Certificate in Carpentry and Joinery at AQF Level 3. Like New Zealand, the primary mode of training delivery is through practical hands on work including apprenticeships and supplemented by Classroom instruction.

    United Kingdom (UK):
    The UK has a nationally recognised trade qualifications framework from which both Zealand and Australia seem to have adapted theirs. The UK National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) is work-based awards that are achieved through assessment and training in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and in Scotland, they are referred to as SNVQ. NVQ's are based on National occupation standards that describe the 'competencies' expected in any given job role. There are five levels of S/NVQ ranging from Level 1 which focuses on basic work activities to Level 5 for senior managers. The trades that were investigated in the review fell within the Entry Levels 2 and 3.

    In the UK system, a qualification is described as an Award if the time it takes to complete it is 10 to 120 notional hours and a Certificate requires 130 - 360 notional hours. Notional hours includes all learning time i.e. classroom or workshops and hands-on experiences, reading and researching. Each credit represents 10 hours of notional learning. There is also a Carpentry Certificate (NVQ Level 2) and Carpentry and Joinery apprentice II & III (NVQ Levels 2 & 3). The primary delivery modes are through hands on practical work, on the job training and to some extent supplemented by classroom instruction. City and Guild is the UK's leading awarding organisation for vocational qualification. However, training towards NVQ's in the various trades is provided by various service providers such as Able Skills.

    Canada:
    Canada does have nationally recognised trade qualifications and the present study utilised the Ontario Qualifications Framework (OQF). Certificate qualifications run from Levels 1 to 5 on the qualification framework namely; Certificate I, Certificate II, Certificate of Apprenticeship, Certificate of Qualification and Certificate (III). The review found that Canada offers a Certificate of Apprenticeship in Carpentry (OQF Level 3). The qualifications are obtained primarily through on the job training/apprenticeships of up to 4 years.

    Similarities and differences of the occupation:

    Carpenter:
    Although Australia, Canada and the UK offer Certificate qualifications for Building Insulation Installers ranging from Levels 2 and 3, detailed information on these qualifications is not readily available. New Zealand only offers a 'strand' in External Insulation Finishing, as part of the National Certificate in Proprietary Plaster Cladding System. The 'strands' are similar to the Learnerships currently available in South Africa.

    Details pertaining to Carpentry:
    Country: Australia.
    Qualification: Certificate III in Carpentry.
    Qualification Level: AQF Level 3.
    Credits: N/A.
    Training Duration: 4 months/480 notional hours.
    Nature of Training: N/A.

    Country: Canada.
    Qualification: Carpenter Apprentice.
    Qualification Level: N/A.
    Credits: N/A.
    Training Duration: 7200 hours (4 years).
    Nature of Training: 3 levels of technical Training.

    Country: New Zealand.
    Qualification: National Certificate in Carpentry Level 4.
    Qualification Level: NZQF Level 4.
    Credits: 294.
    Training Duration: N/A.
    Nature of Training: Practical and classroom instruction.

    Country: United Kingdom.
    Qualification: N/A.
    Qualification Level: NVQ Level 1-4.
    Credits: N/A.
    Training Duration: N/A.
    Nature of Training: Practical and classroom instruction.

    Conclusion:
    The comparability study highlights the current status of the availability of related information on the Carpenter/masonry, including the related curricula in five countries. The findings reveal that this qualification is comparable to what is found in the chosen countries. The comparison mainly extends to the qualification awarded, level of qualification, modes of delivery and to some extent the contents of the curricula. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The likely progression for a qualified learner with this qualification is to qualifications related to the following occupations:
  • Construction Foreman.
  • Bricklayer.
  • Glazier.
  • Building Insulation Installer.
  • Carpenter trainer. 
    		•

    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 
    Qualifying for external assessment:
    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.

    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: Carpenter: 641502000.

    Trades Covered by this Qualification:
    This qualification covers the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • ID 60890, Carpenter.
  • ID 60884, Carpenter.
  • ID 60965, Carpenter.
  • ID 60951, Carpenter.
  • ID 60873, Carpenter.
  • ID 60924, Carpenter.
  • ID 60807, Carpenter.
  • ID 60877, Carpenter and Joiner.
  • ID 60874, Carpenter and Joiner.
  • ID 60808, Carpenter and Joiner.
  • ID 60891, Carpenter and Joiner.
  • ID 60966, Carpenter and Joiner.
  • ID 60815, Carpenter and Joiner.
  • ID 60979, Carpenter and Joiner. 
    		•

    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.