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: Vehicle Painter (Automobile and Marine Painter) 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94182  Occupational Certificate: Vehicle Painter (Automobile and Marine Painter) 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MERSETA 
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 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  366  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 Vehicle Painter.
A vehicle painter applies various types of coatings such as corrosion inhibiting primers, fillers and finishing coats on interior and exterior parts of the vehicle using various methods in accordance with specifications.
A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Inspect quality of the surface to be painted.
  • Prepare surfaces for painting.
  • Mix and apply primers according to requirements.
  • Mix and apply top coats/finishing coats to prepared surfaces according to job requirements.
  • Inspect the quality of the final painted product.

    Rationale:
    Vehicle painting is characterised by sophisticated painting techniques and processes applied in a competitive and challenging environment. A painted surface on a vehicle has to meet a wide variety of challenging customers and consumers' requirements. In addition the industry is required to respond to competition from imports, external export markets, and on-going industry development of new products as the result of changing industry needs; as well as health and environmental issues. The above requires the industry to equip artisans with the relevant knowledge and skills for them to better respond to exacting quality requirements and on-going change.

    This is the first qualification in a career path involving vehicle-painting processes. The qualification is intended for learners who aspire to become qualified Vehicle Painters. Skills, knowledge and understanding required to participate effectively in the vehicle painting industry, whether in micro, small, medium or large operations are reflected in the qualification. The qualification also provides learners with basic knowledge and skills required to progress towards a supervisory level within the organisation.

    The qualification will provide learners, education and training providers and employers with the standards and the range of learning required to satisfy the challenges of participating effectively in the vehicle painting industry. Qualified artisans will become more employable as Vehicle Painters within the automotive and marine subsectors, thereby, contributing to the economy of the country at large. In the same breath, the quality of the lives of the qualified employed artisans will improve.

    Most of all, the qualification provides learners with a base for further learning to be able to supervise a painting environment.

    The qualification will enable growth of the sector, which will have a positive impact on the society and the economy at large. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning (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.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for access to the qualification:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
    NQF Level 1 with Mathematics and Science. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:
    Knowledge Modules:
  • Health and Safety Compliance, NQF Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • Basic hand and power tools (pneumatic and electric tools), NQF Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • Vehicle painting tools and equipment maintenance, NQF Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • Air supply equipment, NQF Level 2, 5 Credits.
  • Surface preparations, NQF Level 2, 10 Credits.
  • Vehicle painting materials, NQF Level 2, 5 Credits.
  • Vehicle Painting Techniques, NQF Level 3, 7 Credits.
  • Basic colour mixing and matching, NQF Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • Removing paint imperfections, NQF Level 3, 7 Credits.
  • Colour matching, NQF Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • Defects on a painted surface, NQF Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • Quality Management Principles, NQF Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • Customer Service Management, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • Specialised vehicle painting, NQF Level 4, 2 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 68 Credits.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • Inspect surface to be painted, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • Prepare for primer application, NQF Level 3, 9 Credits.
  • Mix primers, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • Apply various primers, NQF Level 3, 12 Credits.
  • Mix various top coats/finishing coats, NQF Level 4, 3 Credits.
  • Apply various top coats/finishing coats to prepared surfaces, NQF Level 4, 25 Credits.
  • Perform finishing activities, NQF Level 4, 12 Credits.
  • Analyse quality of final product to meet specifications, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 73 Credits.

    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • Vehicle inspection processes, NQF Level 3, 17 Credits.
  • Surface coating preparation processes, NQF Level 3, 72 Credits.
  • Primer mixing and application processes, NQF Level 3, 34 Credits.
  • Top coats/finishing coats mixing and application processes, NQF Level 4, 60 Credits.
  • Finishing processes, NQF Level 4, 25 Credits.
  • Quality assurance processes, NQF Level 4, 17 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 225 Credits. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. The ability to prepare surfaces for painting.
    2. The ability to mix and apply paints.
    3. The ability to perform finishing activities. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Health, safety and environmental considerations are practiced when inspecting surfaces.
  • Appropriate PPE to use when carrying out the work is used.
  • Appropriate inspection method(s) to determine suitability of surface to be painted is determined.
  • Appropriated inspection method to inspect surface is applied.
  • Areas that need attention are identified.
  • Appropriate action to resolve identified problems is taken.
  • Scope of work to be carried out is confirmed.
  • Resources needed to cover scope of work are quantified or confirmed.
  • Resources needed are requested.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Correct material is selected.
  • Correct equipment selected.
  • Sufficient material mixed in accordance with Technical Data Sheet or Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Paint is applied according to specifications.

    Associated Assessment Criterion for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Final polishing is performed in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.

    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 summative assessment will be a trade test conducted 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 maximum of 3 days. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The South African Vehicle Painter Occupational Qualification has been compared with qualifications, learning programmes and learning units of countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Germany.

    In this study, focus was on the description of the occupation, the main tasks performed by a vehicle painter and the content of the various learning units offered in the countries chosen.

    According to unit group 3243-Skill Level 3 the purpose of a Vehicle Painter has been described as:
    A vehicle painter prepares surfaces of vehicles, matches and mixes colours and applies paint'. This description does not differ from the South African vehicle painter's purpose.

    Similarities:
    Tasks, occupational responsibilities and practical skills listed below are similar to those covered in the South African vehicle painter qualification. These are:
  • Grinding, sanding and cleaning surfaces of items to be painted.
  • Loading paint, oil, lacquer, varnish and rustproofing agents into spray equipment.
  • Connecting hoses to spray equipment and adjusting spray nozzles to required pressure.
  • Securing items to be sprayed within the spray booth or placing them onto the conveyors.
  • Directing spray guns to apply even coatings.
  • Preparing and applying foundation material and topcoats to vehicles.
  • Mixing and Matching paint colours.
  • Identifying and rectifying paint defects and faults.
  • Application of Health and Safety requirements.

    Content covered in the various learning programmes:
    The study has revealed that majority of vehicle painter related qualifications offered in the chosen countries have a series of progressive learning similar to the one developed for the South African context. They all have a Level 2 qualification serving as a base qualification for the subsequent levels, those being Level 3, 4, 5 etc.

    Content of such learning programmes is summarised below:
  • Basic communication skills- this is introduced as early as Level 2 and covers gathering, conveying and receiving information along with completing assigned written information under direct supervision.
  • Implementation and monitoring of environmental regulations and best practice in the body repair industry and Preparation of spray painting materials and equipment are covered in Level 3 and Level 4.

    Differences:
    Major differences have been noted in terms of entry requirements as well as the route taken to attain the qualification as an apprentice.

    Entry requirements:
    The following differences were noted:
  • At least one year of relevant experience may substitute for formal qualifications.
  • In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
  • In Germany, entry requirement for Apprenticeship is 16-18years of age in relevant employment within the motor industry, whereas for a South African Vehicle Painter qualification, entry requirement has been specified as NQF Level 2 or Grade 9 with Maths and Science.

    Apprenticeship:
    Research has shown that apprentices engage with their studies as follows:
    Apprentices take a short break from their employment once a year to complete their training. When an apprentice successfully completes a training program and attains the required number of work-based hours, he/she earns a certificate or ticket, and becomes a journey person in his or her trade. However, the South African Vehicle Painter qualification has been designed in such a way that the learner will be expected to undergo a three-year learning process which will enable him to attain the required knowledge, practical skills and work experience skills in order to qualify for external assessment. Once deemed competent by a panel of assessors through external assessment, he will be qualified as a vehicle painter.

    New Brunswick in Canada offers an Automotive Painter Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification from its training and education system. New Brunswick Diploma of Apprenticeship and a Certificate of Qualification are awarded upon successful completion of 3600 hours of on the job and technical training and the final examination. The focus is to assist Automotive painters to be able to work on the surfaces of motor vehicles, primarily in restoring vehicles to their original condition following damage and subsequent auto body repair.

    Conclusion:
    The international comparability study has shown that the South African Vehicle Painter Qualification is on par with international core principles. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Learners who possess this qualification may articulate to qualifications at higher levels within the vehicle painting industry such as:
  • Vehicle Painter Supervisor. 

  • 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.

    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: Vehicle Painter (Automobile and Marine Painter): 643202001.

    Trades Covered by this Qualification:
    This qualification covers the following trades as recorded on the NLRD.
  • 61245 M040 Spraypainter.
  • 61298 MS14 Spraypainter.
  • 61275 M075 Spraypainter.

    Part Qualifications:
  • None. 

  • 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.