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: Panel Beater 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96364  Occupational Certificate: Panel Beater 
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  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  583  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 Panel Beater.

A Panel Beater repairs damage to metal and composites (including fibre glass, rubber, and plastic) on vehicles and forms replacement body panels. A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Perform automotive body repairs.
  • Remove and refit automotive mechanical components.
  • Perform auto-electrical repair activities.
  • Analyse damage to vehicles.

    Rationale:
    The panel beating (automotive body repair) industry is characterised by fast and ever-increasing technological developments and innovations in terms of vehicle manufacturing and concomitant body repair methods. This necessitates that an occupational qualification be developed so that learners entering this field of learning are introduced to this new technology at an early stage of their careers.

    The work of panel beaters is critical to the economy and they provide an incredibly valuable service since motor vehicles are a substantial part of human life in South Africa. n addition, the panel beaters' job is becoming increasingly complex as they have to increasingly deal with electronic and electrical related aspects of the vehicle such as cameras, sensors, GPS systems, on-board computers, bus systems, electronic control devices and safety restraint systems.

    Typical learners are school leavers, Further Education and Training College learners or workers who have been employed in the automotive body repair environment. Learners who qualify with this qualification will have the option of acquiring the Vehicle Painting qualification to become all-rounders - who can repair vehicle bodies and paint them. Furthermore, they could also acquire the Vehicle Damage Quantifier qualification to become vehicle damage quantifiers or assessors or they could pursue a management qualification at a higher level and, after gaining considerable experience, they could progress in the industry as managers in auto-body shops or in the related environment. Some could continue and eventually establish their own enterprises. 

  • 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:
    Learners are required to have the following in place in order to be considered for admission:
  • NQF Level 2 qualification with Mathematics. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following knowledge and practical skills modules:

    Knowledge modules:
  • 684904000-KM-01, Automotive body repairs theory, NQF Level 4, 45 Credits.
  • 684904000-KM-02, Automotive mechanical theory, NQF Level 3, 44 Credits.
  • 684904000-KM-03, Auto-electrical theory, NQF Level 3, 44 Credits.
  • 684904000-KM-04, Analysis of damage, NQF Level 4, 18 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 151.

    Practical Skills modules:
  • 684904000-PM-01, Remove and refit automotive body components , NQF Level 3, 20 Credits.
  • 684904000-PM-02, Perform basic repairs to vehicle bodies, NQF Level 3, 76 Credits.
  • 684904000-PM-03, Perform advanced repairs to vehicle body and structure, NQF Level 4, 60 Credits.
  • 684904000-PM-04, Remove and refit vehicle mechanical components and perform wheel alignment, NQF Level 4, 30 Credits.
  • 684904000-PM-05, Remove and replace auto-electrical components and perform diagnostics, NQF Level 3, 26 Credits.
  • 684904000-PM-06, Analyse damage in terms of job cards and report to supervisor, NQF Level 4, 40 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 252.

    This qualification also requires the following work experience modules:
  • 684904000-WM-01, Removal and replacement processes for a range of automotive body components and trim in an auto-body workshop, NQF Level 3, 16 Credits.
  • 684904000-WM-02, Basic vehicle body repair processes, NQF Level 3, 44 Credits.
  • 684904000-WM-03, Major vehicle body repair processes, NQF Level 4, 68 Credits.
  • 684904000-WM-04, Removal and replacement of mechanical components, NQF Level 3, 28 Credits.
  • 684904000-WM-05, Removal and refitting of auto-electrical components and performance of basic fault-finding, NQF Level 3, 12 Credits.
  • 684904000-WM-06, Analysis of damage against job cards, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 684904000-WM-07, Structured planning and communication processes in the workplace, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 180. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Interpret and motivate the application of key recognised theories and processes related to panel beating.
    2. Analyse damage against the job card.
    3. Strip, reassemble and refit trim, body panels, and mechanical and auto-electrical components.
    4. Perform major auto-body repairs.
    5. Perform Minor Auto-body repairs. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Vehicle construction in terms of its concepts, types of chassis, body classification, types of panels, floor pan, basic engine compartment parts and crumple zones is discussed.
  • Structural repair techniques are discussed.
  • The mechanical systems that constitute the car and their principles of operation, the techniques to safely remove and replace their components using tools and equipment, and their post-installation procedures are differentiated, described and discussed.
  • The fundamentals of engine technology are discussed.
  • The principles of operation of auto-electrical systems, the techniques to safely remove and replace their components using tools and equipment, and their post-installation procedures are discussed.
  • Safety aspects pertaining to auto-body repair are discussed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The extent of damage is determined using appropriate techniques.
  • Damage is checked and identified against the job card for any discrepancies.
  • A report of the damage is compiled and is analysed against the job card.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • External and internal trim and market accessories are stripped and reassembled using workshop procedures according to safety requirements and Original Equipment Manufacturer's specifications.
  • Door and bonded glass is removed and refitted.
  • Workshop techniques are used to remove, refit and realign body panels.
  • Workshop techniques are used to remove and refit mechanical components (which must include components of cooling, suspension and air-conditioning systems).
  • Post-installation procedures are implemented to ensure functionality of reassembled and refitted components.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • A vehicle on which repairs are to be performed is prepared.
  • A dent without filling and shrinking is repaired using techniques like shaping, planishing and finishing-off.
  • A bolt on body panel is removed, replaced and aligned.
  • Appropriate repair processes are used to repair non-metal components.
  • Safety requirements during all repair processes are adhered to.
  • Problem-solving techniques to resolve problems during repairs are used.
  • Quality of work is checked.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Welding, drilling and cutting techniques and procedures to perform repairs are used.
  • Jig setting and vehicle clamping are performed.
  • Structural pulling and aligning are performed.
  • Structural repairs, including the replacing of a box section (chassis leg, sill panel etc.) and an external welded section (A, B post section, rear fender section, dome skin etc.) are performed.
  • Deformed ferrous metal panels are repaired.
  • Body alignment verification using a 3-dimensional electronic measuring tool is performed.
  • Safety requirements during the repair process are adhered to.
  • The quality of work is checked.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    Skills development providers will use the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting (where applicable) to guide the formative assessment of the knowledge and practical skill modules. The theoretical knowledge can also be formatively assessed in the context of application of the practical component. The formative assessment provides the basis for an internal summative assessment which is captured as a statement of results. The statement of results for the required knowledge and practical skill modules is a prerequisite for assessment to the external integrated 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 conducted through a trade test as prescribed under Section 26 D of the Skills Development Act and defined in the Trade Test Regulations. It will be conducted through an evaluation of written and practical tasks covering critical aspects in a simulated environment at an assessment centre accredited by QCTO and conducted by an assessor registered by the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB). The assessment will take place over a minimum of 2 days. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The international comparability exercise focused largely on countries that are leading motor vehicles manufacturers or have a wide network of motor vehicle plants across the world. Thus Australia and New Zealand were selected for international comparability purposes.

    Certificate III: Automotive Vehicle Body (Panel-beating) Level 3 offered at Polytechnic West in Western Australia provides learners with a broad range of theoretical and practical skills in vehicle body panel-beating. The qualification covers a wide selection of popular modules in the field such as: Carry out panel repairs; Repair vehicle body misalignment; Carryout paint-less dent repairs; Implement and monitor environmental regulations and best practice in the body repair industry and; Carryout major sectional repairs.

    National Certificate in Motor Industry (Panel-beating) Level 4 is a New Zealand Qualifications Framework registered qualification. This qualification is designed to equip panel beaters and aspirant panel beaters with theoretical knowledge and practical skills to be able to repair structural and non-structural damage on a vehicle. Modules covered include: identify, remove and replace exterior engine components in the motor body industry; protect electronics when repairing a vehicle in the motor industry; repair plastic automotive components; replace a damaged motor vehicle door skin; remove and replace motor vehicle interior trim in the motor body industry and; perform safe work practices in the motor industry.

    Conclusion:
    Thus the structure and general modules content of these qualifications display similarities with this qualification suggesting that they are comparable. 

    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:
  • Vehicle Painter (Automobile and Marine Painter).

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

  • MODERATION OPTIONS 
    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: Panel Beater, 684904000.

    This qualification encompasses the following trades recorded on the NLRD:
    61219, M015, PANELBEATER (INCL SPRAYPAINTER).
    61307, MS23, PANELBEATER (INCL SPRAYPAINTING).
    61297, MS13, PANELBEATER (INCL SPRAYPAINTING).
    61261, M058, PANELBEATER (INCL SPRAYPAINTING).
    61296, MS12, PANELBEATER (INCL TRIMMING).
    61295, MS11, PANELBEATER. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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.
     
    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.