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 (Automotive Machinist) 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96398  Occupational Certificate: Metal Machinist (Automotive 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  540  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 an Automotive Machinist to identify faults and refurbish engines and engine components.

An Automotive Machinist will be able to:
  • Apply hand and machining skills to perform mechanical engineering tasks by using engineering tools and machining equipment.
  • Identify faults and refurbish a cylinder head.
  • Identify faults and refurbish a cylinder block.
  • Identify faults and refurbish a crank case and connecting rod.
  • Identify faults and refurbish a crankshaft and camshaft.

    Rationale:
    This qualification is a response to the automotive machining industry requirements and aims to establish the Automotive Machinist as a recognised trade in its own right. The Engine Remanufacturers Association, a division within the Retail Motor Industry Organisation developed specific training schedules used for training of persons employed in the automotive machining industry during the eighties. These standards has been used by the industry and delivered through in-house training programmes, quality assured by the MERSETA.
    The opportunity presented by the Occupational Qualifications Framework to develop and register trade specific qualifications was accepted by industry. Thus this qualification recognises past practices that have worked well for the industry over many years and also address areas of change or improvement required to meet the current labour market needs.

    The Engine Remanufacturers Association, a division of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation supported the Development Quality Partner with the nomination of industry experts and with the distribution of documents developed to their members.

    The qualification provides an opportunity for persons seeking a career in the automotive engineering industry and recognises these persons as artisans. This opportunity is available to young persons leaving formal education or persons seeking recognition for their experience within the automotive industry.

    A National Certificate for persons employed in the automotive machining industry aligned with a recognised trade for the Automotive Machinist will greatly benefit the employees and the industry at large. Persons who were trained in accordance with the current industry programme will be able to achieve a recognised trade through an RPL process. This supports key principles of the NQF. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    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 and Science. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 652301001-KM-01, Basic Engineering Theory, NQF Level 02, 8 Credits.
  • 652301001-KM-02, Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Protection, NQF Level 02, 8 Credits.
  • 652301001-KM-03, Engineering machines an equipment, NQF Level 03, 8 Credits.
  • 652301001-KM-04, Petrol and Diesel Engines, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 652301001-KM-05, Automotive Machining, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 652301001-KM-06, Crankshaft and Camshaft Machining, NQF Level 04, 24 Credits.
  • 652301001-KM-07, Cylinder Head Machining, NQF Level 04, 32 Credits.
  • 652301001-KM-08, Cylinder Block boring and honing, NQF Level 04, 32 Credits.
  • 652301001-KM-09, Crankcases, NQF Level 04, 24 Credits.
  • 652301001-KM-10, Connecting Rods, NQF Level 04, 8 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 162 Credits.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 652301001-PM-01: Fabricate simple components or work pieces using basic hand skills and hand tools, NQF Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 652301001-PM-02: Fabricate components or work pieces using power tools and equipment, NQF Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 652301001-PM-03: Produce components by setting up and attending to the operation of an engineering machine, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 652301001-PM-04: Dismantle, inspect and identify cylinder head defects, NQF Level 3, 16 Credits.
  • 652301001-PM-05: Refurbish cylinder heads, NQF Level 4, 16 Credits.
  • 652301001-PM-06: Assemble cylinder heads, NQF Level 4, 16 Credits.
  • 652301001-PM-07: Inspect, identify faults and refurbish a cylinder block, NQF Level 4, 16 Credits.
  • 652301001-PM-08: Identify faults and refurbish a crankcase, NQF Level 4, 24 Credits.
  • 652301001-PM-09: Identify faults and refurbish a connecting rod, NQF Level 4, 16 Credits.
  • 652301001-PM-10: Identify faults and refurbish a crankshaft, NQF Level 4, 24 Credits.
  • 652301001-PM-11: Identify faults and refurbish a camshaft, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skills Modules: 162 Credits.

    This qualification also requires the following compulsory Work Experience Modules:

    Context 1: Engineering Fitting and Turning Workshop:
  • 652301001-WM-01: General basic engineering workshop practices, NQF Level 2, 11 Credits.
  • 652301001-WM-02: Cylinder head refurbishment processes in an engineering workshop, NQF Level 4, 54 Credits.
  • 652301001-WM-03: Cylinder block refurbishment in an engineering workshop, NQF Level 4, 43 Credits.
  • 652301001-WM-04: Crankcase and connecting rod refurbishment in an engineering workshop, NQF Level 4, 43 Credits.
  • 652301001-WM-05: Crank and camshaft refurbishing processes in an engineering workshop, NQF Level 4, 54 Credits.
  • 652301001-WM-06: Structured planning, communication and control processes in the workplace, NQF Level 3, 11 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 216 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply hand and machining skills to perform mechanical engineering tasks by using engineering tools and machining equipment.
    2. Identify faults and refurbish a cylinder head.
    3. Identify faults and refurbish a cylinder block.
    4. Identify faults and refurbish a crank case and connecting rod.
    5. Identify faults and refurbish a crankshaft and camshaft. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Tools and equipment are selected, used and cared for in accordance to the accepted standards.
  • Safe work procedures, precautions and Personal Protective Equipment required is described and adhered to.
  • Machining techniques and consequences if not adhered to are explained for specific applications.
  • Procedures, operating principles and specifications of machining equipment and accessories are explained.
  • Measuring equipment/instruments are identified, read, calibrated, used and cared for.
  • Cutting tool types and applications are explained.
  • Engineering drawing are read and interpreted to determine step-by-step machining operations and quality specifications.
  • Data tables are read and formulae are applied to calculate machine settings for specific machining tasks.
  • Speeds and feeds are calculated, selected and set.
  • The machine, accessories and coolant are setup and prepared for the machining task.
  • Cutting tools are selected and secured for the machining task.
  • Work pieces are prepared and secured.
  • Machining tasks of varying complexity is performed on a centre lathe to required specifications and within accepted tolerances.
  • Machining tasks of varying complexity is performed on a conventional milling machine to required specifications and within accepted tolerances.
  • The engineering machine is monitored while in operation and adjustments to speeds and feeds are made where required.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Safe work procedures, precautions and Personal Protective Equipment required when refurbishing a cylinder head is described and adhered to.
  • An understanding of procedures, operating principles and specifications of machining equipment and accessories used for refurbishing a cylinder head is demonstrated.
  • Measuring equipment/instruments used for refurbishing a cylinder head are identified, read, calibrated, used and cared for.
  • An understanding of cutting tool types and applications used for refurbishing a cylinder head is demonstrated.
  • Faults on cylinder heads are identified, common causes of specific faults and machining methods to correct these are explained.
  • A cylinder head is refurbished to specifications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Safe work procedures, precautions and Personal Protective Equipment required when refurbishing a cylinder block is described and adhered to.
  • An understanding of procedures, operating principles and specifications of machining equipment and accessories used for refurbishing a cylinder block are demonstrated.
  • Measuring equipment/instruments used refurbishing a cylinder block are identified, read, calibrated, used and cared for.
  • An understanding of cutting tool types and applications used for refurbishing a cylinder block are demonstrated.
  • Faults on cylinder block can be identified, common causes of specific faults and machining methods to correct these are explained.
  • A cylinder block is refurbished to specifications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Safe work procedures, precautions and Personal Protective Equipment required when refurbishing a crank case is described and adhered to.
  • An understanding of procedures, operating principles and specifications of machining equipment and accessories used for refurbishing a crank case are demonstrated.
  • Measuring equipment/instruments used for refurbishing a crank case are identified, read, calibrated, used and cared for.
  • An understanding of cutting tool types and applications used for refurbishing a crank case are demonstrated.
  • Faults on crank case are identified, common causes of specific faults and machining methods to correct these are explained.
  • A crank case is refurbished to specifications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Safe work procedures, precautions and Personal Protective Equipment required when refurbishing a crankshaft and camshaft is described and adhered to.
  • An understanding of procedures, operating principles and specifications of machining equipment and accessories used for refurbishing a crankshaft and camshaft are demonstrated.
  • Measuring equipment/instruments are used for refurbishing a crankshaft and camshaft is identified, read, calibrated, used and cared for.
  • An understanding of cutting tool types and applications used for refurbishing a crankshaft and camshaft are demonstrated.
  • Faults on crank and camshaft are identified, common causes of specific faults and machining methods to correct these are explained.
  • A crank shaft is refurbished to specifications.
  • A camshaft is refurbished to specifications.

    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 
    In Australia the qualification, Automotive Mechanics, prepares learners to service, repair and overhaul the mechanical parts of motor vehicles such as the engine, the transmission (clutch, gear box and differential), and the suspension systems (springs, steering, brakes, wheels and tyres).

    Upon qualifying the learners is able to:
  • Discuss problems with car drivers or vehicle operators to discover faults, listen to engines, fit and operate special test equipment and test drive vehicles.
  • Repair or replace worn and faulty parts by removing assemblies such as engines, transmissions, differentials or steering gear; dismantle them and check parts, referring to manuals as necessary.
  • Reassemble, test, clean and adjust repaired or replaced parts or assemblies, use various instruments to make sure they are working properly and put them back into the vehicle.
  • Carry out minor body repairs and minor trim repairs.
  • Diagnose, repair and replace engine management/fuel injection components.
  • Use oxy, electric, TIG and MIG welders.
  • Test and repair electrical systems such as lighting, instrumentation, ignition and electronic fuel injection.
  • Inspect vehicles and issue roadworthiness certificates or list the work required before a certificate can be issued.

    In Spain the qualification in Auto Mechanics prepares learners to learn about motor vehicle repair operations. Modules include:Engines, Transmission,Chassis,Electrics How to Service and Maintain Motorcycles How to Work Safely How to Work as Part of a Team Maintenance and Repair of Braking and Transmission Systems. Course Content includes: Engine Systems Gearboxes and Clutches Braking and Steering Systems Electrical and Electronic Systems Inspection Techniques Health and Safety.

    Conclusion:
    The South African standard for Automotive Machinists compares well with available international standards in terms of the competencies that learners will develop. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualifications:
  • Occupational Certificate: Fitter and turner at NQF Level 4.

    This qualification also articulates vertically with:
  • Engineering Studies N4, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for external assessment:
    In order to qualify for an external assessment, NQF Level earners 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: (Automotive Machinist), 652301001.

    Trades Encompassed by this Qualification:
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • 61243: Automotive Machinist.
  • 61293: Automotive Machinist and Fitter.
  • 61217: Automotive Machinist and Fitter.
  • 61208: Automotive Machinist and Fitter.

    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.