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: 

Higher Certificate in HIV/AIDS Counselling and Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96711  Higher Certificate in HIV/AIDS Counselling and Management 
ORIGINATOR
Boston City Campus (Pty) Ltd formerly Boston City Campus and Business College (Pty) Ltd 
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 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  140  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:
Counselling and Management are imperative components in addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The proposed Higher Certificate in HIV/AIDS Counselling and Management has been developed for a particular purpose, this being to facilitate access to the world-of-work for learners who are capable of knowledge performance in support of those areas of the world-of-work that rely on the application of the knowledge and skills systems supporting HIV/AIDS counselling and management practices. For a nation that is afflicted by HIV/AIDS, it is crucial to increase the supply of competent learners with entry-middle-order capabilities to industries that rely on these skills if South Africa is to meets is socio-economic challenges and to prosper. The purpose of the qualification is to ensure learners are equipped with the knowledge, theory and methodology of the important disciplines in HIV/AIDS counselling and management, and enable them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in a professional or academic context where application of the principles and theory are emphasised as a basis for entry into the labour market, professional training, further undergraduate study, or professional practice in a wide range of careers within civil society, the public or private sectors. The modules within the Higher Certificate in HIV/AIDS Counselling and Management are developed in an increasingly applied manner covering the major functional specialisations and culminating in an integrated manner which provides broad strategic context for learners on issues in applied psychology and counselling, HIV counselling, sexuality and HIV education, HIV/AIDS care and support, nutrition and management, workplace policy and training, computer literacy, industrial psychology, and experiential learning.

The breadth and depth of learning achieved by learners reflect a broad repertoire of skill-sets and knowledge-sets consisting of principles, theoretical engagement and levels of intellectual independence characteristic of a Higher Certificate which facilitates access to the world of work and promotes critical and analytical citizenship. For a rapidly evolving and developing nation, this qualification forms part of the increase in provision of learner who complete with middle to higher order capabilities to meet the socio-economic challenges, to advance social transformation, and to remain regionally relevant and globally competitive.

Rationale:
The Higher Certificate in HIV/AIDS Counselling and Management is a response to the workplace need for competent entry level HIV/AIDS counsellors and managers across all sectors of society. The current and future need for competent entry, junior and middle managers has been expressed by employers and employees. The skills, knowledge, attitudes and values required by HIV/AIDS counsellors and managers are captured in this qualification while remaining, to a certain degree a generalist programme for the field of practice, by offering good breadth on the important topics combined with appropriate occupational and professional depth for its intended purpose. The qualification provides exciting career opportunities in the fields of HIV/AIDS counselling and management, for example:
  • Outreach Counsellor.
  • Support Group Facilitator.
  • Assistant School Counsellor.
  • Nutritional Advisor.
  • Programme and/or Project Support Officer.

    Also, this unique qualification supports further and continuous professional development in occupations such as:
  • Primary Health Care Providers.
  • Home Based Care Givers.
  • Early Childhood Educators and Teachers.
  • Human Resource and Development Practitioners.

    In the increasingly competitive, sophisticated and changing world of work; the continued development of middle to higher order applied knowledge is essential. The curriculum has been designed to give graduates the skills required for managing life-long learning to build successful careers and to remain productive and responsible citizens. The qualification provides a balance in fields that are broadly enabling in relation to career pathways while providing opportunities both professional membership with a variety of local and international bodies and further studies through vertical and/or horizontal articulation pathways, for example:
  • Specialised studies in psychology or industrial psychology.
  • Advanced studies in counselling or social sciences.
  • Diploma or Degree studies in human resource management and development. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Learners may provide evidence of prior learning for which they may receive credit towards the qualification by means of portfolios or other forms of appropriate evidence which may include, verified accounts of previous relevant work done and performance records and which evidence is in accordance with the requirements of the relevant Quality Council.

    Learners not meeting the minimum entry requirements may be granted admission through Recognition of Prior Learning.

    Entry Requirements:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) grants admission to Higher Certificate study.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational) NC(V) at NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF (HEQSF) Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.
    Modules at NQF Level 5:
  • Computer Literacy, 8 Credits.
  • Counselling, 8 Credits.
  • HIV Counselling, 16 Credits.
  • Sexuality and HIV Education, 16 Credits.
  • Applied Psychology, 8 Credits.
  • HIV/AIDS Care, Nutrition and Management, 26 Credits.
  • HIV Workplace Policy and Training, 16 Credits.
  • Industrial Psychology, 10 Credits.
  • Experiential Learning, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply counselling competencies in a variety of situations and contexts.
    2. Manage HIV workplace policy and training interventions in organisations.
    3. Demonstrate, share and apply knowledge and understanding of HIV/AIDS in a variety of situations and contexts.
    4. Identify the socio-economic needs of society and display interpersonal as well cultural and social sensitivity in a variety of situations and contexts. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • An understanding of the principles and scope of counselling and HIV counselling is demonstrated according to the fundamental theories.
  • Core counselling and HIV counselling practices are applied in a variety of contexts.
  • Relevant legal and ethical practice is complied with.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Basic HIV/AIDS policy analysis, development, and implementation principles are applied in own work context.
  • General principles of HIV/AIDS training practices are applied and fluency and competency in aligning policy with outcomes in the office environment is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The knowledge and skills that are associated with care, support, nutrition and management of HIV/AIDS are applied in a variety of situations.
  • An understanding of the principles, scope of sexuality and HIV education is demonstrated according to the fundamental theories.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Principles and theories of individual, social and organisational behaviour are distinguished.
  • Conflict handling and motivational skills, and interpersonal and cultural sensitivity is demonstrated within professional environments.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessment is ordinary practice in this type of qualification and is essential to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved in relation to the occupational focus carried by the qualifier and in terms of its propositional and declarative knowledge, vocational relevance, reflexive competency and critical cross-field learning outcomes.

    Successful learners will have undertaken an extensive process in which assessments progressively build the learners' integrated competency to a point where the learner is able to express through a range of mechanisms measured against valid, reliable and transparent criteria that they can operate effectively in an entry level occupational position within the knowledge system specified by the qualification title.

    Formative assessment integrates the cycle of teaching and learning, and assessment. Study guides and texts contain self-assessment exercises. The scheme of work includes formal assessments in the form of tests and/or assignments based on the learning material and learners are graded and provided written feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited in the number of outcomes assessed.

    Summative assessments are in the form of proctored examinations, or equivalent assessment such as a research report which assesses a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed in the formative stage. Summative assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a full course. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The World Health Organisation through its management for health services delivery sets standards for long and short courses in different countries i.e. IIHMR Campus Jaipur, Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata in India or the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT) Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

    The courses include basic training is essential for all HIV testing and counselling staff members, including reception and administrative staff, and for lay volunteers working in conjunction with formal health service sites and community-based health services. Some areas are common to all staff members but particular subgroups need additional technical training.

    Specific issues to be covered through training for all staff:
  • Basic HIV awareness (HIV transmission and prevention).
  • Purpose and benefits of HIV testing and counselling.
  • Process of HIV testing and counselling.
  • Confidentiality issues.
  • How the HIV testing and counselling team works together, including roles and responsibilities and line management.
  • Health and safety issues.

    Basic training for all counsellors:
    Basic training in counselling (pre-service and in-service). All counsellors need basic training for routine/uncomplicated cases.
    This includes:
  • Pre-test counselling/ pre-test education or information.
  • Post-test counselling.
  • Ongoing counselling.

    Conclusion:
    The qualification covers the standards outlined by the World Health Organisation. This ensures that learners are equipped with world standards in relation to HIV/AIDS counselling and management abilities. The qualification will play a significant role in the attempt to create the managerial capacity to establish and successfully carry through interventions. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Learners who are (have been) registered for the same or another related qualification on NQF (HEQSF) Level 5 will be able to horizontally enter another relevant learning programme on the same level, given the rules of access have been complied with and such learners will retain credit for relevant courses or modules that have been passed.

    This Qualification articulates horizontally with:
  • Higher Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills.
  • Higher Certificate in Leadership Development.

    Individuals will be able to articulate vertically to learning programmes in a variety of sub-fields within Counselling, Psychology and Social Studies on NQF (HEQF) Levels 6 and 7.
    The Qualification articulates vertically with:
  • Advanced Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills.
  • Diploma in Counselling and Communication.
  • Bachelor of Applied Social Science.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Industrial Psychology.
  • Bachelor of Psychology in Community and Health Psychology. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. Boston City Campus (Pty) Ltd formerly Boston City Campus and Business College (Pty) Ltd 


    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.