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 Project Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97198  Higher Certificate in Project Management 
ORIGINATOR
MANCOSA 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 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Project Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  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:
The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities in order to perform project management functions at the foundation level in an organisation. This qualification affords learners the opportunity to develop essential competencies needed to manage projects effectively. Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to perform the following competencies:
  • Identify and apply legislation and organisational policies and procedures relevant to the core processes appropriately to a given situation.
  • Evaluate a project to develop the scope of work, provide accurate cost estimates and to plan the various activities.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of risk management analysis techniques that identify the factors that put a project at risk and to quantify the likely effect of risk on project timescales.
  • Identify the resources required for a project and to produce a work plan and resource schedule.
  • Distinguish between the different types of projects and follow the stages needed to negotiate an appropriate contract, and develop a project plan and change control systems to integrate the various project elements.
  • Identify best practice relevant to operational responsibilities in terms of monitoring and evaluation.

    Rationale:
    Project Management has emerged in the business world as one of the most popular career fields. It encompasses and touches every facet, every business unit of the entire organisation from human resources to finance and information technology or services.

    Research by the Joint Initiative on Priority Skills Acquisition (JIPSA), indicates that South Africa is in need of between 3000 to 5000 project managers in the short term to serve the needs of business. The public sector, NGO's and donor/aid agencies in South Africa is also in need of fast effective service delivery to achieve targets.

    There is a limited amount of management education centres in South Africa offering Higher Certificate qualifications in generic Project Management. Therefore there is a need for institutions to offer entry level project management qualifications to serve the needs of the private and public sectors. The qualification will also enable articulation providing learners with the opportunity to pursue further studies and also to provide a career path for learners.

    The qualification is intended to provide the learners with the framework for understanding the dynamics of project management that covers all the essential elements and processes in project management. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This qualification may be obtained in whole or in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning.
    It is assumed that the learning derived from work or life experience will be a major element in the profiles of learners primarily by means of an examination of their Curriculum Vitae (CV). Such 'non-standard' candidates will be selected on the recommendation of a Senior Manager from their organisations/companies.

    Where appropriate, interviews will also be conducted to assess the applicants. Some of the key criteria that will be used in evaluating 'non-standard' applicants include:
  • The applicants' motivation, maturity and realistic approach to their studies.
  • Job description, covering relevant area of work, giving examples of tasks carried out, possibly supplying references.
  • The nature and level of life/work experience and prior study, and the learning which has resulted from such experience.
  • Details of in-company short courses, length and content of material covered, standard achieved.
  • The clarity of the applicant's educational goals and objectives.
  • The extent to which the applicant can provide evidence of the threshold skills and knowledge for the qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    Minimum entry requirements are on the basis of the following:
  • Senior Certificate with indorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • Equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Fundamentals of Project Management, 20 Credits.
  • Project Scope and Time Management, 20 Credits.
  • Project Quality Management, 20 Credits.
  • Project Schedule, Cost and Budget Control, 20 Credits.
  • Project Risk Management, 20 Credits.
  • Project Monitoring and Evaluation, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify and apply legislation and organisational policies and procedures relevant to the core processes appropriately to a given situation.
    2. Evaluate a project to develop the scope of work, provide accurate cost estimates and to plan the various activities.
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of risk management analysis techniques that identify the factors that put a project at risk and to quantify the likely effect of risk on project timescales.
    4. Identify the resources required for a project and to produce a work plan and resource schedule.
    5. Distinguish between the different types of projects and follow the stages needed to negotiate an appropriate contract, and develop a project plan and change control systems to integrate the various project elements.
    6. Identify best practice relevant to operational responsibilities in terms of monitoring and evaluation. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The process of project management and its application in delivering successful projects is demonstrated.
  • Contributions in accordance with organisational policies and procedures, client requirements and legal requirements are made.
  • Monitoring of health and safety are appropriate to own responsibilities in the organisation are demonstrated in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Project scope and time allocations to ensure optimal levels are defined.
  • Processes of quality management, integration management, human resource management, communications management, risk management and procurement management are demonstrated.
  • Strengths and areas for improvement in organisational human resources management and practices are correctly evaluated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Risks within a project are identified and reduced.
  • Processes to ensure effective risk management through risk assessment and risk control are applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Project scheduling procedures, managing project cost and working with project budget are demonstrated.
  • Process of developing and tracking time and cost goals for all contractually organised work are demonstrated.
  • Appropriate action is planned and implemented to promote best practices in the organisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Quality principles are applied to projects on quality planning, quality assurance and quality control.
  • Integrated information and control systems to plan, instruct, monitor and control large amounts of data are developed.
  • Accurately and quick problem-solving and decision making processes are developed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Strengths and areas for improvement in own learning are correctly identified and adequately evaluated.
  • Monitoring and evaluation process is described.
  • Skills for monitoring and evaluation of a project are demonstrated.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • Formative assessment: The scheme of work includes assignments based on the learning material and students are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the wok and limited number of outcomes.
  • Summative assessment: Examinations or equivalent assessment such as a portfolio in order to determine a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed in the formative stage. Summative assessment also tests the student`s ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module.
  • Integrated assessment: All assessments will integrate knowledge, skills and attitudes and applied competence. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International comparison for the Higher Certificate in Project Management at NQF Level 5 was conducted against international qualifications in countries such as the United States of America, Australia and the United Kingdom.

    The Certificate in Project Management at the University of Virginia in the United States of America (USA) provides a core framework and information on how to apply a wide range of tools in order to be an effective project manager. The qualification focuses on the core competencies recognised by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The Project Management (PM) Certificate can be completed in 18 months by enrolling in 2 classes per term. Project management involves planning, organizing, securing, and managing the resources necessary to bring about the successful completion of identified project goals and objectives.

    People who should enrol for the PM certificate are learners who are required to manage projects but possess a limited understanding of project management as a discipline. The qualification is designed to familiarise learners with the many facets of project management to enable them to transfer the knowledge acquired to project management positions in private industry, the not-for-profit sector, as well as in local, state, and federal agencies. Completion of the PM certificate qualification demonstrates evidence of specialised educational achievement in project management.

    The qualification comprises of the following modules:
  • Introduction to Project Management.
  • Project Schedule, Cost and Budget Control.
  • Project Management and Managing the Project Team.
  • Introduction to Purchasing for Project Managers.
  • Project Management Body of Knowledge Review.
  • Procurement and Contracting Principles and Administration.

    In Australia specifically at the Swinburne University the Certificate in Business Management: Project Management is offered. The qualification has been designed to assist project officers and managers who want to specialise to develop skills at a managerial level. Furthermore it will equip learners with the knowledge and capabilities to establish successful careers, skills and technical expertise needed to make them employable in the industry. However, it is evident that whiles this qualification and others within this field are offered, they are not of the same level as the current qualification in question, but remain relevant based on their competencies, skills and knowledge they try to address as a collective.

    The Robert Gordon University in the United Kingdom, developed the Certificate Project Management qualification to provide an overview of the practices and concepts of project management. It develops and caters for all project management disciplines including those working in oil & gas, information technology, public sector, business, built environment, engineering, knowledge, health and energy. This qualification is also at a higher level with the current qualification with it being a bridge for preparing learners for a post graduate Masters in Project Management. However, its purpose, knowledge and skills to be acquired by learners remain relevant to the current qualification. In the UK, the PRINCE2 from the UK government and/or to professional bodies such as Project Management Institute (PMI), Association for Project Management (APM) and International Project Management Association (IPMA) remains the leading institutions with regards to project management.

    Conclusion:
    The results of the comparability studies conducted reveal that this qualification is on an even level and compares with some of the best in project management qualifications in the world more especially with the one in the USA. In terms of the purpose and outcome this qualification compares very well with the qualifications cited above. However, it has been found out that for most of the qualifications it compares with, they are of a higher level. This then suggests that internationally, there is more use of short courses and work related assessments as proof of having the necessary skills of project management for certification purposes, e.g.; IPMA certification levels. Emphasis is more placed on postgraduate and Masters Degree in Project Management. South Africa compares the current qualification with recognised best practice in project management around the world. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification provides learners with possibilities to articulate vertically and horizontally.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Certificate in Project Management, at NQF Level 6.
  • Certificate: Quantity Surveying: Construction Management and Project Management, at NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma: Construction Project Management, at NQF Level 6.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Community Development: Project Management, at NQF Level 5.
  • National Certificate: Project Management, at NQF Level 5.
  • National Diploma: Project Management, at NQF Level 5.
  • Certificate: Construction Project Management, at NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    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.
     
    1. MANCOSA 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.