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: Small Engine Mechanic

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
98813	Occupational Certificate: Small Engine Mechanic
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 equip learners with skills and knowledge required for the newly registered trade of Small Engine Operator and prepare them to operate as a Small Engine Mechanic.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Perform scheduled maintenance on tools and equipment powered by small engines and electric motors.

Dismantle, inspect, assess, repair and assemble tools and equipment powered by small engines and electric motors.

Diagnose and repair faults in tools and equipment powered by small engines and electric motors.

Rationale:
The Occupational Certificate in Small Engine Mechanic is designed to provide learners with knowledge and skill required to operate as Small Engine Mechanics. A Small Engine Mechanic maintains, tests and repairs tools and equipment powered by small engines and electric motors. The small engine maintenance and repair industry provides essential services to a wide variety of users of tools and equipment powered by small engines and electric motors. In South Africa, this includes the equipment hire, agriculture, sports and recreation, construction, mining and forestry sectors. The government and the public in general are also major users of the services provided by small engine mechanics. Learners will be involved in activities such as the maintenance of small engines and electric motors and the related tools and equipment through regular scheduled services, the repair or replacement of components and parts, and the diagnosing and repair of system faults. They may also be involved in the assembly, testing and commissioning of new or re-conditioned equipment. Qualified small engine mechanics would be eligible to find employment in the public sector in entities such as municipalities and environmental improvement programmes, and in commercial organisations such as small plant and equipment hire, construction and landscaping companies. They may also find employment with after-market repair or re-conditioning facilities which cater to the general public.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
This qualification can be obtained through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for those learners who have acquired knowledge and skills; either formally or informally. 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:
The minimum entry requirements for the Occupational Certificate in Small Engine Mechanic qualification is a NQF Level 1 qualification with a pass in Mathematics and Science.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of Compulsory, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules at NQF Level, 2, 3, and 4, totalling 540 Credits.

Knowledge Modules, 108 Credits:

653305000-KM-01, Workplace Fundamentals, at NQF Level 2, 9 Credits.

653305000-KM-02, Foundational Concepts for Mechanics, at NQF Level 2, 14 Credits.

653305000-KM-03, Vehicle and Equipment Fundamentals, at NQF Level 2, 8 Credits.

653305000-KM-04, Basic Engine Systems, at NQF Level 2, 8 Credits.

653305000-KM-05, Vehicle, Equipment and Propulsion Systems, at NQF Level 3, 13 Credits.

653305000-KM-06, Electrical Systems and Basic Electronic, Hydraulic and Pneumatic Principles, at NQF Level 3, 16 Credits.

653305000-KM-07, Advanced Vehicle and Equipment Systems, at NQF Level 4, 30 Credits.

653305000-KM-08, Problem Solving and Engine Optimisation, at NQF Level 4, 10 Credits.

Practical Skill Modules, 162 Credits:

653305000-PM-01, Work Safely and Respond to Emergencies, at NQF Level 2, 6 Credits.

653305000-PM-02, Use Tools and Equipment, at NQF Level 2, 18 Credits.

653305000-PM-03, Cut and Join Metals, at NQF Level 2, 5 Credits.

653305000-PM-04, Remove and Install Mechanical Components (gaskets, seals, bearings and locking devices), at NQF Level 2, 6 Credits.

653305000-PM-05, Work with Auto-electric and Auto-electronic Components, at NQF Level 2, 2 Credits.

653305000-PM-06, Work with Fluid Power Components, at NQF Level 2, 2 Credits.

653305000-PM-07, Maintain and Service Equipment and Equipment Components, at NQF Level 2, 6 Credits.

653305000-PM-08, Dismantle, Assess and Reassemble Engines and Engine Sub-assemblies, at NQF Level 3, 24 Credits.

653305000-PM-09, Dismantle, Assess and Reassemble Electrical and Electronic Equipment, at NQF Level 3, 16 Credits.

653305000-PM-10, Dismantle, Assess and Reassemble Equipment Sub-assemblies, at NQF Level 3, 17 Credits.

653305000-PM-11, Dismantle, Inspect, Assess and Reassemble Ancillary Equipment, at NQF Level 3, 36 Credits.

653305000-PM-12, Diagnose and Repair Engines and Engine Sub-assemblies, at NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.

653305000-PM-13, Diagnose and Repair Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Systems, at NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.

653305000-PM-14, Diagnose and Repair Equipment Sub-Assemblies, at NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.

653305000-PM-15, Diagnose and Repair Ancillary Equipment, at NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.

Work Experience Modules, 270 Credits:

653305000-WM-01, Routine Scheduled Services, at NQF Level 2, 18 Credits.

653305000-WM-02, Removal, Assessment, Repair and Installation of Engines and Engine Sub-assemblies, at NQF Level 3, 46 Credits.

653305000-WM-03, Removal, Assessment, Repair and Installation of Equipment Sub-systems, at NQF Level 3, 24 Credits.

653305000-WM-04, Removal, Assessment, Repair and Installation of Electric Motors and Alternators, at NQF Level 3, 26 Credits.

653305000-WM-05, Assessment and Repair of Ancillary Equipment, at NQF Level 3, 22 Credits.

653305000-WM-06, Diagnosis and Repair of Engines and Engine Sub-assemblies, NQF Level 4, 54 Credits.

653305000-WM-07, Diagnosis and Repair of Equipment Sub-systems, at NQF Level 4, 24 Credits.

653305000-WM-08, Diagnosis and Repair of Electric Motors and Alternators, at NQF Level 4, 30 Credits.

653305000-WM-09, Diagnosis and Repair of Ancillary Equipment, at NQF Level 4, 26 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Perform scheduled maintenance on tools and equipment powered by small engines and electric motors.
2. Dismantle, inspect, assess, repair and assemble tools and equipment powered by small engines and electric motors.
3. Diagnose and repair faults in tools and equipment powered by small engines and electric motors.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

The service is performed according to the manufacturer's schedule, specifications and time-frames.

Technical information is sourced and correctly interpreted.

The maintenance report which reflects the condition of all the required components and systems, including defective components is accurately compiled.

Components are removed, replaced and tested as per the service schedule.

The work is systematically planned and the work area is prepared according to task requirements.

Workmanship industry standards are met.

All activities are performed according to safety and environmental requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Systems and subsystems in tools and equipment powered by small engines and electric motors are removed, disassembled, assessed and replaced according to applicable standard processes and to the manufacturer's specifications.

Technical information is sourced and correctly interpreted.

The work is systematically planned, and the work area is prepared according to task requirements.

All waste materials and replacement parts are dealt with according to health, safety, environmental and legal consumer requirements.

The work area is restored according to health, safety and environmental requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

All faults are diagnosed correctly and within stipulated time-frames.

Relevant, diagnostic equipment is operated according to the manufacturer's procedures and standards.

Diagnostic codes and events are correctly interpreted.

Technical information is sourced and correctly interpreted.

Faults are repaired according to the manufacturer's procedures and specifications.

The work is systematically planned and the work area is prepared according to task requirements.

The work area is restored according to health, safety and environmental requirements.

All activities are performed according to safety and environmental requirements.

Integrated Assessment:
Integrated formative assessment:
Accredited providers 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 integrated summative assessment will be conducted through a trade test as prescribed under Section 26 D of the Skills Development Act and defined by 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

Western Sydney Institute:
The Western Sydney Institute in Australia offers a Certificate III in Outdoor Power Equipment Technology. This qualification covers the skills and knowledge required to perform a range of service and repair tasks on outdoor power equipment. It therefore also includes not only the engines but also the components and systems which perform the functional operations related to the purpose of the equipment.

Ontario College of Trades:
The Ontario College of Trades in Canada offers the Small Engine Technician apprenticeship. This qualification includes small engines for off-road vehicles and powered equipment. The specified skills sets include basic engine and vehicle components and systems. Learners are taught how to diagnose, repair and maintain small engine and engine systems for off-road vehicles and powered equipment.

Conclusion:
This qualification compares favourably to the Canadian and the Australian qualifications in terms of content, level and complexity of the engine-related components of the qualification. Where the broader equipment-related aspects are concerned, the level of complexity in this qualification is higher, and the scope more extensive.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Occupational Certificate: Automotive Motor Mechanic, NQF Level 4.

Occupational Certificate: Heavy Equipment Mechanic, NQF Level 4.

Occupational Certificate: Diesel Fitter, NQF Level 4.

Vertical Articulation:

National Certificate N4: Engineering Studies, NQF Level 5 (ID 66881).

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.

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