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: Prison Officer (Correctional Official) 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
98928  Occupational Certificate: Prison Officer (Correctional Official) 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-SASSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Safety in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  371  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  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 Correctional Official.

A Correctional Official provides the best correctional services and contributes to a just, peaceful and safer South Africa through effective and humane incarceration of inmates and the rehabilitation and social reintegration of offenders.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Conduct custodial duties in a humane and safe environment.
  • Facilitate social reintegration of offenders into the community.
  • Rehabilitate offenders in line with the Offender Rehabilitation Path.

    Rationale:
    Since the demilitarisation of the corrections industry in 1996, greater emphasis was placed on rehabilitation and humane treatment of offenders. Furthermore, the corrections industry is characterised by the implementation of unit management principles in correctional facilities. The introduction and growth in community corrections necessitate skills development of correctional officials in this specialised area of the corrections industry. Other areas of specialisation in the corrections industry include youth and female offenders.

    The government of South Africa has repeatedly emphasised the importance and need to promote good governance and professionalism within state departments. It is with this focus in mind that the design of this qualification includes elements of professionalism, human rights, rehabilitation, community corrections, youth and female corrections, and correctional law.

    This qualification reflects workplace needs of the corrections industry for correctional officials up to first-line supervisors. The majority of the candidates to aspire to this qualification are likely to be those already working in the corrections sector. The qualification will therefore give them the opportunity to develop skills and to acquire the knowledge that is essential for successful execution of correctional duties up to the level of first-line supervisors. 
    		•

    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 results 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 entrance requirements are:
  • NQF Level 4 with Mathematical Literacy. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:
    Knowledge Modules:
  • 541301001-KM-01, Internal and external custodial duties, at NQF Level 5, 20 Credits.
  • 541301001-KM-02, Emergency situations in correctional/remand detention environment, at NQF Level 5, 3 Credits.
  • 541301001-KM-03, Social reintegration of offenders into the community, NQF Level 6, 25 Credits.
  • 541301001-KM-04, Work ethics and code of conduct in correctional/remand detention environment, at NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 541301001-KM-05, Legal mandates within the correctional/remand detention environment, at NQF Level 6, 16 Credits.
  • 541301001-KM-06, Offender Rehabilitation Path, at NQF Level 6, 10 Credits.
  • 541301001-KM-07, Physical fitness, health and wellness within the correctional/remand detention environment, at NQF Level 4, 3 Credits.
  • 541301001-KM-08, Handle and use of firearm within the Corrections and Law Enforcement Environment, at NQF Level 3, 10 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Knowledge Modules: 91.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 541301001-PM-01, Perform custodial duties, at NQF Level 5, 30 Credits.
  • 541301001-PM-02, Facilitate Offender Rehabilitation Path, at NQF Level 5, 30 Credits.
  • 541301001-PM-03, Monitor and supervise parolees and probationers, at NQF Level 5, 30 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Practical Skill Modules: 90.

    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • 541301001-WM-01, Processes of conducting custodial duties, at NQF Level 5, 70 Credits.
  • 541301001-WM-02, Offenders social reintegration process, at NQF Level 5, 60 Credits.
  • 541301001-WM-03, Offenders rehabilitation process, at NQF Level 5, 60 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Work Experience Modules: 190. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Maintain a safe, secure and humane environment for offenders.
    2. Perform external custodial duties.
    3. Facilitate the implementation of the Offender Rehabilitation Path.
    4. Facilitate the implementation of social reintegration processes. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Offender admission duties are performed in accordance with policies and procedures.
  • A comprehensive sentence plan is developed for an offender.
  • An explanation is provided on how a daily structured sentence plan will be implemented.
  • An explanation is provided on how to deal with a specific emergency scenario in terms of equipment, offenders and staff.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Exit and entry of offenders are monitored and controlled when leaving and returning to the correctional facility.
  • Control points within a correctional facility are managed.
  • Escort duties for an offender appearing in a court are conducted.
  • Escort duties for consultation or admission of an offender to an external hospital are conducted.
  • Post duties are conducted.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Correctional programmes for offenders are implemented and monitored.
  • Orientation and assessment of offenders are conducted.
  • Progress of the correctional sentence plan is reviewed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Admission of parolees and probationers in a system of community corrections is performed.
  • Parolees and probationers are supervised in accordance with a sentence plan.

    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:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (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. External assessment will be conducted by a three-hour written assignment and practical exercises through observation at an accredited assessment site/centre by registered Assessors for no more than five days. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The approach to training and development of Corrections Officers varies across countries, depending on the legislative powers of the Ministry of Justice and the prevalent socio-economic conditions. A wide spectrum of approaches is employed, ranging from punitive to rehabilitative.

    For the purpose of this comparison, the following countries were chosen due to the fact that, like South Africa, they have a rehabilitative approach which is characterised by an emphasis on human rights:
  • United Kingdom.
  • New Zealand.

    Prison Officers of the United Kingdom are required to complete an eight-week introductory training course called Prison Officer Entry Level Training to begin a career as a prison officer. On graduation from Prison Officer Entry Level Training all wardens are required to successfully complete a qualification in Custodial Care, the aim of which is to provide an occupationally-related qualification for people employed in custodial environments with direct contact with prisoners. This qualification allows candidates to develop the competence, knowledge and understanding to perform their jobs effectively, and to enhance their career prospects.

    The following 5 mandatory units compare closely with the content of the South African Occupational Certificate: Correctional Official in terms of human rights, internal security, external security and wellness:
  • D/103/9138: Promote equality and value diversity.
  • Y/103/9719: Maintain and develop your own knowledge, skills and competence.
  • U1054020: Maintain Security and Order in the Custodial Environment.
  • U1050647: Ensure your own Actions Reduce Risks to Health and Safety.
  • J/103/9750: Contribute to the prevention and management of inappropriate behaviour.

    Of the 43 available optional units, the following reflect some similarities with the South African qualification:
  • D/103/9737: Communicate effectively with people.
  • U1054004: Maintain restrictions on individual's liberty whilst promoting and protecting their rights.
  • U1054007: Maintain security at entry and exit points.
  • U1054021: Receive and discharge individuals and property into and out of the custodial environment.
  • U1054022: Search individuals, accommodation and areas.
  • U1054023: Search vehicles.
  • U1054024: Contribute to the control of incidents and emergencies.
  • U1054025: Control and restrain individuals.
  • U1054027: Maintain security whilst escorting individuals to courts and other environments.
  • U1054029: Contribute to planning how to meet individual's needs and rights in the custodial environment.
  • U1054030: Encourage individuals to look after their own health and hygiene.
  • U1054031: Support individuals in custody to take part in purposeful activities.
  • U1054033: Prepare individuals for resettlement in the community.

    Findings:
    The duration, level of complexity and content of the combined Prison Officer Entry Level Training and the National Vocational Qualification in Custodial Care are similar to the South African qualification.

    New Zealand has registered on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework a National Certificate in Offender Management. The purpose of the qualification indicates this similarity; "for those working or seeking to work as a corrections officer, whose role it is to provide safe, secure and humane containment of prisoners whilst working towards reducing re-offending". Furthermore, the Qualification states that the "award of the certificate signifies competence at the first level of Offender Management".

    The unit standards related to the professional skills include:
  • Manage workplace hazards in a prison.
  • Implement staff, visitor and prisoner safety in a prison.
  • Manage personal safety in a prison.
  • Apply safe and secure lock and unlock practices in a prison.
  • Maintain security of physical containment environment in a prison.
  • Conduct security searches in a prison.
  • Manage workplace equipment in a prison.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships in a prison environment.
  • Utilise control and restraint methods in a prison.
  • Escort prisoners.
  • Conduct musters and report, record and observe prisoner activity and behaviour in a prison.
  • Manage prisoner activity.
  • Meet immediate and/or basic needs of prisoners.
  • Model and reinforce positive behaviour in a prison.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of prison legislation, policy and procedures.
  • Manage prisoner work parties.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the sentence planning and management process.
  • Manage prisoner sentence plans.

    Findings:
    There are very close similarities between the New Zealand qualification and the South African occupational certificate.

    Differences:
    Differences have been found in the duration of the learning programme, entry requirements, NQF Level of the qualification, and content of the programmes.

    Conclusion:
    The comparability study conducted reveals that even though this qualification does not have a perfect international fit at the moment, but when compared with the two qualifications cited above, there appears to be some points of convergence particularly with regard to general focus and approach. Like the qualifications selected for this study, this qualification is focussed mainly on the rehabilitative role of correctional services and it also highlights the importance of preserving the human rights of offenders. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Diploma in Corrections Science, NQF Level 5 (ID 48583)

    Vertical Articulation:
  • National Diploma in Correctional Services Management, NQF Level 6 (ID 62378). 
    		•

    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.
     
    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.