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 UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Initiate testing and interpret test/lab results in civil construction 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
15161  Initiate testing and interpret test/lab results in civil construction 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Civil Engineering Construction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Physical Planning, Design and Management 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Learners who are assessed as competent against this unit standard will be able to initiate and interpret test / laboratory results during the construction of roads, road maintenance, road rehabilitation, structures and associated works.

This competence complements the other core management competencies and underpins the Elective learning.

It contributes to the development of a professional community of Civil Engineering Construction Managers. The contribution to The National Skills Development Strategy is the key developmental interface between learners and new competencies to be achieved.

Its contribution to socio-economic transformation is that learners would be able to undergo RPL-assessment and thereby receive recognition for previous learning and experience. The employability and career prospects of learners can therefore be enhanced by this qualification. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
FETC 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • The following test laboratory results must be interpreted by the learner:

    (i) Density by sand replacement and nuclear gauge instruments
    (ii) Mod AASHTO (iii) California Bearing Ration (CBR)
    (iv) Unconfined Crushing Strength (UCS)
    (v) Sieve Analysis.
    (vi) Concrete cube results
    (vii) Slump test
    (viii) Moisture content
    (ix) Plasticity index. (P.I.)
    (x) % Content of lime and cement
    (xi) Flakiness index of coarse aggregate.
    (xii) Average least dimension of aggregates (ALD)
    (xiii) Marshall Briquette data (B.R.D & RICES)
    (xiv) % Binder content in asphalt
    (xv) Temperature tests
    (xvi) Abrasion test (on soil and concrete).
  • The frequency of test to be executed.
    The statistical analysis of test results. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the technical concepts contained in test results. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The concept of density is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The concept of temperature and the different ways of recording temperature is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The concept of % expressed as a ratio is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The concept of pressure and the different units of pressure are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The different metric and imperial units of length, area and volume is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Speed and units of speed measurement is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Stress and strain and the units of stress and stain are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate the ability to read technical information. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The reading of graphs is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The reading of tables of information is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The reading of technical words is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate the ability to interpret test results. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The ability to find test criteria in project documentation - that includes drawings, specifications and bills of quantities - is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The ability to compare test / laboratory results to the project specification, is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate the ability to take appropriate action after the test. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Demonstrate the ability to take appropriate action after the test / laboratory interpretation was done. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The ability to convey the interpretation of the test / laboratory result to management and the construction team is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The ability to recommend remedial action in the event of a non-compliance to project specifications is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Initiate laboratory testing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The different test methods required during construction are identified from project specifications or organizational standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The frequency of testing for the different laboratory test methods is determined from specifications or organizational standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. A statistical analysis of results is executed and interpretation of results done. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the CETA - ETQA for "The National Certificate in the Management of Civil Engineering Construction Processes".
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the CETA - ETQA
  • CETA - ETQA, or other ETQA's who have a Memorandum of Understanding in place with CETA-ETQA, would be responsible for moderation of learner achievements of learners who meet the requirements of this qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • The technical concepts of density, temperature, %, pressure, linear, area, volume, speed, stress, strain and their respective units of measure.
  • Where standards to compare test / laboratory results can be found in project documentation.
  • The interpretation and comparison of test/ laboratory results against project specifications.
  • The communication of the test / laboratory results to management / construction team members.
  • Recommendations of possible remedial measures in the event of non-compliance of the tested work against project specifications.
  • The frequency of test to be executed in terms of project specifications and construction methods.
  • Statistical analysis of test results. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems.

    Specific Outcome:
    Demonstrate the ability to take appropriate action after the test / laboratory interpretation was done.

    Assessment Criteria:
  • The ability to recommend remedial action in the event of a non compliance to project specifications is demonstrated. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others.

    Specific Outcome:
    Demonstrate the ability to take appropriate action after the test / laboratory interpretation was done.

    Assessment Criteria:
  • The ability to convey the interpretation of the test / laboratory result to management and the construction team is demonstrated. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Employ self management

    Specific Outcome:
    Demonstrate the ability to read technical information.

    Assessment Criteria:
  • The reading of graphs is demonstrated.
  • The reading of tables of information is demonstrated.
  • The reading of technical words is demonstrated. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Manage information.

    Specific Outcome:
    Demonstrate the ability to take appropriate action after the the test / laboratory interpretation was done.

    Assessment Criteria
    The ability to convey the interprtation of the test / laboratory result to management and the construction team is demonstrated. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively

    Specific Outcome:
    Demonstrate the ability to take appropriate action after the test / laboratory interpretation was done.

    Assessment Criteria:
  • The ability to convey the interpretation of the test / laboratory result to management and the construction team is demonstrated. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Demonstrate scientific and technological competence.

    Specific Outcome:
    Demonstrate the ability to read technical information.

    Assessment Criteria:
  • The reading of graphs is demonstrated.
  • The reading of tables of information is demonstrated.
  • The reading of technical words is demonstrated. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Understand Contextual world-systems.

    Specific Outcome:
    Demonstrate the ability to take appropriate action after the test / laboratory interpretation was done.

    Assessment Criteria:
  • The ability to recommend remedial action in the event of a non compliance to project specifications is demonstrated. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  23683   National Diploma: Management of Civil Engineering Construction Processes  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CETA 
    Core  48700   Bachelor of Construction Management: Built Environment  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2012-06-30  CHE 
    Elective  65949   Further Education and Training Certificate: Supervision of Construction Processes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CETA 
    Elective  49053   National Certificate: Supervision of Construction Processes  Level 4  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L4  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2018-06-30  Was CETA until Last Date for Achievement 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    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. Academic Institute of Excellence 
    2. Academy for Construction Skills (Pty) Ltd (ACS) 
    3. AVUXENI COMPUTER ACADEMY KZN 
    4. Big Tree Group 
    5. Bright Storm Projects 
    6. Certified Training Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    7. Eastcape Training Centre 
    8. Eskilz College (Pty) Ltd 
    9. MTL Training and Projects 
    10. Pro Skills Development (Pty) Ltd 
    11. Raubex Construction Pty (Ltd) 
    12. SEDA Construction Incubator Trust 
    13. Sonani Training and Communications 
    14. South African Value Education (Pty) Ltd 
    15. Thabomeleng 
    16. Tjeka Training Matters Pty Ltd 
    17. Training Force (Pty) Ltd 
    18. Zama Training & Development cc 


    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.