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:

Proofread materials for publishing

SAQA US ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE
246517	Proofread materials for publishing
ORIGINATOR
SGB Publishing
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-
FIELD			SUBFIELD
Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language			Communication Studies
ABET BAND	UNIT STANDARD TYPE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	CREDITS
Undefined	Regular	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	15
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
2024-06-30		2027-06-30

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

This unit standard is aimed at learners who will be working in the publishing sector in South Africa. Credited learners can proofread a variety of proofs using recognised proofreading and copy-editing symbols. The unit standard adds value to individuals who are seeking to develop a career pathway within the field of communications and language by developing specialised skills in proofreading.

The purpose of the learning is to be able to proofread a variety of proofs throughout all stages of the publishing process, in accordance with organisational requirements and procedures. It provides a basis for developing meticulous attention to detail, which will result in improved quality of products in the publishing industry.

Credited learners are capable of:

Reading proofs against previous stages to ensure accuracy of setting.

Reading proofs in terms of correctness and consistency of both text and layout.

Marking alterations on proofs using specified internationally recognised proofreading symbols.

Cross-referencing accurately between two complementary texts.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

The credits and level assigned to this unit standard is based on the assumption that learners have already attained the following competencies:

Communication and language at NQF Level 4.

UNIT STANDARD RANGE

All outcomes for this unit standard must be achieved in terms of a variety of texts. Range statements are included with the relevant specific outcomes and assessment criteria where appropriate.

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1

Read proofs against previous stages to ensure accuracy of setting.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Proofs are read against correctly identified previous stages.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Proofs are compared, page for page, to identify new errors in settings.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Errors can include problems with fonts, folios, line breaks, alignment, etc.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Proofs are compared, page for page, to check corrections marked up on previous stages.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

All errors in read proofs are identified and corrections marked accurately and clearly for the typesetter, on the relevant set of proofs.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2

Read proofs in terms of correctness and consistency of both text and layout.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Proofs are read accurately, including all text and text in artwork and tables, to ensure correctness of text.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Text correctness can include spelling, punctuation, missing text etc.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Proofs are read accurately to ensure correctness and consistency of layout.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Layout can include headings, lists, bullets, numbering, tables, spacing, indents, etc.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Proofs are read accurately, with due respect/attention given to previously made style decisions, in order to ensure compliance with a given house style and editorial style sheet as required.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Proofs are read accurately with detailed attention to repeated elements in the text, to ensure consistency.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

'Repeated elements' can include headers, footers, punctuation in lists, headings etc, spelling and punctuation of frequently used words, use of italics, etc.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

Proofs are read accurately to identify design elements that do not comply with given design specifications.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3

Mark alterations on proofs using specified internationally recognised methods.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Internationally recognised proofreading symbols are used legibly, accurately and consistently.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

All alterations are marked accurately using specified internationally recognised proofreading symbols for deletion, insertion and substitution.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Symbols include marks indicating corrections to punctuation, characters or whole words, setting in or changing to italic, bold, etc.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

All alterations are marked accurately using specified internationally recognised proofreading symbols for text positioning.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Symbols include marks indicating paragraphing, transposing words, moving lines of text, justified or centred text etc.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

All alterations are marked accurately using specified internationally recognised proofreading symbols for spacing.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Symbols can include spacing within or between words, between lines, columns and paragraphs, etc.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4

Cross-reference accurately between two complementary texts.

OUTCOME RANGE

Complementary texts can include two separate publications, or parts of a single publication.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Textual aspects requiring cross-referencing are all identified accurately and checked separately.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Textual aspects can include indexes, glossaries, bibliographies, acknowledgements, etc.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

All cross-references are checked for accuracy and consistency.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Cross-referencing anomalies are listed on query sheets and communicated to relevant persons.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Feedback on queries regarding cross-referencing anomalies is implemented accurately and according to given schedule.

UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS

Assessment of learner achievements takes place at providers accredited by a relevant ETQA (RSA, 1998b) for the provision of programs that result in the outcomes specified for this Unit Standard.

Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with a relevant ETQA.

Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with a relevant ETQA.

The relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures will oversee moderation of assessment and is responsible for moderation of learner achievements of learners who meet the requirements of this unit standard.

UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE

Credited learners understand and can explain:

The publishing process, and the production process in particular.

The different sets of proofs encountered during proofreading.

The difference between proofreading and copy-editing.

The different approaches required for different sets of proofs.

International proofreading and copy-editing symbols.

The importance of adherence to a given house style and style sheet.

Accuracy of settings, and errors.

Correctness and consistency of text and layout.

Style decisions, house style and editorial style sheets.

Design elements in proofs.

Cross-referencing between complementary texts.

The use of cross-referencing query sheets.

UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME

N/A

UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES

N/A

Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO):

UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING

Identify and solve problems where responses to problems show that such critical and creative thinking has been used to make responsible decisions when all errors in read proofs are identified, and feedback on queries regarding cross-referencing anomalies is implemented accurately.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING

Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community when proofs are read in order to ensure compliance with a given house style and editorial style sheet as required.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING

Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when feedback on queries regarding cross-referencing anomalies is implemented according to given schedule.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING

Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information when proofs are read against correctly identified previous stages, proofs are compared, page for page, to identify new errors in settings and check corrections marked up on previous stages, proofs are read accurately, including all text and text in artwork and tables, to ensure correctness of text and layout, proofs are read accurately with detailed attention to repeated elements in the text, to ensure consistency, and proofs are read accurately to identify design elements that do not comply with given design specifications.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING

Communicate effectively using visual, mathematic and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation when corrections are marked accurately and clearly for the typesetter, on the relevant set of proofs, and internationally recognised proofreading symbols are used legibly, accurately and consistently, all alterations are marked accurately using specified internationally recognised proofreading symbols for deletion, insertion and substitution, text positioning and spacing, and cross-referencing anomalies are listed on query sheets and communicated to relevant persons.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE

Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when proofreading electronically.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING

Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when proofs are read accurately, with due respect/attention given to previously made style decisions.

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

Notes to Assessors:

Assessors should keep the following principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:

Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.

Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the learner is able to perform in the real situation.

Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.

The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.

The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the learner can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.

All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent.

QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD:

	ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	STATUS	END DATE	PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
Elective	58977	National Certificate: Publishing	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2015-06-30	FPMSETA

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.

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