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: 

Read, interpret and produce working architectural drawings 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
262985  Read, interpret and produce working architectural drawings 
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 4  NQF Level 04  18 
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
120213  Read, interpret and produce working civil construction drawings  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8   
14490  Identify, interpret and produce working building drawings  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Qualifying learners will be capable of reading, interpreting and producing working architectural drawings for the construction field. This will include understanding the drawings and symbols used in working architectural drawings, interpreting drawings, using drawings to interpret the structure of a building, and producing working architectural drawings.

The qualifying learner will be capable of:
  • Explaining Building Practice in relation to architectural drawing.
  • Reading and interpreting working architectural drawings.
  • Using drawings to interpret the structure of a building.
  • Producing working architectural drawings.
  • Verifying that information from drawings conform to the construction activities.
  • Issuing, using and storing architectural drawings.
  • Submitting architectural drawings for approval to a local authority. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF Level 3.
  • Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain Building Practice in relation to architectural drawing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The functions of people involved in building are described according to job descriptions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    SANS 10400 code for Building Practice is explained in terms of its provisions that impact on architectural draughting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The prescribed drawing requirements are identified and explained according to the provisions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of requirements include, but is not limited to:
  • Dimensions, scales, annotations and symbols.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The layout and size of drawing sheets is explained according to organisational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The drawing classifications are explained according to organisational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    A checklist for working with drawings is adhered to according to organizational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Read and interpret working architectural drawings. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Symbols, dimensions, window and door schedules and abbreviations are interpreted in terms of the National Building Regulations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Drawings are identified in terms of type and application for a construction process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The layout is interpreted in terms of the different views and detailed drawings. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The purpose of each view is explained in terms of the result of the end product. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Specifications and notes are explained in terms of work requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Schedules and material lists are interpreted and explained according to relevant code of practice. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Use drawings to interpret the structure of a building. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Foundations are identified and described according to their applications to the project. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Walls are identified and described according to their applications to the project. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Lintels and openings are explained and drawings produced within agreed timeframes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The positioning of beams, slabs and columns in multi level structures are identified and described in terms of the project. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Staircases and lift shafts are identified and described according to the project. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Roof structures are identified and described according to the project. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of roof structures include, but is not limited to:
  • Steel structure, timber structure and reinforced concrete structure.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Placement of reinforcing is identified and explained according to specifications and organizational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Produce construction drawings. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Floor layouts are drawn for single/multi level buildings according to project specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Sectional and detailed views of single/multi level buildings are drawn in accordance with project specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of sections and details includes, but are not limited to:
  • Staircases, lift shafts, roof trusses, foundations, rainwater goods, copings, ceilings, retaining walls and basement tanking.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Elevations are drawn according to project specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Roof plan layout is drawn according to project specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Site plan layout is drawn according to project specifications and local authority requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of site plan layout includes, but is not limited to:
  • Sewage, waste water, industrial waste and storm water.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The area of the floor plan is calculated and total coverage area expressed as a percentage of the erf or site area. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Verify that information from drawings conform to the construction activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Drawings are oriented in terms of site landmarks and the North indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Setting out is verified in terms of floor and site plan dimensions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Dimensions are interpreted from the drawings in terms of site requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Issue, use and store architectural drawings. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of drawing and revision numbers is explained in terms of use of the correct drawing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Consequences of using the incorrect drawing are explained in terms of the potential risks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Drawings are stored in accordance with organisational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Latest amendments of drawings are issued to the relevant people in accordance with company procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    A drawing register is maintained in accordance with company procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Submit architectural drawings for approval to a local authority. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Building plan submission and approval procedures are explained according to local authority requirements and organizational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Final administrative and office procedures are carried out according to organizational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of procedures includes, but is not limited to:
  • Required prints, scrutiny/application fees, Quality Assurance processes, archiving, authorization and approval.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard must be accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • External Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA at its discretion.
  • The accredited Training Provider will oversee internal moderation of assessment.
  • Internal and external moderation should encompass achievement of competence described in the specific outcomes of the unit standard as well as the integrated competence described in the purpose of the unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The qualifying learner will be able to understand and explain relevant aspects of the following:
  • SABS Code of Practice for building drawing (SABS 0400).
  • National Building Regulations.
  • Process for the approval of building plans.
  • Architectural drawings.
  • Architectural drawing concepts.
  • Building structure.
  • Key functions of drawings.
  • Safeguarding, storage and issue of drawings.
  • Drawings in construction activities.
  • Interpretation of specifications.
  • Role of drawings and specifications in a contract document. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems related to the use, transportation, storage and maintenance of measuring instruments in which responses display that critical thinking is used for responsible decision making. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization or community in using and maintaining measuring instruments used in a Computer Aided Drawing office. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively in the use, transportation, maintenance and storage of measuring instruments. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information in order to optimize the use and performance of measuring instruments. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using appropriate modes of oral and/or written persuasion in dealing with all internal and external role-players to maintain and service measuring instruments. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate scientific and technological competence by applying knowledge and understanding to correctly use and calibrate or set sophisticated measuring instruments. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Understand the world as a set of related systems where the correct and responsible use of measuring instruments contributes to the success of construction projects, while incorrect readings may contribute to failure. 

    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 
    This unit standard replaces the following unit standard:
  • ID 120213, "Read, interpret and produce working civil construction drawings", Level 4, 8 credits.
  • ID 14490, "Identify, interpret and produce working building drawings", Level 4, 8 credits. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  66071   Further Education and Training Certificate: Computer Aided Drawing Office Practice (CAD)  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CETA 
    Elective  79406   National Certificate: Maintenance Coordination  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  MERSETA 


    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.
     
    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.