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: 

Conduct Personnel Suitability Checks (PSC) and pre-employment screening in the public sector 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
377897  Conduct Personnel Suitability Checks (PSC) and pre-employment screening in the public sector 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Public Sector 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies Human Resources 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  NQF Level 05  7 
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 will enable learners to conduct personnel suitability checks and pre-employment screening as part of the recruitment and selection process within the public sector.

A learner credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Demonstrate understanding of the National Vetting Strategy.
  • Plan and prepare for personnel suitability checks and pre-employment screening.
  • Conduct personnel suitability checks and pre-employment screening.
  • Manage records and information. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.
  • Communication at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • Public sector means or includes all three spheres of government (national, provincial and local), as well as any agency that is funded by the State.
  • Organisation in this standard also refers to an institution, department or unit. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate understanding of the National Vetting Strategy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The background and purpose of the National Vetting Strategy within the public sector context is explained in terms of its role in the personnel recruitment and selection process. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Background to Personnel Suitability Checks includes the history of the National Vetting Strategy and the Strategy itself.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The legislative prescripts relevant to the National Vetting Strategy are discussed to provide the legal framework within which this process takes place. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    This should include discussion on the National Vetting Strategy in relation to the rights in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Personnel Suitability Checks and all other relevant terminology are defined to ensure clarity and achieve common understanding. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of obtaining security clearance from the State Security Agency for potential service providers identified by organs of state is discussed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    This includes acquisition and utilisation of service providers in the National Vetting Strategy and the National Strategic Intelligence Act (No 39 of 1994) as amended by Act 67 of 2002.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Organisational risk issues are identified and discussed and the relationship between vetting information and these risk issues is analysed in order to facilitate decision-making. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Plan and prepare for personnel suitability checks and pre-employment screening. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The relationship between personnel suitability checks and pre-employment screening and recruitment and selection is analysed to indicate the context within which the checking and screening is performed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    All relevant information on the vacant position is gathered and the relationship of this information to the personnel suitability checks and pre-employment screening process is discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A personnel suitability check and pre-employment screening plan is developed to ensure integrity and efficiency in the process. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The plan includes, but is not limited to:

    Relevant legislation and prescripts, a timeframe, resource allocation, contingencies, methods of personnel suitability checks and pre-employment screening, verification of information, the recording and management of information, the nature and medium of communication and the sharing of information obtained.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The availability of resources for performing vetting activities is checked and the importance of ensuring that expenditure is within budget and fit-for-purpose is discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The process for approving budget for expenditure is explained and applied according to relevant prescripts. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Conduct personnel suitability checks and pre-employment screening. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Personnel suitability checks and pre-employment screening for vacant positions in the public sector, including those relating to scarce skills. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The five personnel suitability screening criteria are explained, using appropriate examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The five personnel suitability screening criteria are criminal record checks, citizenship, credit worthiness, qualifications, references from previous employment.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The personnel suitability screening criteria are implemented and validated using appropriate verification methods according to the National Vetting Strategy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The relevant information is gathered and organised according to organisational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The information obtained is analysed, interpreted and evaluated according to procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    A checklist is produced for verification by both the Human Resource and Security Components. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Recommendations are made based on the validation of applicant information. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Manage records and information. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Information related to personnel suitability checks and pre-employment screening is recorded and managed according to organisational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Databases are compiled and populated according to organisational procedure or protocol. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The process of authorising and forwarding records is explained to ensure that only designated staff obtains access to them. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this Unit Standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard or assessing this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Purpose of processes and procedures of:
  • National Vetting Strategy in the context of the constitutional framework.

    Cause and effect, implications and attributes of:
  • Knowledge of relevant legislation.
  • Knowledge relevant to the position and industry sector.
  • The importance of accurate screening.
  • Quality and relevance of information obtained.
  • Effective communication and understanding of procedures.
  • Public Service Cadre Attributes and Batho Pele Principles.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Workflow and signoff of personnel suitability checks and pre-employment screenings.
  • Reference checks to validate previous employment.
  • Screening criteria to follow when short listing applications for a vacant post.
  • Report writing.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements and policies:
  • The Constitution of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996.
  • The National Vetting Strategy - Cabinet Memorandum.
  • The Public Service Act.
  • Public Finance Management Act.
  • Public Audit Act.
  • Public Service Regulations.
  • The MISS - Cabinet Memorandum.
  • The National Strategic Intelligence Act.
  • DPSA Circular HRP - Verification of employee qualifications.
  • DPSA Circular - Implementation of the National Vetting Strategy.
  • Batho Pele Principles.
  • South African Citizenship Act.
  • Municipal Financial Management Act 53 of 2003.

    Relationships and systems:
  • Sources of information include HR Connect and other management information systems, SAPS, State Security Agency, Department of Home Affairs, South African Qualifications Authority (qualifications verification), service providers performing a screening function, CIPRO and SARS. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
  • Conducting the vetting strategy.
  • Dealing with unplanned events. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community to:
  • Plan and prepare for personnel suitability checks and pre-employment screening.
  • Obtain information.
  • Formulate recommendations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsively and effectively when:
  • Planning and preparing for personnel suitability checks and pre-employment screening.
  • Conducting personnel suitability checks and pre-employment screening.
  • Managing records and information. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information to:
  • Prepare checklist for verification by both the Human Resource and Security Components. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation to:
  • Plan and prepare personnel suitability checks and pre-employment screening.
  • Obtain and verify information.
  • Prepare checklists and reports.
  • Keep internal and external stakeholders informed. 
    		•

    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
    Elective  67460   National Diploma: Public Administration  Level 6  NQF Level 06  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    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.