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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Construction Masonry 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
22671  National Certificate: Construction Masonry 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Building Construction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
Was CETA until Last Date for Achievement  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Building Construction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
SAQA 0160/05  2006-08-01  2009-03-12 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2010-03-12   2013-03-12  

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 is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
65409  National Certificate: Building and Civil Construction  Level 3  NQF Level 03  140  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners and education and training providers with the standards required to satisfy the challenges of participating effectively in the building construction industry.

For those who have been in the workplace for a long time, this qualification can be used in the recognition of prior learning process to assess and recognise workplace skills acquired without the benefit of formal education and training.

For the new entrant, this qualification describes the learning outcomes required to effectively participate in a structured workplace.

For education and training providers, this qualification provides guidance for the development of appropriate learning programmes and assessment documentation.

For employers, this qualification enables skills gaps to be identified and addressed ensuring that productivity levels are increased and business objectives achieved.

This qualification has been developed to assist with standardisation across the building industry. This will allow persons to register as a construction mason and lay a foundation for future career advancement across similar trades and to supervisory and management qualifications within the sector.

The primary skills that are recognised in this qualification relate to the placing and cementing of manufactured brick/block size units to construct a range of structures and elements. The learner will also have an understanding of the construction industry and how he or she should operate within the legislative, safety and quality systems, which govern the workplace.

Rationale for the qualification:

As a result of past legacies many practitioners within the building construction sector were denied career advancement and possible recognition as qualified tradesmen. This was as a direct result of poor educational opportunities at some schools, leading to a lack of entry to formal training institutions. The introduction of a "National Certificate in Construction Masonry" based on unit standards will allow learners to reach their full potential of advancement without formal education becoming an impassable barrier and in addition, allow for the recognition of prior learning.

In terms of existing legislation, designated trades have to become transformed into unit standards-based qualifications. The Sector Skills Plan developed by the CETA indicates a definite need for supervisory personnel requiring relevant technical competencies such as those required in construction masonry.

The "National Certificate in Construction Masonry" reflects the skills, knowledge and understanding required to participate effectively as a Masonry practitioner in the building construction industry, whether in micro, small, medium or large operations.

The range of typical learners include persons involved in the placing and cementing of manufactured brick/block size units to construct a range of structures and elements.

Typical job roles would include:
  • Brick Layer
  • Block Layer
  • Paver 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners should have acquired the numeracy and literacy competencies of NQF Level 2 in the Further Education and Training (FET) Band, prior to embarking on learning towards this qualification.

    Recognition of prior learning:

    The qualification may be obtained through the process of Recognition of Prior Learning. Learners who have met the requirements of any unit standard in this qualification may apply for recognition of prior learning to the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA), and will be assessed against the assessment criteria and specific outcomes for the relevant unit standard/s. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    N/A 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    On completion of this qualification learners are able to:
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of the construction industry in terms of its composition, role players and the impact of the industry on the South African economy.
  • Read and interpret drawings and prepare the work area, tools, equipment and materials accordingly.
  • Apply health and safety legislation to a work area in the form of standards and procedures, as well as the rendering of basic first aid.
  • Set out and prepare construction masonry work areas.
  • Set out, excavate, cast and build concrete strip foundations and foundation walling.
  • Build masonry superstructures using both solid and hollow units of brick and block size.
  • Build decorative masonry elements.

    Competence in the area of specialisation opted for by the learner in any of the following:
  • Prepare to tile and apply tiles to plastered surfaces.
  • Prepare to plaster and plaster walls and screed a floor and steps.
  • Install refractory lining.
  • Prepare and pave various surfaces. 

  • ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated Assessment:

    Formative:
    Formative assessments conducted during the learning process will consist of written tests, demonstrations and a number of self-assessments. The purpose of formative assessment is to diagnose learner strengths and weaknesses and to determine readiness for summative assessment.

    Summative:
    Summative assessment would consist of written tests coupled with assignments, case studies and practical demonstrations. Summative assessments would only be conducted once the learner has indicated that he/she is ready to undergo summative assessment.

    Before qualifying, the learners will be expected to demonstrate competence in a practical situation that integrates the assessment of all specific outcomes, for all unit standards.

    Integrated assessment provides learners with an opportunity to display an ability to integrate practical performance, actions, concepts and theory across unit standards to achieve competence in relation to the purpose of this qualification.

    In particular assessors should check that the learner is able to demonstrate the ability to consider a range of options and make decisions about:
  • The quality of the observed practical performance as well as the theory and underpinning knowledge behind it.
  • The different methods that can be used by the learner to display thinking and decision making in the demonstration of practical performance.
  • Reflexive competencies.

    For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:
  • A minimum of 2 (two) years` practical, relevant occupational experience.
  • Detailed documentary proof of educational qualification, practical training undergone, and experience gained (portfolio of evidence).
  • A recognised assessor qualification. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is comparable to the equivalent New Zealand qualification. The following differences between the South African qualification and the New Zealand qualification are noted:
  • The New Zealand National Certificate in Masonry (Bricklaying) - Level 3, has two distinct areas of specialisation (1) Brick and Block Laying and (2) Refractory Installation.
  • There are also two Carpentry unit standards included as an area of specialisation.

    Unit standards are written at task level. This essentially means the New Zealand qualification is structured with a greater number of unit standards with smaller credit allocations.

    Scottish Vocational Qualifications Authority:

    The qualification has also been compared against qualifications registered on the Scottish Qualifications Framework (SVQF), Area 003: Constructing. The following differences are noted:

    Certificate qualifications have been developed for Levels 2 and 3 of the SVQF and have been structured for construction bricklaying practice in the following manner:

    Area 003: Constructiong
    Qualification = Construction: Bricklaying
    Levels = 2 and 3

    Details of each of the above qualification structures were not available from the SVQ website at the time of research however the following unit standard titles were found on the database and have relevance to these two qualifications:
  • Brickwork: Arch Construction
  • Brickwork: Architectural and Feature Work
  • Brickwork: Architectural Landscape Walling
  • Brickwork: Circular Walls on Plan and Elevation
  • Brickwork: Cladding methods
  • Brickwork: External Corners and Piers in Reconstituted Stone
  • Brickwork: Facing Blockwork and Glass Block Panels
  • Brickwork: Installation of Domestic Heat Appliances, Surrounds and Firebacks
  • Brickwork: Setting Out and Establishing Levels in Domestic Construction
  • Brickwork: Steps in Brick and Concrete
  • Brickwork: Underground Chambers
  • Brickwork: Underpinning and Shoring in Alteration and Repair Work

    It is assumed from the benchmarking exercise carried out on the SVQF for Construction Carpentry that each level of the Construction: Bricklaying qualification will follow the same format identified for the Construction Carpentry qualifications i.e. that these comprise a smaller number of mandatory units made up of generic workplace core skills and skills that are specific to the area of practice.

    Complexity of skill is denoted in the level of the qualification.

    Australian National Qualifications Framework:

    The Technical and Further Education Authority (TAFE) New South Wales was also used as a resource for international benchmarking. TAFE provides nationally accredited training. The following information highlights the nationally accredited training programme offered by TAFE and which are aligned to the General Construction (Bricklaying/Blocklaying) Certificate qualification registered on the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 3.

    General Construction (Bricklaying/Blocklaying):

    Qualification = Certificate III (AQF)
    Training Package = General Construction
    National Code = BCG30698
    Course No = 8064
    Vocational Area = Construction and Transport
    Program Area = Building Finishes
    Nominal Hours = 798
    Typical Attendance = Variable, depending on local need

    This course is for people working in the bricklaying trade. You will learn how to lay and bond bricks and similar building blocks and how to construct ornamental panels, feature walls, arches and columns. You will learn how to lay bricks for domestic, commercial and public buildings. You will also learn how to prepare and maintain brickwork.

    Career Opportunities = Bricklayer
    Articulation = When you finish this course you can apply to do Building Studies, Residential, Certificate IV 2182
    Entry Requirements = Entry to the Certificate III Course will be contingent upon provision of component has been completed by the applicant.

    All applicants will require appropriate employment in the building industry that will support the module content of the course.

    Note: Modules were not listed on the web site used as a resource for this benchmarking exercise.

    Heritage Brickwork - Post Trade:

    Qualification = Certificate III (AQF)
    National Code = 10893NSW
    Course No = 7929
    Vocational Area = Construction and Transport
    Program Area = Building Finishes
    Nominal Hours = 552
    Typical Attendance = Variable, depending on local need

    Entry Requirements:

    Bricklaying - Trade Certificate III or equivalent, plus 5 years of trade experience.

    Must have a genuine willingness to learn and appreciate restoration and conservation processes relating to historic building projects. Must also have a positive attitude to achieving a high standard in theoretical and practical work. Previous experience on heritage projects desirable.

    Bricklaying styles and conservation = 40 Hours
    Advanced drawing for heritage brickwork = 12 Hours
    Brickwork bonding = 40 Hours
    Brickwork materials = 40 Hours
    Damp proof course replacement = 40 Hours
    Advanced brickwork = 40 Hours
    Arches = 40 Hours
    Terra cotta panels = 32 Hours
    Tuckpointing = 40 Hours
    Brickwork conservation = 40 Hours
    Fireplaces = 40 Hours
    Underpinning and shoring = 40 Hours
    Investigation and survey = 40 Hours 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification has been developed for mobility across similar trades within the construction industry and is intended to allow for further learning towards supervisory and management qualifications within this and other sectors.

    This qualification builds on other certificates from a range of sub-sectors and will provide articulation with a range of qualifications in both technical and management areas.

    The qualification has been designed and structured so that qualifying learners can move from one context to another. Equally holders of other qualifications may be evaluated against this qualification for the purpose of RPL. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Assessment of learner achievements takes place at providers accredited by CETA (RSA, 1998b) for the provision of programs that result in the outcomes specified for the National Certificate in Construction Masonry. CETA is responsible for the moderation of learner achievements of learners who meet the requirements of this qualification.

    Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA. Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.

    Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQAs policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation; in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between ETQAs and in terms of the moderation guideline detailed immediately below.

    Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification.

    Anyone wishing to be assessed against this Qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution, which is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:
  • A minimum of 2 (two) years` practical, relevant occupational experience.
  • Detailed documentary proof of educational qualification, practical training undergone, and experience gained (portfolio of evidence).
  • A recognised assessor qualification. 

  • NOTES 
    This qualification has been replaced by qualification ID 65409, which is "National Certificate: Building and Civil Construction", Level 3, 120 credits. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  9964  Apply health and safety to a work area  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  9965  Render basic first aid  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  14620  Build masonry superstructures using concrete hollow units  Level 3  NQF Level 03  14 
    Core  14642  Build masonry superstructures using solid units  Level 3  NQF Level 03  14 
    Core  9967  Erect, use and dismantle access equipment  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Core  14660  Set out and prepare construction masonry work areas  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Core  14662  Set out, excavate, cast concrete strip foundations and build foundation walling  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  8968  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  9010  Demonstrate an understanding of the use of different number bases and measurement units and an awareness of error in the context of relevant calculations  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  14672  Describe the composition, roleplayers and the role of the construction industry in the South African economy  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  9013  Describe, apply, analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  8969  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  9012  Investigate life and work related problems using data and probabilities  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  14669  Use drawings and identify and use tools, equipment and materials for construction masonry site practice  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  8973  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  7456  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business and national issues  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  8970  Write texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  9970  Apply plaster to surfaces  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Elective  10001  Apply tiles to plastered surfaces  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Elective  14632  Build decorative masonry elements  Level 3  NQF Level 03  25 
    Elective  13977  Install gunite materials for refractory linings  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  14650  Pave surfaces using flexible segmental paving  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  14654  Pave surfaces using rigid segmental clay paving  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  10000  Plan and prepare to tile  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  10002  Plaster walls and screed a floor and steps  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Elective  14657  Prepare and install imprint concrete pavement  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  9969  Prepare for plastering  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.
     
    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.
     
    1. Academy for Construction Skills (Pty) Ltd (ACS) 
    2. BH Training and Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    3. Border Kei Training Trust 
    4. Construction Resource Development College 
    5. Eastcape Training Centre 
    6. Goitsebasadi Construction Project 
    7. Ikemeleng Training and Development Services 
    8. INDUSTRIES EDUCATION & TRAINING INSTITUTE 
    9. L S Nkosi CC 
    10. Leps Training Consultants 
    11. Microzone Training CC 
    12. MPUMALANGA REGIONAL TRAINING TRUST 
    13. MTL Training and Projects 
    14. Nokuthula Dube & Associates 
    15. NOMASOJABULA TRAINING CENTRE 
    16. Northlink TVET College 
    17. Primeserv Corporate Solutions 
    18. Protech Training (Pty) Ltd 
    19. Sakhisizwe Development Training 
    20. St Anthonys Education Centre 
    21. Tjeka Training Matters Pty Ltd 
    22. Training Force (Pty) Ltd 
    23. Tshwane North College for FET - Central Office 
    24. Ubucubu Home Industries 
    25. Vuselela TVET College 
    26. Zama Training & Developments 



    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.