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: Automotive Spray Painting 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
64409  National Certificate: Automotive Spray Painting 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Vehicle Maintenance 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
MERSETA - Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
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 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
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 qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with the standards and the range of learning required to work effectively in the automotive spray painting industry. This qualification will enable learners to meet the challenges of an industry that has shown a rapid increase through the introduction of new technology in spray painting methods.

This qualification also serves to develop new skills for new technology. It creates an infrastructure of sound technological support and opportunities in a labour market with a growing demand to recognise people for their skills and to meet the challenges of the automotive spray painting environment.

The primary skill that is recognised in this qualification is the ability to understand and apply the relevant theory of the different types of paint and primer compositions to produce high quality finishes to painted panels. Hand skills also play an important role in this qualification and successful learners will need to apply hand skills in completing their tasks.

After achieving this qualification learners will be able to:
  • Communicate with peers and supervisors in an automotive work context.
  • Solve recurring problems in an automotive workshop.
  • Use and maintain automotive workshop tools and equipment.
  • Match paint to job requirements.
  • Apply high quality paint finishes to an automotive panel.

    Rationale:

    The automotive spray painting industry is subjected to the ever increasing new technologies of paint application methods and materials. At the level of this qualification, learners will be required to apply high quality paint finishes for which the use of sophisticated tools, equipment and processes are necessary.

    This is the second qualification in a series and forms the main competence for learners who want to follow a career in the field of automotive spray painting. This qualification focuses on developing skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in such a career and can be built on to develop skills at NQF Level 4 in interacting with customers and supervising paint shop activities. It also provides learners who have gained relevant experience in the workplace with an opportunity to obtain credits through an RPL process.

    This qualification recognises the skills, knowledge and values relevant in the workplace and will cater for learners who:
  • Have attended courses and need to apply the knowledge gained to activities in the workplace.
  • Are already workers and have acquired skills and knowledge without having attended formal training.
  • Are part of a learnership programme which integrates structured learning and operational experience. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners registering for this qualification should already have achieved the National Certificate in Automotive spray painting at NQF Level 2, as this qualification builds on the learning acquired at that level.

    If the learner does not already have such a qualification, learning in preparation for this qualification should include:
  • Literacy and numeracy at NQF Level 2.
  • Basic concepts of engineering science at NQF Level 2.
  • Use of automotive workshop tools and equipment at NQF Level 2.
  • Preparing panels for final coat paint at NQF Level 2.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    The structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible, if the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this Qualification. Recognition of Prior Learning will be done by means of an Integrated Assessment as mentioned in the previous paragraph.

    This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow:
  • For accelerated access to further learning.
  • Gaining of credits towards any of the Exit Level Outcomes in this qualification.

    All recognition of Prior Learning is subject to quality assurance by the relevant accredited Education and Training Quality Assurance Body (ETQA) and must be conducted by a registered workplace assessor. Identified outcomes may have been acquired in a range of economic sectors and these will be considered as appropriate where the candidate provides evidence of the applicability of that learning to this qualification.

    Access to the Qualification:

    This qualification is open for anyone who wishes to pursue a career in automotive spray painting, but prior achievement of the "Learning Assumed to be in Place" would facilitate an easier progression into learning programmes to address the outcomes of this qualification. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Rules of combination for this qualification are as follows:
  • All Fundamental unit standards are compulsory (36 Credits).
  • All Core unit standards are compulsory (63 Credits).
  • Additional Elective unit standards accounting for 21 credits must be selected to achieve a total of 120 credits for this qualification. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate with peers and supervisors in an automotive work context.

    2. Solve recurring problems in spray paint application environment.

    3. Use and maintain spray painting workshop tools and equipment.

    4. Match paint to job requirements.

    5. Apply high quality paint finishes to an automotive panel.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    This qualification addresses the following critical cross-field outcomes, as detailed in the unit standards:

    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to apply solutions to identified problems that lead to cost effective results.

    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to communicate with peers and supervisors.

    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to adhere to workplace timeframes and procedures.

    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to identify required paint and match to given specifications.

    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to report on work conducted.

    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to use the correct tools and equipment to obtain the required paint finish.

    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to apply paint without any blemishes. 

  • ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

    1.1 Oral communication is maintained and adapted as required to promote effective interaction in a work context.
    1.2 Terminology used is appropriate to the situation and in accordance with normal workplace usage.
    1.3 Information related to work tasks is accessed and interpreted from a range of written and oral sources to ensure that work requirements are understood.
    1.4 Communication is clear and unambiguous and at an appropriate level for designated target audiences.
    1.5 Information communicated is accurate and conveyed in accordance with acceptable timeframes.
    1.6 Communication is effective, regular and ongoing.
    1.7 Interaction with others to process the completed work is effective and in accordance with the workplace procedures.
    1.8 Reports are completed according to workplace scheduling requirements in a timely manner and in the required format.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

    2.1 Problems are identified within an acceptable timeframe.
    2.2 The problem is described in terms of the scope of the problem, possible solutions, costs and the effect on customer satisfaction.
    2.3 Solutions applied are suited to the problem and lead to cost effective results.
    2.4 Problems that do not have immediate solutions are reported to relevant personnel in accordance with workplace procedures.
    2.5 Problems are recorded and monitored for re-occurrence in accordance with workplace procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

    3.1 Tools and equipment are selected and used in accordance with their design and are appropriate for the task at hand.
    3.2 Tools and equipment required for the scope of work are sourced from available supplies.
    3.3 Tools and equipment are checked for condition prior to use.
    3.4 Faulty tools are identified and corrective action is taken in accordance with workplace procedures.
  • Range: Corrective action includes replacing, repairing or reporting.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

    4.1 The type of paint required is determined from given information.
    4.2 The paint colour is matched to original paintwork.
    4.3 Solvents are disposed of in accordance with relevant safety, health and environmental requirements.
    4.4 Work is conducted with due consideration for other team members and overall safety and productivity.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

    5.1 The application method selected is appropriate to the type of paint and required finish.
    5.2 Consequences of using different application methods are described in terms of the impact on the finish and durability.
    5.3 Blemishes are identified and rectified in accordance with workplace procedures.
    5.4 The final coat is in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
    5.5 Work is conducted with due consideration for other team members and overall safety and productivity.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Because assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever, an integrated assessment approach is incorporated into the Qualification. Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably linked. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the exit level outcomes should be integrated.

    A variety of methods must be used in assessment tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working. Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

    The term 'Integrated Assessment' implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies. Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

    Assessment should ensure that all outcomes, embedded knowledge and critical cross-field outcomes are assessed. The assessment of the critical cross-field outcomes should be integrated with the assessment of specific outcomes and embedded knowledge. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is part of a series of qualifications in the field of Automotive spray painting and was compared to other, similar outcomes-based qualifications in various countries as follows:

    New Zealand:

    The National Certificate in Motor Industry (Panelbeating) is a New Zealand qualification at NQF Level 4 and includes the work of a spray painter. This is a three year qualification without qualifications or exit level outcomes at the intermediate levels. The qualification is pitched at NQF Level 4 on their NQF with only unit standards and credits at NQF Levels 1 to 4. This notwithstanding, the technical content of this qualification does correspond with the equivalent level of qualification in Automotive spray painting in New Zealand.

    United Kingdom:

    The level 2 Certificate in Automotive Engineering covers aspects related to this qualification but also includes more broadly defined work aspects such as Motor Vehicle Refinisher, Motor Vehicle Builder, Motor Vehicle Mechanic and Motor Vehicle Technician. The scope is way beyond that of a spray painter and includes aspects of vehicle engine performance and improved suspension for racing.

    The basic methods of assessment include Coursework, Oral Examination, Portfolio of Evidence, Practical Demonstration/Assignment, Practical Examination and Written Examination. No units are specified as compulsory, and the learner may select any units they like, totalling 120 credits. Notes are given regarding accepted grouping of units and progression to further levels of education.

    The level of the level 2 Certificate in Automotive Engineering is much higher than the South African NQF Level 2 and covers various aspects included in the South African qualifications at levels 3 and 4.

    Elements of the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI) in the UK have been used in benchmarking best practice procedures in some of the unit standards used in this qualification. The NVQ qualifications offered in the UK cover all the same objectives of this series of qualifications at various levels of complexity. The qualifications are offered as an internship wherein the learner enrols with a college or training centre for the theoretical component, and achieves the practical component in-house. The qualifications are all based on specific levels of performance, and lead to progressive levels of complexity, but are identified as separate qualifications. The learning towards these qualifications is offered through long-term learner-employer relationships, with short-term stints at a training centre. Qualification titles in the UK include:
  • Vehicle Refinishing: Level 3: (Q1017590).
  • Vehicle Body Repair: Level 3: (Q1015917).
  • Vehicle Body Fitting: Level 2: (Q1015913).

    Australia:

    The Certificate in Automotive Vehicle Body Repair is a 3 year course for artisans to learn how to repair and paint vehicles. The qualification has 2 specialisation areas: one for spray painting and one for panel beating. Both specialisation areas comprise less than 1200 notional learning hours, but are spread out over 3 levels, with core units being specified at the entry level (Level 2).

    There are a range of elective units that may be selected from different categories, but the rules of combination indicate that all units must be selected, thereby not allowing the learner any choice in learning. The qualification aims at targeting competence at artisan level only with no recognition for achievement of less than the whole qualification.

    Denmark:

    The Danish panel beater qualification is spread over 4 years with 55 weeks of formal education and training and 153 weeks of on-the-job training. Danish vocational education and training programmes are alternating programmes, which means that the education and training activities alternate between education and training at a school and on-the-job training in an enterprise. The training programme is a full vocational education and training programme, equivalent to level 3 in the ISCED system.

    No breakdown of the qualification is given in terms of units of learning, but the end point equates to the South African level 4 Spray painter. There is no recognition for achievement of less than the whole qualification.

    Germany:

    The qualifications offered in Germany are also predominantly vocational qualifications with theoretical components being achieved through a specified period at a training centre. The qualifications are aimed at achieving complete competence in all aspects of vehicle maintenance through the progressive series of qualifications and includes mechanical, electrical and coach works (panel beating and spray painting). The training programmes are progressive qualifications of one-year duration each and include ongoing training through workbooks in which the trainee is required to complete evidence of understanding for each month of the registered year of learning. Germany has a requirement that competent people be licensed to operate under the meister (master craftsman) programme, and this licence is valid for a period of two years. The qualification titles offered in Germany include:
  • Auto Fachman: Level 1.
  • Auto Fachman: Level 2.
  • Auto Fachman: Level 3.
  • Auto Fachman: Meister.

    United States of America:

    America uses a system of specialisation areas, with a master technician being identified as a person who is competent in all areas and will be able to perform on almost any part of a vehicle. The learning is conducted through apprenticeships and has specialisation areas for:
  • Engine technicians.
  • Transmission technicians.
  • Steering and suspension technicians.
  • Brake technicians.
  • Electrical system technicians.
  • Heating and air-conditioning technicians.
  • Driveability and performance technicians.
  • Lubrication technicians.
  • Coachwork technicians.

    SADC:

    None of the SADC countries have their own qualifications relating to spray painting, but use the British City and Guilds Standards for training learners in the automotive field. Namibia has indicated interest in the South African qualifications and may implement this qualification once it has been registered.

    Conclusion:

    Most other countries have a streamlined qualification process that ends in a required result, but does not recognise competence in parts of the qualification. This has been identified as a problem in the South African context, and that was why the move to the NQF and unit standards was made. Through achieving this qualification, learners will given recognition for their abilities after just one year of learning. Alternately, learners may achieve employable skills by electing to exit with one or more Exit Level Outcomes instead of the entire qualification. There has also been a further breakdown of skills by recognising relevant skills and separating qualifications for spray painters and panel beaters in South Africa. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Qualification lends itself to both vertical and horizontal articulation possibilities.

    Horizontal articulation is possible with the following Qualifications:
  • ID 58497: National Certificate: Automotive repair and maintenance, NQF Level 3.
  • ID 21005: National Certificate: Automotive component manufacturing and assembly, NQF Level 3.
  • ID 22859: National Certificate: Autotronics, NQF Level 3.
  • ID 23274: National Certificate: Mechanical engineering: fitting, NQF Level 3.
  • ID 22771: National Certificate: Mechatronics, NQF Level 3.

    Vertical articulation is possible with the following qualifications:
  • ID: National Certificate: Automotive spray painting at NQF Level 4. 

  • MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance Body (ETQA).
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation, in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between ETQAs (including professional bodies).
  • 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 in the ELOs of the Qualification and will include integration of skills relevant to the economic sector. 

  • CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors must be registered in terms of the requirements of SAQA and the relevant ETQA. In addition, assessors should have:
  • A minimum of 3 (three) years' practical, relevant occupational experience.
  • A relevant Qualification at NQF Level 4 or higher.
  • The ability to meet the outcomes of this qualification. 

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

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  260158  Apply sealers and cavity fillers on vehicles  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  260159  Polish automotive painted panels  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  244403  Analyse and solve problems  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Core  244161  Apply 2 coat metallic paint finishes  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Core  13234  Apply quality procedures  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Core  13223  Apply safety, health and environmental protection procedures  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Core  9532  Demonstrate basic knowledge of computers  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Core  9530  Manage work time effectively  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Core  244173  Mix and match paint colours  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Core  244115  Replace vehicle trim  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Core  242865  Use data entry and retrieval skills to input and retrieve computer data  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Core  244162  Conduct spot repairs  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Fundamental  119472  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed 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  9013  Describe, apply, analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  119457  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  119467  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  119465  Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  116937  Use a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based spreadsheet application to create and edit spreadsheets  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  117924  Use a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based word processor to format documents  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  244110  Conduct paintless dent removal  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  12457  Develop learning strategies and techniques  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  12456  Explain and use organisational procedures  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  13916  Identify and keep the records that a team manager is responsible for keeping  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  242820  Maintain records for a team  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  243672  Maintain the stockroom  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  244111  Remove and install a dashboard  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  244112  Remove, fit and align the body panels of a vehicle  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  244114  Replace vehicle glass  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  260157  Diagnose paint defects  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Elective  244166  Repair non-ferrous metal body components  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Elective  244164  Repair non-metal body components  Level 4  NQF Level 04 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    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.
     
    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.