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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Diamond Design and Evaluation 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
78966  National Certificate: Diamond Design and Evaluation 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Fabrication and Extraction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
MQA - Mining Qualifications Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Fabrication and Extraction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  129  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  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:

This qualification will equip qualifying learners with the necessary knowledge, understanding and competence to evaluate, design and grade diamond gemstones to internationally recognised standards. It is aimed at people who work or intend to work within the diamond processing industry and who seek recognition for skills in processing diamond gemstones.

Recipients of this qualification know about and are able to evaluate or design rough diamond gemstones and grade them as cut and polished diamond gemstones for sale into local and international markets. The ability of the industry to develop its potential in the beneficiation of raw materials is dependent upon the development of design, evaluation and grading skills to provide the platform for expansion of the industry and to have a base of skilled workers in the industry, including knowledgeable and competent Diamond Board Valuators.

The qualification is designed to be flexible and accessible so that people are able to consistently demonstrate the competencies required to work safely and effectively in evaluating and designing the processing diamond gemstones. The role of the diamond processing sector in terms of the jewellery manufacturing and diamond distribution system will be understood as well as the importance of their role in the distribution chain.

The learner can select on of the following specialisations:

A: Advanced Evaluation of Rough diamond gemstones.
B: Advanced Grading of polished diamond gemstones.
C: Evaluation of diamond gemstones for importation and exportation.

Qualified learners will, subject to the specialisation chosen, be able to:
  • Provide leadership in the workplace through knowledge of relevant legislation, good communication skills, understanding of manufacturing principles, problem solving skills, time management and high ethical conduct.
  • Empower teams through leadership skills, manufacturing efficiency, people development and ensuring a safe, healthy and environmentally secure workplace.
  • Adhere to occupational safety, health and environmental requirements.
  • Examine and describe the structure and properties of diamond gemstones.
  • Perform advanced evaluation of rough diamond gemstones and understand the properties influencing the design of the polished product.
  • Perform advanced grading of polished diamond gemstones.
  • Perform the role of an evaluator of the SA Gold and Precious Metals Board to monitor activities in the importation and exportation of diamond gemstones.

    This qualification enhances the understanding of evaluation and design of rough diamonds and the grading of cut and polished diamond gemstones which falls in the sub-field Fabrication and Extraction.

    Rationale:

    The processing of diamonds is not a mechanical process, but one which requires understanding of the nature and structure of the diamond crystal, how the processing reveals the qualities of the gemstone and how impurities can affect the ultimate value of the gemstone. The need for this qualification was identified by a number of means:
  • It has been identified as one of the priority areas within the Mining and Minerals Sector by means of the Sector Skills Plan.
  • It has been identified by research commissioned and the German Technical Co-operation (GTZ) subsequently published in a work entitled "A Skills Analysis of the Jewellery Manufacturing and Gemstone Processing Industries in South Africa".
  • Critical Stakeholders within the diamond processing industry have indicated the need to give formal recognition to the learning given to the majority of employees in the industry, most of whom were previously disadvantaged.
  • The changing technology within the diamond processing industry requires that people engaged in the industry are equipped with recognised skills that are able to be applied under a variety of circumstances caused by the dynamic change in supply of rough stones for processing.
  • The standards to enable the South African industry to compete favourably with overseas processing industries demand that stringent quality and operating standards are applied to enable the diamond processing sector to remain viable in South Africa and support the expansion of the wider jewellery manufacturing industry.

    This qualification is designed to meet the needs of learners in the diamond processing industry as well as the needs of employers wishing to promote recognised levels of competence in the workforce.

    Previously there has been no formal recognition of the trades that are represented in the qualification workers were trained and developed using either international gemmology programmes or programmes offered by private providers without accreditation.
    The associated status of a nationally recognised qualification will serve as a motivation for high-level learners to enter and develop a career in the diamond processing industry.

    It is a step towards obtaining a range of qualifications in diamond processing for learners who:
  • Were previously disadvantaged.
  • Have worked in the diamond processing industry for many years, but have no formal qualification in their area of work.
  • Wish to extend their knowledge and understanding of the diamond processing industry.
  • Have acquired the NQF Level 4 qualification in diamond design and evaluation and wish to extend their skills within the industry.
  • Wish to prepare for advancement in design and evaluation skills, grading and Governmental evaluation.

    This qualification will also provide entrants to the industry with a structured framework to develop a career path for themselves in the diamond processing industry. Learners for this qualification are likely to be working in the diamond processing industry already. The qualification will give them the opportunity to have their skills recognised in a structured way as it includes both practical experience and theoretical understanding. This qualification provides the knowledge and skills for access to qualifications at a higher level in diamond polishing.

    There is a critical need in the industry to convert experienced personnel into qualified practitioners to raise the credibility of the industry and to enhance South Africa's reputation as a centre for diamond processing.

    The intention is:
  • To promote the development of knowledge and competencies that are required in the diamond processing industry.
  • To develop the potential of employees in the diamond processing industry.
  • To demonstrate the competencies in diamond processing across the jewellery manufacturing sector of the mining and minerals sector.

    This qualification will produce knowledgeable workers who are able to contribute to improved productivity within the diamond processing industry. It should provide the means for current workers to receive Recognition of Prior Learning. The qualification is structured in a way that it exposes learners to the different aspects of diamond evaluation, grading and the design for converting rough diamonds into polished gemstones for sale into local and international markets.

    This is the third qualification in a learning pathway for Diamond Processing.
    The learner, once equipped with the competencies of this qualification will be recognised in one of the trades of Rough Evaluator or Polished Grader or SA Gold and Precious Metals Valuator. Alternatively the learner may pursue the path of factory processing in a Quality Control or Supervisory capacity and ultimately one of management in the industry. Learners may even wish to pursue formal qualification as a gemmologist. For some learners this qualification will provide the opportunity for progression into Management and Leadership responsibilities in the workplace. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners embarking on learning towards this qualification are already competent in Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This qualification can be obtained by completing all the required unit standards in a structured learning programme, or through Recognition of Prior Learning. The criteria for Recognition of Prior Learning would need to be in line with the MQA's ETQA requirements.

    Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

    All such evidence would be judged according to the general principles of assessment.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Access is open, however it is preferable that learners have completed the National Certificate: Diamond Design and Evaluation at NQF Level 4. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Fundamental Component:
  • All unit standards totalling 32 Credits are compulsory.

    Core Component:
  • All unit standards totalling 29 Credits are compulsory.

    Elective Component:
  • The Elective component consists of a number of specialisations. Learners are to choose a specialisation and complete the unit standards as indicted below for each specialisation so as to give a total of 68 Credits for the elective component.

    The three specialisations are:

    A: Advanced Evaluation of Rough diamond gemstones.
    B: Advanced Grading of polished diamond gemstones.
    C: Evaluation of diamond gemstones for importation and exportation.

    Specialization area A: Advanced Evaluation of Rough diamond gemstones:

    The following unit standards totalling 58 credits are compulsory:
  • ID 376511: Plot impurities in rough and semi polished diamond gemstones, NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.
  • ID 376740: Grade large rough diamond gemstones, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits.
  • ID 376701: Calculate advanced weight yield for rough diamond gemstones, NQF Level 6, 12 Credits.
  • ID 376502: Evaluate improvements to the quality of polished diamond gemstones, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.
  • ID 376760: Buy and sell rough diamond gemstones, NQF Level 5, 18 Credits.

    Additional unit standards totalling a minimum of 10 Credits are to be chosen from the electives in the other specialisations to make up a minimum of 68 Credits for the elective component and 129 Credits for the qualification.

    Specialization area B: Advanced Grading of polished diamond gemstones:

    The following unit standards totalling 50 Credits are compulsory:
  • ID 376502: Evaluate improvements to the quality of polished diamond gemstones, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.
  • ID 376700: Promote the grading of polished diamond gemstones, NQF Level 5, 18 Credits.
  • ID 376780: Value polished diamond gemstones, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits.
  • ID 376800: Buy and sell polished diamond gemstones, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.

    Additional unit standards totalling a minimum of 18 Credits are to be chosen from the electives in the other specialisations to make up a minimum of 68 Credits for the elective component and 129 Credits for the qualification.

    Specialization area C: Evaluation of diamond gemstones for importation and exportation:

    The following unit standards totalling 54 Credits are compulsory:
  • ID 259777: Describe the structure and properties of gem diamonds, NQF Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • ID 376720: Explain the requirements for importing and exporting diamond gemstones, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.
  • ID 259838: Use laboratory equipment to examine diamond gemstones, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • ID 376760: Buy and sell rough diamond gemstones, NQF Level 5, 18 Credits.
  • ID 376800: Buy and sell polished diamond gemstones, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.

    Additional unit standards totalling a minimum of 14 Credits are to be chosen from the electives in the other specialisations to make up a minimum of 68 Credits for the elective component and 129 Credits for the qualification. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate and apply mathematical concepts and operations to solve problems.

    2. Adhere to occupational health, safety and environmental standards in the workplace.

    3. Empower teams through leadership.

    4. Describe the structure and properties of diamond gemstones and evaluate against recognised price lists.

    5. Conduct advanced evaluation of rough diamond gemstones.

    OR

    6. Conduct advanced grading of polished diamond gemstones.

    OR

    7. Evaluate diamond gemstones and the requirements for importation and exportation against local legislation and international conventions.

    Critical Cross-field Outcomes:

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes have been addressed by the exit level outcomes as follows:

    While conducting activities related to diamond design and evaluation operations, learners are able to:

    Identify and solve problems in which response displays that responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking, have been made by:
  • Identifying and using tools, equipment and relevant price lists in the evaluation, grading and valuation of diamond gemstones in accordance with international standards and best practices.
  • Evaluating the potential to improve diamond gemstones in terms of accepted international standards and being able to articulate the risks associated with such improvements.
  • Responding to non-conformances in a diamond processing and trading environment.
  • Apply preventative or remedial action in accordance with operating procedures.

    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community by:
  • Contributing to team goals and achievements by adhering to agreed working methods and processes.
  • Contributing to team efficiency by supporting other team members in the diamond processing and trading environment.
  • Adhering to team protocols, codes of ethics and conduct and generally promoting a positive team spirit.
  • Coordinating one's work with that of others in the direct surrounding area, internal and external operations.

    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Applying ethical standards to adhere to international protocols and respond to conditions in the diamond trading environment.
  • Taking preventive and remedial action to solve operating problems while evaluating, grading and valuing diamonds.
  • Maintaining product integrity with reference to key aspects and critical conditions in a diamond trading environment.
  • Adhering to strict security and control requirements particular to the diamond industry.

    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Applying the principles related to the properties of diamonds in terms of value and potential.
  • Applying relevant basis and techniques to determine the value of diamonds.
  • Use and interpret instruments such as recognised price lists.

    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations by:
  • Interpreting, recording and reporting information pertaining to diamond evaluation, grading and valuation.
  • Preparing and submitting reports, non-conformance reports and other required documentation.
  • Providing guidance and opinion on methods to improve diamond value and expressing the associated risks with such measures.

    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Applying occupational health, safety and environmental requirements in the workplace.
  • Using relevant terminology and adhering to standard protocols such as SI, ISO and international standards applicable in the diamond evaluation, grading and valuation field.
  • Deploying computers to assist in the diamond evaluation, grading and valuation process.

    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation by:
  • Understanding the impact of diamond evaluation, grading and valuation activities in the context of the broader diamond and gemstone industry, and his/her own role in each context.
  • Requesting assistance from other team members and support personnel.
  • Assisting other team members and working together with support personnel to conduct diamond evaluation, grading and valuation activities and to investigate and resolve problem areas. 

  • ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Oral communication is maintained and adapted as required to promote effective interaction in a work context.
  • Written communication is conducted at an appropriate level for designated target audiences.
  • Mathematical principles and techniques are applied while performing the tasks in the operational context.
  • Problems and solutions are recorded and monitored for reoccurrence.
  • Responsibilities of a team leader are identified and communicated in the workplace.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Occupational Health and Safety legislation applicable to the workplace is understood and applied at all times as per workplace requirements.
  • Safe, healthy and environmentally related activities are conducted in a diamond processing environment according to the Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental requirements.
  • Knowledge of relevant legislation is applied to safeguard people, operations and the environment.
  • Appropriate high ethical standards are applied in terms of legal compliance, standards of conduct and upholding rights and obligations of conducting business in the diamond industry.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Principles of leadership are displayed in the workplace.
  • Efficient and effective use of resources are deployed in manufacturing operations.
  • Team members are valued, empowered and developed through application of best practices in human relationships.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The properties of diamonds are explained and the implications on ultimate value of the processed diamond are interpreted against international standards.
  • The structure of diamonds is described and are related to the risks and opportunities for processing to make polished diamond gemstones.
  • The basis of valuation of diamond gemstones is understood; and the impact of non compliance with processing procedures is explained in terms of the loss of potential value.
  • The requirements for stone security are explained when handling and possessing diamond gemstones.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Impurities in rough and semi-polished diamond gemstones are plotted in accordance with international standards.
  • The determination of the potential clarity and associated grade of large rough diamond gemstones when converted into polished stones is demonstrated.
  • The expected weight loss of large rough diamond gemstones is determined for the ultimate polished gemstones after processing.
  • The potential to improve diamond gemstones and the associated risks are evaluated and explained.
  • The requirements to effectively buy and sell rough diamond gemstones is demonstrated.

    OR

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • The potential to improve diamond gemstones and the associated risks are evaluated and explained.
  • Large polished diamond gemstones are graded against internationally established standards.
  • Polished diamond gemstones are valued against internationally accepted standards and price lists.
  • The requirements to effectively buy and sell polished diamond gemstones is demonstrated.

    OR

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • The legal requirements for importing and exporting of diamond gemstones is explained and applied.
  • Laboratory equipment is used to examine diamond gemstones and describe their features.
  • The requirements to effectively buy and sell rough diamond gemstones is demonstrated.
  • The requirements to effectively buy and sell polished diamond gemstones is demonstrated.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • Integrated assessment at the level of the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show they are able to integrate concepts, actions and. ideas achieved across a range of unit standards and contexts.
  • Integrated assessment must evaluate the quality of observable performance as well as the thinking behind the performance, and must be based on a summative assessment guide. The guide will spell out how the assessor will assess different aspects of the performance and will include:
    > Observing the learner at work (both in the primary activity as well as other interactions).
    > Asking questions and initiating short discussions to test understanding.
    > Looking at records and reports in the portfolio and reviewing previous assessments.
    In some cases interference will be necessary to determine competence depending on the nature and context within which performance takes place.
  • It is necessary to ensure that the fundamental part of the qualification is also targeted to ensure that while the competence may have been achieved in a particular context, learners are able to apply it in a range of other contexts and for future learning. The assessment should also ensure that all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes have been achieved.
  • The learner may choose in which language s/he wants to be assessed. This should be established as part of a process of preparing the learner for assessment and familiarising the learner with the approach being taken.
  • While this is primarily a workplace-based qualification, evidence from other areas of endeavour may be introduced if pertinent to any of the Exit-Level Outcomes. The assessment process should cover both the explicit tasks required for the qualification as well as the understanding of the concepts and principles that underpin the activities associated with processing diamonds. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    There are a number of institutions offering courses in rough evaluation and polished grading. There are none that offer any qualifications for regulatory inspecting. There are a number of gemmological societies and institutes that offer courses and these have been listed below. Whilst some of them have approval from state or national education authorities, none appear to have accreditation as national qualifications of the countries concerned.

    The Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) offers diplomas in Diamond Essentials that familiarizes learners with their own GIA clarity grading system to facilitate grading diamonds and colour and how colour affects value; Diamonds and Diamond Grading, also teaches learners skills of judging and grading the colour, clarity, and cut of diamonds, how to determine proportions and estimate weight. It addresses the fundamentals of diamond treatments, synthetics, and simulants, the effect of fluorescence on colour in diamonds, the role played by cut in the marketplace; The Diamond Grading Lab and the Advanced Grading Lab courses teaches learners how to grade clarity, colour, and cut quality factors of round brilliant diamonds and advanced grading techniques. The GIA offers grading courses in South Africa through the auspices of the Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Training School. These programmes would be equivalent to the Grading stream contained in the Level 4 qualification and the Advanced Grading Lab to the Grading stream that is contained in this qualification.

    The Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) is a non-profit, private, postsecondary educational institution incorporated for the purpose of promoting education and research in gemmology and related subjects. It is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT). (The ACCSCT is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency). GIA New York is licensed by the New York State Education Department.

    The Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) offers various courses in gemmology that include a Basic Diamond Course that serves as introduction to diamonds covering formation, properties and grading. This would be less detailed that the Grading stream contained in the Level 4 qualification. The Scientific Diamond Course addresses some of the features covered in this qualification dealing with the properties of diamonds. None of their programmes addresses rough evaluation. They claim no accreditation.

    The Indian Institute of Gemmology (IMI) offers a course in Diamonds and Diamond Grading that addresses gem identification and diamond properties. This programme would not attain the level of the, Level 4 qualification. They claim no accreditation.

    The International Gemmological Institute (IGI) offers a course in Polished Diamonds that teaches learners how to grade polished diamonds and would appear to cover the contents of the Grading stream of the Level 4 qualification. The Rough Diamond Course covers sorting, sorting for parting and identification of diamonds. It covers some of the aspects of the Rough Evaluation stream contained in this qualification, but does not cover the depth of this qualification. Whilst the IGI has its own school of Gemology, it does not cite any accreditation.

    The Hode Raad voor Diamant (HRD) offers courses in rough sorting, diamond grading, diamond treatments which would appear to cover the scope of some of the Rough Evaluation stream and the Grading stream of this qualification. The HRD was recognised by the Flemish community as an educational institute, but they do not claim national accreditation for their programmes.

    The MSU Gemmological Center (MSU) offers courses in diamond grading and Rough diamonds. These courses appear to cover some of the general scope of the Grading and Rough Evaluation streams of this qualification, but the MSU claims no accreditation. The duration of the programmes would indicate that the scope may be less comprehensive that the Level 4 qualification.

    The Canadian Institute of Gemmology (CIG) offers a Diamond Grading course that appears to cover the scope of the Grading stream of the Level 4 qualification. They claim no national accreditation for their programmes.

    The EGL College of Gemmology (EGL) is part of an international laboratory and consulting service that offers courses in Diamonds and Diamond Grading. The programme covers the scope of the Grading stream of the Level 4 qualification and part of this qualification. EGL is accredited with the MQA.

    The search indicates that whilst there are a number of organisations offering certification programmes in rough diamonds and polished grading, none of these appear to be nationally accredited, although some have international reputation for their standards and would offer programmes at the level of this qualification in these streams. None, however, offer regulator valuator qualifications.

    Contact was established with leading diamond cutting operations, internationally linked gemstone valuators, internationally linked training institutions, and people with many years established connections to De Beers, the leading role-player in the distribution of diamond gemstones in the world such as:
  • Austria: World Federation of Diamond Clubs.
  • Belgium: Beurs Voor Diamanthandel, Syndikaat Der Belgische Diamantnijverheid (SDB) and HRD Antwerp NV.
  • Canada: Canadian Jewellers Institute.
  • China: Shanghai Diamond Exchange.
  • England: The London Diamond Bourse.
  • India: Bharat Diamond Bourse.
  • Israel: Israel Diamond Exchange Ltd: and the Israel Manufacturers Association Ltd.
  • Netherlands: Vereniging Beurs Voor Den Diamonthandel, Diamondbourse and Algemene Juweliersvereniging.
  • Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka Diamond Manufacturers Association.
  • Thailand: Bangkok Diamond and Precious Stones Exchange: and the Thai Diamond Diamond Manufacturers Association.
  • USA: New York Diamond Dealers Club: and Diamond Manufacturers and importers Association of America.

    These countries were contacted because they are the countries where major diamond processing takes place.

    Feedback from associates of South African training and professional service providers from Belgium and Canada has indicated that the qualification and unit standards are of a high standard. Experienced managers and craftsmen in South Africa with international experience have also indicated that the standard of unit standards that make up this qualification are at a level that is comparable to best practices in countries such as Belgium, Israel, China and India.

    Contact has been made with organisations in SADC countries who are also seeking to establish recognition for the same skills as covered by this qualification. Neither Namibia nor Botswana, who are rapidly developing diamond processing skills, have a formal system and the MQA has been approached to establish whether through SADC qualifications developed in South Africa could be used to establish regional standards.

    In conclusion, it appears that South Africa has been the first country to establish formal national qualifications in diamond processing and that, outside of rough evaluation and polished grading, no other comparable international qualifications yet exist. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Vertical articulation exists with:
  • ID 19532: Advanced Diploma: Management, NQF Level 6.

    Horizontal articulation exists with:
  • ID 78843: National Certificate: Diamond Processing, NQF Level 5. 

  • MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against the qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding 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 Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the associated unit standards.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 

  • CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors should be in possession of:
  • An appropriate qualification above the level of the qualification and preferably relevant workplace practical experience.
  • Registration as an assessor with the relevant ETQA. 

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

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  260402  Demonstrate understanding of the implementation of occupational health, safety and environmental legislation in a diamond processing workplace  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Core  14586  Monitor and control quality control practices in a manufacturing/engineering environment  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Core  259761  Use a loupe for advanced applications in examining diamond gemstones  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Core  115821  Apply business financial practices  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Core  335894  Optimise the quality assurance system  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Fundamental  242706  Analyse problems  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Fundamental  15234  Apply efficient time management to the work of a department/division/section  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Fundamental  335800  Apply professional values and ethics in the operational environment  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Fundamental  119947  Conciliate a dispute in relation to training legislation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Fundamental  10622  Conduct communication within a business environment  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Fundamental  10631  Demonstrate an understanding of manufacturing, principles, methodologies and processes  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Elective  259777  Describe the structure and properties of gem diamonds  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Elective  259838  Use laboratory equipment to examine diamond gemstones  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Elective  376800  Buy and sell polished diamond gemstones  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Elective  376760  Buy and sell rough diamond gemstones  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  18 
    Elective  376502  Evaluate improvements to the quality of polished diamond gemstones  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
    Elective  376720  Explain the requirements for importing and exporting diamond gemstones  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
    Elective  376511  Plot impurities in rough and semi polished diamond gemstones  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Elective  376700  Promote grading of polished diamond gemstones  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  18 
    Elective  376701  Calculate advanced weight yield for rough diamond gemstones  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  12 
    Elective  376740  Grade large rough diamond gemstones  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  10 
    Elective  376780  Improve the value of polished diamond gemstones  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  10 
    Elective  110235  Make a model and determine the optimal processing of a diamond gemstone  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  13 


    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.