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: 

Occupational Certificate: Transportation Electrician (Automotive Electrician) 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97388  Occupational Certificate: Transportation Electrician (Automotive Electrician) 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MERSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  362  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-07-01  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

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 is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
117042  Occupational Certificate: Transportation Electrician (Automotive Electrician)  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  554  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Automotive Electrician. An Automotive Electrician diagnoses, installs, maintains and repairs automotive electrical wiring, electrical/electronic components and systems in motorised vehicles. An Automotive Electrician will be able to:
  • Diagnose and conduct fault finding activities on automotive electrical wiring and electrical/electronic components/systems.
  • Remove, repair and maintain automotive electrical wiring and electrical/electronic components/systems.
  • Install automotive electrical/electronic equipment and/or components/systems.

    Rationale:
    The National Occupational Qualification in Transportation Electrician (Automotive Electrician) was developed with the full participation of the industry members such as Mercedes Benz, BMW SA, Volkswagen SA, Dawsons Training Academy, Artisan Training Institute, Automobile Association Technical College and Anglo Platinum. The development of this qualification will ensure that the training of Artisan learners will consistently produce Artisans that can fully function within all the sectors mentioned. Once qualified the mobility of Artisans between sectors will significantly be improved.

    A qualified Automotive Electrician will be competent in various areas including understanding electrical concepts and related circuit diagrams, use of hand tools and the work and safety procedures associated with working with batteries and auxiliary harnesses and also deal with installation, diagnosis and repair of automotive electrical systems. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for access to the qualification:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry requirements:
    NQF Level 4 with Mathematics and Physical or Engineering Science. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Knowledge Modules:
  • 671208001-KM-01, Concepts of Occupational Health, Safety and Quality, at NQF Level 2, 6 Credits.
  • 671208001-KM-02, Tools, Equipment, Materials in the Auto Electrical Environment, at NQF Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 671208001-KM-03, Fundamentals of Auxiliary Auto-Electrical Equipment, at NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 671208001-KM-04, Fundamentals of Fuel Injection and Engine Control, at NQF Level 4, 7 Credits.
  • 671208001-KM-05, Fundamentals of Automotive Mechanical Technology, at NQF Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • 671208001-KM-06, Theory and Principles of Auto Electricity, at NQF Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 671208001-KM-07, Principles of Electricity and Electronics for Trouble Shooting and Repair, at NQF Level 3, 7 Credits.
  • 671208001-KM-08, Fundamentals of Technical Information for Auto-electrical Systems, at NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 671208001-KM-09, Automobile Batteries and Battery System Components, at NQF Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 671208001-KM-10, Automotive Systems (Networking and Data Transfer Systems, Climate control systems, Convenience systems), at NQF Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 671208001-KM-11, Automotive Systems (Ignition, Starting, Charging), at NQF Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 671208001-KM-12, Safety and drive control systems, at NQF Level 4, 6 Credits.

    Total number of Credits for Knowledge Modules: 72.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 671208001-PM-01, Remove and replace auto electrical components, NQF Level 2, 6 Credits.
  • 671208001-PM-02, Test and diagnose automotive batteries, NQF Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 671208001-PM-03, Build and conduct fault finding on auto electrical circuits, NQF Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 671208001-PM-04, Build auto electrical circuits and install auto electrical equipment and/or components/systems, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 671208001-PM-05, Conduct fault finding and repair on intermediate auto electrical systems, at NQF Level 3, 12 Credits.
  • 671208001-PM-06, Diagnose and repair climate control and convenience systems, at NQF Level 4, 12 Credits.
  • 671208001-PM-07, Diagnose and repair safety and drive control systems, at NQF Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 671208001-PM-08, Diagnose and repair integrated fuel injection (diesel and petrol) and ignition systems, NQF Level 4, 16 Credits.

    Total number of Credits for Practical Skill Modules: 72.

    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • 671208001-WM-01, Processes and procedures for diagnosing and fault finding of automotive electrical wiring and electrical/electronic components /systems, at NQF Level 4, 70 Credits.
  • 671208001-WM-02, Processes and procedures for removing, repairing and/or replacing auto electrical/electronic components /systems, at NQF Level 4, 86 Credits.
  • 671208001-WM-03, Processes and procedures for the installation of automotive electrical equipment and/or components/systems, at NQF Level 4, 60 Credits.

    Total number of Credits for Work Experience Modules: 216. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Diagnose and conduct fault finding activities on automotive electrical wiring and electrical/electronic components/systems.
    2. Remove, repair and maintain automotive electrical wiring and electrical/electronic components /systems.
    3. Install automotive electrical/electronic equipment and/or components/systems. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Planning, preparation, removal and fitment activities are undertaken in order to test and diagnose automotive batteries.
  • Automotive batteries are charged, serviced and tested in order to maintain the battery and determine its condition.
  • Main battery and other cables and connectors are tested and serviced/ repaired as required in order to ensure correct system functioning.
  • Diagnosing, testing and repairing activities are conducted on various sections of a complete auto electrical system.
  • Knowledge and understanding is demonstrated with respect to diagnosis and conducting fault finding activities on automotive electrical wiring and electrical/electronic components/systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Planning, preparation, removal and fitment activities are undertaken in order to remove and replace auto electrical components.
  • Inspecting and testing activities are conducted on auto electrical components.
  • Finishing activities are conducted in order to complete task and restore work area.
  • Auto electrical components are removed and replaced during inspection and testing activities and work area is restored supported by all relevant completed documentation.
  • Auto electrical systems are diagnosed and repaired by locating and identifying system components, test systems and their components, repair and test systems and restore vehicle/ work area to functional condition.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Auto electrical technical information is read and interpreted in order to select the correct circuit components when building and conducting fault finding on auto electrical circuits.
  • Auto electrical circuits are built and tested for the purpose of demonstrating an understanding of circuit construction and functioning.
  • Auto electrical equipment and/or components/ systems are installed in accordance with diagrams and specifications or job/task instructions.
  • Planning, preparation, fitment and wiring activities are undertaken in order to fit and wire auto-electrical equipment.
  • Inspecting and testing activities are conducted on auto-electrical equipment in order to commission and conduct finishing activities.
  • Knowledge and understanding is demonstrated with respect to installing automotive electrical/electronic equipment and/or components/systems.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria. The external assessment model requires that the external assessment will be conducted through a combination of a written assessment and practical task at an accredited trade test centre. The written examination will be concluded at an accredited trade test centre and marked by registered assessors. Practical tasks will also be assessed by registered assessors. The combination of the written and practical assessment will be conducted over a period of two working days. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared to similar qualifications in Australia.

    In Australia, at the Open University the Automotive Electrician Certificate is offered. This qualification attempts to develop the following competencies in learners such as:
  • Identifying electrical malfunctions or damages using observation and testing tools.
  • Inspecting electronic and other components in the car, such as generators, volt regulators, motors, etc.
  • Monitoring and repairing deficiencies in electrical wiring, fuses, lights and ignition.
  • Operating and ensuring successful operation of engine control mechanisms.
  • Organising and installing electronic mechanisms and electrical wiring in automobiles.

    Whilst in the United Kingdom, at Blackburn College, the Auto Electrical qualification will enable learners to work with complex electrical systems which include Bluetooth, ABS, Engine management and Airbags. Learners will also be able to use the technology for fault finding. The learners will be exposed to the theory and practical aspects of the following:
  • Mechanical Components.
  • Start/Charge Systems.
  • Engine Electrical Systems.

    Conclusion:
    On the whole this qualification compares very favourably with international qualifications in terms of the purpose. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification has articulation possibilities with the following qualifications:
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Further Education and Training Certificate in Automotive Components: Manufacturing and Assembly, at NQF Level 4, SAQA ID 71949.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • National Certificate in Automotive Components: Manufacturing and Assembly at NQF Level 5, SAQA ID 71969.
  • National Certificate in Automotive Repair and Maintenance at NQF Level 5, SAQA ID 64789. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for external assessment:
    In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience including Foundational Learning Competence or equivalent.

    Additional legal or physical environment:
    None.

    Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers:
    Accreditation of providers to provide this qualification will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.

    The curriculum title and code is:Transportation Electrician (Automotive Electrician), 671208001.

    Trades Encompassed by this Qualification:
    Trades recorded on the NLRD encompassed by this qualification:
  • SAQA ID, 61256 Automotive Electrician.
  • SAQA ID, 61238 Automotive Electrician.
  • SAQA ID, 61267 Automotive Electrician.
  • SAQA ID, 61290 Automotive Electrician.
  • SAQA ID, 61211 Automotive Electrician.
  • SAQA ID, 61207 Automotive Electrician.
  • SAQA ID, 61305 Automotive Electrician.
  • SAQA ID, 61223 Automotive Electrician.
  • SAQA ID, 61216 Automotive Electrician. 
    		•

    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.
     
    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.