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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: Bicycle Repairer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
103096  Occupational Certificate: Bicycle Repairer 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - W&RSETA (manufact) 
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  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  43  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  SAQA 0813/23  2018-07-26  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2028-06-30  

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:
Bicycle Repairers work safely and efficiently in the workshop environment and are technically qualified and able to assemble new bicycles and conduct minor and major services to maintain and repair bicycles and basic bicycle componentry to a high standard.

Rationale:
Although cycling in South Africa has experienced exceptionally large growth over the recent past, the maintenance and repair of bicycles is unarguably regarded by many as the dark side of the industry. This is largely due to the fact that bicycle technician training is continuing in an informal, haphazard manner which is not conducive to meeting customer expectations and industry requirements. Bicycle technicians are currently mostly either self-taught, and/or taught in-house through informal, un-structured means which offer no certification or recognition of learning achievement and no articulation to other occupational qualifications, thereby limiting career opportunities and personal growth and development.

This qualification is aimed at the school leavers who have an interest in cycling especially from deep rural communities where bicycle commuting is a means of transport. Persons currently employed as bicycle mechanics with years of working experience but with no formal recognition will also have access to this qualification. Typical employment will be possible as Bicycle Repairers with large, chain type retailers or a smaller independent cycle shop which has a workshop section and operating as entrepreneurs supplying repair and servicing services to clients nationally.

This qualification is the first of its type in South Africa. Currently; bicycle mechanic training is offered under licence from countries such as the United Kingdom. Learners will benefit from receiving recognition for achievement of this qualification on the National Qualification Framework (NQF). The cycling industry is very dynamic and technology driven within an environment wherein technology is becoming more and more expensive and sophisticated. Industry, employers and consumers will benefit by having confidence in a cohort of nationally qualified bicycle mechanics. The development of this qualification will contribute to the professionalisation of the bicycle technician and the occupation through the acknowledgement and certification of learning achievements, the restoration in customer confidence in the maintenance and repair abilities of qualified technicians, and the establishment of training standards and practices in the bicycle maintenance and repair industry.

This qualification supports the long term provincial strategy of cities/metros to cut down on emissions in support of a cleaner and greener environment. The health and wellbeing benefits of cycling have been extensively researched. South Africa is the host of some of the two biggest international cycling events which attract international and local tourism and participants who will need repair and servicing of bicycles. Generally, there is an increase in imports and sales of bicycles in South Africa contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 

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:
  • Level 1 with communication.
    Or
  • 3 years working experience in a bicycle workshop. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge Practical Skills and Work Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • Knowledge, 653401-000-00-00-KM-01, Bicycle construction and assembly, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • Knowledge, 653401-000-00-00-KM-02, Bicycle servicing and maintenance, Level 3, 3 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Knowledge Modules: 6.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • Practical, 653401-000-00-00-PM-01, Wash, clean and assemble new bicycles, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • Practical, 653401-000-00-00-PM-02, Perform minor and major services for the maintenance of bicycles (excluding suspension and wheel building), Level 3, 7 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Practical Skill Modules: 11.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • Work Experience, 653401-000-00-00-WM-01, Bicycle assembly, cleaning and washing, Level 2, 10 Credits.
  • Work Experience, 653401-000-00-00-WM-02, Perform minor and major services for the maintenance of bicycles, Level 3, 16 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Work Experience Modules: 26. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Examine, trouble shoot and solve problems related to any two of the following bicycle systems: hydraulic brakes, suspension system, electronic group set, frame problems, advanced components and high-end wheel sets. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • A bicycle is inspected to identify faults and causes are correctly pinpointed.
  • Bicycle systems are inspected to find faults and causes are correctly identified.
  • An approved fault finding sequence is applied to diagnose a range of faults, wear and/or damage and causes are correctly pinpointed.
  • An approved fault finding sequence is applied to diagnose faults related to bicycle attachments.

    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 Quality Council for Trades and Occupation (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. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International comparability was executed with two qualifications, namely: Certificate III in Bicycles (AUR30211) and the United Kingdom based international Cytech program for Bicycle Mechanics.

    The Certificate III in Bicycles covers the skills and knowledge required to perform a range of routine assembly and servicing tasks within the bicycle industry. It is suitable for entry into the bicycle retail, service and repair sector. This qualification is suitable for an Australian Apprenticeship pathway and as such it includes unit standards related to welding and the automotive troubleshooting, training and retail. Units which are more specific to the assembly repair and servicing of bicycles include aspect such as:
  • Assemble bicycles.
  • Assemble box bicycle for retail sale.
  • Service and repair bicycle mechanical braking systems.
  • Service bicycle hydraulic braking systems.
  • Service bicycle drive train systems.
  • Service bicycle steering systems.
  • Service bicycle suspension systems.
  • Remove, repair and fit bicycle tyres.
  • Service bicycle wheels and hubs.
  • Fit and adjust bicycle accessories.
  • Select and adjust bicycle to fit rider.
  • Restore a bicycle.
  • Repair bicycle hydraulic braking systems.
  • Repair bicycle drive train systems.
  • Repair/overhaul bicycle steering systems.
  • Repair/overhaul bicycle suspension systems.
  • Design and build bicycle wheels.
  • Repair/overhaul bicycle wheels and hubs.
  • Service electric power assists bicycles.
  • Service and repair bicycle frames.
  • Specify and select components for a custom bicycle.
  • Carry out servicing operations.
  • Inspect vehicle systems and determine preferred repair action.
  • Carry out diagnostic procedures.

    The Cytech programme is a comprehensive range of technical courses which is recognised by the cycling industry internationally. The competencies trained range from the basics of bicycle maintenance to complex bike builds and servicing of the newest and most technical products. The range of courses build on each other and the learner is expected to progress from the one to the other. The competencies covered in this training include:
    Workshop practices:
  • Torque.
  • Lubrication.
  • Tyres and tubes.
  • Manufacturing standards.
  • Pre-delivery inspection.
  • Health and safety.
  • Consumer legislation.
  • Frame preparation and alignment.
  • Headsets.
  • Derailleur Gear Systems.
  • Hubs.
  • Brake systems (cable operated).
  • Internal hub gears.
  • Wheel truing and spoke replacement.
  • Wheel building.
  • Suspension systems.
  • Hydraulic brakes.
  • Advanced wheel building.
  • Specialist bike builds.
  • Electronic drive trains.

    Conclusion:
    It can be concluded that the bicycle service and repair section of this qualification compares favourably with the two international qualifications this qualification exceeds the two qualifications in terms of the supervisory aspect. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: N3 Engineering Studies, Level 3.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Motorcycle Mechanic, Level 4.
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Generic Management: Wholesale and Retail Management, Level 4. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
  • In order to qualify for an integrated external summative assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience records the including Foundational Learning Competence.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
  • None.

    Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers:
  • Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the Quality Council for Trades and Occupation (QCTO) website.
  • The curriculum title and code is: Bicycle Repairer: 653401-000-00-00.

    Encompassed Trades:
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • This is not a trade.
  • This qualification is part of the Bicycle Mechanic 653401-000-00-00.

    Assessment Quality Partner:
  • W&RSETA.

    Parent Qualification:
  • 653401-000-00-00, Bicycle Machanic, 3, 84.

    Derived Qualifications Related to this Qualification:
  • 653401-000-00-01, Special Components Repairer, 4, 28. 
    		•

    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.