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: Popular Music Sound Engineering 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
22099  National Certificate: Popular Music Sound Engineering 
ORIGINATOR
Department of Education 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Performing Arts 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  250  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
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 
The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with music and sound engineering knowledge, skills and values in order to become competent sound engineers who will either be employed or self-employed in the music industry. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learners who register for the qualification should have fulfilled all the existing requirements of the previous level.

Recognition of prior learning:

RPL will be recognised through a process of assessment of previously obtained skills and knowledge.

Learners who register for this qualification can:
  • Read and write music;
  • Play an instrument (vocal is considered as an instrument) at NQF level 4, because they have already passed and obtained NQF level 4 qualification which is N3/NSC National Certificate in Popular Music or any other equivalent qualification.
  • This qualification also recognises prior learning proven to be relevant through an interview and audition, upon which learners who intend to register for the programme will submit written evidence that they have undergone either formal, non-formal or informal prior learning relevant to this qualification. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Rules governing the award of this qualification are as stipulated in the current policy (Report 191) 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Specific Outcomes:

    1. A qualified learner is able to work as a sound engineer and use digital and analog sound technology effectively.

    2. A qualified learner is able to record, arrange, mix and produce a complete album.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    1. Use of science and technology.

    2. Communication and working together as a team.

    3. Organising and managing activities as well as identifying and solving problems. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Assessment Criteria associated with Specific Outcomes:

    1. The learner will start and complete both recording and live performance sessions, in which the learners' abilities (knowledge & skills) will be effectively assessed.

    2. The learner will demonstrate the ability to record, arrange, mix and produce in a practical situation.

    Assessment Criteria associated with Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    1. Qualified learners primarily use sound technology such as sound modules, workstations, mixers, computers etc.

    2. Learners get an opportunity to communicate and work together working with other people. Communicate and work together when they are assigned to do particular projects such as recording sessions and live performances.

    3. Qualified learners are responsible for the organisation of the entire recording session making sure that all the necessary sound equipment is booked in time.

    Integrated assessment to ensure that the purpose on the qualification is achieved:
  • Continuous assessment:
    60% takes place in every lesson in a form of tests, class work, homework, assignments, group or individual projects, etc.
  • Summative assessment:
    40% takes place in a form of formal practical and theoretical assessment on completion of each semester. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The National Certificate in Popular Music Sound Engineering is comparable with other international qualifications in Sound Engineering. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    1. Articulation with qualifications offered at other institutions:

    The National Certificate in Popular Music Sound Engineering is comparable to other Sound Engineering Certificates and Diplomas offered by other institutions.

    2. The qualifications towards which the NQF level 5 National Certificate in Popular Music Sound Engineering graduate may proceed are:
  • National Diploma in Popular Music Sound Engineering or Degree in Sound Engineering. 

  • MODERATION OPTIONS 
    A system of second examiners within the institutions will be used, together with a system of external examination at exit levels to the qualification. Where professional or statutory bodies are involved in determining the curriculum, they will also be involved in moderation. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Each institution will use its own staff as assessors in a manner that is accommodated within the quality management system of the institution. This would also apply to outside assessors. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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.