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

Diploma: Construction Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
65879  Diploma: Construction Technology 
ORIGINATOR
City Guilds International 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CETA - Construction Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Certificate  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Physical Planning, Design and Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  240  Level 5  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 9900/00  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2023-06-30   2025-06-30  

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 and education and training providers with the standards required to satisfy the challenges of participating effectively in the building construction industry.

Learners who achieve this qualification are able to:
  • Adopt and maintain safe working practices.
  • Describe methods and terminology in current use.
  • Carry out mathematical and scientific calculations in the selection of construction materials.
  • Construct drawings.
  • Communicate effectively in the construction industry.
  • Apply computer skills effectively in construction applications.
  • Use basic tools for timber vocations, trowel vocations, painting and decorating, plumbing, refrigeration and air conditioning and electrical installation.
  • Set out and make basic joints and components to form products (timber vocations).
  • Mix and lay concrete, mix mortar and lay bricks or blocks (trowel vocations).
  • Prepare surface, apply oil and water based paints (painting and decorating).
  • Cut and bend pipes, make pipe joints (plumbing).
  • Cut and bend refrigeration quality pipe, making pipe joints (refrigeration and air conditioning).
  • Set out and install domestic single phase circuits, install accessories and terminate cables (electrical installation).
  • Investigate, analyse and report on the range of elements, sub-elements and component parts which unite to form the general order in which construction takes place.
  • Describe and apply mathematical principles.
  • Describe scientific principles to the construction process with respect to: thermal studies, services (electrical, water supply and distribution), properties and performance of construction materials.
  • Define the mechanics used in the analysis and design of construction elements.
  • Produce construction drawings applying traditional and modern methods*.
  • Describe surveying principles as applied to the construction industry, taking into account local conditions, current technology and practice.
  • Demonstrate construction technology in relation to both building and civil engineering*.
  • Identify, procure and control the supply of resources both physical and human for a typical local domestic dwelling.
  • Develop alternative solutions to design and construction problems by the application of scientific, structural and economic principles to low rise structures.
  • Describe and apply standard principles and methods used in quantity surveying, bonus surveying and estimating.

    Designing for Construction:
  • Describe activities and terminologies used in designing buildings.
  • Design buildings and structure for the construction industry:
    > Applied to buildings not exceeding three storeys with a minimum area of 100m2 and should include domestic, industrial, storage and business premises.

    Construction Mathematics:
  • Describe and apply the mathematical principles of structural analysis and civil engineering (geometry, algebra and matrices, trigonometry, calculus, statistics).

    Structural Mechanics:
  • Develop the concepts of structural mechanism for the analysis of beams, columns, frameworks and retaining structures of a statically determinate nature.
  • Explain and apply the principles of two-dimensional stress systems.

    Rationale:

    This qualification has been designed to develop a broad range of skills appropriate to a person who is undergoing training or works in the construction industry and who may also have some supervisory responsibilities. It brings together the theoretical and practical elements of construction. Graduates of this qualification should have a well-developed knowledge of the technical and design construction principles enabling them to fulfil the role of technician/senior technician across a range of specialised disciplines. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners have achieved the equivalent of NQF Level 4 in a formal education environment.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    The structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible. This qualification may therefore be achieved in part or completely through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. The learner should be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and support and guidance should be provided. Care should be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining a qualification.

    If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits should be assigned to the learner. Recognition of Prior Learning will be done by means of Integrated Assessment as mentioned above.

    This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow:
  • Accelerated access to further learning at this or higher levels on the NQF.
  • Gaining of credits towards a unit standard.
  • Obtaining of this qualification in part or in whole.

    Access to the Qualification:
  • There is open access to the qualification. However, it is preferable that learners should acquired language competencies and mathematical literacy competencies at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of a combination of learning outcomes from Fundamental, Core and Elective components, totalling 240 credits.

    Fundamental Component = 20 credits:
  • Communication, 10 credits.
  • Mathematical Literacy, 10 credits.

    Core Component = 160 credits.

    Elective component = 60 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate effectively within the workplace.

    2. Apply mathematical principles.

    3. Apply health and safety standards in a work area.

    4. Use mathematical calculations.

    5. Construct, read and use drawings as required within the construction industry.

    6. Use information technology effectively in the workplace.

    7. Describe and apply the basic scientific principles and relate them to the selection of construction materials.

    8. Use drawing equipment to produce drawings.

    9. Explain the range of elements, sub-elements and component parts which unite to form the general order in which construction takes place.

    10. Acquire basic tool skills and set out and make basic joints and components to form products.

    11. Acquire basic tool skills and mix and lay concrete and mortar and lay bricks or blocks.

    12. Acquire basic tool skills to prepare a surface and apply various types of paint.

    13. Acquire basic tool skills to cut, mend and join pipes.

    14. Acquire basic tool skills and cut and bend refrigeration quality pipe.

    15. Acquire basic tool skills and set out and install domestic single phase circuits.

    16. Describe scientific techniques and apply them in a construction environment.

    17. Describe drawing and surveying techniques and apply them in a construction environment.

    18. Apply construction techniques and manage resources.

    19. Describe environmental science and construction techniques and apply techniques construction environment.

    20. Explain the practice of quantity surveying, bonus surveying and the principles of estimating.

    Elective Exit Level Outcomes:

    21. Explain designing for construction.

    22. Apply construction mathematics in structural analysis and civil engineering.

    23. Describe and apply structural mechanics.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    This qualification addresses all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes. A learner who obtains this qualification can:
  • Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
  • Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community.
  • Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.
  • Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health/well-being of others.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem- solving contexts do not exist in isolation. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Interpret drawings, specifications and other administrative documents.
  • Use different methods of communication to liaise with the building team.
  • Receive customer requirements and promptly deal with them.
  • Fill out a daily/weekly diary or log of work activities.
  • Access and use technical information from different sources.
  • Use language in written and oral forms to communicate needs clearly.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply the following principles: numeracy, arithmetic operations, algebra, geometry and trigonometry, graphs.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Understand relevant sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
  • Prevention of hazards.
  • Carry out basic first aid treatments in simulated conditions.
  • Participate in emergency procedures.
  • Carry out manual handling operations.
  • Select and use protective clothing and equipment as applicable to the task.
  • Apply good housekeeping practices at all times.
  • Carry out risk assessments as applicable to the task.
  • Prepare a report identifying potential hazards.
  • Prepare an accident report.
  • Correctly wire appliance plugs.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Carry out calculations applied to whole and decimal numbers.
  • Read measuring equipment.
  • Solve calculations, involving the use of an electronic calculator, applied to whole and decimal numbers.
  • Calculate the areas and perimeters of various shapes.
  • Calculate percentage increases and decreases.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Set out a drawing sheet to required standards with borders and title blocks.
  • Produce, read and work from scale drawings.
  • Construct lines and angles using drawing equipment.
  • Bisect lines and angles using drawing equipment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Use the following the following computer applications:
    > Word processing.
    > Databases.
    > Spreadsheets.
  • Identify computer information technology system hardware.
  • Identify the use of computer information technology systems.
  • Identify the types of electronic communication system used in the construction industry.
  • Use information technology systems for communication.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Measure a range of construction materials and express their properties.
  • Find and record the density and the relative density of a range of construction materials.
  • Calculate the weight of building materials given the mass.
  • By experiment find the mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency of simple machines.
  • Calculate the pressure produced by various loads.
  • By experiment show that the physical state of a particular substance depends upon temperature and pressure.
  • By experiment calculate the coefficient of linear expansion of a steel rod.
  • Demonstrate by experiment thermal conductivity and thermal convection.
  • Demonstrate by experiment the refraction of light.
  • Using test equipment demonstrate Ohm's law.
  • Describe how the properties of construction materials dictate their use.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Investigate and prepare a short report identifying the various methods used to produce drawings.
  • Select and identify drawing equipment used in producing drawings.
  • Set out a drawing sheet to required standards with borders and title blocks.
  • Identify the various methods of reproducing drawings.
  • Draw symbols which identify building materials.
  • Draw symbols which identify fixtures, fittings and equipment used in the construction industry.
  • Explain the use of scales to enable large objects or buildings to be drawn to a convenient size whilst maintaining accurate proportions.
  • Produce, read and work from scale drawings.
  • Produce an example of each of the various methods of graphical representation in common use.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Investigate and explain the relationship between the design and function of low-rise buildings.
  • Explain the main design considerations for structural and non- structural elements to meet the needs of established laws, regulations and standards in relation to building work.
  • Compare the uses and limitations of a range of basic building materials and components and make a recommendation for a low-rise domestic building.
  • Explain general safety, health and welfare considerations for site operatives, the general public and surrounding properties.
  • Describe the alternative forms of construction which present economic solutions for a design.
  • Determine and present a systematic and logical approach to the sequence of construction operations for a low-rise building.
  • Produce annotated sketches illustrating the common forms and structural elements of a low-rise building.
  • Prepare lists of materials and components for the construction of a low-rise building.
  • Produce an annotated site layout drawing showing the main factors to be considered.
  • Prepare a typical ironmongery schedule for a standard door.
  • Prepare a typical schedule of finishes for a low-rise building.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Select, use, clean and store basic hand tools to prepare timber joints, components and products.
  • Select, use, clean and store portable power tools.
  • Set out basic joints and components and products.
  • Produce basic joints to form components and products.
  • Assemble and finish components to form products.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Batch and mix mortar and concrete by hand and small rotary mixer.
  • Clean and store a small rotary mixer.
  • Select, use, clean and store a bricklaying trowel or masons trowel to build a straight length of single skin wall.
  • Select, use, clean and store tools to pick up mortar and render prepared vertical surface in two coats.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:
  • Select, use, clean and store basic hand tools for the preparation of surfaces.
  • Select, use, clean, store and maintain brushes and rollers.
  • Select, use, clean and store wet paint containers and trays.
  • Select, operate safely, clean, store and maintain portable power tools for surface preparation.
  • Select, use, clean, store and maintain liquid petroleum gas (LPG) burning-off equipment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 13:
  • Select, use, clean and store basic hand tools to install a domestic cold water supply to a tap.
  • Select, use, clean and store portable power tools.
  • Set out pipe runs and install pipework for a domestic cold water supply to a tap.
  • Hand bend pipework to fit pipe run.
  • Fix plumbing accessories to walls.
  • Terminate pipework into accessories.
  • Select, use, clean, store and maintain portable heating equipment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 14:
  • Select, use, clean and store basic hand tools to install components of a refrigeration system.
  • Select, use, clean and store portable power tools.
  • Set out pipe runs and install pipework from a liquid receiver to an evaporator.
  • Hand bend pipework to fit pipe runs and link accessories.
  • Fix refrigeration accessories to walls or framework.
  • Terminate pipework into accessories.
  • Select, use, clean, store and maintain portable heating equipment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 15:
  • Select, use, clean and store basic hand tools to install and terminate domestic single phase circuits.
  • Select, use, clean and store portable power tools.
  • Set out cable runs and install cable for domestic single phase lighting circuits.
  • Fix electrical accessories to walls and ceilings.
  • Terminate electrical conductors into accessories.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 16:
  • Apply scientific principles to the construction process with respect to: a thermal studies, services (electrical, water supply and distribution), properties and performance of construction materials.
  • Describe mathematical principles:
    > Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry, Graphs, Progression, Statistics.
  • Describe and apply the mechanics used in the analysis and design of construction elements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 17:
  • Read, interpret and use construction drawings and specifications.
  • Apply drawing office administration procedures.
  • Describe the function of measuring instruments and produce free-hand drawings.
  • Develop and produce computer aided drawings.
  • Plan drawing layout.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 18:
  • Describe the main design considerations for structural and non-structural elements to meet the needs of established laws, regulations, and standards in relation to construction work.
  • Describe the relationship between the design and function of common forms of structures.
  • Produce annotated sketches illustrating the common forms and structural elements of buildings.
  • Identify the different forms of organisation within the industry and the roles performed within the individual firms.
  • Prepare a simple works programme for a low rise building development.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 19:
  • Develop alternative solutions to design and construction problems by the application of scientific, structural and economic principles to low rise structures.
  • Apply the principles to environmental factors associated with the built environment.
  • Describe the principles and applications of building services systems to domestic, commercial and industrial buildings and the need to integrate their installation during the construction process.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 20:
  • Extract dimensions/construct descriptions from drawings and schedules.
  • Measure the work for a low rise domestic building using a standard format.
  • Interpret and produce specifications where quantities do not form part of the contract.
  • Design and produce examples of formats for simple schedules.
  • Simulated measurements on site for the preparation of simple bonus payments, completion of weekly bonus sheets; determine bonus payments from given data.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 21:
  • Explain quantity surveying, bonus surveying, and the principles of estimating.
  • Describe the process of designing buildings and structures for the construction industry and the activities and terminology used within that process.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 22:
  • Extract dimensions/construct descriptions from drawings and schedules.
  • Measure the work for a low rise domestic building using a standard format.
  • Prepare five sections of a Bill of Quantities using traditional working-up techniques.
  • Interpret and produce specifications where quantities do not form part of the contract.
  • Design and produce examples of formats for simple schedules.
  • Simulated measurements on site for the preparation of simple bonus payments, completion of weekly bonus sheets; determine bonus payments from given data.
  • Produce examples of building up unit rates for the purpose of obtaining a gross estimate for work.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 23:
  • Develop the concepts of structural mechanics for the analysis of beams, columns, frameworks and retaining structures of a statically determinate nature.
  • Describe simple treatment of two-dimensional stress systems.
  • Describe hydraulics and soil mechanics.
  • Describe the design of structural elements.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever.

    This qualification is comprised of the following:
  • Practical competences - what a candidate must be able to do.
  • Knowledge requirements - what a candidate must know.

    There are several ways in which these can be assessed:

    Practical:

    Assessors may be required to use different assessment methods:
  • Competence checklist - observation of performance.
  • Competence checklist - appraisal of a product.
  • Practical assignment.

    Knowledge requirements:
  • Learners will be required to take tests to show that they meet the knowledge requirements.

    These assessments can take the following forms:
  • Written tests - multiple choice.
  • Written tests - short, structured questions.

    Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably interwoven. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the modules will be integrated.

    Assessment of communication, language, literacy and numeracy should be integrated as far as possible with other aspects and should use practical contexts wherever possible.

    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 such as realistic working environment including real work timescales and pressures should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

    During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflexive competencies.
    All learners are required to complete an externally set and marked international examination in order to achieve the qualification.

    Assessment should ensure that all outcomes and critical cross-field outcomes are evaluated. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The International Vocational Qualification (IVQ) Technician Certificate in Construction and the IVQ Technician Diploma in Construction have been benchmarked against international standards and qualifications, including those of the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany and Singapore, in order to establish comparability to levels of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) of England, Wales and Northern Ireland and UK National Occupational Standards (NOS):

    City and Guilds IVQ; NQF1 Level; NOS2:
  • Technician Certificate; Level 2; Construction Operations.
  • Technician Diploma; Level 3; Professional, Managerial and Technical Occupations in the Built Environment.

    Note:
  • 1 National Qualifications Framework of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
  • 2 UK National Occupational Standards (NOS).

    According to the 'Rough Guide to Comparing Qualifications in the UK and Ireland' published by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) and the four UK regulators (Qualifications Curriculum Authority (QCA) - now called the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual), the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), the Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales (ACCAC) and the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment in Northern Ireland (CCEA)), the IVQ Technician Certificate in Construction and the IVQ Technician Diploma in Construction are comparable to the following Levels:

    City and Guilds IVQ; NQF; NFQ3; SCQF4:
  • Technician Certificate; Level 2; Level 4; Level 5.
  • Technician Diploma; Level 3; Level 5; Level 6.

    Note:
  • 3 The National Framework of Qualifications for Ireland (NFQ).
  • 4 Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both horizontal and vertical articulation:
  • Vertical articulation can occur by embarking on the study of related NQF Level 6 qualifications in the Construction Field.
  • Horizontal articulation can occur with qualifications on NQF Level 5 in the field of construction. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this qualification must be registered and appointed by the provider according to existing moderation guidelines of the FETQC/ HEQC or relevant ETQA/SETA.
  • Any institution offering learning of this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA/SETA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by City & Guilds and relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation should also validate the achievement of competencies and assessment processes as described in exit level outcomes and integrated assessment options as described in the qualification. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:
  • Interpersonal skills, subject matter expertise and assessment experience.
  • To be competent in the planning and conducting of assessment of learning outcomes.
  • The subject matter experience must be well developed within the relevant field and subfield practices.

    The assessor must have completed:
  • A similar qualification or from the same family of qualifications, at or above the level of the qualification.
  • Minimum of two years relevant experience.

    The subject matter experience of the assessor can be established by recognition of prior learning.

    Assessors need to be registered with the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance Body. 
    		•

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

    NOTES 
    As per the SAQA decision to re-register all provider-based qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework that meet the criteria for re-registration, this qualification has been re-registered from 1 July 2018. As per the SAQA decision to re-register all provider-based qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework that meet the criteria for re-registration, this qualification has been re-registered from 1 July 2018. 

    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.