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

Further Education and Training Certificate: Construction: Plumbing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
65891  Further Education and Training Certificate: Construction: Plumbing 
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
Further Ed and Training Cert  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Physical Planning, Design and Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 4  NQF Level 04  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 
Purpose:

The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with underpinning knowledge and practical skills to work in the field of plumbing within the construction industry.

Learners who achieve this qualification are able to:
  • Carry out mathematical calculations.
  • Use drawing equipment.
  • Construct drawings.
  • Communicate effectively in the construction industry.
  • Apply computer skills effectively in construction applications.
  • Select and use basic and hand tools in a correct and safe manner.
  • Cut and bend pipe.
  • Make pipe joints.
  • Adopt and maintain safe working practices.
  • Identify and select materials from given specifications and for specific applications based on their technical properties.
  • Describe the properties of the main types of materials in use.
  • Take off dimensions from drawings.
  • Calculate quantities to assist in preparing, costing and estimating.
  • Set out building details.
  • Set out pipe runs and pipework for domestic water services.
  • Fix and connect accessories for domestic water services.
  • Identify environmental effects and benefits of plumbing materials and water treatment processes.
  • Set out drainage systems.
  • Carry out inspection and repair of water, domestic sanitation, drainage and gas pipework.
  • Clear an obstruction in sanitation/drainage pipework systems.
  • Dismantle, service, re-assemble and test domestic valves, domestic taps and water closets (WC).
  • Carry out the inspection of water storage tanks.
  • Modify existing pipework to add a new sanitary fittings.
  • Apply basic tool skills to carry out the alteration, repair and planned maintenance of existing systems.

    plus one of the following areas depending on the electives chosen:

    Timber vocations:
  • Use basic tools in a correct and safe manner.
  • Set out and make basic joints and components to form products.

    Trowel vocations:
  • Use basic tools in a correct and safe manner.
  • Mix and lay concrete.
  • Mix mortar and lay bricks or blocks.

    Painting and decorating:
  • Use basic tools in a correct and safe manner.
  • Prepare surfaces.
  • Apply oil and water based paints.

    Refrigeration and air conditioning:
  • Use basic refrigeration and air conditioning tools in a correct and safe manner.
  • Cut and bend refrigeration quality pipes.
  • Make pipe joints.

    Electrical installation:
  • Use basic electrical installation tools in a correct and safe manner.
  • Set out and install domestic single phase circuits.
  • Install accessories and terminate cables.

    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 have some supervisory responsibilities. It brings together the theoretical and practical elements of plumbing and will help to professionalise the construction industry. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners have achieved the equivalent of NQF Level 3 in a formal education environment.

    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 3.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    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. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of a combination of learning outcomes from Fundamental, Core and Elective components, totaling 120 credits.

    Fundamental Component (56 credits):
  • Communication: First Language 20 credits.
  • Communication: Second Language 20 credits.
  • Mathematical Literacy 16 credits.

    Core Component (50 credits).

    Elective Component (14 credits). 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate effectively in two languages within the workplace.

    2. Use mathematics calculations.

    3. Effectively use information technology in the workplace.

    4. Apply safe working practices within own area of work.

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

    6. Maintain safe working conditions and adopt safe procedures.

    7. Identify main types of material and describe the basic properties of each.

    8. Produce drawings and take off dimensions from drawings of linear and rectangular structures.

    9 Calculate quantities to assist in preparing, costing and estimating.

    10. Set out building details.

    11. Select, use and maintain hand tools in a correct and safe manner.

    12. Set out pipe runs and pipework domestic water services.

    13. Apply basic tools skills to set out, fabricate, install, test and commission domestic pipework.

    14. Apply basic tool skills to carry out the alteration, repair and planned maintenance of existing systems.

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

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

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

    18. Acquire basic tool skills to cut, bend and join pipes.

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

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    This qualification addresses all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes. A learner who obtains this qualification:
  • 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. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Use the writing process to compose various reports and texts required within the workplace - fill out a daily/weekly diary or log of work activities.
  • Read and interpret various texts with understanding - 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.
  • Collect and use technical information from different sources.
  • Use information technology systems for communication.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • 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 3:
  • Identify computer information technology system hardware.
  • Identify the use of computer information technology systems.
  • Identify the types of electronic communication systems used in the construction industry.
  • Select a suitable software application for a given task.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Describe relevant sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
  • Prevent hazards.
  • Carry out basic first aid treatments in simulated conditions.
  • Select correct equipment and carry out basic fire fighting techniques 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 and identify potential hazards.
  • Prepare an accident report.
  • Correctly wire appliance plugs.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Set out drawing sheets to required standards.
  • Produce, read and work from scale drawings.
  • Construct and bisect lines and angles using drawing equipment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Carry out safe working practices to prevent hazards and to ensure the safety of working personnel and members of the public.
  • Carry out safe working practices using various equipment/materials to protect surrounding work areas from infringement or contamination.
  • Carry out the safe erection, use and dismantling of simple scaffold platforms less than 2m high.
  • Carry out the safe erection, use and dismantling of scaffold platforms over 2m high.
  • Inspect for faults, set up and safely use steps and ladders in general use.
  • Set up safety barriers around a hazard.
  • Select and use protective clothing and safety equipment for specific tasks.
  • Locate and manually operate the isolating valve to disconnect domestic water services from the main water supply.
  • Use and store toxic materials in a safe manner.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Identify and select copper pipe and fittings from given specifications and for specific applications based on their technical properties.
  • Identify and select steel pipe and fittings from given specifications and for specific applications based on their technical properties.
  • Identify and select plastic pipe and fittings from given specifications and for specific applications based on their technical properties.
  • Identify and select iron pipe and fittings from given specifications and for specific applications based on their technical properties.
  • Identify and select stainless steel pipe and fittings for specific applications based on their technical properties.
  • Identify the different types of solder and flux used for copper pipework and for specific applications based on their technical properties.
  • Identify and select sanitary accessories and fittings from given specifications and for specific applications based on their technical properties.
  • Identify and select various fixings from given specifications and for specific applications based on their technical properties.
  • Identify and select jointing compounds and tapes for specific applications based on their technical properties.
  • dentify and select valves for specific applications based on their technical properties.
  • Identify and select sanitary accessories and fittings for specific applications based on their technical properties.
  • Identify and select water storage tanks from given specifications and for specific applications based on their technical properties.
  • Identify and select sands and aggregates for specific applications based on their technical properties.
  • Identify and select insulating and protective materials for specific applications based on their technical properties.
  • Identify and select rainwater guttering and downpipes for specific applications based on their technical properties.
  • Identify the availability, suitability and relative cost of plumbing materials available in the country of study.
  • Identify the environmental effects of water supplies and effluent waste disposal.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Produce working drawings from plans and details of drainage systems and of domestic services.
  • Take off accurate dimensions from drawings of linear and rectangular structures and of below ground drainage pipework.
  • Take off and compile overall linear dimensions from drawings.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Calculate volumes from dimensions taken off drawings of water storage tanks and off drawings of excavations.
  • Calculate the quantity and cost of materials from drawings.
  • Calculate pipe sizes for specified domestic services.
  • Carry out calculations involving the expansion and contraction of pipework.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Measure and set out domestic pipework systems from drawings.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • 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.
  • Select, use, clean and store basic hand tools to install domestic water services.
  • Select, use, clean and store pipe bending equipment.
  • Select, use, clean and maintain portable heating equipment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:
  • 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.
  • Set out pipe runs and install copper, steel and plastic pipework for domestic water services.
  • Install storage tanks and sanitary fittings.
  • Terminate pipework into a storage tank and a sanitary fitting.
  • Set out pipe runs and install sanitary pipework for domestic services.
  • Terminate sanitary pipework into fittings.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 13:
  • Apply basic tools skills to set out, fabricate, install, test and commission domestic: water pipework, gas pipework, sanitation and drainage pipework and rainwater gutters and downpipes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 14:
  • Carry out the inspection and repair of domestic water pipework, domestic sanitation pipework and domestic drainage pipework.
  • Clear an obstruction in sanitation/drainage pipework.
  • Carry out the inspection and repair of domestic gas pipework.
  • Dismantle, service, reassemble and test domestic valves and a water closet (WC).
  • Dismantle, service, reseat, reassemble and test a domestic tap.
  • Carry out the inspection of water storage tanks.
  • Modify existing pipework to add a new sanitary fitting.
  • Complete a maintenance report for domestic services.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 15:
  • 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.
  • Assemble and finish components to form products.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 16:
  • 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 17:
  • 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 18:
  • 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 19:
  • 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.

    Integrated Assesment:

    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) Certificate in Construction and IVQ 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 & Guilds IVQ; NQF1 level; NOS2:
  • Certificate; Level 1; Construction and Civil Engineering Services/Wood.
  • Occupations/Trowel Occupations/Decorative.
  • Finishing and Industrial Painting Occupations.
  • (Construction)/Integrated Systems Engineering.
  • Diploma,Level 2,Wood Occupations/Trowel Occupations/Decorative.
  • Finishing and Industrial Painting Occupations.
  • (Construction)/Plumbing (Mechanical Engineering.
  • Services)/Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.

    Notes:
  • 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 Certificate in Construction and IVQ Diploma in Construction, are comparable to the following levels:

    City & Guilds IVQ; NQF; NFQ3; SCQF4:
  • Certificate; Level 1; Level 3; Level 4.
  • Diploma,Level 2,Level 4,Level 5.

    Notes:
  • 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 5 qualifications in the Construction Field.
  • Horizontal articulation can occur with qualifications on NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    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. 

    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.
     
    1. Bright Storm Projects 


    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.