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: Construction Plumbing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
21853  National Certificate: Construction Plumbing 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Building Construction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
Was CETA until Last Date for Achievement  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Building Construction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  146  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 0160/05  2006-08-01  2007-09-12 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2009-09-12   2012-09-12  

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
58782  Further Education and Training Certificate: Plumbing  Level 4  NQF Level 04  160  Complete 
91782  Occupational Certificate: Plumber  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  360  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Qualifying learners are able to apply basic health and safety legislation in the form of standards and procedures governing health and safety in the workplace, to render basic first aid, to understand and apply basic plumbing hydraulics, to interpret and apply building drawings, to apply basic pipe design and sizing, to select plumbing system components and materials, to set out their work, to procure the necessary resources, to prepare a work area to do plumbing work, to install and use access equipment, to measure and order materials, and to identify, select and maintain tools and equipment for plumbing, to perform basic building works, including brick masonry, plastering, excavation and backfilling, concrete and benching, to install, maintain, and repair hot and cold water plumbing systems, to install and maintain a below-ground drainage system, to build drainage system structures, to install on-site sanitation systems, to install and maintain soil, waste water and vent systems, to install and maintain rainwater systems, to fabricate sheet metal components.

A qualified plumber should have: knowledge of different plumbing materials and systems, knowledge of maintenance elements connected with plumbing, knowledge and application of plumbing tools and equipment, knowledge of measurement of quantities and procurement of materials, knowledge of building regulations, water laws and applicable plumbing specifications.

In addition, the qualifying learner will demonstrate competence in two areas of specialisation, elected from:
  • apply basic business principles
  • maintain and repair plumbing systems including the detection of water leaks, and tracing of hidden pipe work
  • Install and maintain solar heating systems
  • Install and maintain gas piping
  • Install and maintain fire protection systems
  • Install and maintain Industrial plumbing systems
  • Install specialist hospital sanitary ware and gas piping

    The qualified learner is also able to competently fulfil plumbing contracts safely and in a professional manner, to ensure that industry standards are maintained.

    This qualification has been developed to assist with standardisation across the building industry. This will allow persons to register as a Plumber and lay a foundation for future career advancement across similar trades and to supervisory and management qualifications within the sector.


    Rationale of the qualification:

    As a result of past legacies many practitioners within the building construction sector were denied career advancement and possible recognition as qualified tradesmen. This was as a direct result of poor educational opportunities at some schools, leading to a lack of entry to formal training institutions. The introduction of a National Certificate in Plumbing based on unit standards will allow learners to reach their full potential of advancement without formal education becoming an impassable barrier and in addition, allow for the recognition of prior learning.

    In terms of existing legislation, designated trades have to become transformed into unit standards-based qualifications. The Sector Skills Plan developed by the CETA showed a definite need for supervisory personnel requiring relevant technical competencies such as those required in construction plumbing. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners should have acquired the competencies of NQF Level 2 in the Further Education and Training (FET) Band, especially numeracy and literacy competencies, prior to embarking on learning towards this qualification.


    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    Learners who have met the requirements of any unit standard in this qualification may apply for recognition of prior learning to the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA), and will be assessed against the assessment criteria and specific outcomes for the relevant unit standard/s. If a candidate is successful in all the unit standards, a whole qualification will be obtained. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Fundamental: 36 credits
    Core: 90 credits
    Elective: a minimum of 20 credits
    Total: A minimum of 146 credits are required to obtain the qualification. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    On achieving this qualification a learner will be competent:
  • to apply basic health and safety legislation in the form of standards and procedures governing health and safety in the workplace
  • to render basic first aid
  • to understand and apply basic plumbing hydraulics
  • to interpret and apply building drawings
  • to apply basic pipe design and sizing
  • to select plumbing system components and materials
  • to set out their work
  • procure the necessary resources
  • to prepare a work area to do plumbing work
  • to install and use access equipment
  • to measure and order materials, and to identify, select and maintain tools and equipment for plumbing
  • to perform basic building works, including brick masonry, plastering, excavation and backfilling, concrete and benching
  • to install, maintain, and repair hot and cold water plumbing systems
  • to install and maintain a below-ground drainage system
  • to build drainage system structures
  • to install on-site sanitation systems
  • to install and maintain soil, waste water and vent systems
  • to install and maintain rainwater systems
  • to fabricate sheet metal components
  • to apply basic business principles
  • to detect water leaks, and
  • to trace hidden pipe work
  • knowledge of different plumbing materials and systems
  • knowledge of maintenance elements connected with plumbing
  • knowledge and application of plumbing tools and equipment
  • knowledge of measurement of quantities and procurement of materials
  • knowledge of building regulations, water laws and applicable plumbing specifications 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    In particular assessors should check that the learner must demonstrate an ability to consider a range of options and make decisions about:
  • Measure the quality of the observed practical performance as well as the theory and underpinning knowledge behind it.
  • Use methods that are varied to allow the learner to display thinking and decision making in the demonstration of practical performance.
  • Maintain a balance between practical performance and theoretical assessment methods to ensure each is measured in accordance with the level of the qualification.
  • The relationship between practical and theoretical is not fixed but varies according to the type and level of qualification.


    Integrated Assessment:

    Before qualifying, the learners will be expected to demonstrate competence in a practical situation that integrates the assessment of all specific outcomes, for all unit standards. In addition, during the learning process for each unit standard, learners will be expected to write tests to assess underpinning knowledge, and demonstrate their skills in terms of specific outcomes for the relevant unit standard in assignments and practical exams.
    Integrated assessment provides learners with an opportunity to display an ability to integrate practical performance, actions, concepts and theory across unit standards to achieve competence in relation to the purpose of this qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    These unit standards compare favorably with those listed above from New Zealand. England and Wales, Scotland and Australia. Some differences were however evident in that some of the specialist skills connected with gas piping, solar heating and hospital installations were included in core competencies in other SVQ and NVQ`s for the international qualifications. The South African stakeholder group decided to include these competencies in electives and to allow a choice of specialisation for the Learner. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification has been developed for mobility across similar trades within the industry and is intended to allow for further learning towards supervisory and management qualifications within this and other sectors.

    This qualification builds on other certificates from a range of sub-sectors and will provide articulation with a range of qualifications in both technical and management areas. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Assessment of learner achievements takes place at providers accredited by CETA (RSA, 1998b) for the provision of programs that result in the outcomes specified for the National Certificate in Plumbing. CETA is responsible for moderation of learner achievements of learners who meet the requirements of this qualification.

    Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.

    Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.

    Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQAs policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation; in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between ETQAs and in terms of the moderation guideline detailed immediately below.

    Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification.

    Anyone wishing to be assessed against this Qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution, which is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:
  • A minimum of 2 (two) years` practical, relevant occupational experience.
  • Detailed documentary proof of educational qualification, practical training undergone, and experience gained by the applicant must be provided (Portfolio of Evidence).
  • A recognised assessor qualification. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    This Qualification has been replaced by the following:
  • Qualification ID 91782, "Occupational Certificate: Plumber", Level 4, 360 credits;
  • Qualification ID 58782, "Further Education and Training Certificate: Plumbing", Level 4, 160 credits.

    Elective Unit Standards:

    The following Unit Standards (Level 3) have not been developed yet:
  • Install and maintain solar heating systems (12 credits);
  • Install and maintain gas piping (12 credits);
  • Install and maintain fire protection systems (12 credits);
  • Install and maintain industrial plumbing systems (12 credits);
  • Install specialist hospital sanitaryware and gas piping (12 credits). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  9964  Apply health and safety to a work area  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Core  9965  Render basic first aid  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Core  9967  Erect, use and dismantle access equipment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  11783  Install and maintain a water supply system  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Core  11784  Install and maintain drainage systems  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Core  11794  Install and maintain rainwater systems and fabricate sheet metal components  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Core  11793  Install and maintain soil, wastewater and vent systems  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Core  11782  Perform basic building works  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Core  11781  Plan and prepare to perform plumbing works  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Core  9968  Procure materials, tools and equipment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  11780  Understand and apply basic plumbing principles  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Fundamental  8968  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9010  Demonstrate an understanding of the use of different number bases and measurement units and an awareness of error in the context of relevant calculations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Fundamental  9013  Describe, apply, analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Fundamental  8969  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9012  Investigate life and work related problems using data and probabilities  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8973  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  7456  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business and national issues  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8970  Write texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  9973  Apply basic business concepts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  11795  Maintain and repair plumbing systems  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 


    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.
     
    1. Academy for Construction Skills (Pty) Ltd (ACS) 
    2. Construction Resource Development College 
    3. Eastcape Training Centre 
    4. Ekurhuleni East College For TVET 
    5. Ikemeleng Training and Development Services 
    6. Mahumani Empowerment Servives Centre 
    7. MPUMALANGA REGIONAL TRAINING TRUST 
    8. Northlink TVET College 
    9. Primeserv Corporate Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    10. Schoolboy Training Centre 
    11. Tjeka Training Matters Pty Ltd 
    12. Tovani Traiding 299 
    13. Tshwane North College for FET - Central Office 
    14. Zama Training & Development cc 


    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.