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: Autotronics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
22860  National Certificate: Autotronics 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Manufacturing and Assembly Processes 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
MERSETA - Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  135  Level 4  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L4  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 0480/09  2009-11-07  2012-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2013-06-30   2016-06-30  

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 is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
78883  Further Education and Training Certificate: Autotronics  Level 4  NQF Level 04  134  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners, education providers, training providers and employers with the standard and range of learning required to work effectively in the autotronics environment and meet the challenges of such an environment.

The primary skills that are recognised by this qualification include the ability to:
  • Diagnose, service and maintain automobile air-conditioning systems
  • Construct and test advanced electronic circuits
  • Fit and wire up auxiliary auto-electrical equipment
  • Trace and repair faults in advanced auto-electrical circuits on the automobile
  • Service and repair faults on electronic automobile ignition systems
  • Diagnose, test and repair electronic automobile fuel injection systems

    These capabilities require an understanding of electrical, electronic, pneumatic, hydraulic, refrigeration and control system concepts and related advanced theoretical, analytical and hand skills.

    Qualifying learners will be able to relate what they see and experience to scientific and technological principles and concepts.

    What learners achieve in this qualification will serve as a basis for further learning where they will engage further in the installation, diagnosing and repair of autotronic systems within the higher education and training band.

    Rationale for the qualification:

    The automobile is subject to ever increasing technological advances. These advances are continuously being incorporated into the electrical systems of automobiles. They represent the integration of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electronic and electrical systems and are managed by microelectronic control known as Computer Integrated Auto Management (CIAM) Systems. Consequently, the auto-electrical skills required to maintain such automobiles are changing to incorporate more electronic skills.

    The field of Autotronics deals with the installation, diagnosis and repair of CIAM systems. People working in the field of Autotronics require specialised technical skills and knowledge and well as highly developed analytical skills to enable them to install, diagnose and repair CIAM systems.

    This is the third qualification in a series for learners who want to follow a career in Autotronics.

    This series will reflect the skills, knowledge and understanding required to perform effectively in industry, whether in micro, small, medium or large enterprises.

    For those who have been in the work place for a long time, this qualification represents part of the RPL process that acknowledges workplace skills acquired without the benefit of formal education and training.

    For the new entrant, this qualification recognises the applied competence needed by a productive person in a structured workplace.

    This qualification forms the basis for further learning in the field of mechatronics within the higher education band. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners entering a programme to achieve this qualification have an Autotronics level 3 qualification or have the relevant experience.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This qualification may be obtained through the process of RPL. The learner should be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment and support provided to assist in the process of developing a portfolio. While this is primarily a work-based qualification, evidence from other areas of endeavour may be introduced if pertinent to any of the exit level outcomes. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification is composed of Fundamental, Core and Elective learning components:
  • Fundamental: 39 credits
  • Core: 84 credits
  • Elective: a minimum of 12 credits must be selected from Elective unit standards.
    Total: a minimum of 135 credits 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to diagnose, service and maintain automobile air-conditioning systems.

    2. Demonstrate an understanding of auto-electrical fault finding and an ability to trace and repair faults on advanced auto-electrical circuits on the automobile.

    3. Demonstrate an understanding of electrical and electronic concepts and the ability to construct and test an advanced electronic circuit.

    4. Demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to service and repair automobile electronic ignition systems.

    5. Demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to diagnose, test and repair automobile electronic fuel injection systems.

    6. Demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to fit and wire up auxiliary auto-electrical equipment.

    7. Maintain and support procedures to solve a variety of problems, both familiar and unfamiliar, within an Autotronics environment and operate within familiar and new situations, taking responsibility and making decisions.

    8. Communicate and present information clearly and reliably and demonstrate the ability to analyse information to identify problems and determine trends.

    9. Demonstrate an understanding of options for further learning in this or a related field of learning and preparation requirements for such learning. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Appropriate tools, test equipment and components are identified and selected.
  • Testing and repair is carried out without any damage.
  • Air conditioning system is operating to specifications.
  • Air conditioning system is serviced to specifications.
  • Safe working practices and procedures are adhered to.
  • Relevant documentation is used and completed correctly.
  • Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to the automobile air conditioning system.

    2.
  • Appropriate tools, personal and automobile protective equipment are correctly selected and used.
  • Appropriate hand tools and test equipment are identified and used correctly.
  • Faults are located and repaired.
  • Circuit is operating to specifications.
  • Safe working practices are adhered to.
  • Relevant documentation is used and completed correctly.
  • Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to auto-electrical circuits.

    3.
  • Components and conductors are correctly selected and fitted.
  • Tools and equipment are correctly selected and used.
  • Safe working practices are adhered to.
  • Test equipment is correctly selected and used in accordance to procedures.
  • Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to the construction of advanced electronic circuits.

    4.
  • Tools, test equipment and components are correctly selected and used.
  • Electronic ignition system components are correctly removed and fitted.
  • Automobile electronic ignition system is tested and repaired and functioning to specifications.
  • Electronic ignition system faults are correctly diagnosed.
  • Relevant documentation is used and completed correctly.
  • Safe working practices are adhered to.
  • Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to automobile electronic ignition systems.

    5.
  • Tools, test equipment and components are correctly selected and used.
  • Electronic fuel injection system components are correctly removed and fitted.
  • Automobile electronic fuel injection system is tested and repaired and functioning to specifications.
  • Electronic fuel injection system faults are correctly diagnosed.
  • Relevant documentation is used and completed correctly.
  • Safe working practices are adhered to.
  • Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to automobile electronic fuel injection systems.

    6.
  • Tools and relevant auxiliary components are correctly identified, selected and used.
  • Auxiliary auto-electrical equipment circuits are correctly built from circuit diagram or per instruction.
  • Auxiliary auto-electrical systems are functioning to specifications.
  • Safe working practices are adhered to.
  • Relevant documentation is used and completed correctly.
  • Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to auxiliary auto-electrical equipment and wiring of such systems.

    7.
  • Solutions to problems are based on a clear analysis of information gathered through diagnostic procedures.
  • Procedures are modified to respond to unfamiliar problems where appropriate.
  • Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to familiar and unfamiliar problems arising in the Autotronics environment.
  • All actions related to problem solving are accurately recorded for future reference.

    8.
  • Conditions, evidence and incidences are reported accurately in a timely manner and discussed with peers and management.
  • Data gathered through diagnostic procedures is examined systematically and analysis is repeated until problem is solved.
  • Records are available for scrutiny and future reference.

    9.
  • Options are explained.
  • Preparation requirements are explained.
  • Learning plan is developed.

    Integrated Assessment:

    The integrated assessment must be based on a summative assessment guide. The guide must spell out how the assessor will assess different aspects of the performance and will include:
  • Observing the learner at work (both in primary activities as well as other interactions) or by relevant simulations
  • Asking questions and initiating short discussions to test understanding
  • Looking at records, reports and formative assessments

    The learner may choose in which language s/he wants to be assessed. This should be established as part of a process of preparing the learner for assessment and familiarising the learner with the approach being taken.

    While this is primarily a workplace-based qualification, evidence from other areas of endeavour may be introduced if pertinent to any of the exit level outcomes.

    The assessment process should cover both the explicit tasks required for the qualification as well as the understanding of the concepts and principles that underpin the activities required for Autotronics. The assessment process should also establish how the critical outcomes, have been advanced by the learning process. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    As a starting point, the series of qualifications in the field of Autotronics of which this qualification forms a part, was compared to other, similar outcomes-based qualifications, certifications or skills standards in Germany and New Zealand. Extensive reference was made to training materials from Germany when constructing these qualifications to ensure the relevance of the qualifications content and to benchmark with best practice worldwide. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification has been designed and structured so that qualifying learners can move from one context to another. Employers or institutions should be able to evaluate the outcomes of this qualification against the needs of their context and structure top-up learning appropriately.

    Equally holders of other qualifications may be evaluated against this qualification for the purpose of RPL. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderators for the qualification should be qualified and accredited with an appropriate ETQA and have a qualification in engineering.

    To ensure the quality of the assessment process the moderation should cover all of the following:
  • Assessor credentials
  • The assessment instrument
  • The assessment process

    Where assessment and moderation are taking place in sectors other than the MERSETA, assessment and moderation should be in terms of a memorandum of understanding negotiated with the MERS ETQA. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The following criteria should be applied by the relevant ETQA:

    1. Appropriate qualifications in the field of engineering- with a minimum of four years experience in the field of Autotronics or related field. The subject matter experience of the assessor can be established by recognition of prior learning.
    2. Appropriate experience and understanding of assessment theory processes and practices
    3. Good interpersonal skills and ability to balance the conflicting requirements of:
  • Maintaining national standards
  • The interest of the learner
  • The need for transformation and redressing the legacies of the past
  • The cultural background and the language of the learner
    4. Registration as an assessor with the MERS ETQA or any other relevant ETQA.
    5. Any other criteria required by the MERS ETQA or any other ETQA. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    This qualification has been replaced by qualification 78883, which is "Further Education and Training Certificate: Autotronics", Level 4, 134 credits. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  12225  Construct and test advanced electronic circuits  Level 4  NQF Level 04  16 
    Core  12226  Diagnose, service and maintain automobile air conditioning systems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Core  12230  Diagnose, test and repair electronic automobile fuel injection systems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  16 
    Core  12229  Fit and wire up auxiliary auto-electrical equipment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Core  12228  Service and repair electronic automobile ignition systems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Core  12227  Trace and repair faults on advanced auto electrical circuits  Level 4  NQF Level 04  16 
    Fundamental  9015  Apply knowledge of statistics and probability to critically interrogate and effectively communicate findings on life related problems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  9506  Communicate in an assertive manner with clients and fellow workers  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Fundamental  8974  Engage in sustained oral communication and evaluate spoken texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  12417  Measure, estimate & calculate physical quantities & explore, critique & prove geometrical relationships in 2 and 3 dimensional space in the life and workplace of adult with increasing responsibilities  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Fundamental  8975  Read analyse and respond to a variety of texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  7468  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business, national and international issues  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  9502  Write a technical report  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Fundamental  8976  Write for a wide range of contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  12429  Develop a personal financial plan  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Elective  9527  Lead a team, plan, allocate and assess their work  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Elective  13254  Contribute to the implementation and maintenance of business processes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Elective  9505  Manage basic business and personal finance  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 


    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.
     
    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.