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: 

Further Education and Training Certification: Construction Materials Testing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
48817  Further Education and Training Certification: Construction Materials Testing 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Civil Engineering Construction 
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  Civil Engineering Construction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  142  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
23974  National Certificate: Construction Material Testing: Soils and Aggregates  Level 4  NQF Level 04  159  Complete 
23975  National Certificate: Construction Material Testing: Bituminous Materials  Level 4  NQF Level 04  156  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Learners found competent against this qualification will be able to safely execute the sampling and laboratory testing required for concrete, asphalt and stabilisation mix designs, quality control during construction and acceptance testing of completed products and stabilized materials.

For those with extensive experience in the workplace, this qualification can be used in the recognition of prior learning process to assess and recognise workplace skills acquired without the benefit of formal education and training.

For the new entrant, this qualification describes the learning outcomes required to effectively participate in a structured workplace.

For education and training providers, this qualification provides guidance for the development of appropriate learning programmes and assessment documentation.

For employers, this qualification enables skills gaps to be identified and addressed ensuring that productivity levels are increased and business objectives are achieved.

This qualification has been developed to provide flexibility and mobility / portability across the construction materials testing industry. This will allow for future career advancement across the various streams of construction materials testing.

The following qualifications provide a learning pathway for Construction Materials Testers

NQF level 2:
  • National Certificate: Construction Materials Testing - various streams

    NQF level 4:
  • National Certificate: Construction Materials Testing - various streams

    NQF level 5:
  • National Diploma: Construction Materials Technology - various streams

    NQF level 6
  • National Degree: Construction Materials Technology

    Rationale

    The rationale for the introduction of a unit standard based - "National Certificate in Construction Materials Testing - NQF Level 4 "- is to provide a specialist qualification for persons executing laboratory testing on construction materials.

    Concrete, Asphalt and stabilization mix designs, quality control during construction, acceptance of structures - cast in-situ & pre-cast concrete and material stabilization-is totally dependent on the accurate execution of laboratory test by competent materials testers.

    Learners will mostly be employed in the construction industry or the manufacturing of construction material products - where specialisation in the use of cementitious, bituminous or soil materials occurs.

    There is currently a critical shortage of competent Materials Testers in the Construction Industry.

    The combination of learning outcomes in this qualification will provide learners with applied competence in the execution of laboratory sampling and laboratory testing procedures specifically for cementitious, bituminous or soil construction materials depending on the Stream taken.

    The qualification will serve as a basis for learning towards the National Diploma and National Degrees in Construction Materials Technology.

    Its contribution to socio-economic transformation is that learners would be able to undergo RPL-assessment and thereby receive recognition for previous learning and experience. The employability and career prospects of learners can therefore be enhanced by this qualification.

    Previously disadvantaged individuals with this qualification can also start their own businesses supplying a construction materials testing service - a process that will accelerate economic transformation and give economic empowerment.

    The benefits to the economy is that quality products will be constructed / manufactured with lower maintenance cost, longer life spans and meeting the minimum requirements with respect to safety. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in Communication at NQF Level 3 and Mathematical Literacy competencies Level 3.

    Recognition of Prior Learning

    The qualification may be obtained through the process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Learners who have met the requirements of any unit standard in this qualification may apply for recognition of prior learning to the relevant body, and will be assessed against the assessment criteria and specific outcomes for the relevant unit standard/s. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The Qualification consists of a Fundamental, Core and Elective Components.

    To be awarded the Qualification learners are required to obtain a minimum of 142 Credits as detailed below.

    Fundamental Component

    The fundamental component consists of Unit Standard in:
  • Mathematics Literacy at Level 4 to the value of 16 credits.
  • Physical Science and Chemistry to the value of 8 credits.
  • Communication at Level 4 in a First South African Language to the value of 20 credits.
  • Communication in a Second South African Language at Level 3 to the value of 20 credits.

    It is compulsory therefore for learners to do Communication in two different South African Languages, one at Level 4 and the other at Level 3.

    All Unit Standards in the Fundamental Component Totaling 64 credits are compulsory.

    Core Component

    The Core Components consists of Unit Standards to the value of 40 credits are compulsory.

    Elective Component

    The Elective Component consists of a number of unit standards which enable learners to specialise in the testing of Bituminous, Concrete and/or Soils and Aggregate materials. Learners are to choose Elective Unit Standards to the value of 38 credits covering the specialist area(s) they wish to specialise in so as to attain minimum of 142 credits for the qualification. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    On completion of this qualification learners are able to:

    Demonstrate the following generic technical competence:
    1. Handle and execute sampling of construction materials for testing.
    2. Execute laboratory testing relating to construction materials.
    3. Test and communicate the qualities and strength of construction materials.
    4. Use appropriate technology to sample and test construction materials.
    5. Implement occupational health and safety measures in a construction materials testing laboratory.
    6. Report the findings pertaining to laboratory testing.
    7. Use and produce word processing documents and spreadsheets.

    Demonstrate the following competence depending on the elective unit standard chosen to complement the qualification:
    8. Execute sampling and laboratory testing on specific construction materials.
    9. Demonstrate an understanding of and execute required designs on construction materials . 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Exit level outcomes will be judged by the following criteria:

    Outcome 1, 4 and 8:
  • Materials sampling is executed in terms of codes of practice and project specifications.

    Outcome 2, 4 and 9:
  • Materials are tested in accordance to codes of practice and project specifications.

    Outcome 3:
  • Strength and qualities of construction materials are communicated in accordance with industry norms.

    Outcome 4 and 7:
  • Word processing, spreadsheets preparation, presentations and use of databases are done in accordance to industry norms.

    Outcome 5:
  • Occupational Health & Safety measures are identified and implemented in order to ensure that the execution of sampling and laboratory tests is done in a safe manner.

    Outcome 6:
  • Sampling and laboratory test results are reported in accordance to industry norms.

    Outcome 1:
  • Appropriate modes of handling and transporting construction materials and results, and equipments are identified according to industry requirements.

    Learners who have completed this qualification would be able to progress to the "National Diploma in Construction Materials Technology" -, NQF Level 5.


    Integrated Assessment:

    Formative assessments conducted during the learning process will consist of written tests, demonstrations and a number of self-assessments. The purpose of formative assessment is to diagnose learner strengths and weaknesses and to determine readiness for summative assessment.

    Summative assessment would consist of written tests coupled with assignments, case studies and practical demonstrations. Summative assessments would only be conducted once the learner has indicated that he/she is ready to undergo summative 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.

    Integrated assessment provides learners with an opportunity to display an ability to integrate practical performance, actions, concepts and theory across unit standards in order to achieve competence in relation to the purpose of this qualification.

    In particular, assessors should check that the learner is able to demonstrate the ability to consider a range of options and make decisions about:
  • The quality of the observed practical performance as well as the theory and underpinning knowledge behind it.
  • The different methods that can be used by the learner to display thinking and decision making in the demonstration of practical performance.
  • Reflexive competencies. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The stream model for the qualifications " National Certificate in Construction Materials Testing - NQF 4 is unique to South Africa. In terms of this model, a learner can specialize in one of the three streams indicated in the articulation part of the qualification. On completion of any of the streams - the same qualification is awarded.

    The stream model is however comparable to the - "strand" - concept in qualifications registered on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework. The "stand " enables learners to specialize.

    No information could be found on the New Zealand National Qualifications Framework for qualifications in Construction Materials Testing.

    One Training provider in Australia does offer a post certificate / diploma / degree course in Construction Materials Testing.( soils and concrete ) The course has a duration of 108 hours.

    By comparison, the National Certificates in Construction Materials Testing in South Africa all have a minimum of 142 credits - that is 1420 hours of training. The stream - Concrete materials - is a much more comprehensive training program if the material range, number test procedures, and the number of training hours is considered.

    The Scottish Qualifications Authority has a unit standard at level 4 "Building Materials: Performance Studies " - which contains a outcome - " describe and carry out tests on building materials and prepare laboratory reports. " - range statement - cement, aggregates, fresh concrete, hardened concrete, masonry products, timber and steel. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification has been developed for mobility across various streams of construction materials testing for the construction industry as well as horizontal articulation.

    This is possible because the fundamental learning and the core unit standards dealing with Occupational Health and Safety, aggregate sampling & testing and information technology are the same for the various streams.

    Vertical articulation is also possible. Learners can progress from level 2 to level 6 in the learning field of materials testing / materials technology.

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

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Assessment of learner achievements takes place at providers accredited by relevant body (RSA, 1998b) for the provision of programs that result in the outcomes specified for the National Certificates in Construction Materials Testing. The relevant ETQA, or other ETQA's who have a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA, is responsible for the 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 ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation; in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between ETQA's 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 recognized assessor qualification.
  • Compliance with the relevant ETQA's requirements for assessor registration.
  • Subject matter expertise in the unit standard/s for which assessor registration is sought, as well as an understanding of the context of the qualification in order to enable integrated assessment. 
    		•

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

    NOTES 
    Current registered Qualifications:

    The following Qualifications have been registered on the NQF:
  • National Certificate in Construction Materials Testing - Bituminous Level 04 - 23975;
  • National Certificate in Construction Materials Testing - Cementitious Level 04 - 24404; and
  • National Certificate in Construction Materials Testing - Soils and Aggregates Level 04 - 23974

    They are now replaced by this National Certificate in Construction Materials Testing Level 4.

    These Unit Standards had been withdrawn;
    i) Execute sampling of cement and lime binder materials for testing; and
    ii) Execute laboratory testing pertaining to cement and lime binders

    The credit value of "execute laboratory testing pertaining to concrete" had been reduced from 30 to 20 credits.

    The rationale is that the fundamental and core Unit Standards are generic to all the various learning field, that on completion by the learner, will result in the same generic Qualification being awarded to the learner.

    The implication of this new development is that all the currently registered Qualifications will be withdrawn and replaced with this new generic Qualification.

    It is also important to note that the various registered Unit Standards already on the NQF and reflected in the previous Qualifications will remain in effect until the normal review period is over. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  7567  Produce and use spreadsheets for business  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Core  7570  Produce word processing documents for business  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Core  14540  Execute laboratory testing pertaining aggregates  Level 4  NQF Level 04  15 
    Core  14543  Execute sampling of aggregates for testing  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Core  14547  Implement Occupational Health and Safety measures in a construction materials testing laboratory  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Fundamental  8968  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8969  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8973  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8970  Write texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    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  14539  Demonstrate an understanding and apply physical science and chemistry in construction materials testing  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    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  8979  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  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  8976  Write for a wide range of contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  7576  Demonstrate the ability to use a database for business purposes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  7575  Produce presentation documents for business  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  110334  Execute laboratory testing pertaining to asphalt materials  Level 4  NQF Level 04  30 
    Elective  14541  Execute laboratory testing pertaining to bituminous materials  Level 4  NQF Level 04  30 
    Elective  15019  Execute laboratory testing pertaining to concrete  Level 4  NQF Level 04  20 
    Elective  14542  Execute laboratory testing pertaining to soils and gravels  Level 4  NQF Level 04  30 
    Elective  14544  Execute sampling of asphalt materials for testing  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Elective  14545  Execute sampling of bituminous binder material for testing  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  15021  Execute sampling of concrete material for testing  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Elective  14546  Execute sampling of soils and gravels for testing  Level 4  NQF Level 04  15 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.