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: Advanced Crane Operations 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
49080  National Certificate: Construction: Advanced Crane Operations 
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
National Certificate  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Civil Engineering Construction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  123  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 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 
This Qualification is intended to assist all relevant stakeholders and role-players.

For those who have been in the workplace for a long time, 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 participate effectively 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 achieved.

This Qualification has been developed to assist with the advancement of the learner across the Civil Engineering and Construction Industry and is aimed at Construction Advanced Crane Operations practitioners in the Industry, ensuring the upliftment of standards in general.

The combination of learning outcomes will provide the qualifying learner with vocational knowledge and skills appropriate to the context of Construction Crane Operations in the Civil Engineering and Construction environment. It will also equip learners with a foundation for further intellectual development, opportunities for gainful employment and reward for contributions to society.

This Qualification will provide the Industry with qualified Construction Crane Operations practitioners, thereby facilitating social and economic transformation, empowerment and upliftment in the Industry and country in general.

The relationship between this Qualification and the principles of the NQF is outlined in the following:

NQF Principle & National Certificate In Advanced Crane Operations - NQF Level 3:
  • Recognition of Prior learning: Allows for Recognition of Prior Learning, especially as a means of career advancement.
  • Credibility: Learning Outcomes are a result of consensus by the Industry.
  • Relevance: Consulting workshops indicated a demand for a unit standard based Qualification in Construction Crane Operations.
  • Access: Removes traditional barriers to Higher Education.
  • Articulation/Progression: Forms part of a Learning Pathway for Construction Crane Operations, spanning NQF Levels 2 - 4.

    Rationale for the Qualification:

    This Qualification has been developed for the Construction Crane occupational area within the Civil Engineering and Construction Industry.

    The rationale for the introduction of a unit standards based Qualification in Construction Operations is to provide a qualification for persons who perform advanced construction crane activities on Civil Engineering and Construction sites, whether in micro, small, medium or large operations.

    The introduction of a unit standards based National Certificate in Construction: Advanced Crane Operations will allow learners, both unemployed and employed, to reach their full potential of advancement and will allow for Recognition of Prior Learning.

    This qualification will facilitate the development of a professional community of Advanced Construction Crane Operators.

    The competencies contained in this Qualification are essential for social and economic transformation, empowerment and upliftment within the construction crane operations environment, whilst simultaneously improving the advanced skills base of the country.

    The combination of learning outcomes will provide qualifying learners with applied competence in the integration of general construction sitework and technical competencies, areas of advanced specialisation in construction crane operations.

    This Qualification lays the basis for further learning towards the National Certificate in Construction: Plant Supervision - NQF Level 4

    The learning pathway for Construction Plant Operation consists of the following Qualifications:

    NQF Level 2: National Certificate in Construction: Crane Operations
    NQF Level 3: National Certificate in Construction: Advanced Crane Operations
    NQF Level 4: National Certificate in Construction: Plant Supervision

    Key Work Areas:
  • Earthworks
  • Roads
  • Open Cast Mining
  • Hiring/Services Industry 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that a learner entering a programme leading to this Qualification has successfully completed a General Education and Training Certificate including, Communication and Mathematics at NQF Level 2.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    The Qualification may be obtained in part or in whole through the process of Recognition of Prior Learning. Learners who successfully meet the requirements of any Unit Standard in this Qualification may apply to the relevant body for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment. RPL candidates will be assessed against the assessment criteria and specific outcomes contained in the relevant Unit Standard/s. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Credit total: Minimum of 123 credits

    In order to be awarded the Qualification, the learner has to prove competence in all 36 of the Fundamental and 67 Core credits from Exit Level Outcomes 1 and 2 as well as 41 Core credits from Exit Level Outcomes 3, 4 or 5 and at least 20 credits of the Elective credits of the learner's choice from Exit Level Outcomes 3, 4 or 5.

    Exit Level Outcomes 3, 4 and 5 address the various key work areas in construction.

    Stakeholders decided that 560 notional hours of fundamental learning in Communications and Mathematics at NQF Levels 2-3 would be required in support of the Core outcomes.

    The bulk of the total credit value 123 is made up of the Core learning. This is due to the following:
  • General and basic technical skills are combined in the Qualification
  • A working knowledge of general site work and construction practices is compulsory in order for learners to exit as competent Construction Crane Operators who have acquired competencies in various areas of technical specialisation. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Exit level outcome 1: Communicate in a variety of ways.

    Associated unit standards:

    Fundamental (20 credits):
  • Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication
  • Interpret and use information from texts
  • Write texts for a range of communicative contexts
  • Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes

    Core (22 credits):
  • Maintain records for civil construction sites
  • Read and interpret construction drawing and specifications
  • Procure Materials, Tools and Equipment


    Exit level outcome 2: Use mathematics in real life education training and development.

    Associated unit standards:

    Fundamental (19 credits):
  • Demonstrate understanding of the use of different number bases and measurement units and an awareness of error in the context of relevant calculations
  • Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal and business issues
  • Investigate life and work related problems using data and probabilities
  • Describe, apply, analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts
  • Work with a wide range of patterns and basic functions and solve related problems

    Core (8 credits):
  • Calculate Construction Quantities to develop a work plan.


    Exit level outcome 3: Conduct advanced tower crane operations.

    Associated unit standards:

    Core (41 credits):
  • Perform basic fire fighting
  • Handle, transport, store and utilize hazardous materials on a construction site
  • Work in confined spaces on a construction site
  • Implement roadside safety procedures
  • Perform basic fire fighting
  • Describe and Interpret the Composition, Construction Sequence and Processes of the Construction Industry
  • Identify describe and use materials in civil engineering construction
  • Apply generic crane operational skills
  • Sling complex loads and communicate during crane operations

    Elective (20 credits):
  • Conduct Advanced Tower Crane Operations


    Exit level outcome 4: Conduct advanced mobile crane operations.

    Associated unit standards:

    Core (41 credits):
  • Perform basic fire fighting
  • Handle, transport, store and utilize hazardous materials on a construction site
  • Work in confined spaces on a construction site
  • Implement roadside safety procedures
  • Perform basic fire fighting
  • Describe and Interpret the Composition, Construction Sequence and Processes of the Construction Industry
  • Identify describe and use materials in civil engineering construction
  • Apply generic crane operational skills
  • Sling complex loads and communicate during crane operations

    Elective (20 credits):
  • Conduct advanced mobile crane operations


    Exit level outcome 5: Conduct specialised mobile crane operations.

    Associated unit standards:

    Core (41 credits):
  • Perform basic fire fighting
  • Handle, transport, store and utilize hazardous materials on a construction site
  • Work in confined spaces on a construction site
  • Implement roadside safety procedures
  • Perform basic fire fighting
  • Describe and Interpret the Composition, Construction Sequence and Processes of the Construction Industry
  • Identify describe and use materials in civil engineering construction
  • Apply generic crane operational skills
  • Sling complex loads and communicate during crane operations

    Elective (16 credits):
  • Use a Mobile Crane to carry out demolition activities with demolition equipment
  • Use a Mobile Crane to carry out piling 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    For award of the whole qualification:
    Candidates must achieve the required number of credits as specified in the rules of combination as well as the criteria specified for integrated assessment below.

    For award of part of the qualification:
    Recognition will be awarded for each unit standard achieved. Candidates are urged however to seek to achieve the required unit standards associated with a given Exit Level Outcome i.e. the core and elective unit standards for any particular Exit Level Outcome. This will ensure that candidates emerge with coherent and meaningful parts of a qualification.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Assessment will take place according to the detailed specifications indicated in the unit standard associated with each Exit Level Outcome.

    Over and above the achievement of the specified Unit Standards, evidence of integration will be required as per the following broad criteria:

    Integrative criteria:
    Assessors should note that the evidence of integration (as below) could be presented by candidates when being assessed against Unit Standards/Specific Outcomes, therefore negating the need for separate assessments for each Unit Standard/Specific Outcome. Assessments that are well designed make it possible to gain evidence for each Unit Standard/Specific Outcomes and integration of Unit Standards/Specific Outcomes simultaneously.

    Exit level outcome 1: Communicate in a variety of ways
  • Communication within and about the advanced plant operation process is clear, understandable and effective.
  • Construction drawing information is correctly interpreted and applied.

    Exit level outcome 2: Use mathematics in real life education training and development
  • The mathematics is applied within a variety of advanced plant operation and construction processes.

    Exit level outcome 3: Conduct advanced tower crane operations
  • Health and safety principles are applied as per related regulations and codes of practice in all work practices.
  • Principles and processes in the construction industry are applied in all plant operation processes, the implementation of resource procurement, programming, work area preparation, quality control and production control
  • Appropriate lifting equipment, packing and dunnage is identified and selected according to weights of various loads in accordance with the relevant codes of practice and company procedures
  • Lifting gear is inspected and evaluated and complex loads are prepared and slung in accordance with relevant Codes of Practice and Company procedures.
  • Hand signals and communication for cranes and lifting appliances is in accordance with recognised practice
  • Tower Crane is moved from Site to Site in accordance with statutory requirements, local body regulations, company procedures and any other special requirements

    Exit level outcome 4: Conduct advanced mobile crane operations
  • Health and safety principles are applied as per related regulations and codes of practice in all work practices.
  • Principles and processes in the construction industry are applied in all plant operation processes, the implementation of resource procurement, programming, work area preparation, quality control and production control
  • Suitable cranes are identified and selected in accordance with company procedures and checked to crane manufacturers' specifications
  • Work activities are planned and work areas prepared according to worksite procedures
  • Appropriate lifting equipment, packing and dunnage is identified and selected according to weights of various loads in accordance with the relevant codes of practice and company procedures
  • Lifting gear is inspected and evaluated and complex loads are prepared and slung in accordance with relevant codes of practice and company procedures.
  • Hand signals and communication for cranes and lifting appliances is in accordance with recognised practice

    Exit level outcome 5: Perform specialised activities using a mobile crane
  • Health and safety principles are applied as per related regulations and codes of practice in all work practices.
  • Principles and processes in the construction industry are applied in all plant operation processes, the implementation of resource procurement, programming, work area preparation, quality control and production control
  • Suitability of crane for specialised services is confirmed in accordance with the crane manufacturer's operating manual, the company policy and procedures for use of cranes, and recognised standards.
  • Work activities are planned and work areas prepared according to worksite procedures
  • Crane is rigged for specialised service, operated in accordance with crane manufacturer's operating instructions for specialised service and re-rigged for routine mobile crane use on completion of specialised work.

    Integrated assessment provides learners with an opportunity to display an ability to integrate practical performance, actions, concepts and theory across Unit Standard 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

    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

    Assessment Principles:

    Assessment should be in accordance with the following general and specific principles:
  • The initial assessment activities should focus on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcomes expressed in the titles of the unit standards to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, focus assessment on each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes, taking into special note of the need for integrated assessment.
  • Evidence must be gathered across the entire range specified in each unit standard, as applicable. Assessment activities should enable candidates to display an ability to integrate practical performance, actions, concepts and theory across Unit Standard. Where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to prove that the candidate is able to perform to the required standard in the real work-related situation.
  • Formative assessments conducted during the learning process may consist of written tests, demonstrations and self-assessments. The purpose of formative assessment is to diagnose learner strengths and weaknesses and to determine readiness for summative assessment.
  • Summative assessment may consist of written tests and accompanying 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.
  • All assessments should be conducted in accordance with the following universally accepted principles of assessment:
    > Use appropriate, fair and manageable methods that are integrated into real work-related or learning situations;
    > Judge evidence on the basis of its validity, currency, authenticity and sufficiency; and
    > Ensure assessment processes are systematic, open and consistent.

    Before qualifying, 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 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 
    New Zealand Qualifications Authority:
    The National Certificate in Construction: Crane Operations was benchmarked against the following New Zealand Qualifications:
  • National Certificate in Crane Operations with strands in Mobile, Overhead and Tower

    National Training Information Service - Australia:
    No National Certificate in Crane Operations exist in Australia, only courses in the various types of crane operations.

    These courses are:
  • (13551QLD) Course in Crane Operation
  • (12446SA) Course in Mobile Crane Operation
  • (12432SA) Course in Tower Crane Operation
  • (12433SA) Course in Gantry Crane Operation

    There are no Units of Competency related to this course. Refer to Training Provider for information on course modules.

    Scottish Qualifications Authority:
    No match was found for Level 3 qualifications listed in the Construction and Civil Engineering Services domain.

    African Qualification Authorities -TEVETA (Malawi) & VETA (Zambia):
    No Qualification was found for Level 3 Qualifications listed in the Construction and Civil Engineering Services domain. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Qualification will allow learners access to a National Certificate in Construction: Plant Supervision.

    Learners who have successfully demonstrated applied competence in this Qualification will be equipped with a foundation for further intellectual development, opportunities for gainful employment and reward for contributions to society. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Assessment of learner achievements takes place at providers accredited by the relevant ETQA (RSA, 1998b) for the provision of programmes that result in the outcomes specified for the National Certificate in Construction: Advanced Crane Operations - NQF Level 3.

    The relevant ETQA, or any other ETQA who have a Memorandum of Understanding in place with CETA - ETQA, is responsible for the moderation of learner achievements for those 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 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 
    Person's who apply to register as an Assessor for this Qualification, must meet the following criteria:
  • A recognized assessor Qualification;
  • Compliance with the relevant ETQA's requirements for assessor registration;
  • Detailed documentary proof of educational Qualification, subject matter expertise as well as experience gained (Portfolio of Evidence); and
  • A minimum of three years practical relevant occupational experience at NQF level 3 
    		•

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

    NOTES 
    Structure of the Qualification:

    The rationale and purpose provides a broad description of what holders of the qualification can do.

    The qualification is further defined by means of a number of Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs). These ELOs provide a means for candidates to exit the qualification with recognition for this cluster of competencies, even if they do not achieve the whole qualification. The ELOs also provide a means to organise the unit standards into coherent clusters thus facilitating integrated assessment.

    Each ELO is further defined by means of the associated unit standards. Some of these unit standards may be indicated as CORE (compulsory), while others may be indicated as ELECTIVES, with rules of combination provided.

    Assessment criteria are provided for each ELO where required, mainly to address the need for evidence of integration of competencies.

    Each unit standard contains details of the specific outcomes, range statements and assessment criteria, thus making it possible for assessors to judge competence in terms of each unit standard, while at the same time providing possible evidence of integration of competencies. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  13971  Describe and interpret the composition, roleplayers, processes and role of the construction industry  Level 1  NQF Level 01  3 
    Core  14560  Handle, transport, store and utilize hazardous materials on a civil construction site  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Core  13972  Identify describe and use materials in civil engineering construction  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  14561  Implement roadside safety procedures  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  14336  Maintain records on a constuction site  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  12484  Perform basic fire fighting  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  12483  Perform basic first aid  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  15034  Work in confined spaces on construction sites  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  116976  Apply generic crane operational skills  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Core  9962  Calculate construction quantities to develop a work plan  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Core  9968  Procure materials, tools and equipment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  14580  Read and interpret construction drawings and specifications  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Core  116986  Sling complex loads and communicate during crane operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    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  116978  Conduct advanced mobile crane operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  20 
    Elective  116981  Conduct advanced tower crane operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  20 
    Elective  116989  Use a mobile crane to carry out demolition activities with demolition equipment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  117001  Use a mobile crane to carry out pile driving  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 


    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. imithetho labour law 
    2. Tjeka Training Matters Pty Ltd 
    3. Transvaal Training 


    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.