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: Wholesale and Retail Distribution 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
49280  National Certificate: Wholesale and Retail Distribution 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Retail and Wholesale 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
W&RSETA - Wholesale & Retail Sector Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 11 - Services  Wholesale and Retail 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 2  NQF Level 02  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 
The purpose of this Certificate is to equip learners to understand and acquaint themselves with the underlying principles of all of the major areas related to distribution within the Wholesale & Retail sector, thus enabling them to become more effective employees. The Certificate further aims to provide career paths through various levels and areas of the Wholesale and Retail environment thus promoting the notion of quality lifelong learning. By assisting in the development of competence in the Wholesale and Retail field (arguably one of the bigger, more labour intensive and therefore important arenas for social and economic transformation in the country), this Certificate will provide a stepping-stone for further learning in the Further Education and Training Band.

The Certificate in Wholesale and Retail Distribution, NQF Level 2, is designed to meet the needs of the learners who are already employed and involved in Wholesale, Distribution or Mail Order Retail within the Wholesale and Retail field. Additionally, however, it may also allow access to, and meet the needs and aspirations of the youth and unemployed who wish to pursue a career in these areas, or in fields where this learning may be useful. This furthermore includes adult learners who want to enter the arena or develop their careers in one or more of the related sub-fields. As this Certificate may form part of a learning pathway it may allow mobility to persons operating at any level in the field.

This Certificate provides learners with a grounding in all areas of Distribution. This may enable them not only to increase their productivity within the Wholesale and Retail Sector but also to apply their learning in various other business environments.


Rationale

This qualification reflects some of the needs of the Wholesale and Retail sector both now and in the future as it developed following much discussion with Wholesalers, Distribution Centres and Mail Order Houses. There is presently no Qualification available for employees at Level 2 in all three areas of the sector and there is great synergy between the needs of the three areas. As a result, based on specific needs expressed, the Certificate in Wholesale and Retail Distribution was developed. The impact of this Certificate on society and the economy is reflected in the multiple job roles and careers within three distinct arenas that can stem from the qualification.

The added value of the skills, knowledge and understanding developed by the Certificate will result in greater productivity resulting from the improved performance by the learner, due to the integration of the learning which may have taken place in the workplace. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learners accessing this qualification will have demonstrated competence in relevant communication and mathematical literacy at NQF Level 1.


Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This Qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning. The Qualification may be granted to learners who have acquired the skills and knowledge without attending formal courses providing they can demonstrate competence in the outcomes of the individual Unit Standards as required by the Fundamental, Core and Elective areas stipulated in the Qualification and by the Exit Level Outcomes.

An RPL process may also be used to credit learners with Unit Standards in which they have developed the necessary competency as a result of workplace and experiential learning

Learners submitting themselves for RPL should be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment, and may be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition. 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. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
The Certificate is made up of a planned combination of learning outcomes that have a defined purpose and may provide qualifying learners with applied competence and a foundation for further learning.

The Qualification is made up of Unit Standards classified as Fundamental, Core and Elective. A minimum of 120 credits is required to complete the Qualification.

In this Qualification the credits are allocated as follows :

Fundamental: 36 credits (30 %)
Core: 39 credits (33 %)
Elective: 45 credits (37 %)

The spread of Unit Standard credits across NQF levels in Fundamental, Core and Elective Components:

Fundamental
  • Level 2: 36 credits

    Core
  • Level 2: 39 credits

    Elective
  • Level 2: 123 credits
  • Level 3: 84 credits

    Any other registered Unit Standard that is applicable to the learning required, may be approved by the appropriate ETQA as an elective within this Qualification, provided permission is obtained prior to offering the elective component. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate both verbally and in writing.
    2. Understand and apply mathematics.
    3. Perform stock related functions.
    4. Define the core concepts of the W & R environment.

    Elective exit level outcomes

    5. Maintain a safe and secure Wholesale and Retail environment.
    6. Implement Point of Sale transactions and procedures.
    7. Offer and maintain a credit facility and customer accounts.
    8. Perform general administrative and office functions.
    9. Pack and handle food and non-food items.
    10. Deal with customers.
    11. Apply in and out bound call centre operations within a commercial environment.
    12. Plan self development.


    The spread of Critical Cross-field Outcomes across the Unit Standards that are classified as Core for the purpose of this Qualification :

    Count stock for a stock-take:
  • Team work
  • Organisation
  • Information
  • Communication
  • Related systems

    Move, pack and maintain stock:
  • Team work
  • Organisation
  • Information
  • Communication
  • Technology
  • Related systems

    Pick stock:
  • Solve problems
  • Organisation
  • Information
  • Communication
  • Technology
  • Related systems

    Maintain a safe and secure environment:
  • Solve problems
  • Team work
  • Information
  • Communication
  • Related systems

    Define the core concepts of the W&R environment:
  • Solve problems
  • Organisation
  • Information
  • Related systems 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Texts are read and responded to
  • Main ideas in literary texts are identified and interpreted
  • A variety of speaking and listening strategies, accommodating socio-cultural sensitivities, are used to maintain communication
  • Information is organised and presented in a focused and coherent manner
  • A specific audience and purpose is written for by adapting language to suit the context

    2.
  • Rational and irrational numbers and number systems are understood and applied in terms of basic business calculations
  • Basic calculations are made using a range of techniques and electronic equipment
  • Scientific notation is understood and used
  • The legal requirements associated with Wholesale and Retail calculations are recognised
  • Problems are solved by using a range of patterns and mathematical functions
  • 3- Dimensional shapes are used to measure and calculate physical quantities
  • Probability and statistical concepts are understood and used in problem solving and decision making

    3.
  • Stock is received into the wholesale or retail outlet ensuring that stock balances are maintained
  • Stock is safely delivered to customers
  • Legal requirement and organisation policies and procedures for transporting goods are applied
  • Administrative functions related to stock receipt and delivery are performed
  • Stock is packed in appropriately selected areas
  • Instructions to pick stock are interpreted and stock is picked accordingly
  • Stock is picked, packed and moved in such a way as to minimize damages
  • The financial impact of stock on the business is explained
  • Stock flow through the DC/Warehouse is explained
  • The recording of stock movement on the stock management system is explained and the system is accessed and stock movement recorded/interpreted according to organisational procedures
  • Stock takes are performed
  • Discrepancies between actual stock and stock reports are solved

    4.
  • An understanding of the wholesale & retail business environment is demonstrated
  • The relationship between various categories and sub-sectors within the Wholesale and Retail environment is identified
  • The relationship between various operational departments in a Wholesale and Retail store is identified
  • The store's target market is identified
  • The flow of stock and sales through a wholesale/retail operation is explained

    5.
  • Legislation regarding Occupational Health and Safety is understood and applicable safety procedures in workplace are described
  • Appropriate action can be taken with regards to hazards and emergency situations
  • Internal and external housekeeping standards are maintained

    6.
  • Point of sales functions are performed efficiently according to administration and security procedures
  • Point of sales transactions are recorded accurately and end of day procedures are effected
  • The organisation's deposits and floats are administered and controlled
  • Day-end cashing up procedures are completed

    7.
  • A credit facility is offered
  • A customer's account is maintained
  • Documents relating to client accounts are maintained and administered
  • Client responsibility related to credit accounts is explained
  • Credit membership benefits are explained and promoted.
  • Legal implications and terms of conditions pertaining to selected credit options are explained
  • Administrative functions related to the customer's account are performed

    8.
  • Documentation is filed
  • General office equipment is used
  • Time and work processes are managed
  • The office area is maintained according to organisational standards
  • Knowledge of how to behave in a business environment and an understanding of basic business ethics is demonstrated
  • A computer is operated

    9.
  • Customer purchases are packed in accordance with organisational policy
  • Food products are handled, stored and disposed of in accordance with company procedures
  • Contamination and spoilage of food products is prevented by maintaining clean and hygienic premises and implement safe food handling practices

    10.
  • Products and services are sold to customers
  • Customer queries / complaints are resolved
  • Customer service and satisfaction levels are maintained

    11.
  • Calls from customers are retrieved timeously and according to company specific procedures and methodologies
  • Subject information from customers is recorded and inputted in accordance with specific organisational requirements
  • Follow up procedures are conducted consistently and are consistent with customer requirements
  • Calls are placed to customers as defined in work place instructions
  • Information from customers is recorded correctly and according to organisational policies and procedures
  • Customer queries are responded to according to company specific timeframes
  • Tele-sales transactions are handled according to organisational and customers' requirements

    12.
  • Opportunities for advancement within the organisation are explained
  • Own development is planned by identifying people, sources and training programmes that can help obtain knowledge and experience both within and external to the organisation


    Integrated Assessment

    Integrated assessment at this level may evaluate the learner's ability to combine actions and ideas across a range of activities and knowledge areas. The integrated assessment must specifically assess the learner's ability to:
  • Demonstrate competence by means of the practical application of the embedded knowledge in a manner that meets the required performance standards required,
  • Illustrate a clear understanding of the concepts, theory and principles that underpin the practical action taken.

    The assessment may require assessment methods, which take evidence generated during on-the job activities into account. Because assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid and reliable; ensuring that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever, an integrated assessment approach is incorporated into the qualification.

    A variety of methods must be used in assessment and tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working or will work. Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

    The term 'integrated assessment' implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. Whenever possible the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the Unit Standards should be integrated and, during integrated assessment, the assessor should make use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools and methods. Combinations of practical, applied, and foundational competencies should be assessed. Assessment should further ensure that all specific outcomes, embedded knowledge and critical cross-field outcomes are evaluated in an integrated way. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This Qualification has been benchmarked against international practice in Wholesale and Retail. The following list of qualifications relate to the National Certificate : Retail Shopfloor Practices.
  • National Certificate in Distribution (NC 0990) - New Zealand
  • Scottish Vocational Qualification in Distribution, Warehousing and Storage Operations (G6PG) - Scotland
  • Certificate II in Transport and Distribution (Warehousing) (TDT 20197) - Australia

    Although a search was done for retail qualifications in Namibia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Asia there were no results found. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Qualification may articulate vertically with all other qualifications registered within the envisioned learning pathway (currently NQF Levels 2-5). Possibilities for vertical articulation outside of the Wholesale and Retail environment include (for example) :
  • Certificate: Basic Administration (ID 20356) at NQF Level 3
  • Certificate: Retailing (ID 22956) at NQF Level 3
  • National Certificate: Contact Centre Support (ID 21793) at NQF Level 3

    Possibilities for horizontal articulation outside of the Wholesale and Retail environment include:
  • Certificate: Accommodation Operations and Services (ID 22915) at NQF Level 2
  • Certificate: Reception Operations and Services (ID 22914) at NQF Level 2 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner, or moderating the assessment of a learner, against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor / moderator with the relevant ETQA, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding 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, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment may be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation of that ETQA, in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between various ETQAs (including professional bodies), and in terms of the moderation guideline detailed immediately below.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at all 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 Exit Level Outcomes of the Qualification.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this Qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.

    The options as listed above provide the opportunity to ensure that assessment and moderation can be transparent, affordable, valid, reliable and non-discriminatory.

    For an applicant to register as an assessor or moderator of this Qualification the applicant needs:
  • To be declared competent in all the outcomes of the National Assessor Unit Standards
  • To be in possession of a relevant Qualification (higher than NQF Level 2) 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

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

    NOTES 
    Unit Standard Titles at NQF Level 2
  • Move, pack and maintain stock
  • Pick stock
  • Complete Basic Business Calculations
  • Maintain a safe and secure environment in a Distribution Centre
  • Plan self development

    Unit Standard Titles at NQF Level 3
  • Maintain stock balances
  • Receive stock in a Distribution Centre / Warehouse
  • Dispatch stock from a Distribution Centre 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  114891  Count stock for a stock-take  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Core  114895  Define the core concepts of the wholesale and retail environment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  10 
    Core  117898  Move, pack and maintain stock in a distribution centre/warehouse  Level 2  NQF Level 02  12 
    Core  117899  Pick stock in a distribution centre/warehouse  Level 2  NQF Level 02  12 
    Fundamental  8963  Access and use information from texts  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  9009  Apply basic knowledge of statistics and probability to influence the use of data and procedures in order to investigate life related problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  7480  Demonstrate understanding of rational and irrational numbers and number systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  9008  Identify, describe, compare, classify, explore shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional shapes in different contexts  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  8962  Maintain and adapt oral communication  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  8967  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  7469  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal and community life  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Fundamental  9007  Work with a range of patterns and functions and solve problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  8964  Write for a defined context  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  114897  Administer deliveries  Level 2  NQF Level 02  10 
    Elective  114908  Apply food safety practices in a wholesale and retail outlet  Level 2  NQF Level 02  7 
    Elective  10358  Apply in-bound Contact Centre Operations within a commercial environment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  14359  Behave in a professional manner in a business environment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  258175  Break bulk, pack and label stock  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  117887  Complete basic business calculations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  114910  Implement food-handling practices in wholesale and retail outlet  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  117892  Maintain a safe and secure environment in a distribution centre  Level 2  NQF Level 02  12 
    Elective  114912  Maintain a safe and secure wholesale and retail environment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  10 
    Elective  114899  Maintain the customer's account  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  14342  Manage time and work processes within a business environment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  114919  Offer a credit facility  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  114902  Operate a computer in a Wholesale/Retail outlet  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Elective  114893  Pack customer purchases at point of sales  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  114890  Perform office functions in a wholesale and retail outlet  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  117900  Plan self development  Level 2  NQF Level 02  10 
    Elective  114894  Process payment at a Point of Sales (POS)  Level 2  NQF Level 02  10 
    Elective  114889  Record transactions  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  114909  Administer and control the organisation's deposits and floats  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  114905  Administer day-end cashing up procedures  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  13883  Apply out-bound Contact Centre Operations within a commercial environment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  117891  Despatch stock from a distribution centre  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Elective  117897  Maintain stock balances in a distribution centre  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  114898  Minimise defaulting customer accounts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  117901  Receive stock in a DC/Warehouse  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Elective  114911  Resolve customer queries / complaints  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  114900  Sell products to customers in a Wholesale and Retail outlet  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 


    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.
     
    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.