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: Geotechnical 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
49602  National Certificate: Construction: Geotechnical 
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  145  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 
Purpose

This qualification is aimed at people who work or intend to work within a construction context on a site, and who seek recognition for essential skills in construction operations in the geotechnical field.

Recipients of this qualification will have the knowledge and skills to conduct the essential operations associated with efficient and safe work in the geotechnical field.

The qualification is designed to be flexible and accessible so that people are able to demonstrate the competencies required to work safely in construction generally and more specifically in the geotechnical field.

People credited with this qualification are able to:
  • Communicate in a variety of ways
  • Use mathematics in real life situations
  • Work safely on a geotechnical construction site
  • Conduct site administration
  • Supervise work groups
  • Demonstrate knowledge of construction materials
  • Conduct basic setting out
    And one of
  • Install geotechnical foundations
  • Apply trenchless technology procedures
  • Apply small diameter boring systems

    Rationale

    The introduction of a unit standard based National Certificate in Construction:Geotechnical at NQF level 3, will allow learners to develop skills required for geotechnical work conditions. The generic competence contained in the Fundamental and Core learning, enhances portability - enabling learners to transfer this competence to other areas of specialisation within the Construction Industry.

    The majority of the candidates learning towards this qualification are likely to be working in the construction sector. The qualification will give them the opportunity to balance their practical skills with the essential knowledge needed to earn a formal qualification in construction without formal education becoming an impassable barrier.

    There is also a critical need in the industry to identify people who are able to conduct the essential operations associated with efficient and safe construction work in the geotechnical field. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that candidates embarking on learning towards this qualification are already competent in the following areas:
  • Communication at NQF Level 2.
  • Mathematics Literacy NQF Level 2.
  • Basic knowledge of construction works.
  • Safe work practices on a construction site.
  • Working effectively as part of a team.

    Recognition of prior learning

    This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through recognition of prior learning .

    Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

    All such evidence should be judged according to the general principles of assessment described in the note to assessors. 
    		•

    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 145 Credits as detailed below.

    Fundamental Component

    The Fundamental Component consists of Unit Standard in Communication and Mathematical Literacy to the value of 36 credits all of which are compulsory.

    Core Component

    The Core Components consists of Unit Standards to the value of 94 credits are compulsory.

    Elective Component

    Learners are to choose Elective Unit Standard to the value of at least 15 credits so as to attain a minimum of 145 credits for the qualification. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate in a variety of ways.
    2. Use mathematics in real life situations.
    3. Work safely on a geotechnical construction site.
    4. Conduct site administration.
    5. Supervise work groups.
    6. Demonstrate knowledge of construction materials.
    7. Conduct basic setting out.
    8. Install geotechnical foundations.
    9. Apply trenchless technology procedures.
    10. Apply small diameter boring systems. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • A critical awareness of language usage is shown
  • Information is analysed and presented
  • Communication is appropriate to the purpose and situation

    2.
  • Mathematical methods are interpreted for different contexts
  • Algebraic notation and terminology is used appropriately
  • Maps are used to enhance communication methods
  • Cultural products are analysed in terms of shape, space and time

    3.
  • Work is conducted in accordance with workplace safety requirements
  • Loads are lifted and moved in accordance with workplace safety requirements
  • Open holes are made safe prior to workers entering and working therein
  • Deep excavations are made safe in accordance with workplace safety requirements

    4.
  • Plant and equipment production is recorded in accordance with workplace requirements
  • Construction drawings are interpreted in terms of original meanings
  • Reinforcing materials documentation is interpreted in terms of steelfixing requirements
  • Construction contracts are conducted in accordance with agreed quality standards

    5.
  • Construction plant and equipment is controlled in accordance with workplace requirements
  • Construction plant and equipment is ensured to be available as and when required on a specific site
  • Work instructions are communicated to team members
  • Work is allocated to team members according to their specific skills
  • Team members are supervised in accordance with workplace requirements

    6.
  • Types of concrete are identified in terms of the common uses
  • Reasons for using specialised concrete are in accordance with specific work requirements
  • Different soil types are identified in terms of ease of removal and stability
  • Ground conditions are identified in terms of workplace safety

    7.
  • Position markers are placed in accordance with workplace requirements
  • Original survey points are identified and protected in accordance with good survey practices

    8.
  • Knowledge of various foundation applications is demonstrated
  • Work is prepared in accordance with project requirements
  • Work is conducted in accordance with project requirements
  • Work is completed in accordance with project requirements

    9.
  • Knowledge of various trenchless technology applications is demonstrated
  • Work is prepared in accordance with project requirements
  • Work is conducted in accordance with project requirements
  • Work is completed in accordance with project requirements

    10.
  • Knowledge of various small diameter boring systems is demonstrated
  • Work is prepared in accordance with project requirements
  • Work is conducted in accordance with project requirements
  • Work is completed in accordance with project requirement

    This qualification addresses the following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes. The way in which the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed is presented in detail in the unit standards for this qualification.
  • Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made
  • Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, or community
  • Organizing and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively
  • Collecting, analysing, organizing and critically evaluating information
  • Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion
  • Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others
  • Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

    Learning programmes directed towards this qualification will also contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making individuals aware of the importance of:
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively
  • Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts
  • Exploring education and career opportunities; and developing entrepreneurial opportunities.

    Integrated Assessment

    Integrated assessment provides a requirement for learners 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. To be awarded the qualification, learners must demonstrate competence in all the unit standards in the Fundamental, Core and the chosen Elective components as well as in the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification.

    Evidence is further required that the candidate is able to achieve the purpose of the qualification as a whole at the time of the award of the qualification. Evidence of this may be gathered through various assessment activities.

    Notes for assessors:
    Assessors should keep the following general principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments:
  • Focus the initial assessment activities 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. The aim is to declare the person competent in terms of the qualification purpose. Where assessment across titles or at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes. Take special note of the need for integrated assessment.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment as defined below:
    Principles of assessment:
  • Appropriate: The method of assessment is suited to the performance being assessed.
  • Fair: The method of assessment does not present any barriers to achievements, which are not related to the evidence. In particular, the method of assessment is sensitive to language diversity.
  • Manageable: The methods used make for easily arranged, cost-effective assessments that do not unduly interfere with learning.
  • Integrated into work or learning: Evidence collection is integrated into the work or learning process where this is appropriate and feasible.
  • Valid: The assessment focuses on the requirements laid down in the Standard; i.e. the assessment is fit for purpose.
  • Direct: The activities in the assessment mirror the conditions of actual performance as closely as possible
  • Authentic: The assessor is satisfied that the work being assessed is attributable to the person being assessed.
  • Sufficient: The evidence collected establishes that all criteria have been met and that performance to the required Standard can be repeated consistently.
  • Systematic: Planning and recording is sufficiently rigorous to ensure that assessment is fair.
  • Open: Learners can contribute to the planning and accumulation of evidence. Assessment candidates understand the assessment process and the criteria that apply.
  • Consistent: The same assessor would make the same judgement again in similar circumstances. The judgement made is similar to the judgement that would be made by other assessors. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification and the component unit standards have been compared with similar qualifications from Australia, Europe and the United Kingdom. Various African countries such as Tanzania, Kenya and Nigeria, where Geotechnical contracts are performed were also looked at but they do not have the expertise within the country. Most Geotechnical contracts in those countries are awarded to European and South African companies who import the required skills, and who may make use of some local labour for the unskilled or semi-skilled work components.

    The closest match to this qualification is found in the Australian Certificate in Drilling at level 3. The main differences in these qualifications is that the Australian qualification focuses attention on a smaller component, i.e. drilling, and the South African qualification is broader in terms of its scope of coverage and includes drilling, piling, trenchless technology and foundations.

    This qualification will be useful to learners in the SADC countries to enable them to develop their relevant Geotechnical skills and compete on the international market. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification has been developed as a progression in specialised or skilled work within the Construction Industry and is intended to facilitate progression to other qualifications in construction, construction related sub-fields and construction supervision. Horizontally it articulates with: Construction Material Manufacturing in particular, this qualification builds on the National Certificate in Construction NQF Level 2 and leads to the Further Education and Training Certificate in the supervision of construction processes. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Providers offering learning towards achievement of any of the unit standards that make up this qualification must be accredited through the relevant ETQA.
  • Internal moderation of assessment must take place at the point of assessment with external moderation provided by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the ETQA procedures.
  • Assessors registered with the relevant ETQA must carry out the assessment of candidates for any of the unit standards that make up this 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. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors wishing to assess candidates against this qualification must have:
  • Registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • A relevant qualification in Construction or related industry at NQF level 4 or higher. 
    		•

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

    NOTES 
    Range statements

    The unit standards provide the details of the ranges within which candidates are required to perform. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  9964  Apply health and safety to a work area  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Core  9986  Apply quality principles on a construction site  Level 2  NQF Level 02  12 
    Core  116578  Read and interpret reinforcing materials documentation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Core  119524  Identify different soil types and ground conditions  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  119526  Implement safety procedures for open hole or deep excavations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  119527  Lift and move a load on a construction site  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Core  119531  Maintain production records for plant and equipment on a construction site  Level 3  NQF Level 03  9 
    Core  14580  Read and interpret construction drawings and specifications  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Core  119533  Supervise and control the use of construction plant and equipment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  9 
    Core  11694  Undertake tape and offset surveying  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Core  15183  Demonstrate knowledge of concrete construction technology  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Core  14417  Lead and supervise construction teams  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Fundamental  8968  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9010  Demonstrate an understanding of the use of different number bases and measurement units and an awareness of error in the context of relevant calculations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Fundamental  9013  Describe, apply, analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Fundamental  8969  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9012  Investigate life and work related problems using data and probabilities  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8973  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  7456  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business and national issues  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8970  Write texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  116931  Use a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based web-browser to search the Internet  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  9968  Procure materials, tools and equipment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  119534  Supervise the application of trenchless technology procedures  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Elective  119535  Supervise the installation of foundation applications  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Elective  119536  Supervise the process of small bore drilling  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Elective  116936  Use a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based database application to work with simple databases  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  116930  Use a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based presentation application to enhance presentation appearance  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  119520  Conduct acceptance criteria testing for completed geotechnical work  Level 4  NQF Level 04  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.
     
    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.