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: Metrology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
57228  National Certificate: Metrology 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Engineering 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
EWSETA - Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  138  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 9999/99  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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:

The basis for Metrology is being able to ensure that all measurements undertaken are in compliance with international standards of measurement. This entails calibration of all types of measurement equipment. Learners achieving this qualification will be able to perform measurements that are confirmed against national measuring standards. They will also be able to maintain laboratory standard measurement artefacts, generate new standard measurement artefacts and calibrate laboratory equipment.

Learners will be able to:
  • Solve measurement and metrology problems.
  • Communicate Metrology information in the workplace.
  • Demonstrate understanding of Metrology principles.
  • Initiate and control a test or calibration laboratory.

    And one of the following outcomes, depending on the specialisation category selected:
  • Perform Electrical measurements and calibrations.
  • Perform Temperature measurements and calibrations.
  • Perform Mass measurements and calibrations.
  • Perform Dimensional measurements and calibrations.
  • Perform Force Torque and Hardness measurements and calibrations.
  • Perform Radio Frequency measurements and calibrations.
  • Perform Time & Frequency measurements and calibrations.
  • Perform Pressure measurements and calibrations.
  • Perform Humidity measurements and calibrations.
  • Perform Flow measurements and calibrations.
  • Perform Legal Metrology measurements and calibrations.
  • Perform Optical Radiometry measurements and calibrations.
  • Perform Fibre Optical measurements and calibrations.
  • Perform Ionizing Radiation measurements and calibrations.

    Performing measurement and calibration is critically important to the entire engineering industry and learners at the level of this qualification will take full responsibility for ensuring the correctness of measurements that may be used in industry, taking cognisance of varying factors in the operation of measuring equipment.

    Rationale:

    Metrology may be defined as "the science of ensuring the equivalence of measurement in order to improve the quality of life". This implies that inaccurate measurements will have a direct negative effect on the quality of life for all citizens of South Africa. This Qualification reflects the workplace-based needs of measurements in Industry as expressed by stakeholders and provides the learner with accessibility to employment opportunities within the Metrology Industry.

    Measurement is used in all engineering disciplines and Metrology comprises a wide variety of applications in which measurement must be ensured. This qualification provides the learner with flexibility to articulate in the measurement environment through selecting one of the specialisation options, and further articulation within the Engineering Sector.

    The competencies identified within the range of electives will allow the individual to pursue a career as a specialist Metrologist in the selected category. The competencies achieved from each of the elective categories will serve as foundational knowledge and skills relevant to the other categories, thereby ensuring greater flexibility for the learner.

    Measurement standards and equipment are maintained and calibrated on a daily basis in order to support accurate and traceable measurements in industry. There are currently no registered qualifications for the Metrology industry at any NQF level and training currently provided is not against nationally recognised qualifications. This qualification will promote portability and accessibility within the Metrology environment by providing learners with the competencies required. As current and past training has taken place against non-registered qualifications, this qualification will also be used as a benchmark in providing recognition for prior learning. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF level 4.

    Recognition of prior learning:

    This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through recognition of prior learning in terms of the defined exit level outcomes.

    Evidence can be presented in various ways, including international and/or previous local qualifications, products, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

    All such evidence will be judged in accordance with the general principles of assessment described above and the requirements for integrated assessment.

    Access to the qualification:

    Access to this qualification is open, but learners should already have achieved the competencies reflected in the learning assumed to be in place. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Fundamental:

    Candidates are required to achieve all of the available 28 credits for mathematics and communications.

    Core:

    Candidates must achieve all 25 credits in the core component.

    Electives:

    Stream Specific:

    Candidates must achieve at least 63 credits from any of the available streams of their choice and additional elective unit standards to make up 138 credits required to obtain the qualification. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Solve measurement and metrology problems.
    2. Communicate Metrology information in the workplace.
    3. Demonstrate understanding of Metrology principles.
    4. Establish and manage a test or calibration laboratory.
    5. Perform specific measurements and calibrations.
    > Range: Within specialisation category selected.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    This qualification addresses the following critical cross-field outcomes:
  • Identifying and solving problems in which responses indicate 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.
  • Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information.
  • Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral/written persuasion.
  • Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Demonstrating and understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising 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:

    1. Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
    2. Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
    3. Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
    4. Exploring education and career opportunities; and developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Mathematical information is collected, analysed and categorised in relation to the type of problem.
  • Mathematical, statistical and scientific methods are selected to suit the problems that need to be solved.
  • Well defined measurement problems are explained in relation to metrology concepts and principles.
  • Solutions are derived and justified on the basis of engineering concepts and principles.

    2.
  • Data to be communicated is gathered and assimilated according to the needs of the recipient.
  • Data and information is clustered into logical themes and sub-themes.
  • Sources of information are listed according to recognised conventions.
  • Information is transferred between forms without losing the initial intentions.
  • Communication method and style selected is appropriate to the target audience.
  • Verbal presentations are conducted in accordance with target audience requirements.
  • Data is presented graphically through the use of graphical tools within software packages.
  • Workplace documentation is chosen and developed against selected criteria for a specific purpose.
  • The structure, style and language of documentation are appropriate to the document type.

    3.
  • The structure, role and function of the international measurement system are explained in terms of scope and responsibility.
  • The concept and definition of accuracy traceability is explained with reference to measurement standards.
  • The relationship between the International Measuring System and Quality Systems is explained in terms of compliance requirements.
  • The concepts and methodology of uncertainty of measurement are defined and explained in terms of the International Standards Organisation guide to the estimation of uncertainty of measurement.
  • The basic contributors to uncertainty of measurement are analysed according to the International Standards Organisation guide to the estimation of uncertainty of measurement.
  • Uncertainty of measurement is estimated in terms of the International Standards Organisation guide to the estimation of uncertainty of measurement.
  • Calibration and test methods and procedures are developed to suit specific situations.
  • Measurement results are reported in accordance with workplace requirements.

    4.
  • Management and technical requirements for a measurement quality system are described and clarified.
  • A measurement quality system is developed for a given specific laboratory environment.
  • The effectiveness of the implemented measurement quality system is confirmed.
  • A business plan for the successful establishment of a selected test/calibration laboratory is generated.

    5.
  • Data is captured and analysed to determine calibration interval to be documented.
  • Values are assigned to a unit under test or unknown standard in terms of laboratory reference standards.
  • The results and associated uncertainty of unit under test or unknown standard are recorded according to standard practices.
  • Instruments are calibrated and performance verified in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
  • Calibration certificates are issued in accordance with requirements.

    Integrated assessment:

    The practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies demonstrated for the exit level outcomes in this qualification must prove that the whole competence is more than the sum of the parts of the competencies.

    Oral or written questioning regarding the reflective competencies within the qualification is essential. If the identifying and solving of problems, team work, organising one-self, the using of applied science, the implication of actions and reactions in the world as a set of related systems are not clear from the observation through a method of oral or written questioning, a case study can also be used to determine the person's development and integration of applied knowledge and skills.

    The planning, preparation, conducting and concluding of measurement and calibration related installations, maintenance, planning & design, and quality assurance can be assessed in one application.

    Applicable assessments tools must be used to establish the foundational, reflective and embedded knowledge of problem solving and application of the world as a set of related systems within the Metrology environment.

    A detailed portfolio of evidence is required to prove the practical, applied and foundational competencies of the learner.

    Assessors and moderators should develop and conduct their own integrated assessment by making use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods. Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

    Assessments should be structured in such a manner as to assess both specific and critical cross-field outcomes. During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and should assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The requirements for testing and calibration which support international trade are met via universally accepted practices. For more than 30 years the output of these activities in South Africa has been demonstrated as internationally equivalent through peer assessment of laboratory staff competence. This is largely due to the uniquely SA approach to metrology training since 1980.

    This training has been benchmarked internationally since 1998 both formally and informally and it was concluded that this training is not only on par with similar activities but in some cases was viewed as best practice in its own right.

    As leaders in the field of metrology we elected to consider the following countries and metrology training institutes with regard to this comparability study. A search for formal standards in this area was unsuccessful.

    United States of America:

    California State University, Dominguez Hills
  • 4 Year Degree Programme with a Measurement Science option.
    > Entry level High School GED.

    Central Georgia Technical College
  • Metrology Associate Degree.
    > Programme Length 107 Credit Hours.
    > Education Requirements High School graduate or GED recipient.
    > The Metrology Associate Degree programme is designed to meet the precision measurement needs of industry by preparing graduates through both theoretical and hands-on laboratory work to successfully enter the work force.
  • Metrology Diploma Programme.
    > Programme Length 90 Credit Hours.
    > Education Requirements High School graduate or GED recipient.
    > The Metrology diploma programme is designed to meet the precision measurement needs of industry by preparing graduates through both theoretical and hands-on laboratory work to successfully enter the work force.

    Australia:

    Swinburne University of Technology
  • Graduate Certificate of Engineering (Metrology and Quality).
    > Programme Length Two years part-time.
    > This programme provides training and experience in specific areas of Metrology and has the potential to prepare participants for higher degrees. It also provides the opportunity to serve a specialist group, which previously had not been adequately serviced by the education sector.

    United Kingdom:

    Brunel University (School of Engineering and Design)
  • Manufacturing Metrology
    > Entry Requirements: Normally an honours degree or equivalent usually in an engineering scientific or technological subject. Other qualifications such as Higher National diploma and suitable experience would be considered on an individual basis.
    > Programme Duration:
    > 1 year Full-time.
    > Part-time: 2 - 3 years - attendance for 4 block weeks.
    > Distance Learning - open ended.

    Note that although Brunel have discontinued providing this qualification due to market pressures, the content and level was considered relevant when it was benchmarked against the Certificate in Metrology.

    France:

    Ecole Supérieure de Métrologie
  • Diplôme d'Ingénieur Spécialisé de l'Ecole Supérieure de Métrologie (Diploma Engineer)
  • Titre de Mastère en Métrologie et Systèmes de Mesure (Masters)

    Conclusion:

    It was noted from the above that the range of these courses, both in level and content, is in line with the requirements of the South African Metrology industry. It was established that by pitching this qualification at NQF Level 5, candidates will be on a comparable level with their counterparts in other countries.

    Although it could be seen that the content of this qualification is similar to those used in the benchmarking exercise, an advantage of the Certificate in Metrology is the strong focus on competency and outcomes based results.

    SADC benchmarking:

    Whilst using the countries above as a yardstick for benchmarking the qualification was also evaluated against the requirements of the SADC countries for metrologists.

    In this case it was established that nearly all the countries have relied on either South Africa or Europe for obtaining the necessary skills and only Zimbabwe and Tanzania appear to have some metrology training. This is mostly been in specific areas of metrology and has not resulted in a broad based qualification such as in this Certificate. There was much interest displayed in this qualification and it may well be that it could be adopted by the region in the future.

    Certification - USA:

    The American Society for Quality ASQ offers a Calibration Technician Certification - CCT programme which is being used by employers to verify and certify the competency of calibration/metrology technicians in the United States of America. Their definition of a Certified Calibration Technician is one who tests, calibrates, maintains and repairs electrical, mechanical, electromechanical, analytical and electronic measuring, recording and indicating instruments and equipment for conformance to established standards.

    After careful analysis of this activity it has been established that the knowledge component of the Metrology Certificate NQF 5 is comparable and it is intended that ECSA will be approached to provide similar registration of Metrology Technicians in the future. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification has been developed for professional practice across the Metrology Industry. The intent is to ensure professionalism within the Metrology Industry and ensuring the increase of occupational performance standards in general.

    It is applicable to micro and macro businesses. The qualification builds on other professional certificates or diplomas from a range of sub-sectors and will provide articulation within a range of qualifications in engineering and service areas of practice.

    Learners can move horizontally or vertically between related qualifications, although in most cases, certain competencies will be required horizontally before moving to another qualification vertically.

    This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualifications:
  • National Certificate in Measurement, Control & Instrumentation (level 5), ID 49746.

    This qualification articulates vertically with the following qualifications:
  • National Diploma in Metrology (level 6).
  • National Diploma in Engineering Technology (level 6), ID 49744. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderation must include internal and external moderation of assessments. Internal and external moderation systems must ensure that all assessors produce assessments that are credible, fair, reliable and practicable.

    Moderation systems must provide assessment opportunities that are transparent, affordable and enhance development in the field and sub-field of the National Qualifications Framework.

    The accredited provider with the relevant ETQA must be able to provide internal moderation. Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this qualification or parts of this qualification must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.

    External moderation will be done by the relevant ETQA according to the particular ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Anyone assessing a learner must be a registered SANAS Technical Assessor and registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA. He/she must possess a similar qualification at one level higher than the level of the qualification and a minimum of at least 12 months relevant working experience. 

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

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  119255  Apply the ISO document "guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement" to estimate uncertainty of measurement  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  119238  Define the role, functions and operation of the international measurement system  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  1 
    Core  119241  Develop calibration and test methods and procedures  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
    Core  119242  Establish and manage a test/calibration laboratory  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  7 
    Core  119244  Implement a quality system to ensure technically valid measurement results in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Core  119236  Report measurement results  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
    Fundamental  12433  Use communication techniques effectively  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Fundamental  12432  Use mathematical and statistical techniques effectively  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  20 
    Elective  230195  Calibrate installations by temperature simulation and measurement in furnaces at temperatures exceeding 250ºC  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  7 
    Elective  230192  Calibrate isothermal media by temperature simulation and temperature mapping at temperatures not exceeding 250ºc  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Elective  119248  Calibrate oscilloscopes  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  18 
    Elective  230193  Generate reference temperatures and scales  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
    Elective  119251  Measure frequency using frequency counters  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
    Elective  230189  Measure percentage relative humidity using secondary humidity standards  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Elective  119240  Perform AC electrical and AC/DC transfer measurements and calibrate devices  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  17 
    Elective  119258  Perform AC power and energy measurements and calibrate devices  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
    Elective  119254  Perform DC electrical and resistance measurements and calibrate devices.  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  17 
    Elective  119233  Perform impedance measurements and calibrate devices  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
    Elective  230196  Perform Liquid in Glass Thermometry measurements and calibrate Liquid in Glass Thermometers (LIGs)  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Elective  230190  Perform radiation thermometry measurements and calibrate Infra-red Radiation Thermometers  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Elective  230194  Perform resistance thermometry measurements and calibrate Resistance Temperature Devices (RTDs)  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Elective  230191  Perform surface temperature measurements and calibrate devices  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Elective  119234  Perform temperature measurements using secondary temperature standards  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Elective  230197  Perform thermocouple thermometry measurements and calibrate thermocouple devices  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 


    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.