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: Welding Application and Practice 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
57881  National Certificate: Welding Application and Practice 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Generic Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
The individual Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary for each Learning Programme recorded against this qualification is shown in the table at the end of this report.  SFAP - Sub-framework Assignment Pending 
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  158  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 091/21  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
24214  National Certificate: Welding Application and Practice  Level 2  NQF Level 02  161  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The purpose of this Qualification is to provide learners with the standards and the range of learning required to work effectively in the welding industry and to meet the challenges of such an environment.

This Qualification recognises the basic skills, knowledge and values acquired by learners involved in welding. The purpose of this Qualification is to develop learners who, after completion, demonstrate the ability to:
  • Use and apply mechanical and welding technology, techniques, processes and skills, as applied in the fabrication and welding industry, using appropriate tools and measuring equipment.
  • Use and apply a variety of fillet welding, oxy-fuel cutting and oxy-fuel joining processes.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the welding industry and its productivity requirements, by applying appropriate work-procedures.
  • Communicate effectively in order to achieve personal, business and organizational objectives. (Range: Reading and interpreting work instructions, documents and drawings; maintaining effective relationships; exploring options for further learning).

    This Qualification requires that learners qualify in basic welding practice and theoretical knowledge in weld preparation, cutting and brazing.

    Qualifying learners will also understand:
  • Welding Safety and applicable work-site practice.
  • Effective communication techniques within the workplace.
  • Numeracy skills applicable to the welding environment.
  • Dealing with HIV-aids.

    With this understanding, learners will be able to participate in workplace activities.

    What learners achieve in this Qualification will also serve as a basis for further learning where they will further develop their skills and knowledge to include more complex welding processes, equipment and techniques.

    Rationale:

    This is the first Qualification in a learning pathway for learners who want to follow a career in welding. The qualification replaces the National Certificate: Welding Application and Practice NQF Level 2 and the interimly registered qualification - National Certificate: Chemical Welder NQF Level 2.

    This Qualification focuses on developing skills and knowledge necessary to begin such a career.

    The welding industry operates in a competitive and challenging environment. The finished processes have to respond to a wide variety of exacting customer and consumer requirements. In addition, the industry has to respond to international competition and environmental issues.

    Welding application and practice require joining and cutting of materials that meet national and international requirements. Welding generally requires the joining of material that is subjected to considerable stress when in operation and the welding process needs to be consistent and accurate.

    This Qualification forms part of a series at different levels to create opportunities for development, a career path and greater security of employment within the welding industry.

    This Qualification enables learners who have gained relevant experience in the workplace to obtain credits through the RPL process. 
    		•

    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 1.

    Recognition of prior learning:

    This qualification can be obtained in part or wholly through the recognition of prior learning. The learner should be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and support and guidance should be provided. Care should be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining a Qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    FUNDAMENTAL COMPONENT

    The Fundamental Component consists of Unit Standards in:
  • Communications at Level 2 to the value of 20 credits
  • Mathematical Literacy at Level 2 to the value of 16 credits.

    All Unit Standards in the Fundamental Component are compulsory.

    CORE COMPONENT

    The Core Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 106 credits all of which are compulsory.

    ELECTIVE COMPONENT

    The Elective Component consists of a number of specializations each with its own set of Unit Standards. Learners are to choose a specialization area and must choose Elective Unit Standards to the value of 16 credits from the Elective Unit standards listed under that specialization so as to attain a minimum of 158 credits for the Qualification.

    Manufacturing and Engineering (Learning Programme ID 58534):
  • 243055, Prepare and secure work pieces for welding (includes the use of manipulators), Level 2, 8 credits
  • 243061, Assemble work pieces in jigs (minor amendments include the use of manipulators), Level 2, 3 credits
  • 9672, Erect and dismantle scaffolding, Level 2, 5 credits
  • 13222, Deal with safety, health and environmental emergencies in the workplace, Level 2, 4 credits
  • 12483, Perform basic first aid, Level 2, 4 credits
  • 12240, Form and shape sheetmetal using hand or power operated machines, Level 2, 8 credits
  • 117867, Managing files in a Graphical User Interface (GUI) environment, Level 1, 3 credits
  • 243056, Weld carbon steel workpieces using the shielded metal arc welding process in all positions, Level 2, 16 credits
  • 243064, Weld carbon steel workpieces, using the gas metal arc welding process in all positions, Level 2, 15 credits
  • 243074, Weld carbon steel components, using the submerged arc welding process in a downhand position, Level 2, 12 credits
  • 243075, Draw and interpret simple plate, pipe and structural steel plate, pipe and structural steel drawings, Level 2, 6 credits
  • 116235, Operate a pendant controlled overhead crane, Level 2, 5 credits
  • 117902, Use generic functions in a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-environment, Level 1, 4 credits
  • 116932, Operate a personal computer system, Level 1, 3 credits
  • 14706, Perform basic rigging procedures, Level 2, 4 credits
  • 12484, Perform basic fire fighting, Level 2, 4 credits
  • 14701, Join sheetmetal with resistance arc welding process, Level 2, 4 credits

    Chemical Welding (Learning Programme ID 59178):

    Learners must do Unit Standard ID 14779 and must choose additional Elective Unit Standards from the list below to give a minimum of 16 credits for the Elective Component:
  • 14779: Describe process operations & related process chemistry & technology used in the chemical industry, Level 1, 15 credits
  • 243061: Assemble work pieces in jigs (minor amendments include the use of manipulators), Level 2, 3 credits
  • 13222: Deal with safety, health and environmental emergencies in the workplace, Level 2, 4 credits
  • 243075: Draw and interpret simple plate, pipe and structural steel plate, pipe and structural steel drawings, Level 2, 6 credits
  • 12240: Form and shape sheet metal using hand or power operated machines, Level 2, 8 credits
  • 116235: Operate a pendant controlled overhead crane, Level 2, 5 credits
  • 14706: Perform basic rigging procedures, Level 2, 4 credits
  • 243074: Weld carbon steel components, using the submerged arc welding process in a downhand position, Level 2, 12 credits
  • 243056: Weld carbon steel workpieces using the shielded metal arc welding process in all positions, Level 2, 16 credits
  • 243064: Weld carbon steel workpieces, using the gas metal arc welding process in all positions, Level 2, 15 credits

    As specialisation electives are developed for Chemical Plant Installations, Mining, Food Processing Plant Installations, Building and Construction and other relevant engineering environments, they will be added here. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Use and apply mechanical and welding technology, techniques, processes and skills, as applied in the fabrication and welding industry, using appropriate tools and measuring equipment.
    2. Use and apply a variety of fillet welding, oxy-fuel cutting and oxy-fuel joining processes.
    3. Demonstrate knowledge of the welding industry and its productivity requirements, by applying appropriate work-procedures.
    4. Communicate effectively in order to achieve personal, business and organizational objectives.
    > Range: Reading and interpreting work instructions, documents and drawings; maintaining effective relationships; exploring options for further learning. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1
  • Mechanical and welding technology concepts, techniques and processes are explained and applied within a fabrication and welding context.
  • Tools, measuring equipment and engineering materials are used and applied in accordance with performance standards.
  • Occupational health, safety and environmental legislation, including safety practices and procedures, are applied to the fabrication and welding industry in accordance with standard operating procedures.
  • Welding machinery, tools and equipment, are cleaned and stored according to standard operating procedures.

    2
  • Fillet welding technique is applied in the downhand position and tested in accordance with performance standards.
  • Welding processes are applied in accordance with performance standards.
    > Range: Welding processes include Shielded metal arc welding; gas metal arc welding; gas tungsten arc welding; cored-wire welding; gas-welding.
  • Oxy-fuel joining and cutting processes are applied in accordance with performance standards.
    > Range: Oxy-fuel joining and cutting processes include gas-brazing and gas-cutting of plate and structures.
  • Specific safety practices and procedures are applied relevant to the fabrication and welding industry.
  • Welding machinery, tools and equipment, are cleaned and stored according to standard operating procedures.
  • Work-pieces are assessed in accordance with performance qualification standards.

    3
  • Communication processes and terminology are explained and demonstrated within the context of the welding industry.
  • Productivity requirements are explained within the context of the welding industry.
  • Problems are identified in a timely manner, reported and discussed and the agreed corrective action is implemented.
  • Information is interpreted to implement work instructions.
  • Specific safety practices and procedures are applied relevant to the fabrication and welding industry.

    4
  • Communication skills are demonstrated in various work-related situations.
  • Relationships with peers are maintained to promote effective communication within the workplace.
  • Concise reports are produced for record keeping purposes.
  • Learning opportunities are identified and discussed in order to produce a learning plan.

    Integrated assessment:

    Integrated assessment at the level of this Qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show they are able to integrate concept, actions and values achieved across a range of Unit Standards and contexts. Integrated assessment must evaluate the quality of observable performance as well as the thinking behind the performance.

    Some assessment aspects will demand practical demonstration while others may not. In some cases inference will be necessary to determine competence depending on the nature and context within which performance takes place.

    Assessors will collect evidence of the learner`s competence by:
  • Observing the learner at work (both in primary activities as well as other interactions) or by relevant simulations.
  • Asking questions and initiating short discussions to test understanding.
  • Looking at records and reports.

    The learner may choose in which language s/he wants to be assessed. This should be established as part of a process of preparing the learner for assessment and familiarising the learner on the approach being taken.

    Since this is a foundational Qualification, it is necessary to ensure that the fundamental part of the Qualification is also targeted to ensure that while the competence may have been achieved in a particular context, learners are able to apply it in a range of other contexts and for further learning. The assessment should also ensure that the critical cross-field outcomes have been achieved. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International comparability in welding programmes has two divergent categories:
  • Comparitive education and training content, at a specific levels within the context of the NQF.
  • Comparitive quality assurance standards for international qualification, certification and licensing.

    Comparative education and training content:

    It must be stated from the outset of this statement that reference to international benchmarking for this qualification series, applies only to the education and training content at specific levels between NQF 2, 3 and 4 and its measure of "appropriateness" when compared with welder training programmes internationally.

    International Benchmarking was done against the contents of the International Welder Qualification as specified and prepared by the International Authorisation Board (IAB Group A, WG A3A; IAB-089-2003/EWF-452-467-480-481 Rev.3 - January 2005; expires 31st December 2007). This bechmarking was done in order to align the education and training content of this Qualification Series: National Certificate in Welding Application and Practice NQF 2 and 3 and Further Education and Training Certificate NQF 4, according to international standards.

    The comparison with the training approach advocated by the International Welding Institute (IIW) through its "Bratislava Agreement" is particularly valuable, since they also lead to a European Community (EC) standard for Welding, making the International Welder Diploma equivalent to the European Welder Diploma. Participants in the "Bratislava Agreement" include the South African Institute of Welding (SAIW).

    This exercise also included an investigation into the American (USA) Welding Society's (AWS) approach to introductory, intermediate and advanced education and training programmes related to welding.

    African countries with manufacturing and engineering infrastructure (including SADC countries) were scanned for applicable qualifications or training programmes, but no relevant qualifications are offered in any of these countries.

    Good international comparability, including similar core qualification structures and progressions from NQF Level 2 to NQF Level 3, were found in the Australian, New Zealand, British and Scottish qualifications.

    A direct comparison with these international qualifications indicates that the education and training focus of all the qualifications is basically the same. The reference to level descriptors differ, in order to accommodate the NQF and outcomes-based education approach. This qualification series therefore makes an attempt at equating the education and training content of the three international skills levels by creating three distinct South African (NQF) welding qualifications, viz:
  • International fillet welder - National Certificate in Welding Application and Practice NQF 2.
  • International plate welder - National Certificate in Welding Application and Practice NQF 3.
  • International pipe welder - Further Education and Training Certificate in Welding Application and Practice NQF 4.

    Comparitive quality assurance standards:

    This qualification series differs from the international qualification benchmark, in that it does not require the welded work of learners to be quality assured according to the criteria specified by ISO 9606 (or equivalent) qualification tests. Learners may be found competent in accordance with the assessment criteria of the applicable SAQA-registered unit standard after being quality-assured by the presiding ETQA.

    Due to the wide reference list of international standards (Welding Code Specifications), an open range statement has been developed for those learning outcomes which refer to "Inspect the welded workpiece". Range statement: "Welded joints acceptance criteria to be in accordance with national and/or international welding standards", refers to:

    American Welding Society (AWS):
  • AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code Steel.
  • AWS D1.2 Structural Welding Code Aluminum.
  • AWS D1.3 Structural Welding Code Sheet Steel.
  • AWS D1.4 Structural Welding Code Reinforcing Steel.
  • AWS D1.5 Bridge Welding Code.
  • AWS D10.9 Welding Code for Pipe and Tubing.

    American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)/ASME Section IX Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code.

    American Petroleum Institute (API)/Standard 1104 for Welding Pipe Lines and Related Facilities.

    British Standard (BS):
  • BS 4870 Approval Testing of Welding Procedures.
  • BS 4871 Approval Testing Of Welders Working To Approved Welding Procedures.
  • BS 4872 Approval Testing Of Welders When Welding Procedure Approval Is Not Required.

    International Standard Organization (ISO):
  • ISO 9606 -1 Approval Testing of Welders - Fusion Welding Part 1: Steel.

    This Welding Qualification compares well with the best international qualifications and training programmes offered. The additional operational content incorporated in the qualification will serve to support qualifying learners to make better informed, autonomous decisions within a more expansive timeframe than international learners. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both horizontal and vertical articulation:

    Vertical articulation can occur with:
  • 24213: National Certificate: Welding Application and Practice: NQF Level 3.

    Horizontal articulation can occur with:
  • 23273: National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Fitting): NQF 2.
  • 23277: National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Machining): NQF 2.
  • 22869: National Certificate in Engineering (Fabrication): NQF 2.
  • 49689: National Certificate in Automotive Repair and Maintenance: NQF 2. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with an appropriate Education, Training, Quality Assurance (ETQA) Body 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.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA`s policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • 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 in the exit level outcomes described in the Qualification. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The following criteria should be applied by the relevant ETQA:
  • Appropriate Qualification in the field of welding application and practice at NQF level 3 and a minimum of 2 years` experience in the welding industry.
  • Appropriate experience and understanding of assessment theory, processes and practices.
  • Registration as an assessor with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

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

    NOTES 
    This qualification replaces qualification 24214, " National certificate: Welding application and practice ", Level 2, 161 credits.

    This submission is the product of the combined review process of the following qualifications:
  • SAQA ID: 24214 - National Certificate: Welding Application and Practise, Level 2.
  • SAQA 0151/03 on 03 December 2003.

    And
  • National Certificate: Chemical Welder (Interim-registered.) SAQA ID: 13634.

    The list below shows all unit standards that can be associated with any offering against this qualification.

    When developing offerings for a specific Learning Programme, please adhere to the Qualification Rules (above) for that Learning Programme. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  14683  Apply work site practices  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Core  243069  Braze metals using the oxy-fuel brazing process  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Core  243067  Cut materials using the oxy-fuel gas cutting process (manual cutting)  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Core  14722  Describe the welding industry`s composition its productivity requirements and communication techniques  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Core  14712  Identify and select material to specification  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Core  119744  Select, use and care for engineering hand tools  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Core  12476  Select, use and care for engineering measuring equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  12219  Select, use and care for engineering power tools  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Core  14713  Use welding definitions and symbols  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Core  243063  Weld carbon steel work-pieces using the shielded metal arc welding process in the down-hand position.  Level 2  NQF Level 02  15 
    Core  243076  Weld carbon steel workpieces using the cored-wire welding process in the downhand position  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Core  243066  Weld carbon steel workpieces using the gas metal arc welding process in the down-hand position  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Core  243072  Weld workpieces using the oxy-acetylene gas welding process in the downhand position  Level 2  NQF Level 02  10 
    Core  243068  Weld carbon steel workpieces using the gas tungsten arc welding process in the downhand position  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Fundamental  119463  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  119454  Maintain and adapt oral/signed communication  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  12444  Measure, estimate and calculate physical quantities and explore, describe and represent geometrical relationships in 2-dimensions in different life or workplace contexts  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  119460  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  119456  Write/present for a defined context  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  14779  Describe chemical process operations and related process chemistry and technology used in the chemical industry  Level 1  NQF Level 01  15 
    Elective  117867  Managing files in a Graphical User Interface (GUI) environment  Level 1  NQF Level 01  3 
    Elective  116932  Operate a personal computer system  Level 1  NQF Level 01  3 
    Elective  117902  Use generic functions in a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-environment  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4 
    Elective  243061  Assemble work pieces in jigs (minor amendments include the use of manipulators)  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  13222  Deal with safety, health and environmental emergencies in the workplace  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  243075  Draw and interpret simple plate, pipe and structural steel plate, pipe and structural steel drawings  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Elective  9672  Erect and dismantle scaffolding  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  12240  Form and shape sheetmetal using hand or power operated machines  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  14701  Join sheetmetal with resistance arc welding process  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  116235  Operate a pendant controlled overhead crane  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  12484  Perform basic fire fighting  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  12483  Perform basic first aid  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  14706  Perform basic rigging procedures  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  243055  Prepare and secure work pieces for welding (includes the use of manipulators)  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  243074  Weld carbon steel components, using the submerged arc welding process in a downhand position  Level 2  NQF Level 02  12 
    Elective  243056  Weld carbon steel workpieces using the shielded metal arc welding process in all positions  Level 2  NQF Level 02  16 
    Elective  243064  Weld carbon steel workpieces, using the gas metal arc welding process in all positions  Level 2  NQF Level 02  15 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Originator Pre-2009
    NQF Level    		 NQF Level Min Credits Learning Prog End Date Quality
    Assurance
    Functionary    		 NQF Sub-Framework
    59178  National Certificate: Welding Application and Practice: Chemical Welding  Generic Provider - Field 06  Level 2  NQF Level 02  158     CHIETA  OQSF 
    58534  National Certificate: Welding Application and Practice: Manufacturing and Engineering  Generic Provider - Field 06  Level 2  NQF Level 02  158     MERSETA  OQSF 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THESE LEARNING PROGRAMMES: 
    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.