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: Ceiling and Partitioning Installation 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
58247  National Certificate: Ceiling and Partitioning Installation 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Building 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  Building Construction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  129  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 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:

This qualification is used to recognise the competence of learners to perform the installation of ceilings and partitioning in the construction industry. This qualification has been designed as an introduction to the skills required for ceiling and partitioning installation workers.

This competence provides the foundation needed to take responsibility for a significant operation in the industry. It also provides the basis upon which further related learning and career development can take place.

Through the employment of competent ceiling and partitioning installation personnel, employers and in turn the field and sub-field have confidence that work in the industry can be carried out efficiently.

Social development and economic transformation are enhanced through efficient production in the ceiling and partitioning industry. Career development and personal job satisfaction of the ceiling and partitioning installation personnel are facilitated through the learning process used to achieve the competency specified.

Rationale:

Employment of competent ceiling and partitioning installation personnel is essential if this important aspect of construction work is to be efficiently performed within acceptable time/production rates.

Successful completion of this qualification will enhance the earning potential of qualifying learners and create opportunities for them to undertake further learning (particularly in the manufacturing, installation, supervision and advisory aspects of ceiling and partitioning).

Personal career development and job satisfaction, social development and economic transformation not only of persons who are skilled in ceiling and partitioning installation but of their local communities and the national economy, are further benefits to be derived from attainment of this qualification.

Typical learners are drawn from amongst personnel employed in the ceiling and partitioning sector of the construction industry. A community of competent persons proficient in these specific skills is required for employment in production teams who are capable of delivering ceilings and partitions of high quality on construction projects throughout South Africa and beyond this country's borders. The construction industry is well established in South Africa and its success is to a significant degree dependant upon the efficient installation of ceiling and partitioning products.

Competence in the installation of ceilings and partitioning requires appropriate general, ceiling and partitioning specific technical and other knowledge and its application; and expertise in installation on a construction site. This knowledge and expertise can form the basis for further learning, particularly in the manufacturing, installation, supervision and advisory aspects of ceiling and partitioning manufacturing and similar industries in the construction and other sectors.

The learners are expected to benefit by enhanced career opportunities and earning potential that will also benefit the local community and the economy. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that a learner is already competent in the following:
  • Communication at NQF Level 2.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    Recognition of prior learning must be carried out in accordance with the policy and rules specified and used by the ETQA responsible for evaluation of people seeking RPL for a part or the whole qualification.

    Access to this qualification:

    Access to this qualification is open bearing in mind learning assumed to be in place. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    In order to be awarded the Qualification, learners have to prove competence in all Fundamental and Core unit standards, plus a minimum of 18 credits from the Elective category of the Qualification.

    This qualification is made up as follows:
  • Fundamental: 36 credits.
  • Core: 75 credits.
  • Elective: 18 credits. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Plan for the installation of ceilings and partitions.
    2. Work according to drawings, specifications and building standards relating to installation of ceiling and partitioning.
    3. Install ceilings.
    4. Install partitions.
    5. Apply safety, health, environmental and quality procedures to installations.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    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 outlined.
  • 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.
  • 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 and or written persuasion.
  • Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Using Mathematics to perform a task.
  • Demonstrating an 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 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 field of local, national and global communities.
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
  • Exploring education and career opportunities; developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 

  • ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Components used in the installation of ceilings and partitions are identified according to specifications.
  • The safe, correct handling and storage of material used in ceiling and partitioning systems are described and demonstrated using examples.
  • Site specific planning relating to resource management (labour, material, tools, storage and transport) is demonstrated independently.
  • The site is prepared for the installation of ceilings and partitioning according to industry standards and specifications.

    2.
  • Relevant drawings and specifications are read and interpreted in relation to the installation of ceiling and partitioning.
  • Building standards relating to material, insulation, safety and construction methods are interpreted according to the requirements of the specifications.

    3.
  • Boarding, jointing and skimming of ceilings is performed in accordance with ceiling installation procedures.
  • Trapdoors, bulkheads and other accessories are constructed /installed in accordance with building requirements.
  • Good housekeeping skills are demonstrated as defined by workplace standards and norms.

    4.
  • Partition frameworks are performed in accordance with building requirements.
  • Cladding, jointing and skimming of partitions is performed according to partitions installation procedures.
  • Installation of skirting and doors is performed according to partitions installation procedures.
  • Good housekeeping skills are performed as defined by workplace standards and norms.

    5.
  • Understanding of site protocol and effective communication is demonstrated in the interests of safety.
  • Awareness of health and safety regulations pertaining to installation procedures is displayed in terms of health and safety procedures.
  • Environmental protection standards are adhered to according to workplace standards and norms.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Applied competence (foundational, practical and reflective competencies) arising from this qualification will be achieved if a candidate is able to operate the equipment required for ceiling and partitioning installations within appropriate environments, maintain quality control practices, demonstrate knowledge of installation procedures and interpret building standards.

    Appropriate methods and tools must be used to facilitate assessment of practical, foundational and reflective competence of a learner in all exit level outcomes listed above, determine a learner's ability to solve problems, work in a team, organise him/herself, apply scientific and mathematical principles in executing the required tasks and understand the implications of actions and counteractions in the world which functions as a set of related systems.

    Such an assessment process is intended to determine the degree of development achieved by a learner as a whole person, as well as the extent to which integration of applied knowledge and skills has been attained by a qualifying learner.

    By making use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods against the range of Unit Standards comprising this qualification, assessors should develop assessment procedures and conduct assessment sessions in a manner that ensures integrated assessment, Combinations of applied, foundational and reflective competencies, including those related to critical Cross-Field Outcomes, should, wherever possible, also be assessed. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    An extensive international comparability comparison was conducted including the USA, Sweden, Finland, Germany, relevant African countries, Australia, New Zealand, Britain, Scotland and Canada.

    The Australian and New Zealand qualifications registered on the NZQF and the AQF were seen as the best benchmarking partners. A comparison of the qualifications was undertaken and the best practice points were used in the generation of the South African qualification's unit standards.

    The main points of comparison are:

    The New Zealand National Certificate in Specialist Interiors (Suspended ceilings installation) (Level 3); and the National Certificate in Specialist Interiors (Proprietary partitions installation) (Level 3) are two separate qualifications which offer learners an opportunity to choose unit standards in domains that are comparable to those required for this South African qualification; e.g. safety, materials handling, and installation skills.

    Each of the New Zealand qualifications offers the learner an optional strand in Access Floors Installation, whereas in the proposed South African qualification the two specialisation areas of ceilings and partitions have been combined in one qualification with no optional flooring unit standards included in the qualification.

    The Australian Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining includes elements that serve as reference points for this South African qualification. This qualification is preceded by the Certificate I and II in General Construction. The core elements of this qualification include construction and partition unit standards with an elective unit standard covering suspended ceilings.

    African countries with manufacturing facilities (including SADC countries) were searched for applicable qualifications or training programmes, but no relevant qualifications are offered in any of these countries. Similar to international companies, the majority of training is provided by equipment suppliers with three to five day short training courses.

    A search of the British NVQ identified The UK City and Guilds Level 2 NVQ qualification in Interior Systems which includes compulsory unit standards in safety, quality and materials handling and elective unit standards (of which one must be chosen) on partitions and ceiling fixing.

    Research in the Scottish Qualifications Authority showed that although a number of construction qualifications are registered, no specific ceiling or partitioning elements could be identified. A registered module: Ceiling Fixing: Pelmet and Partition Work was identified, but this is regarded as a specialist module and it is not clear to which qualification it is aligned.

    A comparison with similar international qualifications indicates that the focus of these qualifications is the same. Both local and international qualifications have a variety of safety, materials handling and hand- and power tools Unit Standards supporting their core, with a wide scope of ceiling and partition Unit Standards to complete the qualifications. The South African qualification includes options to address the training needs required for the installation of specialised ceilings and bulkheads. The National Certificate: Ceiling and Partitioning Installation compares well with the best international qualifications and training programmes offered. The specialised ceiling and partitioning content incorporated in the qualification will serve to support qualifying learners to make better informed, autonomous decisions within a more compact timeframe than international learners and will increase transportability of the qualification considerably.

    It can be concluded therefore that this qualification has aspects of the best in the world but has however been designed to suit the unique South African conditions. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal articulation is possible with:
  • National Certificate: Construction Carpentry at NQF Level 3, NLRD ID: 22670.
  • National Certificate: Construction Painting at NQF Level 3, NLRD ID: 20919.

    Vertical articulation is possible with:
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Supervision of Building Construction Processes at NQF Level 4, NLRD ID: 49053.
  • National Certificate: Management of Building Construction Processes at NQF Level 5, NLRD ID: 23675.
  • Bachelor of Construction Management - Built Environment at NQF Level 6, NLRD ID: 48700.
  • Bachelor of Science (Honours) Construction Management at NQF Level 7, NLRD ID: 48699.
  • Doctor of Philosophy - Built Environment at NQF Level 8, NLRD ID: 48697. 

  • MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor 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 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 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 the integrated competence described in the Qualification.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this Qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 

  • 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 
    Range statement:

    Range of equipment covered: Basic hand tools and power tools.

    This qualification addresses the use and maintenance of basic hand and power tools to install ceiling and partitioning systems.

    Technology relating to ceiling and partitioning work includes communication, applied mathematics, applied science, industry-specific technology and information technology.

    This qualification may also be applicable to other installation operations, subject to its acceptance by appropriate subject matter experts. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  10255  Select, use and care for power tools  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  7427  Use and maintain hand tools and equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  243754  Conduct boarding, jointing and skimming of ceilings  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Core  243753  Conduct site-specific planning for the installation of ceilings and partitioning  Level 3  NQF Level 03  14 
    Core  243748  Identify, handle and store ceiling and partitioning products  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Core  243751  Interpret and apply building standards relevant to ceilings and partitioning  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Core  243744  Perform cladding, jointing and skimming of partitions  Level 3  NQF Level 03  11 
    Core  243757  Prepare a site for ceiling and partition installation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  13 
    Fundamental  119472  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    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 
    Fundamental  9013  Describe, apply, analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  119457  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  9012  Investigate life and work related problems using data and probabilities  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  119467  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  7456  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business and national issues  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  119465  Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  9976  Apply basic business concepts  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  9965  Render basic first aid  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  243749  Install bulkheads  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  243747  Install specialised ceilings  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.