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: 

Further Education and Training Certificate: Project Support Services 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
58800  Further Education and Training Certificate: Project Support Services 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Project Management 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
SERVICES - Services Sector Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Further Ed and Training Cert  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Project Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  126  Level 4  NQF Level 04  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 FETC: Project Support Services has been designed for people already working in the Project Management sector or wanting to enter the industry. This Qualification will allow people involved in the Project Management sector to develop the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to project management support. It will contribute to the development of a career path for people within the Project Management sector.

Learners working towards this FETC: Project Support Services will find that the acquisition of competence in the Unit Standards, which make up the Qualification, will add value to their job performance. This Qualification is intended to enhance the provision service within the Project Management field and enable the learner to use these competencies, which will help for their career growth in the organisation.

It will provide the broad knowledge, skills and values required to facilitate access to, mobility and progression within education, training and development to progress along a learning path for learners who:
  • Were previously disadvantaged or who were unable to complete their schooling and were therefore denied access to Further Education and Training.
  • Have worked in the Project Management sector for many years without a formal Qualification.
  • Wish to extend their range of skills and knowledge of the sector so that they can become competent workers in the Project Management sector.

    Rationale:

    The FETC in Project Support Services: NQF Level 4 is a qualification that targets project management support personnel, and in particular junior schedulers, planners, cost engineers and estimators. This Qualification should contribute to the development of the skills and knowledge required to lend support in a project management.

    The qualification is intended for people with prior work experience in the project management field. The Learners accessing this qualification will be working in or with project support services teams or using a project approach. The projects could vary from technical to business or developmental projects and will cut across a range of economic sectors. The qualification will add value for learners running their own business and who need project support services skills.

    This qualification will also be useful to people who may be working part time or full time with projects in any sector, working in formal or informal business, in the government or in rural areas. The learner may supervise small projects or teams working on a project, or him/herself could be a team member who's role is to provide administrative support or any other specialised support such as procurement. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learners accessing this qualification are competent in:
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3.
  • Communication at NQF Level 3.
  • Computer Literacy at NQF Level 3.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    The structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible through the assessment of individual Unit Standards. This qualification may therefore be achieved in part or completely through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. 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.

    If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits should be assigned to the learner. Recognition of Prior Learning will be done by means of Integrated Assessment as mentioned above.

    This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow:
  • Accelerated access to further learning at this or higher levels on the NQF.
  • Gaining of credits towards the Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Obtaining of this Qualification in part or in whole.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Access to the qualification is open, bearing in mind the learning assumed to be in place. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The Qualification consists of a Fundamental, a Core and an Elective Component.

    To be awarded the Qualification, learners are required to obtain a minimum of 126 credits as detailed below.

    Fundamental Component:

    The Fundamental Component consists of Unit Standards in:
  • Mathematical Literacy at Level 4 to the value of 16 credits.
  • Communication at Level 4 in a First South African Language to the value of 20 credits.
  • Communication in a Second South African Language at Level 3 to the value of 20 credits.

    It is compulsory therefore for learners to do Communication in two different South African languages, one at Level 4 and the other at Level 3.

    All Unit Standards in the Fundamental Component are compulsory.

    Core Component:
  • The Core Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 56 credits all of which are compulsory.

    Elective Component:
  • The Elective Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 78 credits. Learners are to choose Unit Standards to the minimum of 14 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of project support services function.

    2. Work with others to support the project control activities.

    3. Provide support to the development of project schedules.

    4. Provide support to the preparation of project estimates.

    5. Conduct cost control activities as directed to support project controls. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

    1.1 The purpose of project support services in an organisation is explained with examples.
    1.2 The sources of information required by support services are described with examples.
    1.3 The project and/or organisational requirements as applicable to project support services are described with reference to a specific project.
    1.4 Different report formats are described and justified using examples of application.
  • Range: The report format must include at least 1 application for each of cost estimating, cost control and scheduling.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

    2.1 Own activities are conducted in an ethical manner and in accordance with organisational/client/project standards and procedures and codes of conduct.
    2.2 Own and team member interactions and contributions to the project are described with examples.
    2.3 Own workload and time are effectively managed in conjunction with the requirements of others in the project.
    2.4 Successful support is provided to others in a project management environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

    3.1 Schedule information is gathered, collated and checked according to project requirements and agreed procedures and standards.
    3.2 Schedule records are created and maintained according to organisational requirements.
    3.3 Resource information is gathered, checked for accuracy and completeness and recorded according to organisational requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

    4.1 Estimated data is gathered, collated and checked according to project requirements and agreed procedures and standards.
    4.2 Estimated records are created and maintained according to organisational requirements.
    4.3 Estimated data is communicated to relevant parties in accordance with organisational requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

    5.1 Cost control information and documents are gathered and processed within required time frames and according to organisational requirements, procedures and/or policies.
    5.2 Cost control systems are used to maintain records according to organisational requirements.
    5.3 Cost and progress reports are produced and distributed according to organisational requirements.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Assessment should be carried out at regular intervals as well as at the end of the periods of study and should be offered in an integrated way. It is envisaged that learners will work at more than one unit standard at a time.

    The achievement of applied competence of this qualification will be demonstrated if the learner is able to apply operational knowledge and skills to provide a project support services function.

    Evidence is 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. Integration of skills will be demonstrated through the achievement of the core operational standards.

    Assessors should note that candidates when being assessed against the individual unit standards could well present evidence of integration. Thus, there should not necessarily be separate assessments for each unit standard and then further assessment for integration. Well designed assessments should make it possible to gain evidence against each unit standard while at the same time gaining evidence of integration. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Project Support Services is a discipline with globally recognised best practices, standards and Qualifications. This Qualification and set of unit standards utilises international and locally recognised best practice and standards in project management and project support services. Amongst a range of others, the UK National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Project Controls and the Australian National Competency Standards for Project Management at Level 4, have been used to in development of the Qualification.

    This Qualification will provide an entry point to further learning for NQF Level 5 and above Qualifications and international Qualifications in Project Support Services and Project Management.

    Internationally we could not find a qualification at the NQF Level 4, however, references were made to the following institutions which provide learning in this area:
  • Association for Project Management, UK.
  • International Project Management Association, Europe.
  • Australian Institute for Project Management, Australia.
  • Project Management Institute PMI®.
  • Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International.

    Sections of the following higher level qualifications were referred to:

    United Kingdom - The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board, G4L3 25:
  • National occupational standards for project management (2004).

    Project Management Institute (Global):
  • Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM).

    Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International (Global):
  • Certified Cost Engineer (CCE).

    The above qualifications match this qualification in the areas of project management practices, processes and cost management only.

    International standards/knowledge that have been referenced include:
  • A guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, 1996 and 2000 versions, from Project Management Institute (PMI®) - the following units of knowledge:
    > Time Management.
    > Cost Management.
    > Quality Management.
    > Communications Management.
  • Australian National Competency Standards for Project Management - knowledge areas:
    > Complete daily work activities (BSBCMN102A).
    > Work effectively in a business environment (BSBCMN201A).
    > Communicate in the workplace (BSBCMN203A).
    > Organise personal work priorities and development (BSBCMN302A).
    > Manage projects (BSBCMN419A).
    > Contribution to effective workplace relationships (BSBFLM303A).
    > Apply time management techniques (BSBPM402A).
    > Apply cost management techniques (BSBPM403A).
    > Apply quality management techniques (BSBPM404A).
  • Body of Knowledge from Association for Project Management.
  • ISO 10006.
  • BS 6079.
  • International Project Management Association Competence Baseline.
  • Project Management Professional role delineation study from PMI® - knowledge areas:
    > Professionalism and Ethics:
    > Legal requirements.
    > Communications.
    > Conflict of interest.
    > Ethnic and cultural norms.
    > PMP® code of ethics.

    The programmes listed above compare well to our qualification. All the skills addressed are the same as what is covered in this Project Management Services Level 4 qualification. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    There are many horizontal articulation possibilities with other NQF Level 4 Qualifications and Unit Standards. Examples include the learning areas of:
  • ID 57712: Further Education and Training Certificate: Generic Management, NQF Level 4.
  • ID 35928: Further Education and Training Certificate: Business Administration Services, NQF Level 4.
  • ID 23953: Further Education and Training Certificate: New Venture Creation, NQF Level 4.
  • ID 48883: Further Education and Training Certificate: Small Business Advising, NQF Level 4.
  • ID 24294: Further Education and Training Certificate: IT Systems Development, NQF Level 4.
  • ID 24293: Further Education and Training Certificate: IT Technical Support, NQF Level 4.
  • ID 57824: Further Education and Training Certificate: Public Administration.
  • ID 24396: Further Education and Training Certificate: Risk Management, NQF Level 4.
  • ID 48818: Further Education and Training Certificate: Arts and Culture Administration, NQF Level 4.
  • ID 49129: Further Education and Training Certificate: Management and Administration, NQF Level 4.

    Vertical progression can be achieved by embarking on the study of many areas, examples of potential NQF Level 5 Qualifications are:
  • ID 24493: National Certificate: Management, NQF Level 5.
  • ID 49126: National Certificate: Management and Administration, NQF Level 5.
  • ID 48886: National Certificate: Business Advising, NQF Level 5.
  • ID 49419: National Certificate: Business Consulting Practice, NQF Level 5.
  • ID 49554: National Certificate: Public Finance Management and Administration, NQF Level 5.
  • ID 58395: National Certificate: Project Management, NQF Level 5.
  • ID 58395: National Diploma: Project Management, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    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.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation; in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between ETQA's (including professional bodies); and in terms of the moderation guideline detailed immediately below.
  • 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, exit level outcomes 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 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant should:
  • Be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or an ETQA that has a memorandum of understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Be a current member of a professional body in the project management field. 
    		•

    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  244558  Comply with organisational ethics in a project environment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Core  120372  Explain fundamentals of project management  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Core  110023  Present information in report format  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Core  244573  Provide technical support for project cost control functions  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Core  244556  Provide technical support for project estimating service functions  Level 4  NQF Level 04  9 
    Core  244566  Provide technical support for project planning and scheduling service functions  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Core  120379  Work as a project team member  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Fundamental  119472  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119457  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119467  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119465  Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9015  Apply knowledge of statistics and probability to critically interrogate and effectively communicate findings on life related problems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  119462  Engage in sustained oral/signed communication and evaluate spoken/signed texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  119469  Read/view, analyse and respond to a variety of texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  9016  Represent analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Fundamental  7468  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business, national and international issues  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  12153  Use the writing process to compose texts required in the business environment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  119459  Write/present/sign for a wide range of contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  13936  Outline the legal environment of a selected industry  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Elective  244563  Perform work using a project approach  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  117495  Assess legal contracts for business  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Elective  110026  Describe and assist in the control of fraud in an office environment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  117729  Describe different business systems and their interdependence within an organisation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  120377  Identify, suggest and implement corrective actions to improve quality of project work  Level 4  NQF Level 04  7 
    Elective  117156  Interpret basic financial statements  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  244554  Maintain and use project information systems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  242810  Manage Expenditure against a budget  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Elective  109999  Manage service providers in a selected organisation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  13948  Negotiate an agreement or deal in an authentic work situation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  120382  Plan, organise and support project meetings and workshops  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  244565  Prepare project documents  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Elective  110025  Process data using information technology  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  120386  Provide procurement administration support to a project  Level 4  NQF Level 04  7 


    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.