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: Air-conditioning, Refrigeration and Ventilation |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
65449 | National Certificate: Air-conditioning, Refrigeration and Ventilation | |||
ORIGINATOR | ||||
SGB Air-conditioning Refrigeration and Ventilation | ||||
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
MERSETA - Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Education and Training Authority | OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
National Certificate | Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology | Manufacturing and Assembly | ||
ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
Undefined | 133 | 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 06120/18 | 2018-07-01 | 2023-06-30 | |
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
2024-06-30 | 2027-06-30 |
In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise. |
This qualification replaces: |
Qual ID | Qualification Title | Pre-2009 NQF Level | NQF Level | Min Credits | Replacement Status |
48959 | National Certificate: Air-conditioning, Refrigeration and Ventilation | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 147 | Complete |
This qualification is replaced by: |
Qual ID | Qualification Title | Pre-2009 NQF Level | NQF Level | Min Credits | Replacement Status |
103277 | Occupational Certificate: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic | Not Applicable | NQF Level 04 | 641 | Complete |
PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
Purpose:
The air conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation industry provides a service to many sectors of the country`s economy such as food processing and warehousing, food transportation, distribution and retailing, deep level mining and industrial process, high rise and retail property, specialized medical care, automotive and mass transport, tourism and hospitality. This qualification enables a competent learner at NQF Level 2, under supervision, to demonstrate a basic ability to install, service, repair and operate mechanical equipment that is used in the air conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation industry. The current rate of urban development, the advance in technology and development of tourism creates an ever-increasing demand for air conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation equipment and systems and therefore a corresponding demand for technicians to repair, maintain, install and manufacture such equipment and systems. The technical skills required for this purpose are scarce and there is a growing demand for technicians skilled in the mechanical, electrical and thermal sciences. These qualifications are ideally suited to school-leavers (male and female) who have an interest in the engineering sciences and have practical skills. This series of qualifications also equips the learner with entrepreneurial skills which would lead to self employment in the SMME field (Most businesses in the field of air conditioning, refrigeration, and ventilation are in fact SMME`s). South African trained technicians are the obvious choice for work in this field, in many African countries. We also see an untapped potential for work and learning in this field, in many parts of Africa. This qualification specifically suits learners who have an interest in science and mathematics as well as manual dexterity (ability to use tools) and a consciousness of personal and environmental safety. Learners credited with this Qualification will be able to: Rationale: Air conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation are subfields of specialized engineering which account for the design, manufacture, installation, maintenance, and repair of systems which provide artificial cooling for the environment and the processing and preservation of foodstuffs. The development of the urban lifestyle with its concentration of population into centralized areas, the food chain from producer to consumer as well as the working environment and medical care would not be possible without these specialized engineering services. This is the first qualification in a series of qualifications which will lead to a learner acquiring all the skills required to work in the industry in the repair, maintenance, installation, manufacture and ultimately design of the mechanical/electrical systems which provide temperature control for environmental or process needs. By qualifying at this level, a learner will achieve the status of an Assistant Mechanic. The broader framework of qualifications (2008) is demonstrated by the following hierarchy of qualifications: The learner will be required to reach competence in the advanced skills of the servicing, repair and commissioning of systems and the selection of components and to understand and operate supervisory control systems. He will be required to supervise work teams and communicate at all levels in the workplace and with customers. There are many applications of air conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation which relate directly to the tourism and hospitality industry: Relevant future socio-economic developments, for example, the increase in level of tourism will create further demand for the services of trained technicians to install, service and repair cooling equipment at all skills levels. |
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
This qualification assumes that the candidate has already achieved a General Education and Training Certificate at NQF Level 1 or ABET Level 4 or Grade 9 school level.
Recognition of Prior Learning: This qualification may be achieved in part (or whole) through the recognition of relevant prior knowledge and/or experience. The learner must be able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification. As part of the provision of recognition of prior learning providers are required to develop a structured means for the assessment of individual learners against the Unit Standards of the Qualification on a case-by-case basis. A range of assessment tools and techniques during formative and summative assessment procedures should be used which have been jointly decided upon by the learner and the assessor. Such procedures, and the assessment of individual cases, are subject to moderation by independent assessors. The same principles that apply to assessment of this qualification also apply to recognition of prior learning. Learners may provide evidence of prior learning for which they may receive credit towards the Unit Standards and/or the qualification by means of portfolios or other forms of appropriate evidence as agreed to between the relevant provider and relevant ETQA or ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA. RPL is particularly important, as there are people in the metal production sector with a variety of skills and competencies of differing quality and scope. It is important that an RPL process be available to assist in making sense of existing competencies and skills, and helping to standardise these competencies and skills towards a common standard. |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
1. Identify and handle refrigerants.
2. Identify and use basic tools. 3. Identify and work with component parts for air-conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation equipment. 4. Understand the basic operation of air-conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation systems. 5. Work safely and responsibly in the plant environment. Critical Cross-field outcomes: This Qualification addresses the following Critical-Cross Field Outcomes: Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using thinking have been made when: Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization and community when: Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when: Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when: Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when: Demonstrate understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing the complex and dynamic nature of the various systems, system components and the inter-relationships that exist between systems when: |
ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Integrated Assessment: Integrated assessment at the level of this qualification will evaluate the learner's capacity to integrate engineering principles, processes and behaviour across a range of workplace domains and thus be able to carry out maintenance, repair and installation work under supervision for the benefit of his employer. Integrated assessment must specifically evaluate the learner's ability to: This will require assessment methodologies which will include demonstration, oral and written responses, both summative and formative, and evidence of these in the form of portfolios or projects. Since this is a basic qualification, the learner must show sufficient evidence of ability to understand engineering principles and workplace behaviour and procedures. Such ability may be obtained in a formal learnership, by practice gained in the workplace (RPL) or by a combination of formal learning and practice in the workplace. The assessment must also ensure that learners have achieved the critical outcomes. |
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
European Union:
Through the European Federation of National Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Associations (ERA. comprising 21 EU states), there is a move towards the harmonisation of EU refrigeration training and certification. This stems from the current lack of a singular reference point in respect of competence levels and a resulting measurement of compliance to EU refrigeration codes. For example, there is an EU legislative requirement (EC842-2006 for F Gas handling) which requires refrigeration workers to achieve certification in the handling of gases. This can be achieved through (City & Guild 2078) or CITB. The handling of ammonia is dealt with at Level 2 and at subsequent levels in our system. Great Britain: Equivalent qualifications-to the South African Qualifications-in Britain include the 6087 series, that is: South African air conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation Qualifications at NQF Levels 2-4 are equivalent to the expansive NVQ (UK) and SVQ's (Scottish) Levels1, 2, 3 and some elements of their Level 4. On the other hand, the City and Guilds equivalents are found in the following range: 207- Level 2 (refrigeration and air conditioning craft certificate); 207- Level 3 refrigeration and air conditioning advanced certificate and 257 technician certificate). Commonalities between the SA (NQF Level 2, 3 and 4) and UK Qualifications 6087 NVQ in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Levels 2, 3 and 4) are as follows: The core competence areas under which there is commonality across the four levels are from simple to complex systems, as follows: In both jurisdictions the various levels have the following similarities: Operatives The operatives (SA) in the air conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation field are: Assistant mechanic at Level 2, who carries out technical work under supervision; the mechanic (without supervision) at Level 3; the Technician/Protect Leader at Level 4 whose role is supervisory and is able to deal with complex systems. In the UK Level 2 is for the Trainee, Level 3 is for the craftsperson and Level 4 is for the Specialist/Supervisor and Team leader. An example from British Columbia: For illustration, a specific Heating, Ventilation an Air-conditioning Technician course from British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in Canada. In it there is consistency with the SA and UK qualifications in the core/main elements, though with some minor differences of terminology, duration and qualification pegging. BCIT Qualification: It is noted that the BCIT qualification has been made up of 3 separate levels of Unit Standards that make up the total Credit of 125. The South African equivalent qualifications have three qualifications that span three Levels, that is, Levels 2-4 with credits as follows: (Level 2; 133, Level 3: 122 and Level 4 at 156 credits). The Table below illustrates the difference in the BCIT Credit Level 1 Unit Standards and the South African Qualification Unit standard Level 2 Qualification and their respective Credits. Level 1; Unit Standards; Credits: An example from British Columbia: It should be noted that the international standard is arguably set higher than the South African standards based on the reason listed below. A BCIT qualified graduate at level two is expected to be able to Design Refrigeration Systems, Describe Basic HVAC Systems, Air Distribution Arrangement for HVAC, Air Properties and Measurement, Explain HVAC Control Loops, Maintain Heat Pump Systems, whereas our graduate is only expected to demonstrate understanding of the basic understanding of mechanical/technical equipment and carry out technical work and understand principles of Air-Conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation and demonstrate a b. The BCIT graduate would have learned all the South African NQF Level 2 core unit standards in his/her Level 1. Learning assumed to be in place South African Qualification requires that the candidate learner must have achieved a National Certificate at NQF Level 1, Abet Level 4 or Grade 9 school Level. BCIT requires that the candidate must have completed High school graduation or any if the following: English 12, Communications 12, English-language proficiency, Academic Math 11 (C) Applicants must pass a BCIT Mechanical Reasoning test. New Zealand: South African Level 3 and 4 qualifications compare relatively favourably with those of New Zealand (Level 3: 1415, Level 4:1416; Level 4: 0124; Level 4: 0130). It is note that the New Zealand Qualifications Authority allows for specialization in the following areas: Automotive Heating etc. Automotive machining, Diesel Fuel injection and Motorsport. The New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA) has listed an equivalent qualification as a Heating, Ventilation an Air-conditioning (HVAC) qualification which would be a component of an Engineering Qualification (e.g. Mechanical Engineering, Motor Industry Engineering or Building maintenance). SADC and beyond: Many SADC countries are still in the early stages of developing their NQF's. Equivalents for the qualifications under review were not found. Summary: The International comparability exercise has revealed the following: New Zealand, Great Britain, and EU qualifications have a number of occupational streams and learning pathways within the domestic, commercial/industrial and auto applications of heating, ventilation and air conditioning. It was also observed that the South African air conditioning unit standards within the NQF Level range 2-4 overlaps the international equivalent at Levels 1-6, in the various countries. Other countries make provision for school based vocational education at level 1 equivalent, for example, the United States of America. In line with the international experience, South African Qualifications seek comply with the requirements of safety, national standards and the handling of dangerous substances. |
ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
This Qualification allows for both horizontal and vertical articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: ID: 58860: National Certificate: Electro-Mechanical Winding, Level 2. Vertical Articulation: ID: 49056, National Certificate: Domestic Appliance Repair, Level 3. |
MODERATION OPTIONS |
CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
> For an applicant to register as an assessor or moderator of this qualification, the applicant should be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA. > In possession of the relevant qualification. > Have sufficient relevant experience. > Have the appropriate qualification to assess communication and mathematical literacy. |
REREGISTRATION HISTORY |
As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. |
NOTES |
This qualification replaces qualification, 48959, "National Certificate in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Ventilation", Level 2, 147 credits.
The assessment criteria for each unit standard are to be used by the assessor as the basis for assessment judgments, first in relation to each unit standard, and then in relation to integration at exit outcome level. |
UNIT STANDARDS: |
ID | UNIT STANDARD TITLE | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | CREDITS | |
Core | 116236 | Define and explain the principles of thermodynamics and carry out basic calculations involving heat | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 5 |
Core | 116223 | Demonstrate knowledge of the OHS Act as it applies to employees in the air-conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation industries | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 3 |
Core | 116232 | Demonstrate understanding of fundamentals of electricity and its application in air conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation equipment | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 4 |
Core | 262177 | Explain the basic vapour compression cycle, the components, the handing and storage of refrigerants | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 8 |
Core | 116355 | Handle refrigerant containers and transfer refrigerants into service cylinders | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 3 |
Core | 116230 | Identify materials, piping, fitting, jointing methods and insulation materials used for air-conditioning and refrigeration installations | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 4 |
Core | 116334 | Identify refrigerant containers, explain handling procedures and discuss the use of refrigerants | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 3 |
Core | 116239 | Identify, use and maintain hand tools and measuring instruments used in the air-conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation trades | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 12 |
Core | 116335 | Identify, use and maintain refrigeration trade specific tools and instruments | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 8 |
Core | 116229 | Join and install refrigerant piping | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 9 |
Core | 9322 | Work in a team | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 3 |
Core | 116241 | Work Safely and use safety equipment when carrying out mechanical or electrical work on air conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation installations | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 7 |
Core | 116700 | Maintain safety in the handling group 1 and 2 refrigerants | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 9 |
Fundamental | 119463 | Access and use information from texts | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 5 |
Fundamental | 7480 | Demonstrate understanding of rational and irrational numbers and number systems | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 3 |
Fundamental | 9008 | Identify, describe, compare, classify, explore shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional shapes in different contexts | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 3 |
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 | 119455 | Respond to selected literary texts | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 5 |
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 | 13202 | Apply study and learning techniques | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 3 |
Elective | 116246 | Behave in the proper manner under working conditions | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 4 |
Elective | 116238 | Clean air-conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation plants, components and work sites | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 4 |
Elective | 116234 | Identify and apply fixing methods for piping, ducting and equipment used in the trade of air-conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 6 |
Elective | 116233 | Identify and state application of belt drives, couplings, gearboxes and bearings used on air-conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation plants and recognize misaligned, mismatched and worn components | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 6 |
Elective | 244564 | Identify causes of stress in own life and indicate techniques to manage it | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 2 |
Elective | 9266 | Install self propelled transport refrigeration systems | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 4 |
Elective | 116243 | Install, connect and maintain electrical cables and conductors as applied in air conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation installations | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 6 |
Elective | 116245 | Perform basic arc welding of metals as applicable to air-conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation installations | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 4 |
Elective | 116244 | Sketch and construct electrical circuits applicable to single-phase air conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation installations | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 9 |
Elective | 116704 | Maintain safety in the handling of ammonia refrigerant | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 9 |
Elective | 261802 | Perform maintenance and repair on non-specialised marine refrigerated containers | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 8 |
Elective | 262161 | Set instrumentation and perform inspections on marine refrigerated containers | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 8 |
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. |
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. |