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: Music Industry: Sound Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
67462  Further Education and Training Certificate: Music Industry: Sound Technology 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Music Industry 
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
Further Ed and Training Cert  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Music 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  159  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 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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
A need for competence at this level exists for sound engineering competencies across genres. The music industry requires competent individuals who have:
  • Reliable and robust knowledge and skills regarding sound technology,
  • Who can meet industry standards and requirements using technology to their best advantage.
  • Who are capable of delivering efficiently and effectively with regard to sound engineering.
    The composition of this qualification provides an integrated set of competencies to meet music industry sound technology needs.

    The purpose of the qualification is thus that a qualified learner is able to meet specific industry requirements and adopt individual characteristic traits for operating in the field of sound engineering

    Rationale
    The area of employment for sound engineers currently consist mostly of individuals who are self taught engineers who do not have any recognised qualification/s. This has lead to insufficiently trained engineers or engineers only trained in a specific genre. This qualification addresses the need to recognise the competencies of sound engineers in order to provide opportunities for recognition and career advancement. Social and economic rationales for this qualification include encouragement of redress, facilitation of access to credit, career advancement and further learning.

    The current application of learning has had little recognition of competence. At the same time, competencies that are required for practice have not been attained. . For example, a learner may have attained the sound engineering skills, but cannot read or write, or do not understand business principles. The rationale for this qualification is to address the need for applied numeric and communication competence in this learner market (fundamental component), while providing a means of recognising prior learning whereby, for example, (relevant competence) musical can be credited. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners should have attained the outcomes of National Certificate: Music Industry NQF Level 3 in the Further Education and Training (FET) Band, before embarking on learning towards this qualification.

    Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

    Learners who have met the requirements of any unit standard in this qualification may apply for recognition of prior learning to the Education and Training Authority (MAPPP SETA). The applicant will be assessed against the specific outcomes and with the assessment criteria for the relevant unit standard or unit standards. A qualification will be awarded should a candidate demonstrate that all the unit standards outcomes have been attained. This qualification is based on unit standards. Therefore, any learner who demonstrates competence as required by the fundamental, core and elective components and stated in the qualification, will have access to this qualification. 

    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 159 credits as detailed below.

    Fundamental component:

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

    All Unit Standards in the Fundamental Component are compulsory.

    Core component:
  • The Core Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 95 credits all of which are compulsory.

    Elective component:
  • The Elective Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 33 credits. Learners are to choose Unit Standards to the minimum of 8 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Fundamental and Core

    1. Use mathematics for personal and business applications
    2. Use and interpret language effectively for verbal and non-verbal communication
    3. Prepare for Sound Engineering for productions
    4. Operate Sound Engineering equipment for efficient and effective use in productions
    5. Engineer sound for recordings and productions
    6. Operate fundamental MIDI components for Sound Engineering

    Elective (8 credits are required to qualify)

    7. Craft sound in a Sound Engineering context
    8. Set up DJ equipment for effective use by the DJ
    9. Establish and run a small business optimally
    10. Make financial decisions that are optimal for a given context 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Fundamental and Core

    1.> National regional and personal budgets are analysed
  • Calculations and the use of statistics are correct
  • Calculations and instruments are used and taken into account when reporting final values


    2.> Verbal and non-verbal communication is used effectively
  • Text and subtext of verbal and non-verbal communication is identified and acted on
  • Communication is used to learn individually or in groups, effectively and efficiently

    3.> Technical requirements for the genre are negotiated to enable the required installations, showing a capacity to work with others and use technology.
  • Equipment selected is congruent with production needs, showing problem solving skills
  • Equipment is adequately protected from hazards during and after productions

    4.> Switches, controls and buttons are identified and used correctly, showing technological competence
  • Trouble shooting and adjustment of equipment are to specific requirements
  • Computer systems are operated for sound engineering in a way that is appropriate and correct

    5.> Mixing console, dynamics processors and effects units are set up to ensure signal flow and to demonstrate technological competence
  • Specified music genre and title is identified and selected to ensure the correct mix down and showing information evaluation skills

    6.> MIDI channels are allocated to ensure communication
  • Control assign parameters are used to control specified MIDI equipment.
  • MIDI time code is used to synchronise a sequencer, all demonstrating technological competence

    Elective (8 credits are required to qualify)

    7.> Sounds are edited and customised to ensure specified requirements and tone colours are met
  • Edited and customised sounds are named, saved and stored to ensure recall

    8.> Repertoire is planned, compatible with the required genre
  • Equipment connections are functional
  • Set-up is optimal for purpose

    9.> A business plan is developed to guide the initial strategy and operations of the business
  • Agreements are negotiated with clients in a way that respects the wishes of both parties
  • Human resources, operations, marketing and finance is competently handled

    10.> Financial statements are analysed and interpreted showing technological competence
  • Financial risk in own life is managed in way that risks are placed within the whole system of a career

    Integrated assessment

    Before qualifying, learners will be expected to demonstrate competence that integrates the assessment of all specific outcomes, for all unit standards, for example, applying competence in a practical scenario. This will require learners to demonstrate their ability in a working environment. In addition, during the learning process to attain the outcomes of each unit standard, learners will be expected to give evidence that they have attained the embedded knowledge and specific skills contained in specific outcomes for the relevant Unit Standard. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Various international Qualifications Authorities have music qualifications with various Sound Engineering components, which relate closely to this qualification:

    Australian Qualifications Framework

    This authority has various Units of Competency, which closely relates to the Unit Standards of this qualification:
  • Use MIDI devices and/or software to perform music
  • Use MIDI devices and/or software to compose music
  • Move and set up instruments and equipment
  • Operate portable audio recorder
  • Record sound
  • Install, align and test sound equipment
  • Mix sound sources
  • Operate sound mixing console
  • Edit sound using digital systems
  • Set up, operate and de-rig portable sound recording equipment
  • Develop and implement sound production for a recording

    Although the present qualification does not have Unit Standard Titles exactly the same as the Australian Units of Competency, the competencies contained in the Unit Standards of this qualification overlaps significantly with those in the Australian qualifications. Since the levels of Australian qualifications are described differently to South African qualifications, direct level comparisons are not practicable.

    Scottish Qualifications Authority

    The following qualifications all have MIDI Sequencing and Sound Engineering and Production as Optional Units (up to 40 hours):
  • Music at Intermediate 1
  • Music at Intermediate 2
  • Music at Higher
  • Music at Advanced Higher

    New Zealand Qualifications Authority
    This body has a level 5 diploma and a level 7 diploma which emphasises competence in such music areas as performance, music technology and music therapy. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification will allow a person to articulate vertically to the National Certificate or Diploma in Sound Engineering at NQF level 5. The qualification has also been developed for mobility across similar trades within the industry and is intended to allow for further learning. Some examples of articulation include:
  • Passing on the skills as a trainer/mentor/educator
  • Becoming a music producer
  • Specialised sound engineering skills in studio productions, television, film and reinforced sound.
  • Horizontal articulation to an assessor
  • Vertical articulation with a Technical Production Services qualification is possible 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderation includes both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification and encompasses achievement of the competence described both in unit standards as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification.

    Assessment of learner achievements take place at ETQA accredited providers for the provision of programs that result in the outcomes specified for the National Diploma Music Industry (Sound Engineering) NQF level 4. These providers are responsible for the moderation of learner achievements of learners who meet the requirements of each unit standard. Those assessing the outcomes of this unit standard should be qualified and registered with the ETQA.

    A moderator registered with the MAPPP Sector Education and Training Authority will externally moderate each Unit Standard. 

    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 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  114529  Check sound source quality  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Core  114533  Evaluate acoustics  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Core  114555  Maintain professional sound engineering equipment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Core  114544  Meet recording session requirements  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Core  114557  Operate Controls and Functions  Level 4  NQF Level 04  9 
    Core  114559  Operate digital recording software  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Core  114556  Plan pre-production  Level 4  NQF Level 04  7 
    Core  114558  Record a stereo production  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Core  114560  Set up MIDI connections and communications channels  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Core  114537  Set up sound equipment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Core  114535  Use delay to create repeat and echo effects  Level 4  NQF Level 04  7 
    Core  114541  Use dynamics processors  Level 4  NQF Level 04  7 
    Core  114563  Use reverb to create room simulation and effects  Level 4  NQF Level 04  7 
    Fundamental  8968  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8969  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8973  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8970  Write 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  8974  Engage in sustained oral communication and evaluate spoken texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  12417  Measure, estimate & calculate physical quantities & explore, critique & prove geometrical relationships in 2 and 3 dimensional space in the life and workplace of adult with increasing responsibilities  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Fundamental  8975  Read analyse and respond to a variety of texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  8979  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    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  8976  Write for a wide range of contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  114561  Craft basic sound with a tone generator  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Elective  10385  Develop a business plan for a small business  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  10388  Interpret basic financial statements  Level 4  NQF Level 04  3 
    Elective  10386  Investigate the possibilities of establishing and running a small business enterprise (SMME)  Level 4  NQF Level 04  3 
    Elective  10387  Investigate ways of managing financial risk in own lives  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Elective  114562  Set up DJ equipment for a performance  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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
    48811  Further Education and Training Certificate: Music Industry: Sound Technology  Generic Provider - Field 02  Level 4  NQF Level 04  159     MICTS  OQSF 
    67510  Further Education and Training Certificate: Sound Engineering  Damelin  Level 4  NQF Level 04  180  2013-04-26    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.
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Accredited Provider
    48811  Further Education and Training Certificate: Music Industry: Sound Technology  1. CAMPUS OF PERFORMING ARTS (PTY) LTD
    2. Ponds of Watts
    3. Revolution Media Academy (Pty) Ltd  


    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.