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: Ammunition Fitting 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90652  National Certificate: Ammunition Fitting 
ORIGINATOR
QCTO Task Team - Explosive Ordnance 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
SAS SETA - Safety and Security SETA  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Safety in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  136  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The qualification aims to prepare the learner to perform as an Ammunition Fitter or Technical Munitions Officer. This is the first qualification for Ammunition Fitters and will allow the learner to obtain a nationally recognised qualification in the storage, maintenance, repair, transportation and disposal of ammunition and explosives.

This qualification enables learners to develop work relevant competences, as an aid to employment and career progression. Qualified learners will be able to:
  • Explain and store ammunition and explosives in an explosives storage facility.
  • Explain the design and construction of ordnance.
  • Implement workshop practices related to an Ammunition Process Building (APB) and its safety.
  • Make, maintain and use tools and equipment for ammunition maintenance repairs.
  • Perform ammunition maintenance tasks.

    The qualification also benefits employers as they can have confidence in the ability of trained people and can recruit or promote those working with ammunition, knowing that they have proved ability to do the required work safely.

    Rationale:
    This qualification meets the needs of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) by providing standards against which Ammunition Fitters and Technical Munitions Officers can be trained. The qualification meets the needs of society by providing competent Ammunition Fitters and Technical Munitions Officers who are able to participate in the storage, transportation, maintenance, repair and disposal of ammunition and explosives within the SANDF, thereby contributing to the safety and security of the broader public.

    Additionally, the qualification will allow learners entry to a career in the SANDF or explosives industry by providing access to further occupational and developmental learning and training at NQF Levels 5 and 6. It provides for the holistic development of the learner and the competencies required in performing the job. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The applicant is assumed to have:
  • Communication at NQF Level 4.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This qualification makes Recognition of Prior Learning possible, in full or in part, if the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification. Recognition of Prior Learning will be done by means of an integrated assessment.

    The Recognition of Prior Learning can be used to:
  • Grant admission to learners who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission.
  • Grant learners credits towards a Unit Standard.
  • Grant learners credits towards the achievement of the qualification.

    All Recognition of Prior Learning is subject to quality assurance by the relevant accredited, Quality Assurance Partner and is conducted by a registered workplace assessor.

    Access to the Qualification:
    To gain access to this qualification learners require:
  • A Further Education Training Certificate at NQF Level 4 or equivalent. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of Fundamental, Core and Elective Components. To be awarded the qualification, learners are required to obtain a minimum of 136 Credits.

    Fundamental Component:
    All Unit Standards, totalling 14 Credits are compulsory.

    Core Component:
    All Unit Standards, totalling 112 Credits are compulsory.

    Elective Component:
    Learners are to choose Unit Standards to the minimum value of 10 Credits. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Manage ammunition warehouse facilities.
    2. Make, maintain and use tools during ammunition maintenance and process building tasks.
    3. Perform ammunition maintenance tasks.
    4. Demonstrate good workshop practices.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    This qualification promotes, in particular, the following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
  • Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
    > Legislation is interpreted and applied when storing, maintaining or transporting ammunition and explosives.
    > Emergencies are identified and the appropriate corrective action taken during maintenance and repair tasks.
    > Maintenance issues encountered during the inspection of ammunition are analysed and overcome in order to ensure serviceability and safety.
  • Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community during:
    > Workshop practice.
    > The management of an explosive storehouse.
    > The coordination of ammunition process building tasks.
  • Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:
    > Planning and coordinating ammunition inspections.
    > Planning and coordinating ammunition process building tasks.
  • Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when:
    > Displaying safety ammunition on a display board at the entrance to an explosives workplace.
    > Interpreting verbal or written orders for the execution of ammunition maintenance and repair tasks.
  • Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information to better understand and explain:
    > The functioning of ammunition in order to repair or maintain it.
    > The improvement of work processes and workshop practices.
    > Maintenance issues encountered during inspections.
  • Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
    > Using specialised equipment to maintain and repair ammunition.
    > Taking visitors and other personnel into account when planning and performing ammunition process building tasks. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The relevant legislation is explained and applied to the storage and maintenance of ammunition.
  • Ammunition is managed within the confines of an explosives storage facility.
  • Ammunition is stacked according to prescribed safety requirements for an explosives storage facility.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Special tools are designed for specific ammunition in order to perform process building tasks.
  • Special tools are manufactured in accordance with an approved technical drawing.
  • Special tools are used during the maintenance and repair of ammunition.
  • Special tools are maintained in order to ensure future use.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Workflow processes are used to manage maintenance tasks.
  • Technical drawings are interpreted to ensure conformance to specification during the maintenance and repair of ammunition.
  • Ammunition is maintained in an explosive storage facility according to safety and security regulations.
  • Ammunition is marked in accordance with requirements to aid visual recognition.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The documentation associated with ammunition maintenance is completed in line with organisational policy prescripts.
  • Prescribed workplace procedures are obtained and applied during the performance of tasks in a workshop.
  • Workshop equipment is installed in accordance with organisational policy prescripts.
  • Workshop equipment is used according to prescribed workshop procedures.

    Integrated Assessment:
    As assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid and reliable as well as ensuring that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever, an integrated assessment approach is incorporated into the qualification. Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably linked. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the unit standards should be integrated.

    A variety of methods must be used in assessment and tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working. Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies, role plays and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

    The term 'integrated assessment' implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies.

    Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. Assessment should ensure that all specific outcomes, essential embedded knowledge and critical cross-field outcomes are assessed. The assessment of critical cross-field outcomes should be integrated with the assessment of the exit level outcomes and essential embedded knowledge. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The key skills of the Ammunition Fitter and Technical Munitions Officer were identified and used to benchmark against other international organisations presenting the same training or performing the same function. The United Kingdom, Canada and Australia were identified as employing best practice in the training of their Ammunition Fitters.

    Australia:
    Australia was selected based upon the standard of training being presented as well as the fact that their training and qualification of personnel is also based upon a National Qualifications Framework. The Australian NQF consists of Unit Standards which would make comparison easier. The Australian Army is also responsible for the training of their Ammunition Technicians and focuses their development on the following areas:
  • Inventory management.
  • Inspections and sentencing of ammunition.
  • Maintenance of ammunition.
  • Ammunition process instructions.
  • Local patterned tool making and use.
  • Ammunition technical investigations.
  • Storage of ammunition.
  • Movement of explosive ordnance.
  • Disposal of explosive ordnance.

    United Kingdom:
    Ammunition Technicians and Technical Munitions Officers of this nation are trained by the Department of Defence, Royal Logistic Corps at the Royal Military College of Science and Defence Explosive Ordnance Munitions Search School (formerly known as the Army School of Ammunition). The qualification spans over a sixteen month period and comprises the following modules:
  • Understanding of the functioning and ammunition and explosives.
  • Technical inspection and sentencing of ammunition.
  • Inventory management.
  • Transportation of explosives and ammunition.
  • Ammunition processing tasks.
  • Technical maintenance and repair of ammunition.
  • Accident investigation.
  • Development and inspection of ammunition storage facilities.
  • Conventional munitions disposal.
  • Improvised explosive device disposal.
  • Biological and chemical munitions disposal.
  • Underwater searches and disposal of explosives.

    Canada:
    The Canadian Forces are responsible for the training and development of their Ammunition Technicians. These practitioners are responsible for the management and maintenance of ammunition stockpiles within Canada. In addition to controlling the inventory, they perform technical inspections, tests, proofs, maintenance, modification and logistical disposal of tri-service ammunition. Canadian Ammunition Technicians are trained at the Canadian Forces School of Administration and Logistics in Borden, Ontario for approximately six months and address the following modules:
  • Identification of ammunition and explosives.
  • Receipt, storage and control of ammunition and explosives.
  • Maintenance, issue and disposal of ammunition and explosives.
  • Technical inspections and servicing of ammunition.
  • Transportation of ammunition and explosives.
  • Range clearance operations.
  • Development and inspection of ammunition facilities.
  • Explosive ordnance disposal.
  • Accident investigation.

    Although the Canadian education system differs from ours and no unit standards or qualifications exist outside the military environment, the subject matter and content being presented compared very favourably with that envisaged and currently being presented in South Africa.

    Although only three countries were selected for comparison, it must be kept in mind that a vast majority of nations are currently being trained by the United Kingdom and United States of America. A number of African countries e.g., Ivory Coast, Liberia and Congo munitions officers have been trained by the United Kingdom. It must also be borne in mind that a number of African and Middle East countries' munitions officers have been trained and developed in South Africa and these nations continue to do so even in the absence of a formal qualification.

    All three of the major national trainers in the Ammunition Fitter and Technician Munitions Officer environment compared favourably with the proposed qualification in terms of the fields and subjects that are being addressed and as such the task team was of the opinion that this qualification will easily be articulated internationally, especially with Australia.

    The international comparability with the Australian training was done prior to and after the development of the proposed qualification. This was done to ensure possible alignment and best practice prior to the development of the qualification. The comparability with Canada and the United Kingdom was done upon completion of the qualification. Possible shortcomings and areas that needed further alignment or exclusion were then discussed and incorporated into the proposed qualification.

    Findings:
    It was found that all Ammunition Fitter and Technical Munitions Officer training is similar regarding the contents. The environment, equipment, techniques and procedures used do, however, vary between countries and organisations within a country. In terms of the military ammunition fitters the following training was found to be common throughout:
  • Understanding of the functioning of ammunition.
  • Maintenance and repair of ammunition.
  • Storage and transportation requirements for ammunition.
  • Disposal of ammunition.
  • Bomb disposal.

    Conclusion:
    It has been found that the National Certificate: Ammunition Fitting, Level 5 compares very favourably with established international training in that the content and approaches to training are very similar. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontally, this qualification articulates with a:
  • National Diploma: Bomb Disposal, NQF Level 5.
  • National Diploma: Explosive Management, NQF Level 5.

    Vertically, this qualification articulates with a:
  • National Diploma: Explosives Management, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    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 QCTO Quality Assurance Partner (QAP).
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant QAP.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant QAP according to the policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation and the agreed QAP procedures. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:
  • A minimum of two (2) years practical, relevant occupational experience.
  • A relevant qualification at leat at the same NQF Level.
  • To be registered as an assessor with the relevant QAP. 
    		•

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

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  258017  Conduct briefing and debriefing sessions  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
    Core  117476  Demonstrate an understanding of explosives classification, marking and packaging requirements  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  117478  Demonstrate an understanding of explosives control  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  2 
    Core  117470  Demonstrate an understanding of explosives storage legislation and regulations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Core  117473  Demonstrate an understanding of explosives transportation legislation and regulations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Core  258015  Demonstrate an understanding of the dynamics in the field of explosives  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  258009  Demonstrate knowledge of explosive ordnances  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  9 
    Core  421835  Explain and store ammunition and explosives in an explosives storage facility  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  10 
    Core  421836  Explain the design and construction of ordnance  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  20 
    Core  421837  Implement workshop practices related to ammunition process building (APB) and its safety  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  15 
    Core  421838  Maintain and repair ammunition and explosives  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  20 
    Core  421839  Make, maintain and use tools and equipment for ammunition maintenance repairs  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  5 
    Core  421840  Plan Ammunition Process Building Tasks  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  10 
    Fundamental  120476  Adhere to professional conduct and organisational ethics  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Fundamental  14155  Create and maintain positive workplace relationships  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Fundamental  15096  Demonstrate an understanding of stress in order to apply strategies to achieve optimal stress levels in personal and work situations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Elective  242815  Apply the organisation's code of conduct in a work environment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  116486  Explain personal and social responsibility in decision making  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  252037  Build teams to achieve goals and objectives  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Elective  258013  Demonstrate knowledge of blasting accessories  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Elective  257284  Demonstrate the use of initiating systems  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Elective  257281  Dispose of explosives and munitions  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  9 


    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.