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: Paralegal Practice 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97228  National Certificate: Paralegal Practice 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Legal Education and Training 
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
National Certificate  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Justice in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  131  Level 5  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 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 is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
117325  Occupational Certificate: Paralegal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  330  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The purpose of the qualification is to provide the qualifying learner with a basic knowledge and understanding of the South African legal system, fundamental laws, their application and social context so as to enable the learner to provide supervised support and assistance in a paralegal environment.

Qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Apply fundamental knowledge and understanding of law to a specific problem within the South African legal context.
  • Apply appropriate technology in order to conduct legal research on behalf of a legal or paralegal practitioner.
  • Communicate with internal and external clients in a paralegal or legal workplace.
  • Guide and refer clients in a paralegal context.
  • Assist in solving problems in a paralegal context by working in a team and individually.
  • Provide administrative and organisational support in an office environment.
  • Exercise ethical conduct, values and professionalism when dealing with all clients.

    This qualification equips learners to make a meaningful contribution to South Africa's constitutional democracy by enhancing access to justice and promoting economic and social transformation.

    Rationale:

    This qualification is meant to prepare qualifying learners for supervised practice as paralegal assistants in all sectors of the industry, which includes:
  • Community-based paralegal Advice Offices.
  • Non-governmental organisations.
  • Public institutions.
  • Commercial institutions.
  • Private practices.

    Paralegal assistants play an important role in providing support services to legal and paralegal practitioners; as well as limited assistance to members of the public. This results in a greater capacity to address the growing social demand for legal services and limited legal assistance as South Africans embrace democracy and seek to protect their rights.

    This qualification will produce qualified and competent assistants to ensure that primary legal services are more accessible and affordable to the public. It includes legal, administrative and social knowledge and skills; although the emphasis is on providing support or supervised practice. It intends to equip the learner with the necessary life skills and has an integrated approach on critical cross-field outcomes. This certificate establishes minimum standards and contributes to quality service provision; as a result communities will receive assistance in compliance with ethical and professional standards.

    This qualification will provide a career-path for those qualifying learners intending to further their studies in all sectors of the paralegal or legal profession. The portable unit standard format allows specific unit standards to contribute to qualifications in the legal, development, public administration and commercial fields. This qualification will facilitate the accumulation of credits through institutionalised and workplace learning. The qualification also provides learners who have gained relevant experience in the workplace with an opportunity to gain credits through a RPL process. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners enrolling for this qualification will have acquired all the outcomes in the following learning areas:
  • Communicate at NQF level 4
  • Numeracy skills at NQF level 4
  • Computer skills at NQF level 3

    Recognition of prior learning:

    This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through recognition of prior learning, which where necessary, must be contextualised in terms of fundamental law and the requisite administrative support skills.

    Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

    All such evidence should be judged according to the general principles of assessment described in the notes to assessors. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification must include at least one level 5 elective.

    Specialisation:
    Human Resource and Employee Relation (Learning Programme ID 97229):
  • ID 13952, Demonstrate basic understanding of the Primary Labour Legislation that impacts on a business unit, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • ID 114230, Operate the case management process, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • ID 15234, Apply efficient time management to the work of a department/division/section, NQF Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • ID 10980, Induct a new employee, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • ID 117877, Perform one-to-one training on the job, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • ID 242815, Apply the organisation's code of conduct in a work environment, NQF Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • ID 120387, Monitor, evaluate and communicate simple project schedules, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • ID 11907, Draft an employment contract, NQF Level 5, 3 Credits.
  • ID 114278, Demonstrate and apply an understanding of the Labour Relations Act (Act 66 of 1997), NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.
  • ID 114274, Demonstrate and apply an understanding of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (Act 75 of 1997), NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • ID 117495, Assess legal contracts for business, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • ID 110009, Manage administration records, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • ID 114224, Demonstrate and apply an understanding of the CCMA rules, NQF Level 5, 3 Credits.
  • ID 119503, Demonstrate an understanding of procedure in courts and other fora, NQF Level 5, 20 Credits.
  • ID 242816, Conduct a structures meeting, NQF Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • ID 377342, Analyse compliance to legal requirements, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The qualifying learner will be able to:

    1. Apply fundamental knowledge and understanding of law to a specific problem within the South African legal context.

    2. Apply appropriate technology in order to conduct legal research on behalf of a legal or paralegal practitioner.

    3. Communicate with internal and external clients in a paralegal or legal workplace.
    > Range: Communication refers to both written and oral communication.

    4. Guide and refer clients in a paralegal context.

    5. Assist in solving problems in a paralegal context by working in a team and individually

    6. Provide administrative and organisational support in an office environment.

    7. Exercise ethical conduct, values and professionalism when dealing with internal and external clients.

    Critical cross- field outcomes:
  • Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions, using critical thinking, have been made.
  • Work effectively with others as a member of a team, organisation or legal community.
  • Organise and manage the learner and the learner's activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical, and language skills in the modes of written and oral presentation.
  • Use technology effectively and responsibly.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving in the legal and paralegal context does not exist in isolation.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of their role in participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of their role in generating sensitivity to diversity and culture across a range of social contexts.

    Examples of specific assessment of the above Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are described in each Unit Standard. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    For award of the whole qualification, candidates must achieve the required number of credits as well as the criteria specified for integrated assessment. Competence will be evident when:

    1:
  • Relevant facts within a specific problem are identified.
  • Relevant fundamental law applicable to a specific problem is indicated.
  • Options for specific problems from fundamental law are explained.
  • Problems that fall outside fundamental law are recognised.

    2:
  • Legal related software is used within paralegal administrative environment.
  • Appropriate technology for legal research is applied.
  • Relevant sources of legal information are identified.
  • Legal research is conducted.
  • Research findings are appropriately presented to legal or paralegal practitioner.

    3:
  • Relevant law is communicated to the client.
  • Relevant legal procedures are communicated to the client.
  • Appropriate legal or paralegal solutions are communicated to the client.
  • Support and assistance is provided to principal.
    > Range: Principal refers to a paralegal or legal practioner or any employee in a paralegal sector.

    4:
  • Problems are defined and related solutions are identified.
  • Information services are provided to clients in time.
  • Support services are provided to clients in time.
    > Range: Support services also include referral to appropriate practitioners with relevant follow up.

    5:
  • Sources of South African law and other selected subjects or laws are examined to identify the relevant legal principles.
  • Options to problems are pursued according to the relevant legal principles.

    6:
  • Payments are processed in accordance with the organisation's policies and procedures.
  • Records are kept and maintained in accordance with the organisation's policies and procedures.
  • Administrative systems are implemented in accordance with the organisation's policies and procedures.

    7:
  • The concept of accountability is understood.
  • Confidentiality of clients is maintained.
  • Ethical and professional principles are demonstrated when assisting clients.
  • The principles of integrity and honesty are understood.

    Integrated assessment:

    Applied competence (practical, foundational and reflexive competencies with regard to legal administrative and social knowledge and skills) of this qualification will be achieved if a candidate can integrate the various unit standard outcomes to be able to perform as a Paralegal Assistant in any of the paralegal sectors.

    Ongoing formative assessment is required so that learners are given feedback on their progress in the achievement of specific learning outcomes. Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the exit level outcomes of the qualification, which tests the learner's ability to integrate legal administrative and social knowledge and skills and paralegal values. The assessment methods must include observation (e.g. during client referral), product evaluation (e.g. research report) and questioning (oral and or written) to provide sufficient opportunity to the learner to demonstrate applied competence.

    Integrated assessment at the level of this qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show they are able to integrate concepts, ideas, skills, values and actions across unit standards to achieve competence that is grounded in and coherent in relation to the purpose of the qualification. When guiding or referring a client a paralegal assistant must understand legal and non-legal knowledge that addresses the client's problem; use communication skills; maintain a database of suitable referral organisations and address the case with professional and ethical conduct. An assessment of the guidance and referral of a client (e.g. simulation) would thus examine competence in range of unit standards.

    Integrated assessment must judge not only the quality of the observable performance but also the thinking and understanding that underpins it. Assessment tools must also encourage learners to give an account of the thinking and decision-making that forms the basis for their demonstrated performance. An integrated mix of task-orientated and theoretical assessment tools should be used with the ultimate focus being on the assessment of applied competence.

    In other words, the assessors must use a range of tools to test demonstrated competence in a practical situation (e.g. simulation or learnership on (para)legal practitioner support) as well as oral or written examination (on application of fundamental legal knowledge), that integrates the assessment of all specific outcomes for all the unit standards.

    Assessment should ensure that all specific outcomes, embedded knowledge and critical cross-field outcomes are evaluated. The assessment of the critical cross-field outcomes should be integrated with the assessment of specific outcomes and embedded knowledge. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The National Para-Legal Institute of South Africa (NPI-SA), a convenor of the Para-Legal Working Group of the SGB for Legal Education and Training, conducted an internet-based survey to determine international comparability of this certificate.

    The survey was conducted among leaders of various Para-Legal associations, service providers and Para-Legal learners in the different countries. Research articles on paralegals and paralegal education were also examined. Finally, specific qualifications were compared.

    The survey results reveal that very few countries have certificate level qualifications for paralegal assistants. Where such qualifications exist they cater for a specific sector and do not integrate legal knowledge with paralegal and administrative skills.

    South Africa is unique in seeking to address the needs of paralegal assistants working in all sectors. International comparability was tested in the following countries:

    United Kingdom:

    1. The Intermediate Award in Developing Information, Advice and Guidance Skills compares favourably with the certificate in terms of the inclusion of paralegal and administrative skills. It includes unit standards on:
  • Information, Advice and Guidance in Practice.
  • Interaction Skills.
  • Networking and Referral.
  • Managing Information.
  • Information, Advice and Guidance in context.

    2. The ILEX Paralegal Programme Legal Secretaries Certificate was compared with this qualification. It compares favourably in terms of the administrative, communication, client care skills and legal technology skills included. The ILEX certificate does not include any legal knowledge courses.

    3. The ILEX Paralegal Programme level 2 Certificate in Vocational Paralegal Studies was compared with this qualification. It contains courses on the legal environment, legal principles and civil litigation. It does not contain administrative or paralegal skills. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Learners who have achieved the Certificate in Paralegal Practice will have access to the Diploma in Paralegal Practice.

    This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualifications:
  • National Diploma - Service Management (Court Management).
  • National Certificate - Mission Administration.

    Competence in individual Unit Standards will be retained by the learner who exits the qualification before completion. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments. Moderation of assessments will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and agreed ETQA procedures. This qualification can be internally assessed by assessors of the provider and moderated by a moderator registered by the relevant ETQA. Moderation shall comply with SAQA requirements.

    Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this qualification or its unit standards must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors for this qualification will hold a level 6 qualification in law or possess the technical expertise to achieve this qualification and have worked as a paralegal practitioner for at least 5 years.

    Additional requirements for assessors may be specified in each unit standard. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  115855  Create, maintain and update record keeping systems  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  119503  Demonstrate an understanding of procedure in courts and other fora  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  20 
    Core  119508  Demonstrate an understanding of South African law and the legal system with specific emphasis on Paralegalism  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
    Core  115823  Gather and manage information for decision-making  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  119509  Guide and refer clients in terms of legal enquiries  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  7865  Improve service to customers  Level 5  NQF Level 05  6 
    Core  8663  Plan and conduct a research project  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Core  110531  Plan, organise and control the day-to-day administration of an office support function  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Core  14505  Apply the principles of ethics and professionalism to a business environment  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  6 
    Core  116104  Use technology effectively in the practice of law  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  6 
    Fundamental  119505  Apply fundamental legal concepts, principles, theories and values within a paralegal sector  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  20 
    Fundamental  8647  Apply workplace communication skills  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Fundamental  11994  Monitor, reflect and improve on own performance  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
    Elective  114478  Conduct basic lay counselling in a structured environment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  15 
    Elective  14646  Demonstrate an understanding of the human rights contained in the bill of rights  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Elective  110055  Facilitate learning in development practice  Level 4  NQF Level 04  14 
    Elective  13948  Negotiate an agreement or deal in an authentic work situation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  114738  Perform financial planning and control functions for a small business  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Elective  13648  Apply appropriate social protocols in the workplace and community  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Elective  365181  Apply court ethics and the etiquette when acting as a prosecutor  Level 5  NQF Level 05  4 
    Elective  119510  Apply fundamental concepts, theories and related values of a selected subject area  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
    Elective  365179  Apply the general principles of legal costs in the magistrate courts  Level 5  NQF Level 05  3 
    Elective  365219  Apply the supervision role of the executor's administration of a deceased estate  Level 5  NQF Level 05  6 
    Elective  365184  Consider default judgements in terms of Rule 12 of the Magistrates' Court Act 32 of 1944  Level 5  NQF Level 05  4 
    Elective  15093  Demonstrate insight into democracy as a form of governance and its implications for a diverse society  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Elective  13484  Perform successful event administration  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Elective  13925  Present information in a public setting  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Elective  365180  Tax bills of costs in the magistrates' court  Level 5  NQF Level 05  5 
    Elective  365220  Understand and apply the principles and rules relating to the admissibility and proof of the contents of relevant detrimental statements  Level 5  NQF Level 05  6 
    Elective  365187  Apply the master's supervision of the administration of an estate of a person incapable of managing his or her own affairs  Level 6  NQF Level 06  5 
    Elective  365185  Apply the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 in Public Bodies  Level 6  NQF Level 06  5 
    Elective  365199  Apply the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, Act 3 of 2000  Level 6  NQF Level 06  10 
    Elective  365182  Appoint a Tutor, Curator or Administrator to a person incapable or prohibited from managing his or her own affairs  Level 6  NQF Level 06  10 
    Elective  365191  Authorising a person to act in deceased estate  Level 6  NQF Level 06  5 
    Elective  365239  Demonstrate a knowledge of the principles and methodology that underlie the drafting and the processing of legislation.  Level 6  NQF Level 06  15 
    Elective  365190  Demonstrate an understanding of the legislative factors and principles of common law impacting on specific alcohol-related road traffic offences  Level 6  NQF Level 06  10 
    Elective  365189  Examine a liquidation and distribution Account in a deceased estate  Level 6  NQF Level 06  10 
    Elective  365186  Examine the account of a Tutor, Curator or Administrator  Level 6  NQF Level 06  5 
    Elective  365188  Practical application of the principles of legislative drafting  Level 6  NQF Level 06  10 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Originator Pre-2009
    NQF Level    		 NQF Level Min Credits Learning Prog End Date Quality
    Assurance
    Functionary    		 NQF Sub-Framework
    49597  National Certificate: Paralegal Practice  Generic Provider - Field 08  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  131     SAS SETA  OQSF 
    97229  National Certificate: Paralegal Practice: Human Resource and Employee Relation  Generic Provider - Field 08  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  131     SABPP  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
    49597  National Certificate: Paralegal Practice  1. ABBA THEKGA CONSULTING
    2. ADVANCED RISK SOLUTIONS 10000 (PTY) LTD
    3. AFRIC POLICING INSTITUTE
    4. ARKE LEGAL ADVISORS
    5. BITLINE SA 368 CC
    6. Chithi Holdings
    7. COLLINS SEBOLA FINANCIAL SERVICES (PTY)
    8. CRANE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY DURBAN
    9. CRANE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY MIDDLEBURG
    10. CRANE INTERNATIONAL BURGERSFORT
    11. CRANE SKILLS TRAINING ACDEMY INTERNATIONAL
    12. Department Of Justice (head Office)
    13. E E L PROTECTION SERVICES
    14. ELASON PRO-ACTIVE SECURITY (PTY) LTD
    15. ENGIE SECURITY SERVICES TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTRE PTY LTD
    16. FUMANI HOLDINGS PTY LTD
    17. GREEN MARKET SQUARE T/A SA LAW SCHOOL PRETORIA
    18. HJN POLOKWANE BRANCH PTY LTD
    19. HJN PROTORIA BRANCH 02
    20. HJN TRAINING CC
    21. Ikhwezi Training Institute (Pty) Ltd
    22. JEPPE COLLEGE OF COMMERCE AND COMPUTER
    23. Legaelamatlo Development and Projects
    24. LUCENT EDUCATION PTY LTD
    25. MANDULO FOUNDATION
    26. MAS SAFE SECURITY CC
    27. MIDRAND TRAINING ACADEMY PTY LTD
    28. MY KIDS EMPIRE INVESTMENTS AND PROJECTS
    29. N MAHARAJ ATTORNEYS
    30. NETWORK FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT
    31. Odire Occupational Health
    32. OXY TRADING 735 CC
    33. QUBELISA MTIYA SKILLS DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY (PTY) LTD
    34. Redefined Skills Training & Development (Pty) Ltd
    35. RI A LINDA SECURITY SOLUTIONS
    36. SA PROTECTION AND SECURITY UNIT (PTY) LTD
    37. SDC Security and Safety Pty Ltd
    38. SHAMARIAH SECURITY AND TRAINING
    39. SIYANIVIKELA SECURITY SERVICES
    40. SOUTH AFRICAN LAW SCHOOL
    41. SOUTH AFRICAN LAW SCHOOL RANDBURG
    42. The Institute of Paralegal Practice Development and Research
    43. The Skills Development Corporation Private (Pty) Ltd
    44. UNLOCK INNOVATIONS (PTY) LTD
    45. VEB CELE AND ASSOCIATES
    46. VISHAL JUNKEEPARSAD AND COMPANY INC  


    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.