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 UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Determine the elevation of a point by precise levelling 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
14239  Determine the elevation of a point by precise levelling 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Surveying 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Physical Planning, Design and Management 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
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 unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard has been developed for the surveying occupational area and is intended for persons who aim to achieve career advancement by gaining surveying skills leading to a qualification based on unit standards. A person who has successfully completed this unit standard is able to determine the elevation of a point by precise levelling in any working environment.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Display knowledge of precise levelling
  • Prepare for precise levelling
  • Perform precise levelling observations
  • Calculate the elevation of a point
  • Complete the work sequence in accordance with survey standards 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    NQF Level 4 numeracy and literacy, the ability to set up a survey instrument and to position a target at a survey point will facilitate better understanding and proficiency in this unit standard. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Range statements are included with specific outcomes as necessary. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of precise levelling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Theory and principles associated with precise levelling are understood and explained in accordance with task specific survey standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Principles associated with precise levelling instruments are understood and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Theory and principles associated with precise levelling observations and reduction of the observations are understood and explained in accordance with task specific survey standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Applicable task specific legal requirements and limits of error relevant to the task are identified and the importance thereof explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The importance of precise levelling is understood and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. The importance of reducing and checking field observations and adjusting reduced data is understood and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Applicable task specific safety requirements are understood and explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare for precise levelling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Tools and equipment required for the task are verified for use in accordance with manufacturers' specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Personal protective equipment is verified for use in accordance with manufacturers' specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Permission to enter the work place, if necessary, is obtained in accordance with task specific requirements. The consequences of non-compliance are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Details of the work place and other relevant information, if required, are obtained in accordance with task specific requirements and job instruction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Accuracy of the precise level is checked and verified in accordance with accepted survey practice. The consequences of non-compliance are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Workplace hazards and sub-standard conditions are explained and, if found during continuous examination, dealt with in accordance with task specific requirements. The consequences of non-compliance are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Perform precise levelling observations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Work related hazards and associated risks are explained, and if found, dealt with in accordance with legal and task specific requirements. The consequences of non-compliance are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Personal protective equipment is used throughout in accordance with manufacturers' specifications. The consequences of non-compliance are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Benchmark is located and identified in accordance with the job instruction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Instrument is positioned and orientated in accordance with task specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Observations are recorded in accordance with task specific and accuracy requirements. The consequences of non-compliance are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Manually or electronically, sketches.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Precise level is continuously monitored and corrective steps taken, if instrument is found to be out of adjustment, all in accordance with recognised surveying principles. The consequences of non-compliance are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Instructions are given and responded to in accordance with task specific requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Hand signals, verbal communication, radio transmission.
    Evidence is required of hand signals and any one other communication method.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Calculate the elevation of a point. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Observations are reduced and checked in accordance with task specific requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Rise and Fall, Collimation.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Elevations of the observed points are calculated and checked in accordance with accuracy and task specific requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Manually or electronically.
    Evidence is required of manual calculations.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Closed level traverse is adjusted, if necessary, in accordance with recognised levelling principles. The consequences of non-compliance are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Complete the work sequence in accordance with survey standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Survey point information is stored in accordance with legal and specific requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Indexing, filing, cross-referencing (manually or electronically).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Tools, equipment and survey instruments are collected and accounted for before leaving the work place. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Tools, equipment and survey instruments are maintained, and if found defective, dealt with in accordance with manufacturers' specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Reporting requirements are dealt with in accordance with managerial instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The importance of completing the work sequence is understood and explained. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
    2. Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or will assess this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA and registered with the FE/HE registrar.
    3. Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.

    Therefore anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Essential embedded knowledge is dealt with under the specific outcomes section where Display KNOWLEDGE and UNDERSTANDING" is required. 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Solve problems.
    Assessment criteria reference:
  • Tools and equipment required for the task are verified for use in accordance with manufacturers` specifications.
  • Personal protective equipment is verified for use in accordance with manufacturers` specifications.
  • Accuracy of the precise level is checked and verified in accordance with accepted survey practice. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Workplace hazards and sub-standard conditions are explained and, if found during continuous examination, dealt with in accordance with task specific requirements. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Work related hazards and associated risks are explained, and if found, dealt with in accordance with legal and task specific requirements. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Instrument is positioned and orientated in accordance with task specific requirements.
  • Precise level is continuously monitored and corrective steps taken, if instrument is found to be out of adjustment, all in accordance with recognised surveying principles. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Observations are reduced and checked in accordance with task specific requirements.
  • Elevations of the observed points are calculated and checked in accordance with accuracy and task specific requirements.
  • Closed level traverse is adjusted, if necessary, in accordance with recognised levelling principles. The consequences of non-compliance are explained. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team/group/organisation or community.
    Assessment criteria reference:
  • Tools and equipment required for the task are verified for use in accordance with manufacturers` specifications.
  • Personal protective equipment is verified for use in accordance with manufacturers` specifications.
  • Permission to enter the work place, if necessary, is obtained in accordance with task specific requirements. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Details of the work place and other relevant information, if required, are obtained in accordance with task specific requirements and job instruction.
  • Accuracy of the precise level is checked and verified in accordance with accepted survey practice. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Workplace hazards and sub-standard conditions are explained and, if found during continuous examination, dealt with in accordance with task specific requirements. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Work related hazards and associated risks are explained, and if found, dealt with in accordance with legal and task specific requirements. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Personal protective equipment is used throughout in accordance with manufacturers` specifications. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Instrument is positioned and orientated in accordance with task specific requirements.
  • Survey point information is stored in accordance with legal and specific requirements.
  • Tools, equipment and survey instruments are collected and accounted for before leaving the work place.
  • Tools, equipment and survey instruments are maintained, and if found defective, dealt with in accordance with manufacturers` specifications. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively.
    Assessment criteria reference:
  • Tools and equipment required for the task are verified for use in accordance with manufacturers` specifications.
  • Personal protective equipment is verified for use in accordance with manufacturers` specifications.
  • Permission to enter the work place, if necessary, is obtained in accordance with task specific requirements. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Details of the work place and other relevant information, if required, are obtained in accordance with task specific requirements and job instruction.
  • Accuracy of the precise level is checked and verified in accordance with accepted survey practice. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Workplace hazards and sub-standard conditions are explained and, if found during continuous examination, dealt with in accordance with task specific requirements. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Work related hazards and associated risks are explained, and if found, dealt with in accordance with legal and task specific requirements. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Benchmark is located and identified in accordance with the job instruction.
  • Personal protective equipment is used throughout in accordance with manufacturers` specifications. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Instrument is positioned and orientated in accordance with task specific requirements.
  • Observations are recorded in accordance with task specific and accuracy requirements. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Precise level is continuously monitored and corrective steps taken, if instrument is found to be out of adjustment, all in accordance with recognised surveying principles. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Instructions are given and responded to in accordance with task specific requirements.
  • Observations are reduced and checked in accordance with task specific requirements.
  • Elevations of the observed points are calculated and checked in accordance with accuracy and task specific requirements.
  • Closed level traverse is adjusted, if necessary, in accordance with recognised levelling principles. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Survey point information is stored in accordance with legal and specific requirements.
  • Tools, equipment and survey instruments are collected and accounted for before leaving the work place.
  • Tools, equipment and survey instruments are maintained, and if found defective, dealt with in accordance with manufacturers` specifications.
  • Reporting requirements are dealt with in accordance with managerial instructions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, organise and critically evaluate information.
    Assessment criteria reference:
  • Details of the work place and other relevant information, if required, are obtained in accordance with task specific requirements and job instruction.
  • Accuracy of the precise level is checked and verified in accordance with accepted survey practice. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Workplace hazards and sub-standard conditions are explained and, if found during continuous examination, dealt with in accordance with task specific requirements. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Work related hazards and associated risks are explained, and if found, dealt with in accordance with legal and task specific requirements. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Observations are recorded in accordance with task specific and accuracy requirements. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Precise level is continuously monitored and corrective steps taken, if instrument is found to be out of adjustment, all in accordance with recognised surveying principles. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Observations are reduced and checked in accordance with task specific requirements.
  • Elevations of the observed points are calculated and checked in accordance with accuracy and task specific requirements.
  • Closed level traverse is adjusted, if necessary, in accordance with recognised levelling principles. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Tools, equipment and survey instruments are collected and accounted for before leaving the work place.
  • Tools, equipment and survey instruments are maintained, and if found defective, dealt with in accordance with manufacturers` specifications. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematics and language skills in the modes of oral and written presentations.

    Assessment criteria reference:
  • Theory and principles associated with precise levelling are understood and explained in accordance with task specific survey standards.
  • Principles associated with precise levelling instruments are understood and explained.
  • Theory and principles associated with precise levelling observations and reduction of the observations are understood and explained in accordance with task specific survey standards.
  • Applicable task specific legal requirements and limits of error relevant to the task are identified and the importance thereof explained.
  • The importance of precise levelling is understood and explained.
  • The importance of reducing and checking field observations and adjusting reduced data is understood and explained.
  • Permission to enter the work place, if necessary, is obtained in accordance with task specific requirements. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Work related hazards and associated risks are explained, and if found, dealt with in accordance with legal and task specific requirements. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Personal protective equipment is used throughout in accordance with manufacturers` specifications. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Precise level is continuously monitored and corrective steps taken, if instrument is found to be out of adjustment, all in accordance with recognised surveying principles. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Instructions are given and responded to in accordance with task specific requirements.
  • Closed level traverse is adjusted, if necessary, in accordance with recognised levelling principles. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Reporting requirements are dealt with in accordance with managerial instructions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically (showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others).

    Assessment criteria reference:
  • Accuracy of the precise level is checked and verified in accordance with accepted survey practice. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Instrument is positioned and orientated in accordance with task specific requirements.
  • Observations are recorded in accordance with task specific and accuracy requirements. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Precise level is continuously monitored and corrective steps taken, if instrument is found to be out of adjustment, all in accordance with recognised surveying principles. The consequences of non-compliance are explained.
  • Instructions are given and responded to in accordance with task specific requirements.
  • Elevations of the observed points are calculated and checked in accordance with accuracy and task specific requirements.
  • Survey point information is stored in accordance with legal and specific requirements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems.

    Assessment criteria reference:
  • Theory and principles associated with precise levelling are understood and explained in accordance with task specific survey standards.
  • Principles associated with precise levelling instruments are understood and explained.
  • Theory and principles associated with precise levelling observations and reduction of the observations are understood and explained in accordance with task specific survey standards.
  • Applicable task specific legal requirements and limits of error relevant to the task are identified and the importance thereof explained.
  • The importance of precise levelling is understood and explained.
  • The importance of reducing and checking field observations and adjusting reduced data is understood and explained.
  • The importance of completing the work sequence is understood and explained. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large.

    Assessment criteria reference:
  • Theory and principles associated with precise levelling are understood and explained in accordance with task specific survey standards.
  • Principles associated with precise levelling instruments are understood and explained.
  • Theory and principles associated with precise levelling observations and reduction of the observations are understood and explained in accordance with task specific survey standards.
  • Applicable task specific legal requirements and limits of error relevant to the task are identified and the importance thereof explained.
  • The importance of precise levelling is understood and explained.
  • The importance of reducing and checking field observations and adjusting reduced data is understood and explained.
  • The importance of completing the work sequence is understood and explained. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:
  • A minimum of 2 (two) years` practical, relevant occupational experience
  • Declared competent in all the outcomes of the National Assessor Unit Standards as stipulated by SAQA
    Detailed documentary proof of educational qualification, practical training undergone, and experience gained by the applicant must be provided (Portfolio of Evidence). 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Supplementary information

    *The relevant information is contained in one or more of the following documents:
  • Training manuals
  • Survey Codes of Practice
  • Survey Instructions
  • Managerial Instructions
  • Professional Publications

    **The appropriate sections are contained in one or more of the following documents:

    * Surface Surveying
  • Land Survey Act 8 of 1997
  • South African Professional and Technical Surveyor`s Act 40 of 1984

    * Minerals Surveying
  • Mine Health and Safety Act 29/1996
  • Mineral Act 50 of 1991

    1. Tools and equipment mean, but is not limited to, tripod, hammers, turning points, levels, staves.
    2. Personal protective equipment means, but is not limited to, hearing protection, hard hat, safety footwear, eye protection, hand protection, life lines, reflective gear.
    3. Workplace hazards and sub-standard conditions may include, but is not limited to highwalls, undermined ground, snakes, strong wind, loose ground, wet/muddy conditions, skew beacons, friable/loose hangingwall or sidewall, slippery footwall, confined spaces.
    4. Work related hazards and associated risks may include, but is not limited to, traffic, overhead power lines, water, working at elevated positions, veld fires, poor ventilation underground, excessive heat.
    5. Benchmark means any point of known elevation.
    6. Manually means using a non-programmed computing device and electronically means using a programmed computing device. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  20486   National Certificate: Surveying  Level 4  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L4  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    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.
     
    1. Academy for Construction Skills (Pty) Ltd (ACS) 
    2. Ekurhuleni East College For TVET 
    3. Raubex Construction Pty (Ltd) 
    4. Tjeka Training Matters 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.