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: 

Conduct routine site tests to fresh and hardened concrete 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
14557  Conduct routine site tests to fresh and hardened concrete 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Civil Engineering Construction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Civil Engineering Construction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
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 will be useful to people who work on a concrete construction site and are required to batch and mix concrete by volume.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Prepare to conduct non-destructive tests on fresh concrete.
  • Conduct non-destructive tests on fresh concrete.
  • Test a concrete cube.

    Previously disadvantaged persons who through recognition of prior learning will be able to be accessed against this standard and receive National recognition for their competence. This will enhance their employability and career advancement and contribute to the socio-economic transformation of the country. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit calculation is based on the assumption that learners are already competent in terms of the following outcomes or areas of learning when starting to learn towards this unit standard:
  • Orientation to a concrete construction site.
  • Identifying the properties of fresh and hardened concrete.
  • Curing concrete. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The following scope and context applies to the whole unit standard:
  • Assessment against this unit standard must be undertaken on site. On site refers to a wide range of building and construction environments within which trade skills are required, and includes concrete production and concrete construction sites.
  • Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare to test fresh concrete 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Slump and workability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Work area is checked for hazards. All hazards are identified and corrective action taken in line with worksite housekeeping procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Corrective action includes: eliminating and/or reporting.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The type of test to be performed is ascertained in accordance with given instructions and concrete specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The purpose for conducting the particular test is explained in terms of concrete placement requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. All tools, test equipment and personal protective equipment required for the task are identified and ensured to be functional, and are ready for use at the work area. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Samples of the concrete to be tested are taken in accordance with good concrete practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. The consequences of not taking sufficient and correct samples are explained in terms of the results of the test. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Test fresh concrete 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Slump and workability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Work is carried out in accordance with work place safety requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Tools and equipment are used in accordance with their designed purpose. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Personal protective equipment is used as required in accordance with the relevant safety legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Sampled concrete is prepared for testing in accordance with normal concrete testing procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Test moulds are filled with the sampled concrete in accordance with normal concrete testing procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. The required test is conducted in accordance with normal concrete testing procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. The results of the test are recorded and reported in accordance with work place requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. The consequences of not reporting test results timeously are explained in terms of effect on work procedure and end product. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. Tested and excess concrete is disposed of in accordance with work site requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. All testing equipment is cleaned of excess concrete in accordance with good housekeeping principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    11. The consequences of not thoroughly cleaning all concrete equipment are explained in terms of concrete buildup and productivity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    12. The consequences of good and poor workmanship are described in terms of the effect on production, cost, safety and quality of finish to product. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Prepare and test a concrete cube 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Work is carried out in accordance with work place safety requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Tools and equipment are used in accordance with their designed purpose. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Personal protective equipment is used as required in accordance with the relevant safety legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The purpose for conducting the cube test is explained in terms of concrete durability and quality. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Samples of the concrete to be tested are taken in accordance with good concrete practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. The consequences of not taking sufficient and correct samples are explained in terms of the results of the test. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. The moulds are prepared in accordance with normal concrete mould requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. The moulds are filled in accordance with normal concrete testing procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. The sampled concrete is cured in accordance with normal concrete testing procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. The required test is conducted in accordance with normal concrete testing procedures when the concrete reaches required maturity. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Record test results and communicate the results 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The results of the test are recorded and reported in accordance with work place requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The consequences of not reporting test results timeously are explained in terms of effect on work procedure and end product. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Assessment of learner achievements takes place at providers accredited by CETA (RSA, 1998b) for the provision of programs that result in the outcomes specified for the Certificate for Construction Workers. CETA is responsible for moderation of learner achievements of learners who meet the requirements of this qualification.

    A memorandum of understanding with other ETQA bodies need to be signed when training providers working in other Sectors, requires assessment of learner achievements to take place against this unit standard. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following essential embedded knowledge will be assessed through assessment of the specific outcomes in terms of the stipulated assessment criteria. Candidates are unlikely to achieve all the specific outcomes, to the standards described in the assessment criteria, without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge. This means that for the most part, the possession or lack of the knowledge can be directly inferred from the quality of the candidate`s performance. Where direct assessment of knowledge is required, assessment criteria have been included in the body of the unit standard.

    Qualifying learners understand and can explain:
  • The identification and use of protective clothing.
  • The taking of concrete samples.
  • The preparation of concrete samples for testing.
  • The execution of the slump test.
  • The preparations of moulds.
  • The filling of moulds with concrete.
  • The curing of the moulds.
  • The execution of the cube crushing test.
  • The recording of the test results. 
    		•


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems.

    Specific Outcome:
  • Prepare to test fresh concrete.
  • Test fresh concrete.
  • Prepare and test a concrete cube.

    Assessment Criteria:
  • Hazards identified and eliminated.
  • Identifying testing methods. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others.

    Specific Outcome:
  • Test fresh concrete.
  • Prepare and test a concrete cube.

    Assessment Criteria:
  • Record and report results timeously. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Manage information.

    Specific Outcome:
  • Test fresh concrete.
  • Prepare and test a concrete cube.

    Assessment Criteria:
  • Record and report results timeously. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively.

    Specific Outcome:
  • Test fresh concrete.
  • Prepare and test a concrete cube.

    Assessment Criteria:
  • Record and report results timeously. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Demonstrate scientific and technological competence.

    Specific Outcome:
  • Test fresh concrete.
  • Prepare and test a concrete cube.

    Assessment Criteria:
  • Methods of conducting tests.
  • Understand Contextual world-systems. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Employ self management.

    Specific Outcome:
  • Prepare to test fresh concrete.
  • Test fresh concrete.
  • Prepare and test a concrete cube.

    Assessment Criteria:
  • Determine when to conduct tests.
  • Identify which tests to conduct. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Assessors should keep the following general principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.

    All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment:
  • Appropriateness: The method of assessment is suited to the performance being assessed.
  • Fairness: The method of assessment does not present any barriers to achievements, which are not related to the evidence.
  • Manageability: The methods used make for easily arranged, cost-effective assessments that do not unduly interfere with learning.
  • Integration into work or learning: Evidence collection is integrated into the work or learning process where this is appropriate and feasible.
  • Validity: The assessment focuses on the requirements laid down in the Standard; i.e. the assessment is fit for purpose.
  • Direct: The activities in the assessment mirror the conditions of actual performance as closely as possible.
  • Authenticity: The assessor is satisfied that the work being assessed is attributable to the person being assessed.
  • Sufficient: The evidence collected establishes that all criteria have been met and that performance to the required standard can be repeated consistently.
  • Systematic: Planning and recording is sufficiently rigorous to ensure that assessment is fair.
  • Open: Learners can contribute to the planning and accumulation of evidence. Assessment candidates understand the assessment process and the criteria that apply.
  • Consistent: The same assessor would make the same judgement again in similar circumstances. The judgement made is similar to the judgement that would be made by other assessors.

    The following particular issues should be taken into consideration when assessing against this unit standard:
  • Learning to operate specific testing equipment is not included in this unit standard.
  • The different tests required for assessment will be assessed as a whole. Preparation and procedure for each test must be assessed separately. 
    		•

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Definition of terms:

    Terms have been clarified as far as possible through the use of range statements. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  49016   National Certificate: Construction: Concreting  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CETA 
    Elective  49411   General Education and Training Certificate: Construction  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CETA 
    Elective  49410   National Certificate: Construction  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CETA 
    Elective  24133   National Certificate: Construction: Roadworks  Level 2  NQF Level 02  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. Aveng Grinaker -LTA Civil Engineering 
    3. Bright Storm Projects 
    4. CSTA Training Academy 
    5. Goldfields FET College 
    6. In Touch Community Development & Project Managers 
    7. Leps Training Consultants 
    8. Madzahisi College 
    9. Mavco Engineering 
    10. Microzone Training CC 
    11. Nkqubela Community Developers 
    12. PIONEER BUSINESS CONSULTING (PTY) LTD 
    13. Pro Skills Development (Pty) Ltd 
    14. Raubex Construction Pty (Ltd) 
    15. Sonani Training and Communications 
    16. South African Value Education (Pty) Ltd 
    17. Tovani Traiding 299 


    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.