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: 

Provide pre and post HIV test counselling 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
252533  Provide pre and post HIV test counselling 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Psychology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 07 - Human and Social Studies General Social Science 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular-Fundamental  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
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 is intended for people who counsel specifically in the area of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in different counselling contexts where clients are enabled to go through the process of finding solutions to their concerns. It is intended for learners who are not registered professionals such as qualified psychologist and social workers. It will be useful for counsellors in a variety of counselling contexts including, but not limited to, schools, telephone counselling, Non-Governmental Organisations, Faith Based Organisations, the South African Police Service, Counselling Call Centres, Hospitals, Clinics and Support Agencies, Sports Centres, Education and Training facilities, Government and Health and Social Services facilities. It should develop learners who know their scope of practice, behave ethically in a counselling context, conform to minimum standards and know when to refer a client.

The qualifying learner is capable of:
  • Counselling an individual prior to an HIV test.
  • Counselling an individual after an HIV test.
  • Demonstrating skills and techniques required of an HIV counsellor.
  • Responding to queries about HIV and AIDS. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is recommended that learners are competent in Communication at NQF Level 3. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The typical scope of this Unit Standard is pre and post test counselling. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Counsel and individual prior to an HIV test. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A client's knowledge of HIV and AIDS is assessed informally to inform the counselling process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A client's risk for HIV is assessed with reference to current and previous lifestyle. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A client's readiness for testing is assessed based on coping styles, support systems and dealing with the results of the test. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The concepts of informed consent and confidentiality are explained with reference to South African legal requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The different tests for HIV are explained with reference to the accuracy, window period and time frames of each. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Counsel an individual after an HIV test. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A procedure for giving results is demonstrated for positive, negative and discordant cases. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The results of an HIV test are interpreted, explained to a client and related to the pre-test counselling and the client is assisted to process the result of a test. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Issues of disclosure and immediate support are discussed in terms of short term coping mechanisms and the pros and cons of disclosure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Avenues for referral are explained with reference to on-going counselling, further testing and support. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Positive coping and living strategies are discussed with reference to wellness, prevention of re-infection and responsibilities to others. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Coping strategies include, but are not limited to, treatment strategies, nutrition and lifestyle changes.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate skills and techniques required of an HIV counsellor. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Sexuality and sexual behaviour are discussed comfortably using the language and style best understood by the client. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Techniques for negotiating safer sex are explored for a specific client. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The use of male and female condoms is demonstrated using appropriate models. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Techniques for dealing with strong emotions of the client are demonstrated where appropriate in the counselling process. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Respond to queries about HIV and AIDS. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Questions relating to myths about HIV and AIDS are responded to in language that is appropriate to the client. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Legal and ethical issues relating to HIV are explained coherently and simply. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The use and side effects of treatment regimes are explained using appropriate terminology. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of a healthy lifestyle is explained in relation to life expectancy. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Healthy Lifestyle includes, but is not limited to, good nutrition, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption and stress management.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a candidate against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or ETQA where a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) exists with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA or ETQA where a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) exists with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    The learner is able to identify and solve problems in which responses show that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made in assessing the clients risk and readiness for testing and assisting the client to live a healthy life. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    The learner is able to work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community as counsellors are required to liaise with nurses and supervisors and usually work as members of teams. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively in keeping the required records. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    The learner is able to collect, organise and critically evaluate information in assessing risk and readiness for a test. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    The learner is able to communicate effectively using visual, mathematics and language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations in talking comfortably about sex and sexuality, explaining the required information in own words and completing the required registers. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    The learner is able to use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others in explaining the results of tests and the immune system. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    The learner is able to demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation in explaining infection and re-infection. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
  • The learner is able to participate as a responsible citizen in the life of local, national and global communities in helping to fight the AIDS pandemic and being role models in the community.
  • The learner is able to demonstrate cultural sensitivity across a range of social contexts in counselling clients from different backgrounds. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  67509   Further Education and Training Certificate: Community Development  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  49256   Further Education and Training Certificate: Counselling  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  HW SETA 
    Elective  74410   Further Education and Training Certificate: Public Awareness Promotion of Dread Disease and HIV/AIDS  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  HW SETA 
    Elective  59429   National Certificate: Inclusive Education  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  ETDP SETA 


    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. Dee s Training PTY LTD 
    2. Gotsec Skills Training 
    3. LESEDI EDUCARE ASSOCIATION 
    4. MENTORNET (PTY) LTD 
    5. Tembe Service Providers 
    6. TMG Quality Services 


    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.