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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Higher Certificate in Construction Quantity Surveying

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
117792	Higher Certificate in Construction Quantity Surveying
ORIGINATOR
Career Excel Academy (Pty) Ltd
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate	Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction		Building Construction
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 05	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2020-11-20	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

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 Higher Certificate in Construction Quantity Surveying will allow learners to acquire basic Quantity Surveyor (QS) skills within the building industry and enhance their knowledge and skills of the general built environment. This qualification aims to provide learners with the knowledge and basic skill sets required to perform effectively in the field of surveying and construction management.

Employees working for construction companies, property developers, facilities managers, professional quantity surveying practices and allied employers, strive for an opportunity to obtain a qualification in construction quantity surveying to equip them with the fundamental building blocks to conduct their tasks in the correct and industry-accepted ways. This need also exists where learners require an entry point into the industry as school leavers, or from allied professions, requiring enhancement of their existing career prospects and development.

This qualification has the further advantage that it offers employment opportunities in an office environment or an exciting outside work environment of construction sites. The purpose of this qualification is to provide properly qualified people to the built environment industry, who can follow a career path from entry-level, middle management to senior positions in the built environment.

Qualifying learners will be able to:

Describe the structure of the built environment as an industry, the key organisations and service delivery requirements for professional services,

Describe construction technology as it is used/constructed/assembled in a building or construction works,

Describe the fundamental knowledge areas of construction quantity surveying as applied in the Property Development Process,

Describe the fundamental knowledge areas of property development as required to become a property industry practitioner,

Illustrate the fundamental aspects and methods required to successfully and accurately apply land surveying techniques as a construction project manager,

Understand the role and application of commercial and property law regarding fundamental built environment requirements, applicable to the construction project manager, and

Understand the role and importance of critical aspects related to construction law and the impact on a construction project manager are described.

Rationale:
The qualification is aimed at individuals working within the built environment that wishes to enhance their skills in terms of costing building projects at all stages of the building process from planning to completion.

There is no known registered institution that offers this qualification in South Africa. A huge 'entry gap' was created when Technikons became Universities of Technology. Though Technikons, qualifications were initially on National Diploma level, it did provide a three-year entry point which is now lost. Many construction contractors and professional quantity surveying practices are affected by the 'gap' between school and university education where there is no opportunity for working adults in particular, as well as young school leavers, to obtain basic higher certificate skills to enter lucrative careers. The Higher Certificate in Construction Quantity Surveying will address this gap between school and university that is in dire need of being addressed.

Qualifying learners will also be equipped to make contributions as entrepreneurial job creators, rather than being only prepared to be employed mainly for their benefit. All the modules of the qualification are structured to consciously develop the entrepreneurial orientation and innovative ability of learners.

The Built Environment represents a large array of sub-sections without which no organised civil society can develop or exist. Further disciplines, supplementary to the Higher Certificate in Construction Quantity Surveying are offered, which cover the full spectrum of the property industry to prospective learners in terms of further career development and training. These are:

Property development and ownership,

The financial structuring and management thereof by construction project managers, and

The execution of facilities management to ensure the long-term management of very costly fixed assets in a fit for purpose format.

The combination of the mentioned disciplines in conjunction with the thus qualification will enable a growth path for learners to a broader knowledge base of the Built Environment and therefore create a longer-term learning pathway.

There are numerous job opportunities, particularly on lower and middle management levels for Construction Quantity Surveyors. Most potential learners are working adults who have limited opportunities to obtain a formal qualification to enhance their careers, as a result of the extended timeframe of these qualifications and high costs associated. This qualification will provide a stepping stone for persons who meet the entry requirements to commence with a career-specific qualification. This qualification will further enable qualifying learners to access other higher education qualifications on NQF Level 6 and progress into higher qualifications.

Construction Quantity Surveying jobs are expected to grow at a faster than average rate within South Africa and the rest of the World in the next decade or so, though the availability of jobs is dependent on the state of the economy. There is a tremendous housing backlog in South Africa, especially about the lower market segments. The qualification is specifically focused on South African construction conditions and should assist in managing the country's' unique construction challenges.

The South African construction industry is dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a relatively small number of larger successful listed companies still in operation. The private sector is therefore a major source of employment. Local government and government bodies also offer employment opportunities.

Typical employers include local or international construction companies, design and build companies, civil engineering contractors, building companies or consultancies, property development companies, organisations involved in urban regeneration and sustainable development; and housing associations.

The qualification will benefit new entrants to the industry and those working in the construction section of the build environment field who need to expand or deepen their competence by acquiring a formal knowledge and skills base focused on construction quantity surveying. Society at large will benefit through the better managed physical building and working spaces, protecting a sustainable living environment over a longer timeframe with less dilapidating facilities, aspects that this qualification will address.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has a Recognition of Prior Learning (RP) and Credit Accumulation Transfer (CAT) policies that are in line with national policies.

A learner who, based on RPL, is granted exemption from doing some modules or courses in qualification will complete the qualification with a total number of credits that is less than the normally required number of credits for the qualification in question. RPL creates such an exception, and the learner concerned will not be compelled to do more modules or courses to make up for the difference in the total number of credits.

The recognition of credits for transfer from one qualification to another will be determined by the nature of the qualifications, the relationship between them, the nature, complexity, and extent of the curricula associated with the specific subjects to be recognised for exemption and/or inclusion, and the nature of the assessment used.

Any credits for an incomplete qualification may be recognised by the same or a different institution as meeting part of the requirements for a different qualification or may be recognised by a different institution as meeting part of the requirements for the same qualification.

Credits obtained from studies that do not lead to a full qualification (for example, non-degree studies) should count for credit accumulation.

The institution will give recognition to former learning and/or work experience in the Property Development environment through a formal process to grant access into the qualification and/or to grant exemption from modules of the qualification.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
Or

National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
Or

An equivalent qualification at NQF Level 4.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:

Structure of the Built Environment, 8 Credits.

Basic Construction Technology 1, 8 Credits.

Basic Construction Technology 2, 8 Credits.

Construction Quantity Surveying 1, 16 Credits.

Commercial Law 1, 16 Credits.

Construction Quantity Surveying 2, 16 Credits.

Property Development 1, 16 Credits.

Land Surveying, 16 Credits.

Construction Law, 16 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the structure of the built environment as an industry, the key organisations and service delivery requirements for professional services.
2. Describe construction technology as it is used/constructed/assembled in a building or construction works.
3. Describe the fundamental knowledge areas of construction quantity surveying.
4. Describe the fundamental knowledge areas of property development as required to become a property industry practitioner.
5. Illustrate the fundamental aspects and methods required to successfully and accurately apply land surveying techniques as a construction project manager.
6. Demonstrate the role and application of commercial and property law regarding fundamental built environment requirements, applicable to the construction project manager.
7. Demonstrate the role and importance of critical aspects related to construction law and the impact on a construction project manager are described.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Describe the key elements of the built environment in identifying it as an industry.

Describe the service delivery requirements for professional practitioners and contractors regarding building processes/supply chains and contractual arrangements.

Categorise the key organisations that serve the built environment following their roles in the industry.

Use correct terminology in describing aspects of the built industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Compare and list various construction technologies, as used in building or construction works.

Explain different components and finishes of construction technology concerning the construction and building maintenance processes.

Describe the key elements related to the drafting practice, reading of building plans and setting out of buildings concerning the latest construction technology.

Describe preventative and risk-mitigating measures as required to ensure a safe, secure and sustainable space.

Describe the passive environmental control of buildings about the value that these techniques offer to the sustainability and cost-effective management of buildings.

Describe the concept of intelligent building design regarding energy efficient (green) technologies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

List the quantity surveying roles and functions, with compiling bills of quantities, cost estimates, the process of buildings, building maintenance and building specifications depicted in a schedule of finishes.

Identify and compare various estimating and cost control mechanisms that will assist the property practitioner to better manage the financial component related to their core responsibilities.

Describe the tendering and adjudicating processes that will allow the property practitioner to compare various pricing options in deciding who should be appointed to carry out specified work.

Described mensuration techniques about the computation of lengths, areas, or volumes from given dimensions or angles.

Describe and set out the measurement of building works in standard Bills of Quantities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Describe factors in property economics as they impact on the built environment.

Describe the fundamentals of property market evaluations as they influence property prices.

Describe the property development process regarding the main phases and key role players.

Illustrate the importance of proper market analysis with practical examples.

Compare and describe various types of residential, large scale and specialised developments.

Describe aspects that influence commercial property finance.

Describe the setting up and interpretation of project feasibilities studies.

Describe financial elements which have an impact on successfully implementing a property development project such as time value of money, property tax, risk assessments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Describe the theoretical principles of land surveying and how it finds application in open space/vacant land as well as construction projects.

List various land surveying instruments.

Describe the methods of how contours are established and interpreted.

List and describe the processes of measuring and calculating falls.

Describe aspects related to the horizontal and vertical setting out on construction projects.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Identify the importance of correctly interpreting commercial law components with specific reference to the built and property professions.

Describe Commercial Law, Contract Law, Property Law and the Law of Contracts and Arbitration in terms of the role they play in the built and property development industries.

Describe legal aspects relating to town planning zoning and land use as they impact on the built environment.

Describe the process of compiling and interpreting contracts as applied to the sale and lease of property.

Describe the importance of financial intelligence, credit regulations and consumer protection regulations as applicable to the property development industry.

Describe the core elements of the laws relating to sectional title and share block companies as applicable to the property development industry.

List a summary of procedures related to property and relevant clauses in acts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Describe correctly the fundamental aspects related to the setting up of a legally binding construction contract, depicting the parties, liability to perform, termination, compensation for breach, cancellation, etc.

Describe the correct approach towards contract suretyship, reimbursement of building contracts, multi procurement contracts.

Describe elements related to the setting up of a project management contract specific to the built environment.

Describe the Joint Building Contract Committee (JBCC) Series 2000 set of documents by way of practical examples.

Integrated Assessment:
Learners will be assessed throughout the qualification through a combination of formative and summative assessments, which are designed to measure achievement in the module outcomes and the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Each module of the qualification will be assessed separately or in combination with other modules in an integrated assessment. The Higher Certificate in Construction Quantity Surveying will be offered over two semesters with formative and summative assessments scheduled as follows:

Formative assessments (50% of the total assessed value):
Formative assessments will be conducted continuously throughout the teaching-learning process per semester to assist lecturers and learners to monitor progress and to take corrective action, where needed. Formative assessments will be in the form of:

Written knowledge tests, which will account for 20% of the formative assessment value. There will be two tests, one per semester.

Individual written assignments, which will account for 30% of the formative assessment value. Not less than four short assignments must be completed per module per semester.

Written tests and assignments per module will be based on information gained through discussions of workplace-based case studies, group exercises, informal oral presentations, role plays, study material and formal lectures. The learning through the formative assessment process will prepare participants for the final exam. A minimum mark of 40% for formative assessments is required to write the examination.

Summative assessments (50% of the total assessed value):
The summative assessment will be done through a final exam that will cover all the modules of the qualification. A sub-minimum of 50% for the final exam is required for learners to achieve the qualification.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification is comparable to similar qualifications offered in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Kenya.

Australia:
The New South Wales University provides a Certificate IV in Surveying. This qualification reflects the role of surveying technicians who work under supervision to support a surveying team. They perform a range of duties using surveying tools and equipment, including total stations and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply in some states where cadastral and mining surveying must be undertaken under the supervision of a registered surveyor. Relevant state and territory regulatory authorities should be consulted to confirm those requirements.

The Australian qualification content and the duration of 6 months full time and 12 months part-time is similar to the South African qualification.

United Kingdom:
The Certificate in Quantity Surveying will give the learner an excellent and effective start to your career as a professional Quantity Surveyor/Estimator and also lead to higher education.

The Certificate can be achieved at first-year completion and Advanced Diploma can be achieved at two years completion. This Quantity Surveyor qualification is the right choice if the learner wishes to work as a Quantity Surveying Professional or want to go to university to follow a BSc qualification. The qualification is made up of five semesters including industrial training.

Modules include:

Fundamentals of Engineering Drawings.

Construction and Civil Engineering Technology I.

Construction Scope of Works.

Construction Materials.

Construction and Civil Engineering Technology II.

Method of Measurements and Quantity Take-off.

Tendering and Procurement Process.

Estimating and Computer Applications.

Kenya:
As the building and construction sector grows, the need for skilled quantity surveyors to meet quality construction works standards is growing. The National Diploma in Quantity Surveying course gives learners a detailed understanding of the building industry and thorough preparation for a future career in surveying. This Diploma is intended to equip learners with knowledge and skills in measurements, estimating and costing of building and civil engineering works. Learners learn practical skills relevant to current construction management that gives them an advantage in the job market since they work closely with our Architecture, Interior Design and Building and Construction learners.

For successful completion of the course, each learner must go through the industrial attachment in relevant fields. This attachment is supervised and graded by one of the lecturers. The Kenya National Examination Council examines this Diploma. The minimum entry requirement for the KNEC Diploma in Quantity Surveying is KCSE Mean grade C - OR PASS in relevant craft course, drawing and design. Design or an approved equivalent qualification as determined by KNEC.

Conclusion:
The study of international qualifications and the short learning programmes offered by institutions in Australia, United Kingdom and Kenya confirm that the topics covered in the Higher Certificate in Construction Quantity Surveying are similar to what is covered by international institutions. The target group of all the qualifications reviewed is the same as for the Higher Certificate, i.e. working adults. Vary little institutions across Africa specialises in higher certificate courses in the field of construction quantity surveying.

The areas covered in the Higher Certificate show the greatest similarity to the modules of the qualification offered by the Australian and United Kingdom institutions.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for horizontal, vertical and diagonal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Higher Certificate in Construction, NQF Level 5.

Higher Certificate in Construction and Engineering Drafting, NQF Level 5.

Vertical Articulation:

Diploma in Building Technology, NQF Level 6.

Diploma in Construction, NQF Level 6.

Diploma in Engineering Technology in Civil Engineering, NQF Level 6.

National Diploma: Building Construction, NQF Level 6.

Diploma in Quantity Surveying, Construction, Management and Project Management, NQF Level 6.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

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.

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