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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Occupational Certificate: Sound Operator 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
120748  Higher Occupational Certificate: Sound Operator 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MICT SETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Occupational Cert  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Music 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  168  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0614/23  2023-03-08  2028-03-08 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-03-08   2031-03-08  

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 purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Sound Operator. A Sound Operator sets up and operate audio equipment to record, edit, mix, and amplify sound in support of live, recorded and broadcast productions, performances or events.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Apply Knowledge of principles and practices of audio to ensure satisfactory quality sound.
  • Prepare audio sound equipment for use.
  • Operate equipment to record, edit, mix, enhance/ amplify/ master sound to ensure satisfactory quality.
  • Perform basic equipment maintenance.
  • Practice basic business management.

    Rationale:
    The need for this qualification was established through the MICT sector skills planning process and the occupation of Sound Operator is reflected as one of the top 5 hard to fill vacancies in the Film and Electronic media sub-sector according to the 2021 MICT Sector Skills Plan.

    The re-alignment of this qualification was necessitated by the changing nature of the world of work, and its resultant impact on the required outcomes relevant to operating as a Sound Operator today. For this reason, the qualification outcomes embed the use of electronic systems as well as business skills to support electronic communication in an interconnected world.

    Other than the qualifications to be replaced, there are no similar qualifications registered on the OQSF, however qualifications exist in the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework. It is envisaged that this occupational qualification will provide an entry pathway into the Higher Education qualifications.

    This qualification will contribute to the economy by producing Sound Operators who are able to operate as freelancers with a foundational understanding of business skills, including marketing of services as well as business communication. These freelance or 'gig workers' are a growing phenomenon globally but has been a prevalent practice in the Sound industry as professionals tend to be contracted for their services in terms of production projects. This qualification also contributes to society by enabling the decentralised development of audio skills that have traditionally been developed in more urban/ metropolitan areas, thereby distributing the critical skill more equitably across the country. The qualification will also support the employment pipeline for media entities operating in the space and may therefore address issues of unemployment. The qualification also provides a bridge between the related sub-sectors of Film, Television and Multi-media which has traditionally had limited entry points.

    The qualification will accommodate school leavers and qualifying learners with no work experience as well as existing workers in the industry who want to progress. Qualifying learners will be able to operate as Sound Assistants, Junior Sound Technicians, Sound Technicians and will meet the educational requirements for accessing the professional designation pathway from the South Africa Communications Industry Association (SACIA) who were part of the development process. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
  • Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification.
  • Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part-qualification will be credited for modules through RPL.
  • RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
    Any NQF Level 4 qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 352103-000-00-KM-01, Theory of Sound, NQF Level 5, 18 Credits.
  • 352103-000-00-KM-02, Sound Equipment Principles, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 352103-000-00-KM-03, Characteristics of Audio Hardware and Software, NQF Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • 352103-000-00-KM-04, Electronic Maintenance Theory, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.
  • 352103-000-00-KM-05, Basic Principles of Business Management, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 50

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 352103-000-00-PM-01, Apply Theory of Sound, NQF Level 5, 34 Credits.
  • 352103-000-00-PM-02, Apply Understanding of Features and Functions of The Sound Equipment, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 352103-000-00-PM-03, Operate Prepared Audio Equipment for Production, NQF Level 5, 20 Credits.
  • 352103-000-00-PM-04, Maintain Sound Equipment, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 352103-000-00-PM-05, Apply Effective Business Management Skills, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 78

    Work Experience Modules (Select only Elective A or B):

    Elective A
  • 352103-000-00-WM-01, Live events, NQF Level 5, 40 Credits.

    Elective B
  • 352103-000-00-WM-02, Recorded events, NQF Level 5, 40 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 40 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate informed understanding of the key terms, concepts, facts, general principles, rules and theories of sound.
    2. Identify appropriate formats and protocols for the generation, distribution and transmission of analogue and digital sound signals.
    3. Assess sound quality using aural and measurement skills.
    4. Interpret sound requirements and demonstrate ability to select and apply standard methods, procedures or techniques to plan, set up, test and operate sound equipment, data storage, backup and transmission equipment.
    5. Identify and re-configure components to solve defined, routine and new problems within a familiar context.
    6. Apply general understanding of business principles to offer Sound Technician services commercially.
    7. Explain the associated legal implications of breaching intellectual property/ copyright laws.
    8. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a team or group, and to take responsibility for your own decisions and impact on others within well-defined contexts. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    ELO1: Demonstrate informed understanding of the key terms, concepts, facts, general principles, rules and theories of sound.
  • Demonstrate critical listening skills and understanding of dynamic range, time-based effects and timbre-based effects and other aspects of sound theory.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    ELO2: Identify appropriate formats and protocols for the generation, distribution and transmission of analogue and digital sound signals.
  • Generate, distribute and transmit analogue and digital sound signals optimally.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
    ELO3: Assess sound quality using aural and measurement skills.
  • Measure and adjust the loudness of dialogue tracks and various genres of music using dynamic range compressors to conform to a range of current output standards.
  • Assess, measure, explain and adjust frequency response aurally using equalisers and filters for optimal sound quality.
  • Identify distortions, faults and other audio anomalies within a provided session file in order to demonstrate good understanding of sound theory.
  • Optimise audio quality with explanations of what is done and why.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
    ELO4: Interpret sound requirements and demonstrate ability to select and apply standard methods, procedures or techniques to plan, set up, test and operate sound equipment, data storage, backup and transmission equipment.
  • Produce a production plan or technical rider that demonstrates the appropriate choice of equipment, resources and personnel and demonstrates the appropriate use of costing.
  • Connect and route systems appropriately, from a flattened state, displaying understanding of sound equipment systems and sub-systems, their constituent parts and the relationships between these hardware and software components, to ensure that all components are working optimally and safely.
  • Complete a basic recording project including editing, mixing and basic mastering using a digital audio workstation. The final audio product should be distributed using a range of digital means and archived appropriately.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
    ELO5: Identify and re-configure components to solve defined, routine and new problems within a familiar context.
  • Solve problems in the context both of a range of hypothetical scenarios and of real-world simulations including (in each case) a number of fault scenarios in which multiple faults demand a rigorous assessment of each of the fault conditions to recommend full fault remediation.
  • Demonstrate efficiency of fault-finding by the solving of defined, routine and new problems within a range of familiar overall contexts within pre-determined time- frames appropriate to real-world industry deadlines and time-pressures.
  • Demonstrate the ability to pre-empt and forestall a range of potential faults or problems that could occur by the use of a clearly communicated check-list appropriate to the context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
    ELO6: Apply general understanding of business principles to offer Sound Technician services commercially.
  • Generate quotes, Invoices, receipts, delivery Notes, credit Notes, and statements. These shall include examples of, and the correct application of, a Tax Invoice and invoicing from a vendor that is not registered for VAT.
  • Business tools are used effectively and efficiently to produce and manage business document and communication.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
    ELO7: Explain the associated legal implications of breaching intellectual property/ copyright laws.
  • Identify the five basic rights afforded to a copyright owner, namely: the right to first publication, the right to make copies, the right to distribute, the right to publicly perform, and the right to make a derivative work, from a range of common commercial exploitation examples.
  • Select the appropriate rights manager for the issue of a license, or for the payment of royalties for a range of common commercial exploitation examples.
  • Source, select and fill out the appropriate forms, including song submission forms, log sheets, cue sheets, license applications, and membership applications, for several Collective Management Organisations (CMO's) and industry bodies from the internet, selected, and filled out (though not necessarily submitted to the respective organisation), for a range of common commercial exploitation examples.
  • Compare and contrast copyright license to a deed of assignment, at a basic level.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
    ELO8: Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a team or group, and to take responsibility for your own decisions and impact on others within well-defined contexts.
  • Identify challenges that may arise within team dynamics and demonstrate the ability to resolve potential in a team.
  • Understand the roles and responsibilities as well as strengths and weaknesses of each individual in a team in achieving set goals.
  • Demonstrate knowledge, critical understanding and practical application of the code of good practice for sexual harassment in the workplace broadcast act.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Integrated Formative Assessment
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment together with work experience leads to entrance in the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria.

    The assessment will be conducted through a technology enhanced theoretical assessment, a project assessment and the evaluation of practical tasks at decentralised approved assessment sites by a panel of assessors registered with the AQP. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International comparability was conducted using two countries, New Zealand and Australia.

    New Zealand
    The Southern Institute of Technology offers a 120-credit Diploma in Sound Engineering and Audio Production at Level 5 on the New Zealand ten-level NQF. The qualification aims to produce professional audio engineers. The qualification includes a range of audio theory and engineering skills to produce a variety of music and recordings at a professional level. This is comparable to the current qualifications which includes sound theory and sound equipment principles as well as electronic principles.

    In the Diploma in Sound Engineering and Audio Production there are also outcomes related to working with a range of music software and equipment to create and produce complex music, recordings and other sound-related works which is very similar to the content of this qualification.

    Modules include:
  • Acoustics
  • Audio Software and Technology
  • Audio Engineering and Production Theory and Techniques
  • Audio Electronics
  • Music Theory
  • Industry Studies

    Similarities:
    The qualification is at level 5 and accommodates learners with school leaving certificate with numeracy and literacy. Upon completion it is expected that learners would be employed or self-employed. The level, duration and targeted learners are identical to that of the South African qualification.

    The duration of the qualification is 1-year full time or 2-years part time.

    Differences:
    The only difference in the New Zealand qualification is a module called "Contextual studies", which is aimed at developing academic writing and presenting skills through the examination of historical, technological influences and developments in popular music in socio-cultural contexts.

    Australia
    The School of Audio Engineering (SAE) Creative Media Institute offers a Diploma of Audio Production. Although the qualification is shorter than the current qualification (being delivered over approximately 8 months as opposed to the year required for the current qualification), it is significantly comparable in terms of outcomes. The Australian diploma covers common areas such as setting up and operating audio equipment, Audio workstation (DAW) recording sound and editing and mixing sound.

    Upon completion, learners will be able to work as, Assistant Sound Engineer, Radio/ Broadcast Personnel, Junior Studio Administrator, Junior Sound Editor, Live Sound Operator and Sound Engineer.

    Modules in the Diploma of Audio Production include:
  • Thinking about Audio
  • Foundations of Sound
  • Foundations of Recording and Mixing
  • Contemporary Industrial Practices
  • Foundations of Audio Technology and Live Sound
  • Audio Studio

    Similarities:
    Entry into the qualification is open to any learner who completed a school leaving certificate and the qualification is pitched at level 5. The level, entry and targeted learners are similar to that of the South African qualification.

    Differences:
    The major differences lie in the Australian qualification being shorter and not including any business management or entrepreneurial modules which were deemed critical for the Sound Operator qualification.

    Conclusion:
    The Higher Occupational Certificate: Sound Operator compares very well with the New Zealand and Australian qualifications in terms of content and qualification structure. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Popular Music Sound Engineering, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Sound Production, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Sound Technology, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Audio Technology, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of a statement of results and statement of work experience.

    Additional legal or physical entry requirements
  • None.

    Criteria for the accreditation of providers
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.

    The curriculum title and code: Sound Operator: 352103- 000-00-00.

    Encompassed Trades
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD.
  • None.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
  • Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICTSETA). 
    		•

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.