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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

National Occupational Certificate: Retail Supervisor 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
121316  National Occupational Certificate: Retail Supervisor 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - W&RSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Occupational Cert  Field 11 - Services  Wholesale and Retail 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  129  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0820/23  2023-11-14  2028-11-14 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-11-14   2032-11-14  

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 function as a Retail Supervisor.

A Retail Supervisor controls and co-ordinates the work performance of a team of employees operating within a specific area in a retail or wholesale business.

The qualified learner will exhibit the following key attributes: team leadership, attention to detail, good communication, ethical, responsible, and consistent.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Supervise staff operating in a wholesale or retail operation.
  • Supervise the implementation and maintenance of retail or wholesale operations.
  • Analyse causes of customer complaints and resolve these complaints in a manner that promotes customer satisfaction and loyalty.

    Rationale:
    A retail supervisor qualification at NQF Level 4 is essential for the South African retail sector to improve its competitiveness, productivity, and overall performance. Retail Supervisors play a critical role in managing store operations, overseeing staff, driving sales, managing inventory, and ensuring excellent customer service. They are responsible for ensuring that the store meets its financial targets, complies with regulations, and maintains high quality standards.

    Individuals who may be interested in pursuing a Retail Supervisor qualification in South Africa include Retail Sales Associates who have been working in the industry for some time and want to advance their careers, Assistant Store Managers who are looking to move up to a supervisory role, existing Retail Supervisors who want to improve their knowledge and skills to become more effective in their roles and individuals who have a passion for the retail industry and want to start their careers as retail supervisors. Overall, anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in retail management and wants to improve their knowledge and skills would be a good candidate for a Retail Supervisor qualification in South Africa.

    There are two similar qualifications currently are registered on the NQF, the National Certificate: Wholesale and Retail Operations Supervision and the Occupational Certificate: Retail Supervisor both at NQF Level 4. A process was initiated to review the occupational qualification and replace the legacy qualification given the identified full spectrum of supervisory activities required to function as a Retail Supervisor.

    By having a formal qualification in retail management, supervisors will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their roles effectively, efficiently, and ethically. They will be better equipped to manage their teams, develop sales strategies, analyse sales data, manage inventory, and maintain customer satisfaction. This, in turn, will lead to increased productivity, higher profits, and improved customer loyalty, benefiting both the retail sector and the broader economy.

    Furthermore, the retail sector significantly contributes to employment and economic growth in South Africa, providing jobs to millions of people. By having a qualified retail workforce, the industry will be able to attract and retain skilled workers, creating a more stable and sustainable job market. This will ultimately benefit the broader society by reducing unemployment and poverty rates, increasing tax revenue, and stimulating economic growth.

    The qualification will provide learners with a practical and theoretical understanding of the retail industry and equip them with essential management skills. By improving their knowledge and skills, learners can advance their careers, earn higher salaries, and make meaningful contributions to the growth and success of the retail sector.

    This qualification does not require professional registration. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
  • RPL for Access to Training/Exemption:
    Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme.

    Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated, and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills programme. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors.

    For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme through any means of formal, informal, or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.
  • RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) or Final Integrated Supervised Assessment (FISA)
    Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme through any means of formal, informal, or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

    A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved.

    For a Skills Programme, the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP) must ensure all modular competency requirements are met prior to the FISA and keep record of such evidence.

    Upon successful completion of the EISA/FISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO.

    Entry Requirements:
  • An NQF Level 3 qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 522201-000-01-KM01: Introduction to the Wholesale and Retail Business Sectors; NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 522201-000-01-KM02: Fundamentals of Supervision; NQF Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 522201-000-01-KM03: Supervising Operation Stability within the Wholesale and Retail Sector; NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 522201-000-01-KM04: Fundamental Finance for non- Financial Staff; NQF Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 522201-000-01-KM05: First Line Marketing and Sales within the Retail Sector; NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 522201-000-01-KM06: Importance and Dynamics of Customer Service Delivery; NQF Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 522201-000-01-KM07: Enhancing Self-Development and Lifelong Learning; NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 35

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 522201-000-01-PM01: Supervise Retail and Wholesale Staff; NQF Level 4, 12 Credits.
  • 522201-000-01-PM02: Monitor and Control the Work Performance of a Team; NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 522201-000-01-PM03: Supervise Operations; NQF Level 4, 12 Credits.
  • 522201-000-01-PM04: Supervise Service to Internal and External Retail and Wholesale Customers; NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 522201-000-01-PM05: Resolve Queries and Complaints from Internal and External Retail and Wholesale Customers; NQF Level 4, 5 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 45

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 522201-000-01-WM01: Supervise Individual and Team Performance of Diverse Staff Members (full-time and temporary staff) executing work within various Sections/Departments within the Retail Sector; NQF Level 4, 16 Credits.
  • 522201-000-01-WM02: Ensure compliance with all Standard Operating Procedures and all Occupational Health safety and Quality Standards within Designated Retail-based Work Settings; NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 522201-000-01-WM03: Operate the Organisational Query and Complaint System and respond directly using various agreed Communication Channels to the Queries and Complaints to optimise Customer Satisfaction and build customer and brand loyalty; NQF Level 4, 16 Credits.
  • 522201-000-01-WM04: Participate in Personal Development and Career Path Planning and Execution and initiate own Development Activities; NQF Level 4, 9 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 49 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Oversee and supervise the execution of work activities for a designated work area in a retail or wholesale operation/business.
    2. Oversee and guide the effective implementation and maintenance of operations within wholesale or retail businesses.
    3. Receive and analyse customer complaints to determine the causes and take action to resolve the complaints. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply essential methods, procedures and techniques for supervising retail work teams.
  • Solve interpersonal and work-related problems.
  • Enforce adherence to professional and ethical behaviour and conduct.
  • Collect and communicate business information, instructions and briefings.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Contextualise and apply fundamental Risk Management and Loss Control principles within a retail work environment.
  • Apply fundamental techniques and leading practices associated with Operations Efficiency Optimisation within a team context.
  • Monitor and control compliance with budgets and organisational procedures.
  • Identify and reduce wastage.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Monitor and correct processes and procedures to gather and verify customer information and perceptions.
  • Analyse and use customer complaint information to resolve current complaints and prevent future complaints.
  • Apply fundamental knowledge of introductory consumer psychology to improve customer relations.
  • Monitor and enforce compliance with customer relations standards and procedures.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative Assessment
    The Skills Development Providers 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 leads to entrance into the integrated External Assessment.

    Summative Assessment
    An External Integrated Summative Assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required to issue this qualification. The External Integrated Summative Assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. Additional to the written assessment the learner must also submit a portfolio of evidence compiled of outcomes achieved in the workplace. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    For international comparability, the National Occupational Certificate: Retail Supervisor was compared with two international qualifications from the United Kingdom and Australia.

    United Kingdom (UK)
    The UK qualification for Retail Supervisors is the Level 3 Diploma in Retail Skills (Management) accredited by City & Guilds. Compared with the South African NQF levels, the SCQF Level 3 is broadly equivalent to the NQF Level 5. Both levels represent a moderate level of knowledge and skills, focus on developing practical skills and knowledge in a specific field.

    There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification, but learners should have some basic knowledge of retail management or experience working in a retail environment.

    The critical modules covered in this qualification include:
  • Managing people.
  • Driving sales performance.
  • Managing customer service.
  • Managing stock and logistics; and
  • Managing visual merchandising.

    The qualification typically takes 12-18 months to complete.

    Similarities
    Overall, both qualifications aim to capacitate retail supervisors and in both cases the modules cover the aspects of people management, sales, customer care and stock management.

    Differences
    The level of the UK Qualification is pitched at a slightly higher and the duration is longer. The UK qualification included a broader focus on management content and is specifically targeted at the UK retail sector.

    Australia
    The Australian Certificate IV qualifications are equivalent to qualifications registered at National Qualification Framework (NQF) Level 4 on the South African NQF. The Certificate IV in Retail Management qualification is targeted at Supervisors within the Australian Retail Sector offered by the Australian Institute of Management Education and Training. The qualification includes work applied learning, and the typical duration is approximately 12 months.

    The following learning units are covered in the qualification:

    Core units:
  • Communicate effectively as a workplace leader.
  • Lead effective workplace relationships.
  • Lead team effectiveness.
  • Implement operational plans.

    Elective Units:
  • Coordinate business resources.
  • Address customer needs
  • Implement continuous improvement.
  • Undertake project work.
  • Build client relationships and business networks.
  • Identify risk and apply risk management processes.
  • Develop work priorities.

    There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification, but learners should have some basic knowledge of retail management or experience working in a retail environment.

    Similarities
    Duration, level, and core content are similar.

    Differences
    The Australian qualification contains additional elective learning units.

    Conclusion
    The National Occupational Certificate: Retail Supervisor compares favourably with the international qualifications listed here in terms of focus, duration, and level. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal and vertical articulation options.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Quality Controller, NQF Level 4.
  • National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Retail Chain Store Manager; NQF Level 5.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Retail Management, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required knowledge and practical modules by means of statements of results and a record of completed 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 are: Retail Supervisor: 522201-000-01-00

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

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
  • W&R SETA 
    		•

    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.