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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Public Area Cleaner 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
121747  Occupational Certificate: Public Area Cleaner 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - CATHSSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Part-Qualification  Field 11 - Services  Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Gaming and Leisure 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  74  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 1121/24  2024-01-30  2029-01-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-01-30   2033-01-30  

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 purpose of this part-qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Public Area Cleaner.

A Public Area Cleaner cleans public areas in order to provide a pleasant and comfortable experience for guests. Typical graduate attributes will include among others discipline, compassion and dedication.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Plan and prepare for cleaning public areas.
  • Cleaning the public areas.

    Rationale:
    This part-qualification is important to address the skills of the current and future employees serving all forms of commercial enterprises. Many industries in this area and for this qualification, draws from aspirant youth and women already within the broader hospitality, travel and tourism sectors.

    The skills acquired by the qualified room attendant will remain important boost for the multiple sectors, especially the hospitality and domestic sectors. The qualified learners will enhance commercial value offering and improve the customer experiences for most hospitality and domestic service offerings. The people drawn into this sector will improve not only their cleaning skills but also serve the country broadly across different sectors.

    Opportunities for growth are abundant for many young people in this area. Not only will they have a part-qualification that can very easily enable them to move horizontally as domestic help amongst others but vertically as commercial housekeepers. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules
  • 515103-000-02-KM-01, Workplace Fundamentals, Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • 515103-000-02-KM-03, Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism in SA, Level 4, 15 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 21

    Practical Skill Modules
  • 515103-000-02-PM-03, Clean Public Spaces within a Hospitality Environment, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 515103-000-02-PM-04, Handle and Dispose of Waste, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 515103-000-02-PM-05, Handle and Store Cleaning Equipment and Materials, Level 3, 8 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 18

    Work Experience Modules
  • 515103-000-02-WM-03, Procedures for Handling and Disposal of Waste, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 515103-000-02-WM-04, Process for Cleaning Public and Open Places in a Commercial Environment, Level 3, 15 Credits.
  • 515103-000-02-WM-05, Procedures for Deep Floor Cleaning and Soft Floor Coverings, Level 4, 10 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 35 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Prepare to clean open spaces to improve environmental hygiene and safety.
    2. Clean open spaces to maintain hygienic hospitality environment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Inspect the area to be cleaned of dirt to ascertain cleaning requirements.
  • Ensure suitable tools and equipment selected for cleaning for the identified dirt and possible hazards.
  • Mix cleaning solution appropriately for the type of cleaning required by the open space.
  • Place demarcation signs at visible points to warn customers about possible slippery floors.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Collect and separate waste material into different designated containers for disposal.
  • Undertake deep cleaning of hard surfaces using prescribed detergent for the specific dirt on the surfaces.
  • Clean tools and equipment after use for storage.

    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 external summative assessment will entail a theoretical assessment conducted at accredited assessment centres or registered assessment sites and evaluated by an assessor registered by the AQP. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    An international comparability exercise was undertaken to compare the Occupational Certificate: Commercial Housekeeper with related qualifications from specific countries in terms of their scope, levels and curriculum content. The purpose of this exercise is to compare the qualification against existing and comparable practice internationally. The exercise was conducted with two countries which are United Kingdom (UK) and New Zealand.

    United Kingdom (UK)
    In the United Kingdom Housekeeping Management is an important aspect in the Hospitality Industry. The UK Public College is an online distance learning institution that offers Professional Certificate in Housekeeping Management Level 4. In this online qualification, learners gain the skills required to survive and thrive in a customer focused, fast-paced environment, opening a world of opportunities in housekeeping and guest services.

    The course is accredited by The CPD Qualifications Group. Learners are taught the dimensions of Housekeeping Management as well as required knowledge and skills to be employed in the growing industry of hospitality. The course content includes among others the following aspects which relate well to the Occupational Certificate: Public Area Cleaner:
  • The knowledge and skills required to provide housekeeping services.
  • Preparing and cleaning rooms.
  • Roles within housekeeping and accommodation cleaning departments.
  • Essential customer service skills.

    The online assessment takes 24 hours, while the course duration is valid for 12 months' period.

    Similarities:
    The Professional Certificate in Housekeeping Management from UK includes both practical and theory components. Evaluation is based on written course work, just like the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) is the South African occupational qualification context. Course content correspond very well as indicated above.

    Differences:
    Occupational Certificate: Public Area Cleaner consist of work experience modules which are non-existent in the Professional Certificate in Housekeeping Management Level 4.

    New Zealand
    The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) has commissioned the Ringa Hora Services Workforce Development Council to develop a new qualification for the Food, Hospitality and Personal Services industry. The qualification is completed and registered, it is entitled: Certificate in Accommodation with strands in Housekeeping, Portering and Reception.

    This qualification leads to employment as porters and housekeepers in a hotel, or receptionists in a commercial hospitality establishment such as a lodge, backpackers, or a motel. The qualification leads on to the New Zealand Certificate in Hotel Reception, Level 4. Version 2 of this qualification was published in February 2021 as part of a scheduled 5-year review, and is popularly offered by two service providers namely, Manukau Institute of Technology and Wellington Institute of Technology Limited.

    Similarities:
    The modules or units of learning constituted in the New Zealand Certificate in Accommodation with strands in Housekeeping, Pottering and Reception which are closely related to the Occupational Certificate: Public Area Cleaner are:
  • Apply health, safety and security practices in a commercial hospitality establishment.
  • Communicate effectively and behave in a professional manner with colleagues, managers and guests.
  • Follow standard operating procedures to deal with familiar problems in a commercial hospitality establishment.
  • Clean and service a room in a commercial accommodation establishment.

    Differences:
    The New Zealand qualification is at Level 3 with 40 credits, and includes the Porter and Reception Services, while the South African Occupational Certificate: Public Area Cleaner is at NQF Level 4 with 84 credits and dealing with Housekeeping only.

    Conclusion:
    The Occupational Certificate: Public Area Cleaner compares favourably well with related qualifications from the above-mentioned countries, in terms of their scope, levels and curriculum content. Although it is not compulsory, in New Zealand the qualification may be awarded by an organisation with an approved programme of study or industry training. Evidence based on analysis of a range of workplace evidence demonstrating that qualifying learners meet the qualification profile outcomes may also be required. This relates well to the SA occupational certificate's requirements of workplace learning as well as the application component. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This part-qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.
  • Occupational Certificate: Hospitality Laundry Assistant, NQF Level 3.
  • National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 3.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Commercial Housekeeper, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    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 as well as proof of successful completion of all subjects and modules or alternative programmes where applicable.

    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: Public Area Cleaner: 515103-000-00-02.

    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • This is not a trade qualification.

    Assessment Quality Partner:
  • Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sports Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA)

    PARENT QUALIFICATION (Where Applicable)
  • Occupational Certificate: Commercial Housekeeper, NQF Level 4.

    RELATED PART-QUALIFICATIONS (Where Applicable)
  • Occupational Certificate: Room Attendant, NQF Level 4.
  • Occupational Certificate: Hospitality Laundry Assistant, NQF Level 4.

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION
    None 
    		•

    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.