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 QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Fire Alarm Installer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
121931  Occupational Certificate: Fire Alarm Installer 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - SASSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Part-Qualification  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Electrical Infrastructure Construction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  55  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  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 operate as a Fire Alarm Installer in a safe and knowledgeable manner.

Once qualified Fire Alarm Installer performs a variety of tasks associated with the installation of fire detection systems to protect life, environment, and property. The learner will do this by utilising the knowledge they have gained during the training.

A qualified learner will be able to install South African standards compliant fire detection systems in a safe and competent manner to reduce the loss of life and property.

Rationale:
The Special Class Electrician (Fire Alarm Technician) Occupation forms part of the 2018 list of Occupations in High Demand that have been identified by the Department of Higher Education and Training, has been listed as a trade occupation as per Government Gazette 35625, published on 31 August 2012, and identified as a trade occupation in terms of Section 26B of the Skills Development Act, 1998 (Act No. 97 of 1998). It is for these policies that the QCTO prioritised the development of the Special Class Electrician.

The Fire Alarm Installer is an electrical qualification ideally suited for a Fire Alarm qualification. It has been developed in compliance with the relevant parts of the above South African National Standards and regulations listed on pages 3-4. The part-qualification is a response to address a need to have qualified, competent, industry practitioners in South Africa that can design, install, maintain, and commission fire detection and alarm systems as well as meeting the criteria required to register with the SA industry Regulators.

The range of typical learners that will enter this part-qualification are people who wish to gain access to employment opportunities in the fire detection industry as well as those who are currently working in the industry without a National Qualification Framework (NQF) registered qualification. It is aimed at learners from formal schooling who aspire to become fire alarm installers or employees who are currently employed in the fire alarm industry performing fire detection related activities.

Qualified learners will have a range of foundational competencies relating to fire detection systems, health and safety, electro technical knowledge, installation practices and further skills in workplace processes. Learners who do not want to become fire alarm installers but require skills and competencies to perform other fire alarm system services have been catered for in the form of part-qualifications.

Previously, industry developed fire alarm training qualifications according to different standards and under different bodies, ranging from SAQA registered skills programs to Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) recognition of non-registered industry training. This qualification aims to establish common standards at entry level to access funding for people who previously did not have the means to achieve accreditation to allow for applications for employment opportunities.

Learners who complete this part-qualification will be recognised as competent fire alarm practitioners employable within various public as well as in the private sectors and in becoming self-employed.

Qualified learners will enable progression in their careers by learning programmes that are aligned to NQF Level 5 qualifications in selected specialised routes or career pathways in the context of fire alarm services. These specialised qualifications will enable them to operate either as installers, maintainers, commissioners, designers or beyond.

The completion and attainment of this part-qualifications will benefit learners in terms of employability within various public as well as in the private sectors as they will be in possession of the required skills as legislated in The South African National Standard 10400 (consisting of various parts A to W) which is the application of the NBR (National Building Regulations) Act 103 of 1977. The successful learner will be classified as "competent" as defined in SANS 10400-A: 2016 to carry out this work. The employment of qualified competent learners by the industry will benefit both the communities and the South African economy at large. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

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

Knowledge Modules:
  • 672107-001-00-KM-01, Health and Safety Related to the Fire Detection Industry, Level 4, 1 Credit.
  • 672107-001-00-KM-02, Electro-technical Related to the Fire Detection Industry, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 672107-001-00-KM-03, Business Communication Related to the Fire Detection Industry, Level 4, 1 Credit.
  • 672107-001-00-KM-04, Installation Related to the Fire Detection Industry, Level 5, 10 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 20

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 672107-001-00-PM-01, Identify and Apply Safety Regulations and Practices to be used in the Fire Detection Industry, Level 4, 1 Credit.
  • 672107-001-00-PM-02, Identify and Apply Electro-technical Methods in the Fire Detection Industry, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 672107-001-00-PM-03, Identify and Apply Business Communications and Practices by Identifying, Using and Describing Communication, Etiquette and Documentation used in the Fire Detection Environment, Level 4, 1 Credit.
  • 672107-001-00-PM-04, Identify and Apply Regulations, Tools, Practices, Components to be used in Installation in the Fire Detection Industry, Level 5, 10 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 20

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 672107-001-00- WM-01, Practice Processes and Procedures for Health and Safety Requirements Related to the Fire Detection Environment, Level 4, 1 Credit.
  • 672107-001-00- WM-02, Processes and Procedures for Installing Fire Detection Systems and other Associated Equipment, Level 5, 13 Credits.
  • 672107-001-00- WM-03, Processes and Procedures for Communication, Etiquette and Documentation in the Fire Detection Industry, Level 4, 1 Credit.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 15 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Conduct fire detection and alarm systems installations, with an informed understanding and fundamental knowledge of health & safety, electromechanical disciplines, business communications and installation techniques as they relate to fire detection and alarm systems. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Conduct fire life safety surveys, submit reports to include working safely at heights and cover the correct usage of tools and equipment in topics.
  • Explain and demonstrate inspection and use of safety equipment.
  • Demonstrate and explain the principles and fundamentals of electro-technical theory.
  • Describe principles of building construction and building legislation as they relate to fire detection and alarm system fire safety including working at heights.
  • Explain and demonstrate safety precautionary measures to prevent injuries relating to low voltage electrical and electronic installations.
  • Explain, demonstrate, and apply the use, care, and inspection of installation equipment.
  • Demonstrate the importance of correct record keeping.
  • Demonstrate the methods used for the installation of fire cables.
  • Demonstrate the various cable containment and support systems.
  • Demonstrate terminations of cables.
  • Explain and demonstrate the procedures for mounting of fire equipment.
  • Explain principles of emergency illumination and the control of building utilities.
  • Identify, describe, and demonstrate types and operation of fire detectors, audible/visual alarms and control equipment.

    Integrated Assessment
    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. The formative assessment together with work experience leads to entrance in the integrated external summative assessment.

    Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this part-qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria. Collectively, phase assessments in terms of knowledge and practical skills should be conducted within 10 working days. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The following countries were used to compare occupational development processes of similar or related:
  • The United Kingdom
  • Australia

    The United Kingdom:
    Similarities
    The South African standards for Fire Detection and alarm systems, SANS 10139, are an adoption by South Africa of the British Standards BS 5839 and are practically indistinguishable. In the UK, there are nationally accredited fire alarm training qualifications used by industry. These training qualifications are also available in South Africa although not registered on the NQF. The City & Guilds L2 Certificate in Knowledge of Electronic Security and Emergency Systems (1853-02). OFQUAL REF: 500/6209/8. The qualification body for this training is City & Guilds of London that have been in existence for over 100 years and are well recognised throughout the world for their standards of higher education. The AQP of the qualification in the UK is the Fire Industry Association (FIA). This Fire detection training is available in Certificate, (equivalent to NQF L5 and Diploma, NQF L6) but for these purposes, only the Certificate will be considered.

    There are no formal entry requirements for candidates undertaking this qualification. However, centres must ensure that learners have the aptitude and opportunity to successfully gain the qualification. Age restrictions for this qualification is not approved for use by candidates under the age of 16, and City & Guilds cannot accept any registrations for learners in this age group. This qualification is offered for 2 years with 294 Points required, of which 176 are core and 118 are elective.

    Differences
    The format of this qualification differs slightly from the South African model in the following ways. The learners are required to attain imbedded knowledge components (Knowledge modules) and take an online assessment for this section. In addition, the learner must complete several assignments (Practical modules) issued by the training provider. These assignments are assessed, and a statement of results is issued. The learner is then required to fulfil practical (Workplace modules) performance criteria before submitting a request for a final summative assessment, where the learner is interviewed by an Assessor for completion and issue of the qualification. The qualification also caters for part qualification achievement to match the needs of industry.

    Most people entering the fire alarm industry in the UK are already qualified electricians, so the core qualification is set there at a level 3 Diploma (1853) in fire detection training and units include aspects such as:
  • Foundation, Health, and safety
  • Electro-technical
  • Fire system design
  • Fire system installation
  • Fire system maintenance
  • Fire system commissioning

    Australia
    UEE 21020 Certificate level 2 in Fire Alarm Servicing is registered on the Australian Qualification Framework. No entry-level requirements but 360 points required, of which 220 are core and 140 electives. This qualification is offered for a duration of 2 years. The Certificate level 2 in Fire Alarm Servicing is a Post-Trade Qualification that is intended to provide participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to work on fire alarm systems in accordance with Australian Standards and regulatory requirements. In addition, participants on this training qualification will gain the knowledge and skills required to prepare a fire protection certification statement or report and units include aspects such as:
  • OHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry
  • Documentation of Fire Alarm systems
  • Installation of Fire Alarm systems
  • Maintenance of Fire Alarm systems
  • Commissioning of Fire Alarm systems
  • Design of Fire Alarm systems

    Conclusion
    This part-qualification compares well with the Australian and United Kingdom qualifications as it includes similar structures and covers the same training subjects. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Fire Alarm Maintainer, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Fire Alarm Technician, NQF Level 5. 

  • 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 the following subjects and modules or alternative programmes where applicable including Foundational Learning Competence.

    Additional legal or physical entry requirements
  • Learners must be 18 years or older as workplaces may be hazardous.
  • Learners should be colour blind.

    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: Fire Alarm Installer: 672107-001-00-01.

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

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
    Safety and Security Sector and Education Authority (SASSETA).

    PARENT QUALIFICATION
  • Occupational Certificate: Fire Alarm Technician, NQF Level 5.

    RELATED PART-QUALIFICATION
  • Occupational Certificate: Fire Alarm Maintainer, NQF Level 5.
  • Occupational Certificate: Fire Alarm Commissioner, NQF Level 5.
  • Occupational Certificate: Fire Alarm Designer, NQF Level 5. 

  • 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.