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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: Air Quality Analyst |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 122008 | Occupational Certificate: Air Quality Analyst | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Development Quality Partner - LGSETA | ||||
| PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
| - | OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
| QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
| Occupational Certificate | Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation | Nature Conservation | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 120 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 07 | 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 qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Air Quality Analyst. An Air Quality Analyst plans, develops, implements and coordinates air quality management strategies and promotes policies for the protection of human health and the environment from air pollution. A qualified learner will be able to: Rationale: Air pollution and air quality management is pivoted on the Bill of Rights contained in the Constitution of South Africa. To give effect to this right, it is necessary to ensure that levels of air pollution in the republic are not harmful to human health or well-being. The National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (NEMAQA), 2004 (Act No. 39 of 2004) provides an objectives-based approach to the management of air quality at different governance and operational levels and is the legislative means to ensuring that the rights to clean air are upheld. The NEMAQA framework prescribes government's roles and responsibilities across all spheres. These roles include: The implementation of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act requires specialised administration and technical capacity for government officials to fulfil their functions, roles and responsibilities, and to fully deliver on their mandate. The National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act implementation also requires specialised technical knowledge in understanding legislation, air pollution control and management, strategy development and implementation, as well as enhanced knowledge in atmospheric science. Over the years, the government has undertaken a number of capacity development programmes in order to support officials in this regard. However, the training programs are ad hoc, neither accredited nor recognised in career-pathing programmes. On the other hand, environmental qualifications offered at tertiary institutions are not focused on providing the required knowledge, work experience, or practical skills that cover the scope necessary for government officials. As a result, air quality management expertise is scarce, and where skilled personnel working in government are mostly absorbed by the private sector. There is therefore an urgent need to build sector capacity in air quality specialists; air quality control officers; atmospheric emission licensing officers; compliance monitoring and enforcement officers; strengthening capacity within mandated agencies; training regulators to understand air quality and related legislation, procedures and report writing. Upon completion of this qualification, the skills levels of environmental practitioners and policymakers will be enhanced in air quality management improving the skills base of the sector, especially in local government, reducing high vacancy rates, in particular, within the public sector; and improving service delivery toward protecting the human health and the environment. The Air Quality Analyst would be able to progress to an Environmental Manager or Air Pollution and Waste Manager. The key economic benefits from this occupational qualification would be to improve the quality of service delivery in air quality management, ensuring adequate protection of the health of the poor and most vulnerable people, and effectively lessening the burden on the health care system, as well as encouraging more investment from the private sector and foreign investors in cleaner production initiatives. Learners will be able to find employment as Environmental Officers such as Air Quality Policy Analysts and Planner, Air Quality Authorisation and Management, Air Quality Monitoring and Information Management and Air Quality Officers, ultimately, managing people and other related processes. Typical learners to the qualification are those holding any NQF Level 6 in Environmental Management or related. This occupational qualification offers learners air quality management knowledge and skills. The qualification will address the capacity gaps in air quality management practitioners and policymakers. It is also intended for the youth who do not have direct access to universities and other occupational opportunities due to various social and historical factors and will accelerate entry into the labour market and reduce unemployment. This qualification was developed in collaboration with both statutory and non-statutory bodies. |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| RPL for access to a qualification
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. RPL for exemption of modules 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: An Environmental or Natural Science qualification at NQF Level 6. |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| The qualification is made up of the following Knowledge, Practical and Work Experience modules.
Knowledge Modules 213305-000-00-KM-04, The Establishment and Maintenance of Air Emission Inventories and Systems, Level 7, 6 Credits. Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 24 Practical Skill Modules Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 48 Work Experience Modules Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 48 |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Demonstrate ability to manage air quality policies, regulations and strategies.
2. Execute air quality authorisation functions. 3. Manage air quality information management system. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
ELO 1: Demonstrate ability to manage air quality policies, regulations and strategies. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: ELO 2: Execute air quality authorisation functions. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: ELO 3: Manage air quality information management system. Integrated Assessment Integrated Formative Assessment: Formative Assessments conducted internally: Formative assessments are conducted throughout the training of learners. A range of formal, non-formal, and informal ongoing assessment activities are used to focus on teaching and learning outcomes to improve learner attainment. Formative assessments are conducted continuously by the facilitator to feed into further learning, to identify strengths and weaknesses, and to ensure the learner's ability to apply knowledge, skills and workplace experience gained. Formative Assessments are conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP), and a variety of ongoing assessment methods may be used, for example, quizzes, assignments, tests, scenarios, role play, and interviews. Continuous feedback must be provided. Integrated Summative Assessment: Integrated Summative Assessments conducted Internally: Integrated Assessment involves all the different types of assessment tasks required for a particular qualification, part-qualification, or occupational skills programme, such as written assessment of theory and practical demonstration of competence. To achieve this, the Internal Assessment Criteria (IAC) for all modules as found in the QCTO curriculum document must be followed. An accredited SDP should implement a well-designed, formal, relevant, final internal Summative Assessment strategy for all modules to prepare learners for the EISA. These assessments evaluate learning achievements relating to the achievement of each module of the relevant components of the qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Internal Summative Assessments are developed, moderated, and conducted by the SDP at the end of each module or after integration of relevant modules, e.g., applied knowledge tests, workplace tasks, practical demonstrations, simulated tasks/demonstrations, projects, case studies, etc. External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) - a national assessment. The Quality Partner is responsible for the management, conduct and implementation of the External Integrated. Summative Assessment (EISA), in accordance with QCTO set standards. Competence in the EISA is a requirement for certificating a learner. For entrance into the EISA, the learner requires a valid Statement of Results issued by the accredited institution indicating: The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge, Practical and Work Experience modules. OR The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge and Application Components. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| This qualification was compared with qualifications in the United Kingdom and the United States of America (USA).
United Kingdom: The University of Birmingham offers a nine (9) month Postgraduate Diploma in Air Pollution Management and Control. The qualification is 120 credits at Level 8. The qualification covers the following instructional modules: Admission to this qualification is a relevant degree with a minimum of two-year work experience. This qualification is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the causes and effects of air pollution, and the management measures and engineering technologies available for its control. Learners successfully completing the qualification find employment as air quality experts within environmental consultancies, industry or local government departments. Its entry requirements state that applicants for graduate programs must have the equivalent of a bachelor's qualification. Similarities Both qualifications are 120 credits and have similar purposes and related modules. Differences The United Kingdom qualification is one level higher, has higher admission requirements and is without application. United States of America (USA) The qualification, Graduate Certificate in Air Resources, offered by Illinois Institute of Technology consists of 80 Credits. Its qualification modules/content are: Learners must have the equivalent of a Bachelor's qualification as an entry requirements. Similarities Both qualifications have a similar purpose, and content, and are graduates' qualifications. Differences The South African qualification has a minimum of 120 credits, practical and work experience. The American qualification has 80 credits, without practical and work experience. Conclusion The UK qualification is designed slightly differently, but comparable skills and knowledge are integrated within the modules. The UK qualification has two additional modules, Air Pollution Meteorology and Air Pollution Chemistry. The Graduate Certificate in Air Resources from the USA compares well in terms of areas of expertise in the air quality management processes. The USA qualification covers the causes of outdoor pollution, which is also integrated into the rest of the modules, though shorter in duration as it is forty (40) credits less. The Occupational Certificate: Air Quality Analyst compares well with the two identified qualifications in terms of relater purpose, content and modules covered. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification allows possibilities for the following articulation options.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: Diagonal Articulation |
| 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 subjects and modules or alternative programmes where applicable, including Foundational Learning Competence. 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: Air Quality Analyst: 213305-001-00-00. Encompassed Trades: None. Assessment Quality Partner: LG SETA. RELATED PART-QUALIFICATION(S) |
| 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. |