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: 

Higher Occupational Certificate: Logistics Practitioner 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
123402  Higher Occupational Certificate: Logistics Practitioner 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-TETA 
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
Occupational Certificate  Field 11 - Services  Transport, Operations and Logistics 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0529/25  2025-02-04  2030-02-04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2031-02-04   2034-02-04  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
58473  National Diploma: Freight Handling Logistics  Level 5  NQF Level 05  242  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Logistics Practitioner.

A Logistics Practitioner controls the logistical functions (the movement of freight onsite, offsite nationally and internationally, and the preservation thereof) within the supply chain to ensure the cost-effective utilisation of logistics organisational resources.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Determine the most cost-effective process for the movement of freight.
  • Control the preservation and integrity of freight during transportation.
  • Control the preservation and integrity of freight during storage.
  • Manage logistics resources in line with organisational procedures, customer requirements and legislative compliance.

    A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes: problem solving and identification, decision making, communicating information, and applying appropriate methods and techniques.

    Rationale:
    The need for this qualification stems from the requirement to replace an expired National Diploma: Freight Handling Logistics qualification and provide for the need to improve the functioning of practitioners in the logistics management environment. Logistics Practitioners play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of the supply chain. Their expertise is crucial for meeting customer expectations, optimizing costs, and navigating the complexities of a globalized marketplace. In light of this, this qualification is required to provide those involved in logistics operations with the necessary knowledge and skills to control the logistical functions, including the movement and preservation of freight to ensure the cost-effective utilisation of logistics organisational resources.

    There are several registered qualifications on the NQF across sub-frameworks which address broader competencies related to logistics management. There is however, no NQF level 5 registered qualification for logistics management.

    Logistics practitioners play a crucial role in society and the economy by controlling the intricate process of moving goods and services from producers to consumers. Effective logistics processes can lead to cost savings at various stages of the supply chain. This includes streamlining transportation routes and minimizing inventory carrying costs. These cost reductions contribute to the overall economic efficiency of businesses and, in turn, result in job creation at various skill levels. Effective processes also benefit consumers as it ensures that products reach consumers on time and in good condition. By optimizing transportation routes, using fuel-efficient vehicles, and minimizing packaging waste, logistic practitioners contribute to the broader societal goal of environmental stewardship.

    Typical learners for this qualification include those with an interest in logistics operations. This qualification has been designed as an entry into managerial positions in logistics and warehousing related occupations. The acquisition of this qualification and associated competencies will increase the employability of the individual within the freight and logistics organisations.

    Stakeholders from different associations and organisations operating within the freight and logistics environment participated in the development of this qualification. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for Access to Training:

    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.

    RPL for Exemption of Modules:

    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):

    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 4 qualification. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

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

    Knowledge Modules
  • 132402-003-00-KM-01, Analytical Thinking, Innovation and Complex Problem Solving, Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 132402-003-00-KM-02, Software Utilisation and Technological Skills for the Future, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 132402-003-00-KM-03, Transport Modes, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 132402-003-00-KM-04, Risk Management, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 132402-003-00-KM-05, Storage of Freight, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 132402-003-00-KM-06, Cost Associated with Storage, Level 5, 5 Credits.
  • 132402-003-00-KM-07, Management of Resources, Level 5, 15 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 53

    Practical Skill Modules
  • 132402-003-00-PM-01, Identify and Select Appropriate Mode of Transport, Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • 132402-003-00-PM-02, Conduct Cost Analysis of Transportation, Level 5, 2 Credits.
  • 132402-003-00-PM-03, Analyse Risks Associated with Transportation, Level 5, 2 Credits.
  • 132402-003-00-PM-04, Monitor Associated Costs for the Movement of Freight, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 132402-003-00-PM-05, Analyse Freight Characteristics Impacting on Storage, Level 5, 2 Credits.
  • 132402-003-00-PM-06, Monitor Movement of Freight within Storage Facility, Level 5, 5 Credits.
  • 132402-003-00-PM-07, Determine Cost Associated with Storage, Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 132402-003-00-PM-08, Meeting Physical Resources Requirements, Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • 132402-003-00-PM-09, Meeting Human Capital Requirements, Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • 132402-003-00-PM-10, Control Financial Resources, Level 5, 3 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 35

    Work Experience Modules
  • 132402-003-00-WM-01, Processes Related to the Movement of Freight, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 132402-003-00-WM-02, Processes Related to the Preservation and Integrity of Freight during Transportation, Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • 132402-003-00-WM-03, Processes Related to Freight Preservation and Integrity during Storage, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 132402-003-00-WM-04, Processes Related to the Control of Resources for Logistics Operations, Level 5, 12 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 32 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to determine cost effective processes related to the movement of freight.
    2. Perform operations to ensure freight preservation and integrity during transportation.
    3. Perform operations to ensure freight preservation and integrity during storage.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to determine resources required to meet customer and legislative compliance requirements. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    ELO 1: Demonstrate the ability to determine cost effective processes related to the movement of freight.
  • Identify and appropriately select the choice of transport in terms of the customer requirements.
  • Identify and select appropriate equipment for the movement of the type of freight.
  • Conduct a cost analysis for the transportation of freight by taking account of all cost items.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    ELO 2: Perform operations to ensure freight preservation and integrity during transportation.
  • Analyse risks associated with maintaining freight integrity during transportation considering all aspects.
  • Analyse risks associated with the route and mode of transport considering all possibilities.
  • Determine the cost associated with the movement of freight and consider all impacting aspects.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
    ELO 3: Perform operations to ensure freight preservation and integrity during storage.
  • Analyse freight characteristics impacting on storage to determine appropriateness of storage area.
  • Control the movement of freight within a storage facility to maintain integrity of freight.
  • Analyse cost associated with storage and consider all impacting aspects.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
    ELO 4: Demonstrate the ability to determine resources required to meet customer and legislative compliance requirements.
  • Identify physical resources for the movement and storage of freight and meet legislative and security requirements.
  • Identify the human capital requirements for the movement and storage of freight and are appropriate to ensure contractual execution.
  • Compile operational budgets and correctly evaluate utilisation.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated 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 Summative Assessment.

    Integrated 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 
    Canada and the United Kingdom (UK) were selected for the international comparability. The primary reason for selecting these two countries for comparison is that both have advanced logistics and transport sectors diverse perspectives on logistics education and professional development.

    Canada
    Canada's Logistics Association, CITT, grant the Certified Logistics Professional (CCLP) designation in Canada.

    The CITT has developed and offers a number of online courses that must be completed and assessed to obtain this designation. There are no entry requirements and access is open to professionals working in supply chain logistics, with pathways for those with or without business education. Duration depends on the pathway chosen and the pace of study.
    Professional designation is dependent on completing 3 required logistics courses, 2 of 3 elective logistics courses and 5 business courses. These are outlined below.

    Required Logistics Courses
  • Transportation Systems: all available transportation modes, intermodalism, and the vital supporting services, agencies, and implementation factors involved in freight management.
  • Logistics Processes: move products and related information through multi-faceted supply chain operations from source to destination, on a national and international scale, safely and efficiently.
  • Economic Influences on Logistics: relate economic forces to costing, pricing and operating logistics operations within a business enterprise.

    Elective Logistics Courses
  • Economic Influences on Logistics: anticipate and adjust for economic factors impacting businesses to compete and remain profitable even in tough economic, competitive or regulatory conditions.
  • Transportation Law: identify and introduce the protections necessary to reduce corporate and personal vulnerability to transportation-related administrative, civil and criminal liabilities.
  • Logistics Decision Modelling: control risk and maximize the use of scarce organizational resources.

    General Business Courses
  • Business Development & Selling Skills.
  • Ethics & Sustainability in Supply Chain.
  • Negotiation Strategies for Supply Chain Professionals.
  • Strategic Purchasing for Supply Chain Professionals.
  • Accounting.
  • Business Law.
  • Business Management.
  • Business Strategy.
  • Business Writing.
  • Financial Management.
  • Foundations of Risk Management.
  • Introductory Economics.
  • Marketing: an Introduction.
  • Organizational Behaviour.

    Similarities:
    The South African Higher Occupational Certificate is similar to the Canadian CCLP standards in terms of content as covered in the required and elective logistics courses. All the content covered in these two components of the CCLP standards are also covered by the South African Higher Occupational Certificate.

    Differences:
    The South African Higher Occupational Certificate differs from the Canadian CCLP standards in terms of content as covered in the general business courses. The South African Higher Occupational Certificate do not focus on the supply chain or business processes as such.

    United Kingdom (UK)
    The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) in the UK offers the Level 3 Certificate in Logistics and Transport also recorded on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). This is an open access qualification, although learners would benefit from having prior knowledge of logistics and transport operations through work experience or lower-level related qualifications. The duration is approximately 12-18 months part-time.

    To achieve this qualification Learners must complete two mandatory units and one option unit, from a choice of eight; the units available are detailed below.

    Mandatory Units:
  • Business Theory.
  • Business Application.
    Option Units:
  • Warehousing:
  • Inventory.
  • Passenger Transport Operations.
  • Procurement.
  • Freight Transport Operations: This unit gives knowledge and understanding of the structure and operation of all types of freight transport operations, including supply chain operation across all the major transport modes. It examines the role of freight transport today and includes environmental issues and freight management. Importantly, freight transport planning and the regulation and control of the freight transport industry are included. The unit closes by introducing freight transport specific business activity.
  • Local Authority Passenger Transport Planning and Provision.

    Similarities:
    The South African Higher Occupational Certificate is similar to the UK's CILT standards in terms of duration and approximate level (a Level 3 Certificate on the RQF is equivalent to a Level 4 - 5 on the NQF). The content covered in the optional unit Freight Transport Operations is also covered by the South African Occupational Certificate.

    Differences:
    The South African Occupational Certificate differs from the UK's CILT standards in terms of the UK's focus in the mandatory component of business processes. The South African Occupational Certificate does not focus on business processes as such
    .
    Conclusion:
    In general, the South African qualification compares well with the Canadian standards as standards in terms of content as covered in the required and elective logistics courses. It also compares well with the UK's standards in terms of level, duration and content covered in the optional unit Freight Transport Operations. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides opportunities for the following articulation options.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Road Transport Manager, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Supply Chain and Logistics Management, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
    Occupational Certificate: Supply Chain Manager, NQF Level 6.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Road Transport Management Freight, NQF Level 6.
  • National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 4. 

  • 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
    The curriculum title and code are Higher Occupational Certificate: Logistics Practitioner: 132402-003-00-00.

    Encompassed Trade
    None

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
    Transport Education Training Authority (TETA). 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.