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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Facilities Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
123786  Higher Certificate in Facilities Management 
ORIGINATOR
Career Excel Academy (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Building Construction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0730/25  2025-03-11  2028-03-11 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-03-11   2032-03-11  

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 
The purpose of the Higher Certificate in Facilities Management qualification is to prepare learners to perform the functions required from a facilities manager. A Facilities Manager organises, controls, coordinates and leads the strategic and operational management of facilities (fixed and movable assets) in a public or private organisation. Facilities Management is the practice of aligning the physical space with the people and work of that space. It integrates the principles of business administration, architecture and the behavioural and engineering sciences. Within the South African contexts, this qualification is intended to fill the existing gap in terms of the need for properly trained Facility Managers.

This qualification is aimed at contributing to aligning the South African Facilities Management industry to the International Facilities Management Association's standards and competencies. This will enable qualified learners to be on par with over 24 000 practitioners in 104 countries. As such, this qualification embodies the commitment of the South African Facilities Management Association to align with Global Facilities Management's initiatives in setting standards and best practices. The newly developed ISO Standard for Facilities Management and its South African SABS interpretation forms the basis of this qualification.

Creating buildings and managing them as fixed assets have been in existence for millennia. There is no possibility that the creation of residential, commercial, industrial and utility buildings as well as the management of these assets will cease to exist. The nature of process and product will develop, but as is well known, educated people will adapt to and engender development. The qualification will help to lay foundations that will stand the test of time in the career paths of learners.

Both the public and private sectors are challenged by the management task related to their large investments in the Built Environment. This international imperative has made Facilities Management one of the fastest growing international careers in the Built Environment. South Africa has been lagging in this domain, with many of the major service providers of facilities management being of foreign origin. It is of major importance that the local and international capacity to manage fixed and movable assets, and supporting services, be enhanced by the availability of suitable education and training opportunities in facilities management. This qualification is specifically aligned and designed to bridge the current gap in the market.

The qualification will produce properly qualified people to the Built Environment industry, who can follow a career path from entry-level, middle management to senior positions in Facilities Management.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Describe the structure of the Built Environment as an industry, the key organisations and service delivery requirements for professional services.
  • Describe construction technology as it is used, constructed, and assemblies in a building or construction works.
  • Describe the fundamental knowledge areas of Facilities Management and the competencies required to practice as Facilities Manager.
  • Explain the fundamental knowledge areas of construction quantity surveying as applied in Facilities Management.

    Rationale:
    The South African Facilities Management industry operates within the context of a developing economy and the reality of a globalised world. This qualification is intended to allow local Facilities Managers access to international best practice within a local qualification framework to ensure the qualification is not only formally recognised but also addresses the knowledge and competencies required by practitioners of this relatively 'new' occupation.

    Facilities Management is the process that creates and continuously optimises the productive usage of physical, operational and living spaces and services for their intended purposes. Facilities Management is about ensuring working and living spaces that maximize working and living experiences and return on investment. Prudent property owners realise that facilities management is a strategic tool that provides a platform for optimum operations and living.

    Facilities Management is unique and distinguishable from other related occupations in being an enabler of sustainable enterprise performance through the whole life management of productive workplaces and effective support services in business and industry, providing sustainable residential and other physical facilities. The vast fixed asset holdings, and the movable assets employed/utilised in support of fixed assets (operational aspects) in South Africa (and other countries) are in many instances totally neglected or not properly managed. The Built Environment, through many well-established professional and industry sources, keeps on creating fixed assets whilst the facilities management support services destined to 'take care' of these assets are not well developed or resourced. This qualification is intended to bridge the current gap between new build and sustainable maintenance in terms of the upkeep of assets as it exists over time.

    Three main bodies are the 'custodians' of the facilities management profession. The most important being the South African Facilities Management Association (SAFMA), the professional body, recognised by SAQA. Secondly, the Higher Education Facilities Management Association (HEFMA) attends to the education industry sectoral needs, and the third is the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA). All three bodies provided written confirmation of their support towards the development of a qualification in Facilities Management. In addition, various government agencies have expressed an interest in training towards such a qualification.

    The modules that are covered in the qualification are internationally recognised, allowing sought-after career opportunities, both for public and private sector employees. Furthermore, this qualification will prepare learners to undertake entrepreneurial ventures of their own.

    Currently, there are limited learning opportunities available for the target market learners, as there is a gap between learners leaving school and mainstream university education offered, particularly for the study material that is addressed in this qualification. This qualification is an industry-specific and career-orientated qualification that can practically be implemented within the South African and international context. This qualification addresses an important niche market in the Built Environment, which represents an important economic sector that employs many people. Qualifying learners will also be equipped to make contributions as entrepreneurial job creators, rather than being only prepared to be employed mainly for their own benefit. All the modules of the qualification are structured to consciously develop the entrepreneurial orientation and innovative ability of learners.

    There are numerous job opportunities, particularly on lower and middle management levels, for Facilities Managers. Most potential learners are working adults who have limited opportunities to obtain a formal qualification to enhance their careers, because of the extended timeframe of these qualifications and the high costs associated. This qualification will provide a stepping stone for individuals who meet the entry requirements to commence with a career-specific qualification. This qualification will further enable graduates to access other higher education qualifications on NQF Level 6 and progress into higher qualifications. Apart from benefiting only in the Facilities Management sector of the industry, this qualification should also assist in sourcing potential job opportunities within related areas such as property investment, aspects of land/property development, asset management, asset maintenance, etc. Facilities Management is a multi-faceted discipline that inter-alia covers components of property development, property management, property maintenance and green building imperatives as well as leasing and marketing of physical property and /or space therein.

    The qualification will benefit new entrants to the industry and those working in the facilities management field who need to expand or deepen their competence by acquiring a formal knowledge and skills base focused on facilities management. Society at large will benefit through better managed physical building and working spaces, protecting a sustainable living environment over a longer timeframe with less dilapidating facilities, aspects that this qualification will address. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL will be applied in accordance with the Institution's Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Accumulation and Transfer Policy. This policy is in line with the National Policy for the Implementation of the Recognition of Prior Learning (SAQA, 2019).
  • RPL process will include the verification of the knowledge, understanding and skills that learners have acquired through formal and/or informal learning or work experience

    RPL for access:
  • RPL is applicable to learners with appropriate work experience who do not meet the minimum entry requirements of the qualification.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for credits:
  • Awarding credits towards the qualification to a maximum of 50% of the total credits of the qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior School Certificate (NSC), NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 without endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Structure of the Built Environment, 8 Credits.
  • Basic Construction Technology 1, 8 Credits.
  • Basic Construction 2, 8 Credits.
  • Construction Quantity Surveying, 16 Credits.
  • Commercial Law, 16 Credits.
  • Facilities Management 1, 16 Credits.
  • Facilities Management 2, 16 Credits.
  • Property Development, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction Property Law, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to describe the structure of the Built Environment as an industry, the key organisations and service delivery requirements for professional services.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to describe construction technology used/constructed/assembled in a building or construction works.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to examine the fundamental knowledge areas of Facilities Management and the competencies required to practice as a Facilities Manager.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to explain the fundamental knowledge areas of construction quantity surveying as applied in Facilities Management.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to discuss property development as the inception phase of the supply chain that delivers fixed assets to be served by Facilities Managers.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to identify the commercial and property laws relevant to Facilities Management and describe the built environment requirements in these laws. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Describe the key elements of the Built Environment in identifying it as an industry.
  • Discuss the service delivery requirements for professional practitioners and contractors with reference to building processes/supply chains and contractual arrangements.
  • Categorize key organizations that serve the Built Environment in accordance with their roles in the industry.
  • Use correct terminology in describing aspects of the built industry.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Compare and list various construction technologies used in building or construction works.
  • Explain different components and finishes of construction technology with reference to the construction and building maintenance processes.
  • Describe key elements related to the drafting practice, reading of building plans and setting out of buildings in relation to the latest construction technology.
  • Describe preventative and risk mitigating measures as required to ensure a safe, secure and sustainable space.
  • Explain the passive environmental control of buildings in terms of the value that these techniques offer to the sustainability and cost-effective management of buildings.
  • Explain the concept of an intelligent building design with reference to energy efficient (green) technologies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Describe the Facilities Management body of knowledge, with specific reference to the management of space creation, building information modelling, assets and property and issues relevant to the maintenance of facilities.
  • Explain the principles and practices of general management in terms of their importance for ensuring effective Facilities Management.
  • Develop a business plan for managing facilities within the broader Built Environment to enable a sustainable entrepreneurial venture.
  • Describe fundamental components of property economics with reference to property financial and tenant management, budgeting, costing models and related financial implications.
  • Explain effective pest control and waste management mechanisms and techniques in relation to their importance in maintaining buildings and facilities.
  • Describe the fundamental importance of Occupational Health and Safety regulations within the Built and Facilities Management industries,
  • Describe the importance of identifying and prescribing mitigating measures for potential risk factors.
  • Describe the basic elements of Project Management, Risk Management and Total Quality Management as key implementation techniques in Facilities Management.
  • Explain role of Public Private Partnerships as implemented in the Facilities Management environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • List the quantity surveying roles and functions, in relation to compiling bills of quantities, cost estimates, the process of buildings, building maintenance and building specifications depicted in a schedule of finishes.
  • Identify and compare various estimating and cost control mechanisms that will assist the Facilities Manager to better manage the financial component related to their core responsibilities.
  • Describe tendering and adjudicating processes that will allow the Facilities Manager to compare various pricing options in deciding who should be appointed to carry out specified work.
  • Describe the mensuration techniques in relation to the computation of lengths, areas, or volumes from given dimensions or angles.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Describe the factors in property economics as they impact on the Built Environment.
  • Describe the fundamentals of property market evaluations as they influence property prices.
  • Describe property development process with reference to the main phases and key role players.
  • Illustrate the importance of proper market analysis with practical examples.
  • Compare and describe various types of residential, large scale, and specialized developments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Identify the importance of correctly interpreting commercial law components with specific reference to the Built and Facilities Management professions.
  • Describe Commercial Law, Contract Law, Property Law and the Law of Contracts and Arbitration in terms of the role they play in the Built and Facilities Management industries.
  • Describe legal aspects relating to town planning, zoning and land use as they impact on the Built Environment.
  • Describe the process of compiling and interpreting contracts as applied to the sale and lease of property.
  • Explain the importance of financial intelligence, credit regulations and consumer protection regulations as applicable to the Facilities Management industry.
  • Explain the core elements of the laws relating to sectional title and share block companies as applicable to the Facilities Management industry.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Learners will be assessed throughout the qualification through a combination of formative and summative assessments, which are designed to measure achievement in the module outcomes and the Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs) of the qualification. Each module of the qualification will be assessed separately or in combination with other modules in an integrated assessment. The qualification will be offered over two semesters with formative and summative assessments scheduled as follows:

    Formative assessment:
    Formative assessments will be conducted continuously throughout the teaching-learning process per semester to assist lecturers and learners to monitor progress and to take corrective action, where needed.

    Formative assessments will be in the form of:
  • Written knowledge tests, which will account for 20% of the formative assessment value, and there will be tests for each semester.
  • Individual written assignments, which will account for 30% of the formative assessment value. Not less than four short assignments must be completed per module per semester.
  • Written tests and assignments per module will be based on information gained through discussions of workplace-based case studies, group exercises, informal oral presentations, role plays, study material and formal lectures. The formative assessment process will prepare learners for the final exam. A minimum mark of 40% for formative assessments is required to write the examination.

    Summative assessments:
  • The summative assessment will be done through a final exam that will cover all the modules of the qualification.
  • A sub-minimum of 50% for the final exam is required for learners to achieve the qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Australia
    Institution: Facilities Management of Australia
    Qualification title: Diploma of Facilities Management
    Duration: 18-24 Months
    Entry Requirements.
  • Year 12 with a minimum ATAR
    Or
  • Certificate IV level qualification.
    Or
  • Entry is open to applicants with a suitable level of workplace responsibility and must be working in a facilities management related environment or have access to a facilities management role in a work-based environment.

    Purpose:
    The Facilities Management Association of Australia in partnership with the Education and Training Company of the University of New England presents a Diploma of Facilities Management. This qualification is ideal for those who are required to make key decisions in the areas of facilities management across all property sectors such as capital control and/or maintenance spending, communications, utilities, building and property maintenance.

    On successful completion of this qualification, learners will have the skills to:
  • Plan, develop and implement facilities maintenance in lifecycle maintenance programs.
  • Measure and manage sustainable facilities environments.
  • Collaborate, develop interpersonal relationships, manage stakeholder engagement and delegate effectively.
  • Manage risk and ensure safety of the workplace.

    Qualification Structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules:

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Budgets and financial plans.
  • People performance.
  • Safety in the workplace.
  • Managing risk.
  • Managing sustainability.
  • Managing Life Cycle services,
  • Facility maintenance planning and management.
  • Managing Projects.

    Elective Modules: (Complete two units from each group):

    Group A:
  • Understanding plans and specifications.
  • Advising on use and design.
  • Coordinating capital projects.
  • Space Utilisation.
  • Managing client relationships.

    Group B
    Two elective units from Group B:
  • Innovative practice.
  • Document writing.
  • Purchasing and procurement strategies.
  • Principles of contract law.
  • Developing a business case.

    Similarities:
  • The Facilities Management of Australia (FMA) and the South African (SA) qualifications require applicants who completed Year 12 or equivalent qualifications.
  • Both qualifications are aimed at those working in the facilities management, delivering services and maintenance of operations and looking to develop their facilities management skills.
  • The SA and FMA qualifications are designed to equip aspiring professionals with the essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the dynamic field of facilities management.
  • Graduates completing the FMA and SA qualification will be well-positioned for a range of career opportunities, including roles such as Facilities Manager, Project Manager, and Sustainability Officer.

    Differences:
  • The Australian qualification is only offered to individuals currently working as a Facility Manager whereas the South African qualification is offered to both working people and qualifying learners.
  • The duration of the Australian qualification is between 18-24 months whereas the South African qualification duration is one year.
  • The Australian qualification consists of both compulsory and elective modules while the SA qualification only has compulsory modules.

    Country: Singapore
    Institution: Coleman College
    Qualification title: Diploma in Facilities Management
    Duration: 9 months
    The entry requirements are:
  • Age of 18 years and above,
  • Minimum General Certificate of Education (GCE) 'O' Level with 3 subject passes or equivalent, and
  • English proficiency at IELTS 5.5 or equivalent.

    Purpose:
    The Diploma in Facilities Management aims to provide the knowledge of integrated facilities management to the learners. Learners will know the importance of efficient facilities management for an organisation to be productive and cost-effective. Learners will be knowledgeable in the coordination amongst departments for integrated facility management. Additionally, learners will be taught on the effective management of resources and planning for facility management. This would also include the concerns for safety and health issues in the job. Graduates can look forward to a career in managing the facilities of an industrial, residential or office building. Classroom sessions will include the use of innovative skills, group work, collaborative learning, and presentation and communication skills for a holistic learning experience.
    By the end of this qualification, learners will be able to:
  • Explain workplace health and safety legislation and regulations.
  • Describe the safety lapses and control hazards in the workplace.
  • Describe a risk assessment and be able to identify control measures.,
  • Explain the methods used when reporting and recording accidents and incidents.
  • List the range of different businesses and their ownership.
  • Describe how businesses are organised to achieve their purposes.
  • Relate the impact of the economic environment on businesses.
  • Explain how political, legal and social factors impact on business.
  • List the key features of physical resources.
  • Explain the role of the resources manager.
  • List the legal requirements for managing physical resources.
  • Monitor the quality and effectiveness of physical resources.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Foundation of Workplace Safety and Health.
  • The Business Environment.
  • Managing Physical Resources in a Business Environment.
  • Integrated Facilities Management.
  • Group project.

    Similarities:
  • The Coleman College (ColC) and the South African (SA) qualifications require applicants who completed the GCE O-Level similar to the SA Senior Certificate, and
    share similar exit outcomes.
  • Both qualifications will develop professional competencies and skills in facilities management systems, techniques and processes of the built environment.
  • Both qualifications consist of compulsory modules.

    Differences:
  • The ColC qualification is offered 9 months whereas the SA qualification is offered over 12 months.

    Conclusion
    The SA qualification is comparable to the above-mentioned international qualifications and the qualifications because of similar content, purpose and entry requirements. The target group of all the qualifications reviewed is the same as that of the SA qualification, i.e. working adults, except for the qualification offered in Singapore, which is classroom based. The international qualifications all have a practical workplace-based component. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Construction, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Construction and Engineering Drafting, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Facilities Management, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Certificate in Facilities Maintenance Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Building Technology, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Construction, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Engineering Technology in Civil Engineering, NQF Level 6.
  • Bachelor of the Built Environment in Construction, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Building Science, NQF Level 7.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Facilities Manager, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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.