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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: |
| Higher Occupational Certificate: Quantity Surveyor Assistant |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 124427 | Higher Occupational Certificate: Quantity Surveyor Assistant | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Development Quality Partner - CETA | ||||
| 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 | ||
| Higher Occupational Cert | Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction | Physical Planning, Design and Management | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 188 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 05 | Regular-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Registered | EXCO 0632/25 | 2025-06-03 | 2030-06-03 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2031-06-03 | 2034-06-03 | |||
| 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 this qualification is to prepare a learner to participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant.
A qualified learner will be able to: Achieving this QSA qualification will provide several benefits to the learner, including Typical graduate attributes include proficiency, efficiency, and effectiveness in completing various quantity surveying activities to facilitate the work of the quantity surveyor at building and civil construction sites to ensure organisational or client satisfaction. A Quantity Surveyor Assistant is a person of integrity and high ethical standards as they need to ensure, albeit in an assistive capacity, the implementation and completion of a construction project while controlling expenditure and achieving the vision of a client. Rationale: Quantity Surveying is the impartial management of all financial and contractual matters related to Built Environment projects, from preliminary planning and inception through to completion of those projects, based on comprehensive knowledge of feasibility studies, budgets, Bills of Quantities (BoQ), building contracts, construction systems, the costs of alternative design proposals, and construction methods and materials, and is acknowledged as an independent profession within the context of the built environment worldwide. The Quantity Surveyor Assistant (QSA) who operates both in building and civil construction projects - in the civil engineering space - will play an assistive role to the quantity surveyor bearing in mind the multi-faceted role played by this professional. The Quantity Surveyor Assistant will enable the quantity surveyor to concentrate on the more complex tasks that fall within the quantity surveyor's ambit of responsibilities. An important to note is that there are also many small sub-contractors (small businesses in the construction space) who do not have the capacity to engage the services of a professional quantity surveyor. They would be able to afford a Quantity Surveyor Assistant, working under the supervision of a quantity surveyor to perform a range of services, inter alia, mensuration and preparing tender documents. The Quantity Surveyor Assistant will make a substantial contribution to facilitate the development and completion of construction projects by performing tasks that would otherwise have to be done by a quantity surveyor. The Quantity Surveyor Assistant operates in the broad construction sector which makes a significant contribution to the South African economy. According to a report entitled 'South Africa Construction Market Size, Trend Analysis by Sector, Competitive Landscape and Forecast to 2027' (December 2023), the South Africa construction market size was $25.5 billion in 2022. The market is projected to achieve an Average Annual Growth Rate (AAGR) of more than 3% during 2024-2027. This emphasises the potential role that can and will be played by the Quantity Surveyor Assistant. The Quantity Surveyor Assistant qualification will replace the Further Education and Training Certificate: Quantity Surveying (SAQA ID 58780) which expired on 30 June 2023. Currently, the Higher Certificate in Construction Quantity Surveying (SAQA ID 117792) is the only 'quantity surveying' qualification at NQF Level 5. It focuses both on surveying and construction management. Among the modules offered are Structure of the Built Environment, Basic Construction Technology 1 and 2, Commercial Law, Property Development, and Land Surveying. Only two modules, Construction Quantity Surveying 1 and 2, totalling 32 credits, focus on core quantity surveying competencies. The quantity surveying sector and by extension the construction sector will benefit substantially because Quantity Surveyor Assistants will enable Quantity Surveyors to be much more efficient and productive. The construction sector will be boosted in that Quantity Surveyors will be able to manage more construction projects given that the QSA will take care of activities that would normally be performed by quantity surveyors. The qualification has the potential to create much-needed employment. Learners who do not wish to pursue the quantity surveying qualification which is at NQF Level 8 will have the opportunity of becoming involved in the quantity surveying sector as assistants and keep the option of pursuing the quantity surveyor qualification open. Increased employment brings about a concomitant beneficial impact on the economy because the construction industry plays a significant role in the economy. The other significant benefit is that one of the major tasks of quantity surveyors is to control the costs of construction projects and the Quantity Surveyor Assistant will assist the quantity surveyor in the execution of this important aspect. The Quantity Surveyor Assistant will contribute towards cost control and ensure, on the one hand, that construction projects are completed without a significant spiralling of the budget and, on the other hand, that projects do not come to a complete halt because of financial reasons. The benefit to small construction sub-contractors is that they will be able to use the Quantity Surveyor Assistant to perform the less complex tasks in the sector. Typical learners will be school leavers and those already working in the quantity surveying sector. In terms of the learning pathway, they could pursue the National Diploma in Building or in Civil Engineering and progress upwards. They could also aim to acquire the professional quantity surveyor qualification provided they meet the entry requirements of that higher qualification. Collaboration with relevant stakeholders: |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| 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 nodules: 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 credits 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): 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. Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification. Quality partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification are approved by the QCTO. Entry Requirements: An NQF Level 4 qualification, with mathematics and science. |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:
Knowledge Modules Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 67 Practical Skill Modules Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 71 Work Experience Modules 214904-001-00-WM-05 Processes to Participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant in Managing the Financial and Administration Aspects during and post the Construction phases, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits. Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 50 |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Analyse construction (architectural, engineering, and civil engineering) drawings and perform mensuration of aspects specific to construction.
2. Participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant in performing project cost estimation, conducting a viability study, and developing a viability report. 3. Participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant in procurement, tendering, and contractual/legal processes. 4. Participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant in managing the financial and administration aspects during and post the construction phases. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| ELO 1: Analyse construction (architectural, engineering, and civil engineering) drawings and perform mensuration of aspects specific to construction.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: ELO 2: Participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant in performing project cost estimation, conducting a viability study, and developing a viability report. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: ELO 3: Participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant in procurement, tendering, and contractual/legal processes. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: ELO: 4 Participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant in managing the financial and administration aspects during and post the construction phases. Integrated 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 weakness, 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, interviews. Continuous feedback must be provided. Integrated Summative Assessments conducted Internally Integrated Assessment involves all the different types of assessment tasks required for a particular qualification, 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. 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. The results of these final formal summative assessments must be recorded. These results, which include the Statement of Work Experience results, where applicable, contribute to the Statement of Results (SoR) that is a requirement for admission to the EISA. An SoR, using the template provided by the Quality Partner, is issued by the accredited SDP for qualifications and part-qualifications. The SDP must produce a valid Statement of Results for each learner, indicating the final result and the date on which the competence in each module, of each component, was achieved. Learners are required to produce this SoR, together with their ID document or alternative ID document, at the point of the EISA. 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. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| An international comparability study is undertaken to identify qualifications similar to this qualification in terms of scope, cognitive levels and content of the curricula. In essence, the purpose of this exercise is to compare the Quantity Surveyor Assistant qualification against comparable qualifications in two other countries, namely, the United Kingdom and Singapore.
United Kingdom The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors offers the Certificate in Quantity Surveying Practice. There are six modules, plus an exam at the end of the course. Each module is expected to take one month. In addition, the learner is given a further two months to complete the exam and any further outstanding work. While the NQF level is not given, the Certificate in Quantity Surveying Practice is described as an intermediate-level Quantity Surveying course. The aim of the course is to provide knowledge and skills in the core competencies of quantity surveying. Each content module is structured around one of the core competencies of the quantity surveying and construction pathway. Learning Outcomes The course is for, inter alia: The course structure is as follows: Module 1 - Construction technology and environmental services. Module 2 - Procurement and tendering Module 3 - Design economics and cost planning (for Quantity Surveyors) Module 4 - Quantification and costing of construction works Module 5 - Contract practice Module 6 - Project finance control and reporting Similarities There are many similarities in terms of the content of the course. These are listed below: Module 2 - Procurement and tendering. Module 3 - Design economics and cost planning (for Quantity Surveyors). Module 4 - Quantification and costing of construction works Module 5 - Contract practice Module 6 - Project finance control and reporting Another similarity is the typical learners for whom the United Kingdom course and the South African qualification are designed. Differences The following aspects are not covered in the South African qualification: Module 1 - Construction technology and environmental services Module 2 - Procurement and tendering Module 3 - Design economics and cost planning (for Quantity Surveyors) Module 5 - Contract practice Other differences between them are: Singapore An Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying is offered at Trent Global College for Technology and Management, Singapore. The main objective of the qualification is to develop competent Quantity Surveyors who will have the skills to effectively manage projects in the construction market. The duration of the training is one year full-time and 15 months part-time. NQF Level: Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 5 of Wales and England Credits: 120 Entry requirements: Qualification overview Qualification Structure The following is the structure of the modules: Construction Technology This module is to provide the student with a basic knowledge of every aspect of the technology of domestic low-rise construction as well the understanding of the modern method of construction, and materials of construction for more complex multi-storey construction/larger framed industrial and commercial buildings using more modern industrialised techniques. Construction Contracts This module provides an overview of the principles of contract laws and how they are reflected in the construction industry's contracting practices. Procurement This module provides an overview of the principles and methods of construction project procurement. Facilities Management Principles This module provides the student with an overview of facilities management practice in the UK, Europe, and other parts of the world and to raise the awareness of the scope and context of the Facilities Management role. Advance Construction Technology and Services To provide an overview on the construction techniques of framed multi-storey buildings as well the technology of building services installations. Management in the Built Environment To understand the concept and principles of management in the built environment. Cost Planning and Estimation To explore pre-contract and post-contract activities. At the pre-contract stage- cost planning and the link between design and cost will be explored. At the post-contract stage- understanding between the work that is undertaken on site and its associated cost and value will be developed. Measurement and Costing Studies To introduce the procedures and techniques involved in the measurement and quantification for both complex buildings and civil engineering works. Similarities: Similarities in the course content include: Differences: Course content differences include: Other differences are: Conclusion: An analysis of the qualifications in these countries reveals a significant level of similarity between the South African qualification and those in the identified countries. However, the United Kingdom qualification compares more favourably with the South African qualification in terms of course content. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal and vertical articulation options.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: There are no vertical articulation possibilities within the OQSF, as there were no registered qualifications available at the time when this qualification was recommended for registration. Diagonal Articulation: Diploma in Construction, NQF Level 6. |
| NOTES |
| Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
None Criteria for the accreditation of providers Accreditation requirements, against which Skills Development Providers (SDP) and Assessment Centres, will be accredited, is found in the Curriculum Document, as listed below. The curriculum title and code is: Higher Occupational Certificate: Quantity Surveyor Assistant: 214904-001-00-00. Encompassed Trade: None Assessment Quality Partner (AQP) Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA). Associated Part-Qualification(s): Occupational Certificate, Quantity Surveying Viability Planner, NQF Level 5, 53 Credits. |
| 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. |