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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: |
| National Occupational Certificate: Plumber |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 124445 | National Occupational Certificate: Plumber | |||
| 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 | ||
| National Occupational Cert | Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction | Building Construction | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 395 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 04 | 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 operate as a Plumber.
A plumber installs, maintains, tests, and repairs hot and cold-water supply systems, drainage, sewerage, and rainwater systems. A qualified learner will be able to: A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes: Rationale: The need for this qualification arises in response to a growing demand for skilled professionals in the plumbing industry. As urbanisation continues to expand globally, the construction and maintenance of residential, commercial, and industrial infrastructure are crucial for economic growth and societal well-being. Plumbers play a vital role in ensuring the proper functioning of water supply systems, sanitation facilities, heating, and cooling systems, among other essential services. With rapid urban development and the construction of new buildings, there is a heightened demand for qualified plumbers who can install, maintain, and repair plumbing systems efficiently and in compliance with industry standards and regulations. The plumbing industry is evolving with advancements in technology, such as smart water meters, water-saving fixtures, and energy-efficient heating systems. Plumbers need updated skills and knowledge to work with these new technologies effectively. There are stringent regulatory requirements and safety standards in place for plumbing work to ensure public health and safety. Qualified plumbers are essential for meeting these compliance standards and carrying out work that meets legal and ethical obligations. There is a recognised shortage of skilled plumbers in many regions, leading to challenges in meeting the demand for plumbing services. This qualification aims to address the skills gap by producing competent and certified plumbers. The plumbing sector benefits from a skilled workforce that can handle diverse plumbing tasks, from installation to maintenance and repairs. This leads to improved service quality and customer satisfaction. Access to qualified plumbers ensures that communities have reliable access to safe and hygienic water supply systems, sanitation facilities, and functional plumbing infrastructure, promoting public health and well-being. A competent plumbing workforce contributes to economic growth by supporting construction projects, property maintenance services, and infrastructure development. It also creates employment opportunities and stimulates entrepreneurship in the plumbing industry. Trained plumbers can implement eco-friendly practices, such as water recycling, energy-efficient system installations, and leak detection technologies, contributing to environmental sustainability and resource conservation. Individuals interested in pursuing a career as professional plumbers include: Learners are expected to demonstrate proficiency in practical plumbing tasks, theoretical knowledge of plumbing principles and regulations, and essential skills in communication, problem-solving, and safety practices. Typical occupations in which the qualifying learner will operate are Plumber, Plumbing Contractor, Maintenance Technician, Pipefitter, Drainage Technician, Water Systems Installer and Plumbing Supervisor. This qualification was developed in collaboration with the Plumbing Industry Registration Board (PIRB). Upon successful completion, learners may operate as a Plumber. |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| RPL for Access to Training/Exemption:
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. 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. Upon successful completion of the EISA, 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 1 qualification with Mathematical Literacy and Communication. |
| 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: 121 Practical Skill Modules Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 144 Work Experience Modules Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 130 |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Install, test and maintain, above-ground soil, waste, and vent systems, as well as sanitary ware devices, by utilising plumbing practices, procedures, and strategies.
2. Install, test and maintain, below-ground drainage systems while conducting fundamental construction tasks, by modifying and employing standard solutions. 3. Install, test and maintain, cold water systems and hot water systems by utilising plumbing practices, procedures, and strategies. 4. Prepare for installation, testing and maintenance of rainwater systems by utilising plumbing practices, procedures, and strategies. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
ELO 1: Install, test and maintain, above-ground soil, waste, and vent systems, as well as sanitary ware devices, by utilising plumbing practices, procedures, and strategies. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: ELO 2: Install, test and maintain, below-ground drainage systems while conducting fundamental construction tasks, by modifying and employing standard solutions. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: ELO 3: Install, test and maintain, cold water systems and hot water systems by utilising plumbing practices, procedures and strategies. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: ELO 4: Prepare for installation, testing and maintenance of rainwater systems by utilising plumbing practices, procedures, and strategies. Integrated 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. 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 |
| The National Occupational Certificate Plumber, NQF Level 4 from South Africa, is compared internationally with similar qualifications from Australia and the United Kingdom (UK), chosen for their rigorous plumbing training qualifications and industry relevance.
Australia Qualification: Certificate III in Plumbing (offered by TAFE institutes). Entry Requirements: Generally, an Australian Year 10 education or equivalent is required, emphasising Mathematics and Science subjects. Enrolment in an apprenticeship programme, which means the individual must be employed as an apprentice plumber to undertake the course. Duration: 4 years, with apprenticeship training and theoretical study. Course Content, Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies: Competencies: Develop skills in diagnosing and rectifying faults in plumbing systems, sustainable plumbing practices, and managing plumbing projects. Core Units: Learners learn about reading and interpreting plans and specifications, applying basic sheet metal practices, welding for plumbing applications, and understanding building codes and standards related to plumbing work. Elective Units: Specialisations such as gas fitting, roofing (stormwater management), and mechanical services, which include installing air conditioning and ventilation systems, and provide advanced skills. Similarities: Differences: United Kingdom (UK) City & Guilds and other colleges offer the Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing and Heating. There are no formal academic prerequisites for entry into this qualification, but learners often need GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) in English and Mathematics at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent. Some colleges and training providers may require a basic skills assessment or an interest in plumbing demonstrated through work experience or an introductory qualification. Duration: Typically, 2 years, with a combination of classroom learning and practical workshops. Course Content, Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies: Core Units Elective Units: Options may include environmental technologies, bathroom planning and installation, and advanced pipe skills. Competencies: Focus on practical skills in plumbing, understanding of plumbing theory, customer service in the plumbing sector, and basic business skills for self-employment in plumbing. Similarities Differences Conclusion The National Occupational Certificate: Plumber, NQF Level 4, encapsulates a comprehensive blend of theory and practical skills in plumbing. It aligns closely with the Australian qualification in terms of depth and breadth of plumbing practices, encompassing both standard and advanced plumbing techniques. In contrast, the UK qualification provides a solid foundation in plumbing and heating but is more introductory compared to the South African qualification. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification provides opportunities for the following articulation options:
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: Diagonal Articulation: National Certificate: Vocational, Level 3, NQF Level 3. |
| 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 are: Plumber, 642601-000-01-00. Encompassed Trade: Plumber. Assessment Quality Partner (AQP) National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB). LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION None |
| 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. |