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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Asset Protection Officer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
124956  Occupational Certificate: Asset Protection Officer 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-SASSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Part-Qualification  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Safety in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  53  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0435/25  2025-10-02  2030-10-02 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2031-10-02   2034-10-02  

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
110904  Occupational Certificate: Asset Protection Officer  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  25  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this to part-qualification is to prepare a learner to function as an Asset Protection Officer.
An Asset Protection Officer controls and protects assets, individuals and property, identifies and responds to emergency situations to provide a safe environment and documents incidents pertaining to safety and security within own scope of work, responding to emergency alarms, reacting to complaints received and investigating incidents.

It will provide learners with competencies in all aspects of legal, regulatory, and procedural security operations to operate professionally.

The part-qualification providers offer career opportunities within the security environment. Qualifying learners will be employed by public or private security agencies, including residential complexes, homes, educational, cultural, financial, health institutions, businesses, retail establishments, investigation service companies, transportation facilities, and .organisations throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed.

A qualified learner will demonstrate the following attributes: Honesty, Trustworthy, Punctuality, Critical thinker, and Reliable.

Rationale:
The security industry is globally recognised as the largest and fastest-growing industry, spurred on by the perception of increasing crime affecting individuals, businesses, and governments. The Asset Protection Officer occupation is highly regulated internationally, and individuals wishing to practice must be licensed by the regulatory body. The demand to protect goods and services surges given the progressing technology, and this requires qualified and competent Asset Protection Officers to deter, detect, and investigate criminal and illegal activities, and to maintain secure environments, which is growing steadily.

Currently there are no other similar occupational qualifications for this specific specialisation area registered on the NQF.

The part-qualification will benefit societies by ensuring improved security services for members of the community, as well as protecting goods and property. The economy will benefit from increased optimisation of the security service to the community it serves by more efficient and adequate protection and guarding services. This would encourage more businesses to invest and grow, which would increase employment opportunities.

The part-qualification contributes to the development of qualified security officers in the country. The part- qualification providers offer career opportunities within the security environment. Qualifying learners will be employed by public or private security agencies, residential complexes and homes, educational, cultural, financial and health institutions, businesses and retail establishments, investigation service companies, transportation facilities, and organisations throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed.

The part-qualification provides progression possibilities in related occupations to security-related qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
There is professional registration needed for the Asset Protection Officer with the relevant regulatory body.

This part-qualification is an entry-level qualification, and typical learners include individuals who want to enter the security industry or those already working in the industry without formal qualification. It will provide learners with competencies in all aspects of legal, regulatory and procedural and visible security operations to operate professionally.

Consultation with stakeholders from the regulatory body, training providers, public and private security organisations formed part of the development process.

Typical occupations in which the qualifying learner will operate: Security Officer, Watchman, Guard, Railway Patrol Officer, Mobile Patrol Officer, and Beach Patrol Officer / Beach Guard. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

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

Knowledge Modules:
  • 541401-000-01-KM-01, Professional Conduct and Ethics, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 541401-000-01-KM-04, Health and Safety, NQF Level 3, 12 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 16

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 541401-000-01-PM-04, Evacuate Premises and Contact Appropriate Emergency Role-Players, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 541401-000-01-PM-05, Carry Out Emergency Responses, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 541401-000-01-PM-06, Give Evidence in Court Proceedings, NQF Level 4, 13 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 29

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 541401-000-01-WM-04, Emergency Incident Management Processes, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 8 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to respond to emergency alarms, react to complaints received and investigate incidents.
    2. Complete written reports of occurrences, duties performed and comprehensive descriptions of observations. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    ELO 1: Demonstrate the ability to respond to emergency alarms, react to complaints received and investigate incidents.
  • List different types of emergencies that a security officer might face in the workplace, providing examples.
  • Explain the role and functions of a security officer during an emergency, including emergency action drills in organisational incident management procedures.
  • Describe the procedures of protecting and securing a crime scene in terms of legal requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    ELO 2: Complete written reports of occurrences, duties performed and comprehensive descriptions of observations.
  • Describe different types, purposes, structure and layout of reports and statements, including an incident report that may be used in a court of law and at organisational disciplinary hearing in the security environment.
  • Explain the rules of recording relevant factual data and circumstances in a pocketbook and an occurrence book with examples.
  • Explain and utilise the proper method of communication to report an issue or potential problems in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.
  • Review relevant security documentation such as receipts, invoices, passes and consignment notes for accuracy and compliance with access and egress controls.
  • Complete and distribute reports and/or statements according to organisation policies and procedures to ensure confidentiality of information or evidence.
  • Outline protocols and procedures for the purpose of providing evidence in court.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative Assessments
    Formative assessments are conducted throughout the learners' training. A range of formal, non-formal, and informal ongoing assessment activities is 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 Assessments
    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 part-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 EISA. An SoR, using the template provided by the Quality Partner, is issued by the accredited SDP for 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, conducting, 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 similar qualifications from Australia and New Zealand:

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Asset College
    Qualification title: The Certificate III in Security Operations
    Duration: 12 months

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The purpose of this qualification is to equip Security Officers who wish to deepen and broaden their skills and knowledge in security operations and lead security teams in the field. It provides a pathway to further learning and work in various security roles and settings, including security risk management.

    Entry requirements:
  • Entry requirements to this qualification require a current Security Providers License in the state or territory in which one is operating, and
  • Basic English Language, Literacy, and Numeracy Duration: 1 unit per month for 12 months

    Content/Modules covered:
    Core units
  • Contribute to team effectiveness.
  • Manage conflict and security risks through negotiation.
  • Maintain operational safety and security of the work environment.
  • Determine and implement a response to a security risk situation.
  • Coordinate the provision of quality security services to clients.
  • Gather, organise, and present security information and documentation.
  • Maintain work health and safety.
  • Coordinate monitoring and control of individual and crowd behaviour.

    Elective units
  • Respond effectively to behaviours of concern.
  • Monitor electronic security equipment and respond to alarm events.
  • Monitor security and coordinate response from control rooms.
  • Store, protect, and dispose of security information.
  • Use and maintain security databases and compile reports.
  • Control people using batons.
  • Restrain people using handcuffs.
  • Control people using empty-hand techniques.
  • Prepare and present evidence in court.
  • Implement security procedures to protect critical infrastructure and public assets.
  • Defend people using spray.
  • Conduct security screening using walk-through metal detection equipment.
  • Conduct security screening using hand-held metal detectors.
  • Provide First Aid.
  • Control evacuation to muster point.
  • Carry out vehicle inspection.
  • Manage training and well-being of dogs for security functions.
  • Handle dogs for security patrols.
  • Control security risk situations using firearms.
  • Carry, operate, and maintain revolvers for security purposes.
  • Carry, operate, and maintain semi-automatic pistols for security purposes.
  • Carry, operate, and maintain shotguns for security purposes.
  • Inspect and test cash-in-transit security equipment.
  • Implement cash-in-transit security procedures.
  • Load and unload cash-in-transit in secured and unsecured environments.
  • Plan provision of close protection services.
  • Implement close protection services.
  • Conduct security screening using X-ray equipment.
  • Conduct security screening using explosive trace detection equipment.
  • Select, use, and maintain body armour for security purposes.
  • Provide Advanced First Aid.
  • Provide advanced resuscitation and oxygen therapy.
  • Operate a commercial vehicle

    Similarities:
  • The Australian qualification compares well with the South African qualification in similar skill sets.
  • The Australian qualification has a common practice where regulatory or licensing bodies identify certain units or modules that are compulsory for learners to complete successfully for licensing purposes, and a similar approach is also applied in the context of the SA qualification.
  • Both qualifications allow learners to progress further to qualifications in similar or related fields.

    Differences:
  • Some of the units in the Australian qualification are regarded as specialisations in the South African context and do not form part of the South African qualification.
  • The South African qualification supports an industry-specific, fit-for-purpose approach that includes workplace experience modules. The Australian Qualification offers elective units that lead to specialisations, whereas the South African Qualification does not.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: New Zealand Skills and Education College
    Institution: The New Zealand Certificate in Security (Foundation)
    Level 3
    Credits: 60
    Duration: 32 weeks

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The purpose of this qualification is to equip security professionals with the skills, knowledge, and attributes necessary to promote a safe and secure environment. Learners will finish their certification with knowledge of NZ legislation relevant to the security industry, an understanding of confidentiality, personal safety, situational awareness, and risk assessment.

    Entry requirements:
  • Currently working in a security job (on a temporary or full CoA).
  • A citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or an Australian citizen or a permanent resident residing in New Zealand.
  • Able to speak and understand English.
  • Preferably a holder of NCEA Level 1 or equivalent academic achievement but admission can be on a case-by- case basis at the discretion of the institution.

    Content/Modules covered:
    Compulsory Modules
  • Communicate effectively with security management, colleagues, clients, and the public while carrying out security work, 8 credits.
  • Conduct professionally and ethically as a security guard in a workplace, demonstrating integrity and respect for all individuals, 6 credits.
  • Apply knowledge of New Zealand legislation relevant to the security industry to promote a safe and secure environment, mitigate security risks, and respond to security breaches, 8 credits.
  • Operate security equipment and technology while carrying out security work, 6 credits.
  • Apply knowledge of confidentiality, privacy, and specific client requirements to protect clients in a security context, 6 credits.
  • Apply knowledge of personal safety, situational awareness, and risk assessment as it relates to workplace health and safety in a security context, 12 credits.
  • Respond to incidents, events, and emergency situations, and interact with other emergency services in a security work context,14 credits.

    Similarities:
  • The New Zealand qualification has similar skill sets to the South African Qualification.
  • Both qualifications enable learners to progress to qualifications in similar or related occupations.

    Differences:
  • The New Zealand qualification spans over 60 credits, whereas the South African qualification has 53 credits as a part qualification.
  • The South African qualification endorses an industry-specific, fit-for-purpose approach that includes workplace experience modules. Additionally, there is a difference in that the terminology used is different from that used in South Africa.
  • The Australian qualifications nomenclature is different from that used in South African qualifications.

    Conclusion:
    The South African qualification compares favourably with international standards in terms of the range and complexity of the knowledge required of an Access Protection Officer, even though the Australian and New Zealand qualifications do not include any workplace experience. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Patrol Officer, NQF Level 3.
  • National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 3.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Security Officer, NQF Level 3.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
    Be fit and able to complete all components of the part-qualification.

    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: 541401-000-01-03: Asset Protection Officer.

    Encompassed Trade:
  • None.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
    Safety and Security SETA (SASSETA)

    PARENT-QUALIFICATION
    Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Security Officer, NQF Level 3.

    RELATED PART-QUALIFICATIONS
  • Occupational Certificate: Patrol Officer, NQF Level 3.
  • Occupational Certificate: Access Control Officer, NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    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.