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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: Dog Handler - Military and Law Enforcement |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 125274 | Higher Occupational Certificate: Dog Handler - Military and Law Enforcement | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Development Quality Partner - SASSETA | ||||
| 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 08 - Law, Military Science and Security | Safety in Society | ||
| 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 0537/26 | 2026-01-30 | 2031-01-30 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2032-01-30 | 2035-01-30 | |||
| 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 |
| 50102 | National Certificate: Dog Handling | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 131 | Complete |
| PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
| Purpose:
The purpose of Higher Occupational Certificate: Dog Handler - Military and Law Enforcement is to prepare a learner to function as a Dog Handler: Military and Law Enforcement. This qualification equips learners with the specialized knowledge and practical skills required to operate effectively as professional dog handlers within military and law enforcement environments. A Dog Handler: Military and Law Enforcement is a member of the military and law enforcement organisations responsible for, caring, handling, training of a working dog that matches the discipline that the handler has been trained in. A qualified learner will be competent to: Typical learner attributes: Rationale: The role of dog handlers in military and law enforcement is vital as working dogs are increasingly used in crime prevention and security tasks. However, there is a shortage of qualified handlers with the skills needed to manage these dogs effectively and ethically, which impacts operational efficiency and public safety. The Dog Handler: Military and Law Enforcement qualification provides a structured, National Qualifications Framework (NQF)-aligned training programme that develops the professional competencies required for this demanding role. It ensures handlers are equipped with practical skills, canine behaviour knowledge, ethical handling practices, and an understanding of the legal framework governing the use of working dogs. Moreover, with the rise in complex security threats, there is a growing reliance on K9 units, making standardized, high-quality training essential to maintain operational readiness and public trust. By acquiring this qualification, learners will be equipped to manage advanced dog-training functions, contributing to improved community safety and bolstering public trust in law enforcement. The qualification aligns with national priorities by fostering safer environments and promoting economic growth through the protection of individuals and businesses. Typical learners: Mostly State Law Enforcement Employees, however, it does not exclude learners from other nationalities that meet the requirements of the respective government departments. Collaboration with relevant stakeholders: List typical occupations in which the qualifying learner will operate: |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for Access to Training/Exemption: Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for qualification if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a qualification. Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification. 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 from modules For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification 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 qualification 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. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications is approved by the QCTO. Entry Requirements: |
| 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: 26 Practical Skill Modules: Total credits of the compulsory modules: 41 Category A - Dog Handling Specialisation (Select One, 10 Credits): Category B - Dog Training Specialisation (Select One, 22 Credits): Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 73 Work Experience Modules: Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 21 |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Care for a working dog by adhering to ethical standards and following a professional code of conduct.
2. Handle a purpose-trained dog by applying key terminology, rules, concepts, established principles, and relevant theories. 3. Train a working dog for a specific purpose by making informed decisions, taking responsibility for the dog's actions, and proactively addressing any shortcomings that arise during training. 4. Maintain the proficiency of a purpose-trained dog by adapting and applying standard solutions to implement minor adjustments, while considering the consequences of related actions. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
ELO 1: Care for a working dog by adhering to ethical standards and following a professional code of conduct. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: ELO 2: Handle a purpose-trained dog by applying key terminology, rules, concepts, established principles, and relevant theories. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: ELO 3: Train a working dog for a specific purpose by making informed decisions, taking responsibility for the dog's actions, and proactively addressing any shortcomings that arise during training. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: ELO 4: Maintain the proficiency of a purpose-trained dog by adapting and applying standard solutions to implement minor adjustments, while considering the consequences of related actions. Integrated Assessment Formative Assessments: 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. Summative Assessments: 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): 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: Or |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| This qualification was compared with similar international qualifications from India and United States of America.
Country: India Qualification Name: Canine Trainer and Handler Institution Offering the Qualification: National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) Level, Credits and Duration: Entry Requirements: Core Competencies Covered: Similarities: Differences: United States Qualification Name: Military Working Dog Handler Course Institution Offering the Qualification: 341st Training Squadron, Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Level, Credits and Duration: Entry Requirements: Branch-Specific Requirements: General Requirements: Core Competencies Covered: Similarities: Differences: Conclusion: The Higher Occupational Certificate: Dog Handler (Military and Law Enforcement), NQF Level 5 in South Africa is well-structured, offering both theoretical knowledge and extensive practical training. The Indian qualification provides foundational skills but lacks the specialized application components and workplace integration whilst the United States programme offers specialised, branch-specific training with a shorter duration. Overall, the South African qualification is well-positioned internationally, providing a higher level of competency in specialised dog handling applications within military and law enforcement sectors. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal, vertical and diagonal articulation options.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: Diagonal Articulation: |
| MODERATION OPTIONS |
| N/A. |
| CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
| N/A. |
| NOTES |
| Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
Criteria for the accreditation of providers: Accreditation of providers mandated by the Security Cluster will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website. The qualification is designed in accordance with the legislation of each of the respective military and law enforcement organisations. The design in accordance with SANDF training is justified as follows: 1. Broadly in terms of Art 199 and Art 202 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. Art 199 Par 1: The security services of the Republic consist of a single defence force, a single police service and any intelligence services established in terms of the Constitution. Par 2: The defence force is the only lawful military force in the Republic. Par 3: Other than the security services established in terms of the Constitution, armed organisations or services may be established only in terms of national legislation. Par 4: The security services must be structured and regulated by national legislation. Par 5: The security services must act, and must teach and require their members to act, in accordance with the Constitution and the law, including customary international law and international agreements binding on the Republic. Art 202, Par 1: The President as head of the national executive is Commander-in- Chief of the defence force and must appoint the Military Command of the defence force. Par 2: Command of the defence force must be exercised in accordance with the directions of the Cabinet member responsible for defence, under the authority of the President. and 2. Specifically in terms of the Defence Act: Act 42 of 2002, Chapter 2 par 15 The Chief of the Defence Force may, subject to such conditions as he or she may impose, in writing delegate any power conferred upon him or her in terms of this Act: and (c) with the approval of the Secretary for Defence, to any employee. (I) The Minister may establish defence training institutions for purposes of providing instruction and other training for members and employees of the Department. (2) Any institution established before the commencement of this Act for purposes of providing military instruction and other training, whether under a law hereby repealed or otherwise. must be regarded as being a defence training institution established under this section. (3) The Minister must ensure that the training of members and employees of the Department promotes the objects of, and is in accordance with, the Constitution and the law. including customary international law and international agreements binding on the Republic. (4) The training of members is an essential part of force preparation and may encompass instruction at any military or tertiary institution for higher education and learning in the world. as well as practical training which must include physical training, sport. structured recreational activities and military exercises. (5) The provision and maintenance of training tools and equipment as well as the provision and maintenance of training facilities and opportunities for members of the Defence Force or other forces must be carried out under the direction of the Chief of the Defence Force or a person designated by him or her. (6) The staff of any defence training institution must be members of the Department designated by the Chief of the Defence Force. (7) The duration and description of the courses of instruction and training therein, the conditions of admission thereto. the conditions of future service required from persons who have undergone training and all matters relating to good administration and management. control and regulation of any such institution are as prescribed. (7) Subject to the Promotion of Access to Information Act. 2000 (Act No. 2 of 2000). any person who. without authority. discloses or publishes any information. or is responsible for such disclosure or publication. whether by print. the electronic media. verbally or by gesture. where such information has been classified in terms of this Act. is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years. Accreditation of providers mandated by the Law Enforcement National Departments will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website. The design in accordance with the SAPS training is justified as follow: Broadly in terms of Art 199, Art 205 and Art 207 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 Act 199. (1) The security services of the Republic consist of a single defence force, a single police service and any intelligence services established in terms of the Constitution. (2) The defence force is the only lawful military force in the Republic. (3) Other than the security services established in terms of the Constitution, armed organisations or services may be established only in terms of national legislation. (4) The security services must be structured and regulated by national legislation. (5) The security services must act, and must teach and require their members to act, in accordance with the Constitution and the law, including customary international law and international agreements binding on the Republic. Police Service Act 205: (1) The national police service must be structured to function in the national, provincial and, where appropriate, local spheres of government. (2) National legislation must establish the powers and functions of the police service and must enable the police service to discharge its responsibilities effectively, taking into account the requirements of the provinces. (3) The objects of the police service are to prevent, combat and investigate crime, to maintain public order, to protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property, and to uphold and enforce the law. Control of Police Service Act 207: (1) The President as head of the national executive must appoint a woman or a man as the National Commissioner of the police service, to control and manage the police service. (2) The National Commissioner must exercise control over and manage the police service in accordance with the national policing policy and the directions of the Cabinet member responsible for policing. (3) The National Commissioner, with the concurrence of the provincial executive, must appoint a woman or a man as the provincial commissioner for that province, but if the National Commissioner and the provincial executive are unable to agree on the appointment, the Cabinet member responsible for policing must mediate between the parties. (4) The provincial commissioners are responsible for policing in their respective provinces (a) as prescribed by national legislation; and (b) subject to the power of the National Commissioner to exercise control over and manage the police service in terms of subsection (2). (5) The provincial commissioner must report to the provincial legislature annually. on policing in the province and must send a copy of the report to the National Commissioner. (6) If the provincial commissioner has lost the confidence of the provincial executive, that executive may institute appropriate proceedings for the removal or transfer of, or disciplinary action against, that commissioner, in accordance with national legislation. Police Service Act 68 of 1995 Chapter 5: Powers, Duties and Functions 11. National Commissioner (1) The National Commissioner may exercise the powers and shall perform the duties and functions necessary to give effect to section 218 (1) of the Constitution. (2) Without derogating from the generality of subsection (1), the powers, duties and functions referred to in that subsection shall include the power, duty and function to- (e) establish and maintain training institutions or centres for the training of students and other members. The design in accordance with the National Key Points / Critical Infrastructure Protection training is justified as follow: Broadly in terms of Act 199, Act 205, Act 207 and Act 8 of 2019 (Critical Infrastructure Protection Act) Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Art 199, Art 205, Art 207) Police Service Act 68 of 2995 (Chapter 5 (11); 5 (13), Chapter 8 (24); 8 (32), Chapter 13 (68); 13 (70); 13 (71) Critical Infrastructure Protection Act (Act 8 of 2019) The curriculum title and code are: Higher Occupational Certificate: Dog Handler - Military and Law Enforcement: 516402-001-00-00. Encompassed Trade(s): Assessment Quality Partner (AQP): RELATED PART-QUALIFICATIONS: |
| 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. |