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SAQA 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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Higher Certificate: Office Administration 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
23619  Higher Certificate: Office Administration 
ORIGINATOR
Institute of Administration and Commerce (The) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
FASSET - Financial and Accounting Services SETA  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Higher Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Office Administration 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  240  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
This programme provides an opportunity for the learner to acquire a range of administrative skills crucial to the successful functioning of any organisation. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Depending on the curriculum selected, students should be aware that adequate language and numeracy skills are necessary for coping with the demands of the curriculum.

Apart from the formal requirements, learners who register for entry into this qualification at level 5 should
  • Have the information-gathering, analysis and presentation skills required at exit level 4 on the NQF
  • Be able to comprehend what they have learned and to communicate it reliably, accurately, and comprehensively in the required medium of instruction
  • Be able to begin to take responsibility for their own learning and its progress within a well-structured and managed learning environment
  • Be able to evaluate their own performance 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    N 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    N/A 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Subfield: Cost and Management Accounting
  • Level: NQF5 - The competent learner will show insight into the principles of Financial Management and Decision-making.

    Subfield: Economics
  • Level: NQF5 - The competent learner will demonstrate an understanding of the South African economic system, reading with insight and analysing economic data in a meaningful way and will demonstrate a sound fundamental knowledge and understanding of economic principles of local, national and international economic problems in order to make decisions, as managers, future producers, consumers and citizens, on a economic-oriented foundation.

    Subfield: Human Resources Management
  • Level: NQF5 - The competent learner will demonstrate an appreciation of the human resource function and its invaluable role in the organization and show linkages with other resources - capital, equipment, management and materials
  • Level: NQF5 - The competent learner can demonstrate a clear understanding of the theories and practice relating to the human resource in organisations.

    Subfield: Labour Relations
  • Level: NQF5 - The competent learner will apply the elementary labour relations principles and trends as described, in a business environment.
  • Level: NQF5 - The competent learner will apply labour relations principles and trends to a given work situation.

    Subfield: Management
  • Level: NQF4 - The competent learner will demonstrate an understanding of what management in an enterprise involves so that the concept "supervision" can be related to that aspect of the business environment.
  • Level: NQF5 - The competent learner will demonstrate an in-depth understanding of marketing concepts and issues relating to international marketing, industrial marketing and services marketing

    Subfield: Law
  • Level: NQF5 - The competent learner can understand and apply the basic principles of law which affect business relationships and transactions within the scope of the administration of companies and other organisations.

    Subfield: Business and Office Administration
  • Level: NQF5 - The competent learner, with the required knowledge of office administration and with skills in office procedure, will perform with self-confidence the role of a private secretary or personal assistant. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Subfield: Cost and Management Accounting

    Level: NQF5
  • Demonstrate the ability to allocate and apportion overheads to calculate rates of recovery.
  • Use these rates to calculate recoveries, and know how to treat under- or over-recoveries.
  • Demonstrate the ability to prepare budgets resulting in the budgeted income statement and balance sheet
  • Demonstrate the ability to flex a budget
  • Evaluate the necessary capital budgets.
  • Identify revenue and cost curves and demonstrate ability to highlight marginal revenues and costs.
  • Compute prices using cost plus or other strategies.
  • Produce a cash flow statement from information available.
  • Identify the components of working capital and determine strengths and weaknesses in policy, which they could use to prepare a new policy.
  • List the types of capital and costs of debt
  • Demonstrate the ability to calculate marginal cost of capital
  • Discuss the effects of financial leverage.
  • Explain the different forms of finance available and to choose optimum components.


    Subfield: Economics

    Level: NQF5
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the economic problem
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the production possibility frontier
  • Demonstrate an understanding of various economic systems
  • Differentiate between micro- and macro-economics.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of micro-economics
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of macro-economics
  • Demonstrate an understanding of concepts of international trade and finance
  • Demonstrate an understanding of concepts of monetary theory and policy
  • Demonstrate an understanding of concepts of public finance
  • Demonstrate an understanding of concepts of labour economics
  • Discuss the economic growth and development of the South African economy


    Subfield: Human Resources Management

    Level: NQF5
  • Describe various organisational structures and discuss their respective merits and demerits.
  • Explain the human resource planning process
  • Describe job analysis and job design processes and techniques
  • Demonstrate an understanding of recruitment, selection, placement and induction processes
  • Demonstrate an understanding of performance management issues and techniques
  • Discuss the need for career management in an organisation.
  • Describe how wages and salaries are determined.
  • Demonstrate a clear understanding of health and safety issues in the work environment.

    Level: NQF5
  • Demonstrate a sound appreciation of organisational and functional relationships in an organisation
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of the writings and theories of pioneers in behavioural science to modern thinking in the management of people at work.
  • Discuss the communication process in organisations
  • Demonstrate an understanding of theories of leadership
  • Evaluate various theories of leadership in order to apply them to practical day-to-day working in an organisation.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the need for and importance of staff development and training.
  • Demonstrate a clear understanding of equity issues in the work place


    Subfield: Labour Relations

    Level: NQF5
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the background and development of industrial relations in South Africa
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the legislative framework governing the employment relationship in South Africa
  • Provide definitions of labour relations terms
  • Demonstrate a general understanding and application of grievances procedures and disciplinary codes
  • Identify key role players in the labour relations arena in South Africa

    Level: NQF5
  • Demonstrate an understanding the interaction and processes within the labour relationship
  • Demonstrate an understanding of factors regulating the interaction of labour relationships
  • Demonstrate an understanding of external influences on the labour relationship
  • Demonstrate an understanding of different approaches to the labour relationship
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of the labour relations systems of countries outside South Africa
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of labour economics
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the general principles and practices of collective bargaining
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the practice of collective bargaining in South Africa
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and practice of negotiation
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and practice of dispute settlement


    Subfield: Management

    Level: NQF4
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the personnel function as is affects the role of the supervisor.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of first-line management in an enterprise

    Level: NQF5
  • Identify the contemporary environment, problems and practices of international marketing.
  • Apply the principles of international marketing.
  • Evaluate the strength and sophistication of global competitors.
  • Describe the dynamic and complex nature of the industrial marketplace.
  • Analyse the activities in industrial and services marketing
  • Explore the broad policies and specific practices in industrial and services marketing.
  • Distinguish the different product and services marketing characteristics and strategies.


    Subfield: Law

    Level: NQF5
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the nature, sources and classification of the law.
  • Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the law of contract.
  • Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the law of purchase and sale.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the law governing credit agreements.
  • Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the law of lease.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the general principles of the law of employment.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the law of agency.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the law of partnership.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the law governing negotiable instruments.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the law governing securities.


    Subfield: Business and Office Administration

    Level: NQF5
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of ergonomics and its contribution to conducive working conditions
  • Demonstrate efficient records management
  • Demonstrate the ability to manage time effectively and efficiently
  • Demonstrate an understanding of stock control systems
  • Compile a business information manual
  • Demonstrate the ability to deal with difficult situations and people in a professional manner
  • Plan business receptions and social functions
  • Make travel arrangements for a manager
  • Prepare correspondence for a range of situations
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the mechanics of cash control
  • Demonstrate an understanding of banking and forms of payment


    Integrated assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualifications is achieved

    Assessment is conducted in several ways:
  • Self-assessment which is carried out by the learners on a daily basis, and which improves the quality of learning and mastery;
  • Formative assessment by means of contact tuition during the course of their studies
  • Continuous assessment incorporating assignments.
  • Summative assessment by way of examinations at six monthly intervals

    The above provides for a holistic approach to assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    N/A 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    IAC Preliminary Certificate in Business Studies (NQF Level 4)
  • Open Access
  • Matric/Grade 12/Mature Age Exemption/RPL

    IAC Certificate for Office Administration (NQF Level 5)
  • Matric/Grade 12/Mature Age Exemption/RPL
  • IAC Preliminary Certificate in Business Studies

    IAC Higher Certificate for Office Administration (NQF Level 5)
  • IAC Certificate for Office Administration

    IAC Diploma for Office Administration (NQF Level 6)
  • IAC Higher Certificate for Office Administration

    In addition, there are articulation possibilities with other qualifications as indicated below:

    Subject-for-Subject Exemptions
  • Only students who have passed subjects at tertiary (post-Senior Certificate) level may apply for exemptions.
  • Only subjects examined by formal academic institutions such as universities, technikons or recognised professional bodies are considered, especially where an M+3 rating from the Human Sciences Research Council applies.
  • The examining body must be recognised by the IAC.
  • The examinations and syllabuses must be comparable both in standard and content.

    The following examining bodies are recognised:
  • Technikons (National Certificates, Diplomas and higher qualifications).
  • South African Universities (Bachelor Degrees and higher qualifications). (These universities should be affiliated to the South African Vice-Chancellors` Association - formerly the Committee of University Principals).
  • Specific recognised foreign universities, polytechnics or colleges.
  • The London Chamber of Commerce & Industry Examinations Board (LCCIEB)

    The following professional institutes are recognised:
  • Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
  • Institute of Bankers in South Africa (IBSA)
  • Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (Fellowship level) (ICB)
  • Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (CIS)
  • Institute of Marketing Management (IMM)
  • Institute of People Management (IPM)
  • Insurance Institute of Southern Africa (IISA)
  • South African Institute of Management (SAIM)

    Reciprocal arrangements exist with the bodies listed above.

    Exemptions are granted on a subject-for-subject basis.

    Subject exemptions must be applied for on the official IAC Subject Exemption Form and must be accompanied by:
  • Certified copies of detailed academic statements (indicating subject names, actual percentages/or an explanation of symbols)
  • The subject exemption fee(s). Exemptions will not be recorded until the student has paid the exemption fee(s).

    Note:
  • The IAC does not exempt from Level 3 (major) subjects.
  • The IAC reserves the right to request whatever information it may deem necessary to consider any subject exemption, and its decisions regarding exemptions are final.
  • The maximum number of subjects that can be exempted in a single IAC diploma is ten. NB: This exemption policy (subject-for-subject) is relevant to students with complete OR incomplete qualifications.
  • An exemption will NOT be granted where a student has written and failed the IAC examination and later claims exemption by virtue of a pass with another examining body unless permission has been obtained in writing from the Exemption Committee. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Registration with the Financial Accounting Services SETA (FASSET) is pending. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Criteria for the registration of assessors
  • A tertiary qualification with at least a fourth year in the discipline
  • Business/lecturing experience for at least five years in the discipline or field
  • At least two years` examining experience
  • Not lecturing to IAC students in the subject which he/she examines
  • Membership of the Professional Institutes in the appropriate discipline (where applicable)
  • Able to set examination papers in English
  • Available in the time cycles after the examination for marking/moderation
  • Where the examiner is an academic, the moderator should ideally be a practitioner and vice versa
  • Qualified as an assessor with the SETA (this will become a requirement, for 2003) 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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.