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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: 

National Certificate: Seed Analysis 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
48654  National Certificate: Seed Analysis 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Secondary Agriculture: Processing 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
AgriSETA - Agriculture SETA  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Secondary Agriculture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
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 Qualification is registered at level 3 on the National Qualification Framework. It provides learners with the opportunity to obtain competence in seed analysis, including the receipt and storage of seed samples as well as the performance of various tests to determine the quality of seed. The Qualification will provide learners with the technical competence to perform to local and international industry standards.

This Qualification is an entry-level Qualification into seed analysis enabling learners to progress into Laboratory and Seed Quality Management and other fields of learning in this sub-sector of the agricultural industry, providing articulation to higher education and learning.

The Qualification focuses on the skills, knowledge, and values to ensure competence at this level of learning. The intention is to enhance the potential of people, in order for them to grow and develop. This Qualification will furthermore add value to the individuals, their workplace and the economy as a whole.


Rationale for the Qualification

This Qualification is aimed at people who are working in the seed industry or who would like to pursue a career in the seed industry. It is aimed at formalising the skills required in seed analysis to facilitate career-pathing and to provide access for new entrants. The Qualification provides learners with access to advanced learning in specialised areas within the seed industry. It also provides learners with the necessary background knowledge, skills and attitudes to achieve the NQF principle of portability within other sub-sectors of the agricultural industries.

Through the above, the Qualification will address one of the key National priorities in the reduction of unemployment and under employment. It will assist in creating job opportunities. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that learners wishing to enter a programme leading to this qualification have demonstrated competence in mathematics, languages and communication at NQF 2.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

This qualification may be achieved in part or completely through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. Where RPL is required the learner will need to prove competence in that specific area in order to obtain recognition of that skill and knowledge.

Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local Qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practise and performance records. The assessment methods and tools to be used to assess Prior Learning shall be decided upon jointly by the assessor and the learner. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
To complete this qualification the learner must obtain a minimum of 120 credits by completing 36 Fundamental, 60 Core and a minimum of 24 Electives. 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
1. Demonstrate understanding of the introduction to the workplace within the seed industry.
2. Receive seed samples and analyse the physical purity, germination and viability of seed.
3. Determine the moisture level of seed and store seed samples.
4. Sample a seed lot, test the vigour of seed and conduct maintenance of seed testing equipment. 

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
1.
  • Consequences of not identifying and reporting unsafe working practices and potentially dangerous situations in the work are explained.
  • Purposes of maintaining sound customer relations and service excellence are recalled and explained.
  • Reasons for identifying and handling hazardous substances in the work place are explained.
  • Consequences of not adhering to company norms, values and ethics are explained.

    2.
  • Importance of verifying delivery documentation and labelling is explained.
  • Consequences of not acquiring a representative sample are explained.
  • Implications of not identifying deviations on seed are explained.
  • Consequences of not evaluating seed according to work site procedures are explained.
  • Consequences of not labelling the consignment correctly according to work site procedures and statutory requirements are explained.
  • Consequences of incorrect transfer according to work site procedures are explained.
  • Consequences of not completing documentation according to work site procedures and statutory requirements are explained.

    3.
  • Consequences of not sub-sampling accurately according to the operational procedures are explained.
  • Consequences of not using clean and dry equipment are explained.
  • Consequences of not identifying and reporting findings accurately according to the operational procedures and work site procedures are explained.
  • Consequences of not reporting deviations are explained.
  • The importance of using the correct equipment and methods for determining moisture content according to work site procedures are explained
  • The importance of keeping records according to the operational procedures, work site procedures and statutory requirements are explained.

    4.
  • Consequences of not sub-sampling accurately according to the operational procedures are explained.
  • Consequences of not using correct sanitary procedures according to work site procedures are explained.
  • The importance of using the correct equipment, sub-strata and methods for planting and evaluating according to work site procedures are explained
  • The importance of recording the different fractions according to the operational procedures and work site procedures are explained.
  • The importance of retaining the sample and prescribed records according operational procedures, work site procedures and statutory requirements are explained.
  • The reasons for regular inspection and maintenance of seed testing equipment, are explained.
  • Consequences of not informing appropriate maintenance personnel to perform repairs, are explained.
  • Consequences of inaccurate calibration of equipment are explained.
  • Implications of not maintaining accurate maintenance records are understood.
  • Reasons for adhering to health and safety requirements are understood.

    Integrated Assessment Criteria

    Unit standards associated with this qualification must be used to assess specific and critical cross-field outcomes. Assessment should focus in an integrated way on determining the competence of the learner in terms of the overall purpose and title of this qualification.

    The term integrated assessment also implies that the theoretical and practical components should be assessed together and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflexive competencies.

    Assessment activities should be done in real workplace situations and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show that the learner is able to display the competencies to the real work situation.

    All assessments should be conducted in line with the following documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work of learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent.

    Learners wishing to be assessed will need to provide evidence of the following:
  • Verbal and written explanations of reasons for adhering to operational and work site procedures as well as statutory requirements, adhering to specific sequence of operations, identifying deviations, taking corrective actions and recording relevant data, and reporting deviations outside the jobholder's responsibility.
  • Demonstrations of a range of operational actions relating to applying quality control in all aspects of seed analysis in the work place. Learners will also demonstrate an understanding of the Seed Industry and the relevant workplace.
  • Oral or written questioning regarding the reflective competencies within the Qualification:
    If the identifying and solving of problems, team work, organising one-self, the using of applied science, the implication of actions and reactions in the world as a set of related systems are not clear from the observation, a method of oral questioning or a case study should be applied to determine the whole person development and integration of applied knowledge and skills.
  • A portfolio of evidence is required to prove the practical, applied and foundational competencies of the learner that may include seed analysis worksheet/s.
  • Assessors and moderators should develop and conduct their own integrated assessment by making use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods. Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.
  • Unit standards in the qualification must be used to assess specific and critical cross-field outcomes. During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and should assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Comparisons were done against qualifications in the United States. These were:
  • PLS 556 Seed Production and Technology Course
    (Prof TeKroney - University of Kentucky)
  • HCS 694 Seed Production course
    (Ohio State University)
  • AGN 4223/6223 Seed Production Course
    (Mississippi State University)
  • HCS 420 Seed Science
    (Ohio State University)
  • HCS 694 Seed Physiology
    (Ohio State University)
  • AGN 4243/6243 Seed Technology
    (Mississippi State University)
  • AGN 8203 Seed Physiology
    (Mississippi State University)
    A comparison of the above Qualifications was undertaken, considering the regulations for seed testing set by the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). The best practice points were incorporated and used in the generation of this qualification's unit standards.

    The South African Qualification is focused more on the basic analysis of seed and does not include the in-depth knowledge of plant pathology, which can be gained at a local tertiary institution at a higher level of learning. This basic and practical level of learning provides an ideal opportunity for a person to start a career in seed analysis. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Qualification lends itself to vertical articulation possibilities. These possibilities ensure both mobility and progression for the learner in other fields of learning within the agricultural industry and will provide the learner with an opportunity to progress at a higher level of learning.
    This Qualification articulates with the following Qualifications:
    Further Education and Training Certificate: Seed Research and Development: Level 4
    Further Education and Training Certificate: Seed Marketing: Level 4 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Anyone assessing a learner against this Qualification and the associated Unit Standards must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.

    Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Qualification and the Unit Standards or will assess the same must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA. Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in this Qualification and the agreed upon ETQA procedures.

    Therefore anyone wishing to be assessed against this Qualification and the associated Unit Standards may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution, which is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

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

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  114661  Demonstrate an understanding of the work-place in the seed industry  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  114687  Analyse physical purity of seed  Level 3  NQF Level 03  11 
    Core  114675  Determine moisture level of seed  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Core  114673  Receive seed  Level 3  NQF Level 03  13 
    Core  114655  Receive seed sample  Level 3  NQF Level 03  7 
    Core  114688  Store seed samples  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Core  114674  Analyse the germination of seed  Level 4  NQF Level 04  14 
    Core  114665  Analyse the viability of seed  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  8968  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9010  Demonstrate an understanding of the use of different number bases and measurement units and an awareness of error in the context of relevant calculations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Fundamental  9013  Describe, apply, analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Fundamental  8969  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9012  Investigate life and work related problems using data and probabilities  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8973  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  7456  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business and national issues  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8970  Write texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  117924  Use a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based word processor to format documents  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  114662  Conduct maintenance of seed testing equipment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  7786  Operate a Computer  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  116940  Use a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based spreadsheet application to solve a given problem  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  114668  Sample a seed lot  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Elective  114667  Test vigour of seed  Level 4  NQF Level 04  14 


    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.
     
    1. Adegi 
    2. Agri RDA Holdings Pty Ltd 
    3. Ferro Atlantica Alloys Pty Ltd 
    4. Hygiene Pot Investment and Projects Pty Ltd 
    5. Mpontshe Training 
    6. Orange Language Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    7. PCD Institute Npc 
    8. Powerpoint Lifestyles Pty Ltd 
    9. Toro Ya Bakone Business Enterprise (Pty) Ltd 
    10. World At Work Training (Pty) Ltd 


    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.