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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Certificate in Project Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
91799  Advanced Certificate in Project Management 
ORIGINATOR
Cranefield College (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Project Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Advanced Certificate is to prepare learners for a career in project management by equipping learners with fundamental knowledge and insight of project management within an organisational context, as well as the different roles involved for the successful execution of projects.

The Advanced Certificate comprises in-depth study of vital project management principles and techniques. A range of subjects allows learners to integrate knowledge and skills such as organisational strategy, project management, and procurement law of contract, and basic estimating, costing and pricing methodologies. These subjects provide learners with the required competencies to be employed in various project management roles in both the public and private sectors and will enable learners to follow different career opportunities nationally and internationally. It will also lay the foundation for access to higher specialised qualifications in project and programme management. It will also alleviate the critical shortage of national skills in this field.

The Advanced Certificate requires the execution of learning content (modules) in a specific order which is in line with the national and international accepted body of knowledge of this applied science (PMBOK). The different learning modules therefore are offered in a prescribed order; the contents of one learning model forming the basis for the knowledge foundation of the next module.

Rationale:
Project managers are in demand all over the world. The demand for project managers is not limited to a specific sector or workplace as most of the modern organisations pursue their strategies through the implementation of projects. The need for project managers can be found in fields such as Business, Construction, Engineering and the Banking sector. In the new economy, organisations of all types practice project management.

Professional bodies like APMSA (Association of Project Management South Africa) and specific government, private-public entities (such as ESCOM) and private entities expressed the need for fundamental learning programmes at undergraduate level to serve as entry level qualifications for a career in project and programme management.

The Advanced Certificate NQF Level 6 caters for current and future needs of those working on projects in multiple sectors of the economy, providing general skills that are not sector-specific. The Project industry is integral to the global business environment and skilled practitioners are required to meet the demands of the industry, providing significant benefits to individuals, global corporations and the country.

Projects are diverse in their nature, so a wide range of competencies is required to manage them and other similar systems and programmes. This qualification aims to provide the knowledge and skills required for an individual in an organisation to conduct projects successfully; be an effective project team member or team leader; undertake a range of project management tasks such as planning and execution of projects or sub-projects. It is designed for people working in a project environment as a team member, project administrator or leader of a small project/sub-project. The Advanced Certificate provides access towards further study at NQF Level 7.

The Qualification gives accessibility and flexibility to the unemployed and employed. The level of flexibility reflects the multiple job roles, organisational requirements and changing technological nature of the industry and also allows the individual to work towards a nationally recognised Qualification. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The learner entering this qualification will have the following demonstrated competencies:
Knowledge, comprehension and application of the English language at NQF Level 5 or equivalent.
  • The learner is able to work independently.
  • The learner is able to conduct basic research.
  • Has workplace experience.
  • The learner has obtained general theoretical, practical, professional and academic knowledge and understanding at NQF Level 5.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The Advanced Certificate in Project Management, NQF Level 6 allows for open access and may be achieved in part or wholly through the process of RPL. Provision should be made for prior learning to be recognised if a learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes embedded in this qualification.

    Access to the Qualification:
    This qualification is for all candidates who have obtained a Higher Certificate at NQF Level 5 in a relevant field of study and would like to enter into, or who have been employed in or been involved in, the world of business and/or government to obtain or advance relevant knowledge and skills. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification is made up of 120 credits at NQF Level 6 as per the Exit Level Outcomes detailed.

    The Qualification comprises the following parts:
  • Fundamental: 30 Credits.
  • Core: 30 Credits.
  • Electives: 60 Credits.

    The modules each have the credit value of 30. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Fundamental:
    1. Understand and apply basic management practices and processes required in a project management environment.

    Core:
    2. Evaluate and employ basic tools and techniques used for the execution of projects.

    Electives:
    3. Understand how a budget is arrived at through the project management process.
    4. Explain and apply basic legal concepts to sound project procurement practices.
    5. Participate in a project management team efficiently within a controlled workplace environment.
    6. Engage successfully in a public and private sector partnership taking procurement requirements into consideration.
    7. Control the execution of projects by using relevant documentation.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    The programme aims to develop the SAQA Critical Cross-Field Outcomes listed below:
  • Identify and solve project problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
  • Work effectively with others as a member of a project team within an organisation or community.
  • Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively within a project team.
  • Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information for project management purposes.
  • Communicate effectively with project team members and the organisation using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.
  • Use science and technology effectively and critically to manage projects, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that project problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Fundamental:
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The manager's task and the management process are evaluated.
  • Relevant management theories are described.
  • An interpretation of the organisation as a subsystem of the environment is provided.
  • The role of the manager as planner and strategist is explained.
  • Different decision making models are analysed.
  • Organising and basic organisational structures are described.
  • The phenomena of the learning organisation is critiqued.
  • Organisational control is defined and different types of control are compared.
  • The concept of the organisational value chain is defined and analysed.
  • The importance of strategic human resources management is described.
  • The concept of leadership is defined and basic motivational theories are evaluated.
  • The importance of effective information technology for the modern organisation is analysed.
  • The importance of communication in the managerial process is critically discussed.

    Core:
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The managers task and the management process are described and evaluated.
  • The importance of project integration is described and a project baseline plan is developed.
  • A basic project is managed according to an interrelated process within a feasible project lifecycle.
  • A basic project scope of work, work breakdown structure are executed.
  • Time management principles are applied developing a critical path for a basic project including a basic risk management plan.
  • A project schedule is constructed including a project procurement schedule and a basic project resource plan and s-curve.
  • The execution of a basic project baseline plan is monitored and corrective action taken when required.

    Electives (Choose any two):
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The importance of managing costs in a project is explained.
  • A project estimate and a budget for a selected project is compiled.
  • The phases of a management cost and control system are described.
  • The importance of cost control and cost performance are explained using examples of cash flow in a project.
  • Earned value calculations are explained and evaluated.
  • The importance of the use of project management software is described and its benefits or constraints are debated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • A document control system is developed for project documentation.
  • Project documentation is stored and filed according to a standardised system for document control.
  • Documents are retrieved for project management activities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The ability to make judgements and take decisions appropriate to context is demonstrated.
  • The ability to work as a member of a team is applied.
  • Time management as appropriate to the given task and deliverables is performed satisfactorily.
  • Results of work performed are presented and communicated professionally.
  • Self-assessment is practised by monitoring own performance and identifying areas of improvement.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • The meaning of project procurement management is explained.
  • The fundamental principles of procuring goods and services required to implement a project are described.
  • The steps in the procurement cycle from procurement planning to contract management are evaluated.
  • Planning for procuring goods and services is conducted taking into account the overall project lifecycle.
  • The process of inviting tenders to ensure that goods and services are procured are explained taking the overall project requirements and competitive prices into consideration.
  • The value of a procurement contract is evaluated taking obligations of parties involved into consideration.
  • Different types of procurement contracts are identified and their risks and suitability for a particular project's procurement requirements are debated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • The fundamental principles of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) and the value they could add to socio-economic development and service delivery in the public sector are debated.
  • The differences between a PPP and a conventional outsourcing arrangement between a public and private party are explained taking the PPP regulatory framework into consideration.
  • The steps in the PPP project cycle is described and the rationale for conducting a feasibility study prior to commencing with the procurement of a PPP is explained.
  • The procedures and mechanisms required for successfully implementing a PPP agreement is evaluated.
  • The nature of the PPP financial information reflected in its financial statements is described.
  • The dynamics of the relationship between the parties responsible for managing a PPP agreement are explained.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment of competence is done through a combination of formative and summative assessment methodologies, tools and procedures, which will not discriminate against learners in an unjust or invalid way. Formative assessment integrates theory with practice, with transfer of skills being conducted in a real or simulated workplace environment. Assessment practices are fair, transparent, valid and reliable.

    The purpose of assessment is to determine whether a learner has met the outcomes of the qualification in terms of theory and practice. Integrative techniques are therefore used to assess applied competence. Candidates should be required to demonstrate that they can perform the outcomes with understanding and insight.

    Assessment should ensure that all Exit Level Outcomes and Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are evaluated. Assessment of the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes should be integrated with the assessment of the Exit Level Outcomes. The Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are implicit in the learning, and assessment programmes are designed to extend and further reflect integration. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is benchmarked against the International Competency Baseline (ICB) curriculum if IPMA (International Project Management Association) and the South African equivalent and evaluated as on NQF Level 6. The IPMA ICB are recognised worldwide both for employability and articulation purposes. Attainment of this qualification will grant the student the opportunity to register on Level D of the IPMA certification ladder as well as the South African equivalent. Certified members will be able to register with APMSA (Association of Project Management South Africa) as well as PMSA (Project Management South Africa) and with PMI (Project Management Institute) in the United Kingdom and the United States of America. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    Learners who are or have been registered for the Advanced Certificate in Project Management will be able to enter horizontally any other relevant qualification on the same level, given that the rules of access have been complied with. Such learners will retain credit for relevant modules that have been passed and could enrol for a relevant Advanced Certificate at NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
    Successful learners will be able to articulate vertically to a relevant Diploma at NQF Level 6 (360 credits) or a Bachelor's Degree in Project Management, Business Management and other related fields of study at NQF Level 7. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Assessors and moderators assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of an assessor against this Qualification must be qualified as an assessor and/or moderator.
  • Formative assessment will be conducted internally with internal moderation being done by registered moderators.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit point of the Qualification. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors and moderators hold a qualification at least one level higher than the qualification being assessed or moderated. Moderators are also required to have more than two years' facilitating experience. Assessors with less than two years' experience have their assessment work moderated by a peer. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 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.
     
    1. Cranefield College (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.