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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: 

Occupational Certificate: Railway Signal Operator (Functional Yard Operator) 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
93794  Occupational Certificate: Railway Signal Operator (Functional Yard Operator) 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-TETA 
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
Occupational Certificate  Field 11 - Services  Transport, Operations and Logistics 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  100  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-07-01  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

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 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Railway Signal Operator (Functional Yard Operator)

The Functional Yard Operator controls the movement of motor powered rolling stock, assembles and disassembles motor powered rolling stock in and out of the shunting yard.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Shunting activities for different motor powered rolling stock authorised and control points manned.
  • Motor powered rolling stock compiled, admitted and dispatched safely.
  • Motor powered rolling stock placed and cleared at sidings according to specified safety procedures.

    Rationale:
    The South African government has set as a priority the shifting of as much traffic as possible - both freight and passenger services - from road to rail. A move such as this necessitates the timely development of the critical competence of train driving, Railway Signal Operators and train control officers that will make the shift possible and sustainable. Transport systems are closely related to socio-economic changes. The mobility of people and freight and levels of territorial accessibility are at the core of this relationship. Economic opportunities are likely to arise where transportation infrastructures are able to answer mobility needs and insure access to markets and resources.

    Rail transport in particular will reduce the volume of road traffic pressures on our roads. When more volumes move by motor powered rolling stock, more jobs will be created as this ensures expansion.

    This qualification was therefore identified as a critical need and developed to meet the needs of the rail industry for Railway Signal Operator. The following constituencies were all involved in its development and agreed that it meets their specific needs Transnet, Transnet Port Terminals, R&H Rail, Transnet Rail & Engineering, TETA, Prasa Rail, AR + TS, Metrorail, GIJIMA, Transnet Group, BOC, Prasa Rail.

    Persons operating within this industry, as well as other transport services, will benefit from this qualification which is instrumental to the development and recognition of the theoretical, practical and work experience competencies needed to render effective and efficient rail transport services. Given the number of Railway Signal Operators entering South Africa from neighbouring countries, this qualification is essential to set the benchmark in the country.

    The range of typical learners will therefore come from within the rail environment, from other sectors and outside the country. The Railway Signal Operator is part of a suit of occupational qualifications that has been developed by the rail sector to provide a learning pathway which includes the Train Control Officer, Train Driver and Railway Signal Operator. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for access to the qualification
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
  • NQF Level 3 qualification with Mathematical Literacy. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:
    Knowledge Modules:
  • Functional Yard Operator Theory, NQF Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • Health, Safety, Quality and Legislation, NQF Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • Environment, Energy Efficiency and Ethics, NQF Level 3, 1Credit.
  • Business Essentials, NQF Level 3, 1 Credit.
  • Transportation Risk, NQF Level 3, 2 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 20.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • Interpret the rail yard layout effectively, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • Couple and uncouple coaches / motor powered rolling stocks, NQF Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • Control shunts movement of motor powered rolling stock, NQF Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • Communicate with Train Control Officer; Control Operator, train Driver, yard Planner and other stakeholders, NQF Level 3, 6 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 30.

    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • Marshalling yard layout processes and procedures for motor powered rolling stock in accordance with specified procedures, NQF Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • Process and procedures for yard layout capacity optimisation strategy, NQF Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • Shunting processes and procedures for motor powered rolling stock, NQF Level 3, 20 Credits.
  • Processes and procedures for controlling movements of motor powered rolling stock by using prescribed communication methods, NQF Level 3, 10 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 50 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. The ability to authorise shunting activities for different motor powered rolling stock and manning of control points.
    2. The ability to compile, admit and dispatch motor powered rolling stock safely.
    3. The ability to place and clear motor powered rolling stock at sidings according to specified safety procedures. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Signed on for duty according to the company specific sign-on procedures and operational instructions.
  • Types of rolling stock.
  • Coupled/uncouple to load.
  • The TCO/authorised person authorises the movement performed by the Yard Operator.
  • The driver is informed about the nature and the extent of the movement to be performed.
  • The yard planner/authorised person is consulted about the traffic to be handled in the yard.
  • The control operator is informed about all movements that will need his/her attention.
  • The yard planner/authorised person is informed about all defects and incidents in the yard.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Different motor powered rolling stock are marshalled.
  • Train indicators are removed where applicable.
  • All commodities / Passengers motor powered rolling stock are handled safely according to safety procedures. (What must not be in front/rear of tank wagons (flammable goods).
  • The points are set correctly for the intended route.
  • The line is clear.
  • No conflicting movement.
  • Motor powered rolling stock on adjacent lines are within the clearance mark.
  • Electric status of line is checked.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Safety environment inspected.
  • Prescribed documents completed accordingly.
  • The condition of the load inspected and defects identified.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria. The external assessment will be conducted through a combination of a written assessment and practical task at an accredited training and assessment centre. The written examination will be concluded at the accredited training and assessment centre and marked by registered assessors. Practical tasks will also be assessed by registered assessors. The combination of the written and practical assessment will be conducted over a minimum period of three working days. During both the theoretical and practical assessments, the learner must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of shunting and securing motor powered rolling stock / coaches, compiling, admitting and dispatching motor powered rolling stock, and placing and clearing motor powered rolling stock. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The international comparability study conducted specifically focused on identifying occupational standards or qualifications used in other countries that might contain indicators of best practice that could be used for comparison to or in the development of the Railway Signal Operator at level 3 to be submitted to QCTO for registration on the South African NQF.

    The following possible best practice exemplars were identified:
  • High-speed Intercity Operations in France, South Korea and the Philippines.
  • Functional Yard Operator referred to as Station Manager or Station Staff in France and South Korea.
  • Certain compulsory areas were identified in countries such as New Zealand.

    These were considered during the generation and wider consultation processes with specific reference to functional analysis and occupational mapping processes. In general terms functional yard operations were well covered by the above exemplars but coverage of International Railway network is limited in countries such as Algeria. New Zealand has registered qualifications which cover similar outcome to the national occupational qualification. Contrary to this, however, both Athens and Dubai has no equivalence to the SA qualifications.

    The purpose and outcomes of this qualification compares directly internationally with various countries such as the France, Algeria, South Korea, Greece and Arab Emirates.

    This is a work related qualification designed for learners performing the duties of the Railway Signal Operator within the rail environment in order for them to prove competence of industrial performance, knowledge, and understanding and work experience.

    These were therefore considered during the generation and wider consultation processes with specific reference to functional analysis and occupational mapping processes. In general terms the Railway Signal Operator qualification was well covered by the above exemplars and South Africa has been identified as a world leadertrain transportation of heavy hall/bulk commodities. Local and international research around risk factors that influence safe operation has been consulted to ensure the qualification adequately emphasises human factors impacting on safe working.

    Conclusion:
    The identification of tasks and job profiles is based upon a sound methodology and extensive consultation with practitioners, resulting in valid and credible outputs that informed the development of the qualification. Useful comparisons may be drawn between the trends identified in the best practice countries and those affecting the competencies covered in this qualification. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification may articulate with qualifications in the rail industry specifically qualifications associated with the following occupations:
  • Train Control Officer.
  • Train Driver. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    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 2015. 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for external assessment:
    In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience including Foundational Learning Competence or equivalent.

    Additional legal or physical environment:
  • None.

    Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers:
  • Accreditation of providers to provide this qualification will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.
  • The curriculum title and code is: Railway Signal Operator (Functional Yard Operator): 731201000.

    Trades Covered by this Qualification:
  • This qualification does not cover any of the trades recorded on the NLRD.

    Part Qualifications:
  • None. 
    		•

    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.